Ducati Monster vs Honda Hornet

[beanz]

Hi,

I'm upgrading and been thinking about these two bikes. Been looking at a 2001/2 S4 Monster, and a 2005ish 900 Hornet.

What get me interested in these was the more upright riding position, and the nakedness of them both. I test-rode a guys Hornet and it went like stink (but I have no experience with big bikes). Trouble is it idled funny when cold, and temp needle stayed on cold even after 10min of riding round the streets. Not sure if this is normal. The erratic idle was there after the 10min too.

Anyway, the Monster looks better IMO, and feels smaller (I like that). But I've heard they have a noisy dry clutch and need more regular maintenance. Also, I've heard the 2cyl puts more uneven load on the chain/sprockets than a 4cyl.

Anyway, keen to hear peoples opinions on these 2, or any other recommendations. (For around $7000)
Cheers
Chris

[BuzzardNZ]

Owned a 600 hornet, and have to say I hated it. Buzzy engine, fuel hog and sounded crap. I'd much prefer a large V-twin over the 900 Hornet.

You should take a look at the SV-1000, plenty out there, more fun than the Hornet, get a great V-twin sound, shit loads of torque and way less
to maintain than a ducati.

[firefighter]

Owned a 600 hornet, and have to say I hated it. Buzzy engine, fuel hog and sounded crap. I'd much prefer a large V-twin over the 900 Hornet..

The buzzy engine and fuel hog thing does'nt quite sound right....... 260 kms to a tank on my last 900, town riding, with a smaller front sprocket and a larger rear. (lower gearing) Sound is actually pretty nice with the right pipes on board......That's of-course asides the fact they're bullet proof engines....

As for an SV1000 for someone who has just said they have little experience with big bikes, I ca'nt say I agree there, especially when he said the Hornet felt grunty enough but the monster was preferred due to it being a smaller bike.

For the money it sounds like he has available the hornet probably is a safer and more sensible buy, and he will get more for his money. (until he gets the "mod" bug like I did!)

For the record I compared the same two bikes, but went with the hornet for the reliability, and the fact I could get one with lower kms, newer year and essencial pipe mods etc for much less, and know it would die well after I do!

[BuzzardNZ]

Not a lot in it with the SV1000 vs the 900 Hornet regarding being a 'big' bike.

I get better mileage from my SV1000, over the 600 Hornet.

Bullet proof engine, I agree, but at the end of my stint on the Hornet, I wanted to put more than a few bullets in the phucking thing.

SV1000 was my first big bike, moved up to it from a 600 ( the Hornet ) with no worries ( plus I see beanz rides a 650 )

[firefighter]

Not a lot in it with the SV1000 vs the 900 Hornet regarding being a 'big' bike.

I get better mileage from my SV1000, over the 600 Hornet.

Bullet proof engine, I agree, but at the end of my stint on the Hornet, I wanted to put more than a few bullets in the phucking thing.

SV1000 was my first big bike, moved up to it from a 600 ( the Hornet ) with no worries ( plus I see beanz rides a 650 )

You are attributing 600 traits to the 900. Kinda the same bike but not really, if that makes sense. And for the size I'm not thinking performance or power wise, more the height thing to do with the size, as he sounds like he was after something smaller than the 900, and the SV is quite a bit taller. (I think that's what he was meaning)

ps. I personally would choose the SV over the other two also, but my criteria is different than Beanz's.......it was actually on the cards but I managed to buy my 750 for the right price!

[gijoe1313]

Well of course with my bias, I always champion the Hornet. But different strokes for different folks and all that, best way is to just ride a variety of each around so you can best judge with yourself which one takes your fancy the most. If you like to ride for long stints and enjoy reliabilitiy and reduced servicing issues, go for a Hornet. If you are into the cachet and unique feel of a Ducati then choose that! For the money you pay, Hornets are great value for money, also tend to have a lot of extras on them also.

Most Hornets tend to be well-treated by their owners and high milage is not really an off-putting factor. My lil'ol'hornet 250 is still going as strong as when I got it at 24 000km, it's now at 105, 000km now. My Big Ol'Hornet 900 actually feels better now at 76 000km then when I bought it brand new just under two years now.

But then, biking is a passion, just go with your passion and you can't go far wrong! :yes:

[onearmedbandit]

Go with your heart - go the Monster.

[beanz]

Thanks for your replies guys. Yeah, I currently own a BMW 650 Dakar and a 50cc scooter. I love weaving through traffic on the scooter, but obviously it lacks the adrenaline hit we all need. And the Dakar beast feels like riding a horse down the road, and my feet can't even touch the ground flat. Its wrong to ride that round on solid ground anyway. So I was thinking of doing away with them both, and getting a mean city machine. Something small and nimble (I'm not a buy guy), but something with balls and style, but not a pure sports bike. I'd get a KTM Duke if I could afford it.

