Suggestion for medium-sized bikes (~600cc)

[KelvinAng]

Naked, preferably twin, fuel-injected, and rides like a Honda Hornet. Any suggestions? Top speed not an issue, but must hold 120km/hr comfortably.

Is the old styled CB600F Hornet a unicorn in NZ?

[Mully]

New or Used?

How much money you got?

[KelvinAng]

Used.

Not much money. If the right bike comes along I'll go gold panning at the West Coast and who knows, I might find a nugget or two.

[kewwig]

cop a look at http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-251463241.htm

Not a lot of older 600s

[riffer]

One guy in South Auckland trying to sell his CBR600 here:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=111886

[KelvinAng]

cop a look at http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-251463241.htm

Not a lot of older 600s

Cheers for that kewwig. Somehow I missed that listing. Rare as it may be they exist after all. A post-2000 model would be nicer though.


One guy in South Auckland trying to sell his CBR600 here:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=111886

Thanks for that but no crotch rockets for me.

[kewwig]

The CB900 Hornets are great. Similar size, but go a LOT better.

[AllanB]

The CB900 Hornets are great. Similar size, but go a LOT better.

Hell yeah. Imagine the 600 with a 900 donk - that's the 900:yes:


There are some 600 Hornets around but you'll have more luck finding a Suzuki 600 Bandit or two or three to choose from. I know, it's a Suzuki, but they are fine bikes and lots of fun if set up well.

Also the naked 600 Yamaha - Fazer I think they are called.

Twins? W650 Kawasaki for a classic look. ERN thingy if your $ can stretch that far, ditto SV650.

[Hitcher]

Is the old styled CB600F Hornet a unicorn in NZ?

Only when it's got some big prick on it.

[KelvinAng]

Thanks AllanB for the suggestions. Good list for me to start looking around.

The Big Ol'Hornet is fuel-injected isn't it? If the lil' ol'hornet can dish out 40bhp I can only imagine what the Big Ol'Hornet will do... I wanted a medium-sized bike because it's cheaper and I really don't need the power... I don't need the powa... I don't... I...

Something torque-y will be nice. Something not too thirsty will be nice. Hence thinking about a twin over an IL4.

[AllanB]

Yep 900 Hornets are all injected. They are all basically identical from 02-08 other than colours (body, engine and various parts changed colours slightly). From 04 on they got adjustable front ends and improved rears with dampening adjustment (previously preload only). Honda quote 108 hp (cough cough), but it's the torque that make it fun with a strong low and mid range.

You can tell I like mine .....:innocent: Plus they are a good bike to personalise .....

Fuel economy is pretty good, but like all IL4's they get thirstier when the pace increases. You'll find the same on the V-Twins, wind them up and they drink the fuel.

There have been a few listed at fairly silly low prices on TM lately, and a few dealers listing low km used ones for more than I paid for mine brand new ..... this represents the current crap private market and the big gap in good $8-$12k bikes at dealers.

[Chrislost]

Naked, preferably twin, fuel-injected, and rides like a Honda Hornet. Any suggestions? Top speed not an issue, but must hold 120km/hr comfortably.

Is the old styled CB600F Hornet a unicorn in NZ?

TRX 850
go ride one today...(its not injected)

[KelvinAng]

There have been a few listed at fairly silly low prices on TM lately, and a few dealers listing low km used ones for more than I paid for mine brand new ..... this represents the current crap private market and the big gap in good $8-$12k bikes at dealers.

You're right, the few on TM at the moment are a bit ridiculously priced. Do you ride yours as a commuter and if you do, how does it handle Riccarton Road-type traffic? :lol:

[kasper]

go for something like a 550 or alike, due to the incoming acc rape they have aimed for 600+

--Kasper
(not the best post but look at the time)

[AllanB]

You're right, the few on TM at the moment are a bit ridiculously priced. Do you ride yours as a commuter and if you do, how does it handle Riccarton Road-type traffic? :lol:

NAh - mines for my weekend pleasure and the occasional over nighter. Having said that they are a good commuter - nice and upright, nimble and well balanced. Check the local dealers and find one to testride. :sunny: