CB900F Hornet - Opinions Please

[GSX'er]

Just contemplating buying buying a new CB 900 and wanted opinions from owners or people who've ridden one. Seems like really well built and nicely finished machine (typical Honda). I love the naked look and it will probably be ultra-reliable. It doesn't come with a centrestand but has brackets to attach one though. Bloody good price too at $10995! Now tell me why I should/shouldn't buy it. Thanks in advance.:ride:

[Vagabond]

Had the 04 model my only gripe has to be the front suspension, although the new models now have adjustable, oh and buying aftermarket zorsts you need to buy two of them makes it expensive. Heaps of fun to ride and reliable.

[pritch]

Had the 04 model my only gripe has to be the front suspension, although the new models now have adjustable, oh and buying aftermarket zorsts you need to buy two of them makes it expensive. Heaps of fun to ride and reliable.

Mine is an '04 and has adjustable suspension both ends. The front is soft at the standard setting but that's easy fixed.

The Hornet goes, it handles and it stops. It has a good tank range and is comfortable. As value for money it can't be beat.
Add a Ventura pack rack and you can go just about anywhere.

BIKE magazine used to list it in their ten "Best of the Best".

If I was to buy another bike tomorrow, after having owned one for a year, it would be another Hornet.

[flash]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=16852

click on that, someone heres writen a review on the hornett

[Kornholio]

The next door neighbour just bought an 05 model and loves it...he looked at a few different brands and models but got a good deal on this one
Looks pretty horny too :D

[Groins_NZ]

Pretty much what Avignon said in his write up about the Hornet.

I just got my 36,000 Km service done yesterday up in Wanganui. Afterwards I went up the Paraparas, through Fields Track, Ohahkune and up to Turoa, Wairoa, round the back of Mangaweka > Kimbolton, Ashurst, back of Palmerston North, Paekak Hill, Haywards Hill and home.... 700Km later, loved every minute.

It's a joy to ride the Hornet on tight, hilly roads which is why I like to take the back roads when I can, although I'm sure it could handle better (I'm eying up re-valve and fork spring kit).

Have only recently fitted a small fly-screen which makes a fair bit of difference and can cruise happily at 120Km (or 140 :whistle:) with little wind buffeting.

If you’re gonna get one then my personal recommendation for accessories would be a screen, some crash knobs, tank protector pads and maybe a new seat if you’re into touring,… oh and a Ventura pack rack.

Some pics... of course...

[Hitcher]

There's a review of the CB900 Hornet in the latest Autocar. I think Kiwi Rider magazine did a comparison a year or so ago between a Hornet where they fruited one up (performance mufflers, K&N airbox, Power Commander) and the other where they gave it full Ohlins kit front and rear. Verdict: Do up the suspension (first).

I've ridden one a couple of times and loved it. At $11,000 for a new one, it's hard to beat value for money.

I'd endorse Groins' list of add-ons and also include heated grips...

[skelstar]

Hey Groins - which screen did you fit? Is it the F-18 one?

Good looking photos BTW.

[inlinefour]

But sitting in behind Pritch008 on the naki rides, the Hornet looks darn awesome. Looks even better once its in my rear view mirrors.:Pokey:

[Zapf]

If you’re gonna get one then my personal recommendation for accessories would be a screen, some crash knobs, tank protector pads and maybe a new seat if you’re into touring,… oh and a Ventura pack rack.

nice seat... :)

For someone as picky and hard to please as me... the Hornet is doing quite well.. and its growing on me too... have clocked up around 4'000 k's on it since Nov/05.

its got bags of torque mid range... and if you keep some sticky tires on it, its very fun in the twisties... I would rate the stock suspension much much better than the stock SV650 suspension.

attached some of my photos too!

[stevedee]

The CB900 is the shiz. I love naked bikes it would be one of the top choices right now if I were looking again. Honda also have fine engineering so there will never be a problem. There is no better deal in town, and they look fantastic. There are numerous Hornet internet sites and the mods are amazing. My op for what it's worth is that the Hornet is the buy of the century, much like when I bought a brand new KT250A 20 years ago for $1299 new. Wish I'd kept that one.

spd :-)

[skelstar]

That wall in the third photo is getting a fair bit of exposure these days Zapf.
How do you like the screen? Its the Honda acc one eh?

[Kendog]

Having just got a 2003 one I can't recommend these highly enough.

And the price for a new one is fantastic, I am sure you would not regret it.

Best thing to do is take one for a ride, see if it suites your riding style and feels comfortable for you. If you are like me you will be hooked from the moment you twist the wrist :niceone:

[Groins_NZ]

Hey Groins - which screen did you fit? Is it the F-18 one?

Good looking photos BTW.

Yip it's the F-18. Took me ages to get it - ordered it via a shop in Paraparaumu who went through Auckland, who went through an Australian distributor, who ordered from the US! Pissed me off but when I was in Wanganui in the weekend they had one in stock ;)

[Mattyc]

Saw one broken down on the side of the road on the way to work this morning.. rider no where to be seen - may have just ran out of gas