The Monster is completely the right size, but yeah, it seems I can only afford a 2001 model with 20-odd k's on the clock. Can get a much newer Hornet for the same coin.

So would a 900 Hornet with trick pipes sound throaty? Cos the stock Hornet I rode sounded like a typical high-revving sports bike.

Yeah, my heart is with the Monster, but my head is with the Hornet. What to do...

[beanz]

SV1000 is prob too big for me, but just discovered the 650 version (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-285734043.htm) Looks quite cool! Any opinions on this?

[onearmedbandit]

You need to ride a better running Hornet to help you make your decision, and speaking of such ride a Monster as well. The dry clutches only make noise when the lever is pulled in, so it's not really a big deal. And yes the hornet will sound 'throatier' with some decent pipes.

[spajohn]

Why do you ride bikes? Probably fun like the rest of us. I agree with onearmedbandit, follow your heart and go the Monster.

[kit]

Go with your heart - go the Monster.

I Agree.....but i'm also biased!

[2wheeldrifter]

It's just more fun riding an Italian with good cans!

[Quasi]

It's just more fun riding an Italian with good cans!

Its just more fun riding an Italian....

[raftn]

Go with your heart.........thats what I would do.

[BuzzardNZ]

SV1000 is prob too big for me, but just discovered the 650 version (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-285734043.htm) Looks quite cool! Any opinions on this?

If by too big you mean the seat height, the SV1000 and SV650 are the same size. I'm only 5 ' 7 and have no problems getting both feet on the ground on the 1000.

[AllanB]

You're a dirty little shit stirrer!!!!!!

Ignore the comments re the 600 Hornet - irrelevant when you are considering the 900.

SV1000 - I was looking at one several times, nice bikes - but I found the S bloody uncomfortable and surprisingly revvy for a big bore V-twin - I expected to be able to lug them around using that claimed V-twin grunt but they need some revs. I preferred the naked version but they were too expensive. Sound really nice with Yoshis, Two Brothers etc etc

Very happy with my 900 Hornet - suits me. And yes pipe one or tweak the stock outlets for more noise. What do they sound like? a twin muffler IL4 .........
Don't worry about the temp meter they tend to run down the low end of the dial - that wee nick in the line down near the bottom is the 'warm' mark! Idle should be smooth - may be something as simple as plugs.

Ducati Monster - nice - I have always liked the style but could not afford a new big bore one and could afford a new Honda 900!

Two very different engines on your list so the best bet is for you to ride both - more than once as first time around on a unfamiliar bike often leaves you with a unrealistic opinion of the bike.

[Winston001]

.

Yeah, my heart is with the Monster, but my head is with the Hornet. What to do...

The Hornet is generally well-regarded. Its the safe and easy option.

The trouble is we don't ride bikes simply for transport - they are an object of passion and enjoyment. I can't see you regretting the Ducati. Take no notice of the myths regarding costly maintenance and reliability. From the late 90s Ducati upped their game to compete with the others so you don't need to worry about buying a problem.

[LBD]

In 04 I was looking at getting back into road bikes after a good few years of dirt in Aussie. I was initially looking at the 900 Hornet went for a ride and thought "this is not bad" Then in Chch I saw a 2nd hand S4 for about the same $ as a new Hornet.....

I had been looking/drooling about the Monsters and after "She who must be obeyed" saw the lust in my eyes and said "You want it, go on ...buy it"

I did.

I put some 25000km on it and 18months back traded up to the S4Rs. and have done a further 27000 km...I love it on the road and it more than holds its own at a track day....I have now bought another Ducati.

I love the Torque rush, the handling and the styling....I do not like the clutch rattle

I would not use an S4 for commuting and city living....anything else, touring included, most definately!

[AllanB]

If you want a idea of what any bike sounds like with a aftermarket pipe on it search youtube - for the Hornet search for 919+yoshimura or similar and there are plenty of vids. Lots of Ducatis!!!!!

[The Pastor]

Ducati all the way bro, hondas are gay!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-285581451.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-279388848.htm

i just have to link this one, for the lawls
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-286103111.htm

[miloking]

Ducati all the way bro, hondas are gay!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-285581451.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-279388848.htm

i just have to link this one, for the lawls
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-286103111.htm

Have you riden/owned any Ducatis ...especialy the paul smart 1000 and mahlia you are suggesting to OP as a good commuter/all around bike for $7000??? ...i mean good luck haggling the price down from 20K,

thats brings me to next question have you owned/riden any hondas either?

since you are dishing out reliable advice and all, lol

[The Pastor]

Have you riden/owned any Ducatis ...especialy the paul smart 1000 and mahlia you are suggesting to OP as a good commuter/all around bike for $7000??? ...i mean good luck haggling the price down from 20K,

thats brings me to next question have you owned/riden any hondas either?

since you are dishing out reliable advice and all, lol

sod the rules!

