The Hornet SP is like a fountain of youth, it's given me a rejuvenated outlook on life!

I’ve been messing about with bikes since there were only three channels on the telly and a mobile was something you hung over a crib. But even though modern life has changed beyond all recognition since then, one thing hasn’t, and that’s my passion for getting about on two wheels.

I’ll admit that as I’ve matured in years, I’ve grown accustomed to certain creature comforts, and the allure of big adventure bikes and mile munching tourers certainly ticks a lot of boxes for me. So why am I so excited to be entrusted with the keys to Honda’s latest super naked, the CB1000 Hornet SP?

It doesn’t have cruise control, heated grips or an adjustable screen, in fact the Hornet doesn’t have any kind of wind protection at all. No panniers, no fog lights and it most definitely does not have a top box for my packed lunch.

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But what it does have is a rip roaring four-cylinder motor lifted from a superbike, a quickshifter, an Öhlins rear shock and Brembo front brakes, which makes it the essence of everything that got me excited about motorcycling in the first place – a simple, pared back purity that focuses on mechanical engineering to deliver an undiluted riding experience.

The Hornet looks rather menacing in that ‘murdered out’ all black finish (ok, it’s got gold wheels, but roll with me here) and as I swung a leg over it for the first time, I wondered how long it would take for me to gel with it, accustomed as I am to the, er, finer things in life.

The question was answered almost as soon as I’d hit the starter, by a rasping exhaust note that hovered and hummed at just the right frequency to tickle that special spot in my inner ear, sending shivers down my spine and causing a smile to creep from the corners of my mouth. It was anticipation personified.

As I slipped the clutch and pulled away, I couldn’t have felt more at home, the Honda reacting instantly to any inputs, but in a controlled manner that just breeds confidence. The chassis is beautifully balanced, making it a doddle to ride at low speeds, which is lucky because the first thousand miles I covered was largely in the dark on wet, mucky, salt-caked roads, back and forth between my home in the sticks and MCN Towers.

Even so, I could feel a sense of joy emanating from within, and when I finally had the opportunity to start stretching its legs on some dry lines, the eager Hornet obliged with impeccable manners.

I’ve barely scratched the surface so far, apart from discovering that it does have an exceptionally good headlight, although I have already regressed to riding to work with just a rucksack, much as I did back in my sports 600 days – and that can only be a good thing.

The stats

• Miles this month:
1167.2 miles
• MPG this month:
 44mpg
• Costs this month:
£164.52 (Fuel)
• Miles to next service:
5,840 miles (minor)