The Honda Hornet (called the 599 in the U.S. and CB600F in the UK) was a much-loved middleweight naked sports bike. A recent reveal at the EICMA show in Italy confirms that the name - and the bike concept - is set to make a return.

Honda To Resurrect Hornet Name on New Naked Sports Bike

The Honda CB600F Hornet was a brilliant middleweight naked sports bike that Honda produced from 1998 to 2013.

Now, Honda have announced that it plans to resurrect the Hornet name, revealing at the same time a naked bike concept at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy.

No official details were revealed but the presentation included the sound of a parallel twin engine revving, suggesting the new model will be powered by a petrol engine. The original Hornet had a 600cc in-line four-cylinder engine and it's not at all certain that the new Hornet won't be so-equipped, especially as rumours abound that a new CBR600RR-R is on the cards, powered by such an engine.

The rake of the front forks looks excessive and wouldn't be suitable for a quick-steering sports bike. There's no telling if the shape of the model is in any way representative of the final design but as it stands, there are shades of naked KTMs at the front and Honda's own Fireblade in the seat unit treatment.

More news as it comes in.