[TOTO]

as long as you maintain the hornet as per specifications you will not have any issues untill atleast 200 000km.

Mine is about to clock 90 000 soon and is going stronger than ever. Does everything from gravel riding, sport touring, commuting and track riding. Could not have wished for a better bike.

No experience on the moster, but if I was choosing a big bike once again, I would go for the hornet or sure.

[HenryDorsetCase]

SV1000 is prob too big for me, but just discovered the 650 version (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-285734043.htm) Looks quite cool! Any opinions on this?

I've owned an SV650 and a 900 Hornet, both bought new, both now sold. Also lusted after a Monster.

Ducatis: well cool. expensive (generally) expensive to service too. Go well, usually have good components on them and perform well and look good. Apparently the key to any second hand one is service history, knowing htat its been looked after.

SV650: good little bike, built to a price. handle well, and nimble. Not overly powerful (what, 70hp? 75?). Popular. Biggest issue with the built to a price thing is the suspension. The forks are too soft, the rear is too hard. Easy to fix, just apply money. Ohlins shock, and either cartridges ($$) or emulators and springs and oil. Figure $3k. They also dont make enough noise and the trap for young players is you have to cut the pipe to put a can on them. Thats no drama but could be a bit daunting. Parts "Should" be available and cheap. They go well with good tyres. No surprise they are the weapon of choice for ProTwins. Which has driven the prices up a bit it seems. Injected too, so thats good.

Hornet. I bought it because it reminded me of my SOHC 750 hondas Plus it was $11k brand spankers. Jack of all trades, good at everything, fun on a trackday, I toured on it, commuted and whatnot, it was great. But same caveats: Forks were horrible stock, and the stock shock was waaaay oversprung for me. useful to stop the rear wheel rubbing on the seat and thats about it. Apply magic fix (Hi Robert, please sort this shit out and charge my credit card) and away you go. easy. not cheap. Honda well made-ness.

the new CB1000F at $20k is waaaaaay too dear for what it is IMO. they should have kept the 919 based one.

Would I buy another? It depends.

My pick would be the Hornet.

[miloking]

Apply magic fix (Hi Robert, please sort this shit out and charge my credit card) and away you go. easy. not cheap.

Little bit off topic..but who is this magical Robert that fixes factory suspensions? Is he in Auckland?

[Kendog]

Owned a 600 hornet, and have to say I hated it. Buzzy engine, fuel hog and sounded crap. I'd much prefer a large V-twin over the 900 Hornet.

You should take a look at the SV-1000, plenty out there, more fun than the Hornet, get a great V-twin sound, shit loads of torque and way less
to maintain than a ducati.
Strange post.
I would pick the 900 Hornet over the SV (in fact I did). Generally a better all round ride and is plenty of fun, especially with a quick sprocket change up front.
I do like the Monster as well, it has that 'not Japanese' quality and is also a fun bike.

I have never ridden a 600 Hornet, but I can imagine it is different to riding the 900.

[nallac]

Having owned a Cb900(the same one firefighter had)found it a fun easy to ride jack of all trades master of none type bike,
had twin GPR pipes gave it a better sound but still too quite.
it was just lacking something,went well ,handled well ,stopped well, just lacking in soul.

Rode a mates SV1000,as well as a couple more,sounds grouse with two bros cans, goes bloody well,stops good,handles good.

The SV would be my pick over the hornet.


Another bike to add to the try list would be a Buell,(not that i'm biased or anything)
does everything the others do, with slightly less power than the SV and CB but more than the Duc.
Comes with truck loads of soul.

[MIXONE]

If you want reliable,fast transport buy the honda.
If you want something that moves your soul buy the DUCATI.

[imdying]

If 165rwhp doesn't move your soul, I'd suggest you lost it a long time ago. Anyone that thinks that any Ducati has more soul than a Fireblade is an ignorant loon.

[miloking]

If 165rwhp doesn't move your soul, I'd suggest you lost it a long time ago. Anyone that thinks that any Ducati has more soul than a Fireblade is an ignorant loon.

She still does move my soul, i was exaggerating with the "feeling bored" just to discurage OP from getting 600 sewing machine :D knowing that he will need extra 40hp in about week....
I still heart my Blade like the day i bought her....but glad i didnt get 600RR (not saying its bad bike just missing few ponies)

[imdying]

I was replying to the one eyed retardation that was the post above mine. Besides, everyone knows that diesels have no soul, no matter how fancy the valve train... get a 2 stroke :yes:

[miloking]

I was replying to the one eyed retardation that was the post above mine. Besides, everyone knows that diesels have no soul, no matter how fancy the valve train... get a 2 stroke :yes:

I must disagree, iam sure that V10 twin turbo diesel in the R10 audi has plenty of soul :) of course having v twin that rattles like hell with all sorts of clutch noises doesnt mean it has more soul than honda.

and 2 stroke would be awesome but they stopped making them 15 years ago, but feel free to encourage bike manufacturers to make me some nice 500cc V4 2 stroke i would ride that anyday!

