Let’s be real: one of the first things we all think about after buying a new motorcycle is upgrading the exhaust. Whether it’s for weight savings, a bit more power, or just that sweet, throaty soundtrack, a good aftermarket pipe transforms a bike in ways you just can’t get from stock.
And when you’re riding something with a proper inline-four engine, like the new Honda CB1000 Hornet, upgrading the exhaust isn’t just tempting—it’s basically a must.
The CB1000 Hornet is one of the most exciting new liter-class naked bikes out there right now—not because it’s the most powerful or the most high-tech, but because of how much bike you’re getting for the $10,999 USD price tag. That’s insanely competitive for a motorcycle with a 999cc inline-four engine borrowed from a previous-generation CBR1000RR Fireblade. It makes 147 horsepower and 73.8 lb-ft of torque, and it’s built to rip—whether you’re carving corners or blasting down the freeway.
Now, if you’re gonna own a bike like this, you’re definitely not leaving it stock—and this is where SC-Project comes in. Based in Italy, SC-Project is one of the world’s top motorcycle exhaust manufacturers, with serious cred in racing and performance circles. From MotoGP to WSBK, their systems are built for speed, sound, and style.
And for the CB1000 Hornet, they’ve developed something special—the SC1-R GT slip-on, created in partnership with Honda Montesa Europe. It’s not just a bolt-on can; it’s a finely tuned system that brings out the best in the Hornet. You get a +1.5 hp gain at 6,500 rpm, an extra 0.9 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 rpm, and it drops 2.3 kg compared to the stock exhaust. It’s made from carbon fiber, features an asymmetrical hydroformed outlet, and even comes with a carbon heatshield and an exhaust valve specifically for the SP model.
The best part? It’s fully Euro 5+ compliant, street-legal, and plug-and-play. No cutting, no tuning—just install and enjoy. And because this was developed with Honda, you know it fits and performs exactly as intended.
Honda and SC-Project clearly put their heads together to make this exhaust the perfect match for the CB1000 Hornet. And it’s clearly more than just a sound upgrade; it’s the finishing touch that brings this already-impressive bike to life.
For now, this exhaust upgrade is available exclusively in Europe. Nonetheless, we can expect this to roll out in markets where the Hornet is already available in the not too distant future. And yes, that includes the good old US of A.
Source: SC-Project