[imdying]

and 2 stroke would be awesome but they stopped making them 15 years ago, but feel free to encourage bike manufacturers to make me some nice 500cc V4 2 stroke i would ride that anyday!Check out the TSS500, good partner to the blade for sure :D

[CRM]

I looked at both a Monster and a Hornet and in the end got a VFR which I reckon has heaps of character :2thumbsup (specially with the lovely Staintune pipes and the 7000rpm vtec kick!) and that Honda reliability :cool:. I just love an excuse to get out and ride it even after doing 7000km on it in the last 5 weeks. I also looked at a 600 Hornet but I agree with the sewing machine comments.

Try the ViFeR:yes:

[HenryDorsetCase]

Little bit off topic..but who is this magical Robert that fixes factory suspensions? Is he in Auckland?

the one, the only Robert Taylor, from CK Technical. Poster in this forum, advertiser on the site. Suspension guru and thoroughly decent bloke.

[HenryDorsetCase]

If 165rwhp doesn't move your soul, I'd suggest you lost it a long time ago. Anyone that thinks that any Ducati has more soul than a Fireblade is an ignorant loon.

except they neutered the Fireblade when they turned it into the Hornet. they're lucky to crack 100 or so arent they ?

[imdying]

except they neutered the Fireblade when they turned it into the Hornet. they're lucky to crack 100 or so arent they ?See post 29 (whole brand covered in one delightful statement).

[miloking]

the one, the only Robert Taylor, from CK Technical. Poster in this forum, advertiser on the site. Suspension guru and thoroughly decent bloke.

Thanks, i will look him up... i would like some suspension advice/work done

[miloking]

Check out the TSS500, good partner to the blade for sure :D

Googled and yes its very ...Nice! I would love that as a track bike....

[MIXONE]

I was replying to the one eyed retardation that was the post above mine. Besides, everyone knows that diesels have no soul, no matter how fancy the valve train... get a 2 stroke :yes:

Well hit me with a feather and call me a loon.
Meantime get fucked.

[GROWLA]

I'm riding a 2001 Monster S4 Senna with only 7700 K's on the clock and find it's an awesome machine, this is my first machine for several years and find it a pleasure to ride. The ride position is comfortable although being an upright position you do get a bit of buffeting at high speeds but for general cruising it's brilliant. Braking power is awesome, the clutch sounds clunky but is no problem. Have fitted de-baffled Scorpian pipes that sound awesome.

I have had no mechanical problems at all although but at the moment the low fuel light is stuck on so I'll be looking at the low fuel sensor in the near future when the weather turns to crap and the bike will be in my garage out of the weather so I can carry out a servicing and general maintenance on it.

Go for the Italian Stallion

Cheers
Kev

[pritch]

Having owned a 900 Hornet, and currently owning an S4R Monster I have an idea of the appeal and capabilities of both.

In my experience the Hornet is the more capable of the two more of the time. It's faster accelerating, less expensive to buy and to maintain, and it handles just fine. As a bonus it has a useful tank range. There are no typical idling issues with Hornets to my knowledge, maybe that example needs an expert appraisal.

I like my S4R too but it asks rather more and gives somewhat less than the Hornet, eg a 15L tank ffs. Then again, people go, "Ooh a Ducati." I never heard anybody say, "Ooh a Honda." So if that's what turns your crank...

[blackdog]

just ran across this, i don't think you'll find a better deal

i spose it won't be there long tho at that price

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-287192183.htm

umm maybe i shouldn't have let yall know....i wonder if giving her a back rub first before bringing it up will help?

[The Stranger]

Hi,

I'm upgrading and been thinking about these two bikes. Been looking at a 2001/2 S4 Monster, and a 2005ish 900 Hornet.




WTF! Mentioning the most pedestrian fucking hairdressers bike in the same sentence as a monster!
I've reported your post as abuse.

[Blackflagged]

Thats a 800cc Two Valve.So not as grunty as a S4/Hornet.Like the pipes though.

[blackdog]

Thats a 800cc Two Valve.So not as grunty as a S4/Hornet.Like the pipes though.

yea i realise that....stil a v good deal for age/mileage/efi i would've thought

[miloking]

WTF! Mentioning the most pedestrian fucking hairdressers bike in the same sentence as a monster!
I've reported your post as abuse.

That doesnt make any sense...

reported post as off topic troll

[The Stranger]

That doesnt make any sense...

reported post as off topic troll

He's a noob (obviously), he's supposed to be stupid. But clearly he's abused the privilege.