cb900 hornet or bandit 1200 [Archive]

OLD MAN BJ

9th February 2006, 18:06

Hi Guys, Old Man BJ here
A while ago I asked a question re big bikes, and after riding some machines I have come down to two bikes. I will be commuting during the week, and taking the misus on tours at the weekend. I have riden both the CB900 Hornet and the Suzi 1200 Bandit and I really like them both. About the same power and torque really. For touring, both take Givi top boxes and side cases, and if I was to buy the Hornet I would fit a Givi 760 fairing for touring. So by the time you add the fairing to the Hornet , the difference in price is about $1500 bucks. Now this is my first new bike in a long time, and I want to keep it for at least 4 or 5 years. So all other things being equal, what really matters to me is the reliability factor and comfort of the pillion. Surprisingly, the Hornet has the longer leg room for a pillion. I have never owned a Liquid cooled bike, ie Hornet, and I have read that the Bandit motor is just about bullet proof. So what about commuting in Auckland traffic for the Bandit, being Air/Oil cooled?, and over a long period, which bike would be least expensive to service. ( re fuel injection V Carbies, and water cooled V air/oil cooled etc) Anyone who has experience with these bikes, please feel free to give me your thoughts.
Thanks guys,

BJ

terbang

9th February 2006, 20:01

Had a 1200 Bandit for 8 years and you are right they are a bullet proof tried and proven theme. It can tour, commute and also be an absolute hooligan (if you want it to be).
I'm biased to the Bandit..Enjoy either way

Zapf

9th February 2006, 21:51

well haven't had my CB900 for that long.... but I do ride it everyday and it tours and commutes just fine have done like 9'000km since Nov,05.

The CB900 motor is a detuned (un stressed) CBR919 motor... so its bullet proof... and should run for a long long time.

I am getting around 250~270km per tank before reserve. For touring you might want to get some custom work done on the seat to replace the foam, but that is pretty much true on most bikes.

runed

10th February 2006, 03:34

I just bought a Hornet 900 few weeks ago and I loved it, a well put together package.

I've fitted a GIVI 755 windscreen and considering a Top Box soon.
Ride it on a daily basis and found the first gear a bit too tall for the morning traffic.
Engine is Ultra smooth with good torque from 2k onwards, mid to high end power is AMAZING
Got the seat redone by the guy down Tauranga (Riders by Macdonal Auto trimmers) - Great Job, really comfortable for long distance
Unmount the origional tyre when it's brand new and put a set of Avon Viper Sport AV60 (don't want to argue what is the best but this is the profile I am used to on my Valkyrie for 8 years)

Lou Girardin

10th February 2006, 07:27

I'm on my second Bandit. I commute every day, tour two-up with a three bag Givi set-up and fang around.
It sure is bullet proof, easy to service (locknut adjustment on the valves, no shims), averages 17 km/l, tons of low down/mid range grunt makes dragging a big load easy. A can, air box mod will give another 10 -15 HP.
The Hornet wouldn't do the same things as well, but is probably a tad better fanging in the twisty's.
I could have got a Hornet at staff rates but it just didn't quite make the grade.

OLD MAN BJ

10th February 2006, 08:04

So Lou,
Obviously you are very happy with the Bandit. Have you ever experienced or worried about the motor overheating in heavy traffic, being air/oil cooled?

BJ

Lou Girardin

10th February 2006, 08:11

So Lou,
Obviously you are very happy with the Bandit. Have you ever experienced or worried about the motor overheating in heavy traffic, being air/oil cooled?

BJ

No worrys about overheating, they use these things in the States and Aust without a problem and it gets a lot hotter in some parts than it'll ever get here.
Plus there's no coolant to leak.

kiwifruit

10th February 2006, 09:17

im bais towards the bandit
good strong motors those
just my 0.02c

Pixie

10th February 2006, 10:58

Groins_NZ

10th February 2006, 11:26

Both bikes have some aspects better than the other and vice versa.

If I understand you correctly and reading what has been said already then personally I would now base my decision on my gut feeling. Both bikes should see you right for 4-5 yrs relatively trouble free if well maintained/looked after.

There is a thread for a CB900 review here if you haven't found it already.
05 CB900F Honda Hornet Review (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=16852)

My 0.02

terbang

10th February 2006, 11:46

I rode my bandit in the middle of Australia +45degC and I also rode it in europe at -10degC and it gave no trouble at all.

Lou Girardin

10th February 2006, 14:44

I guess it comes down to wanting to ride an insect as against a bad-ass mofo.:dodge:

unhingedlizard

10th February 2006, 19:54

never been near a hornets nest have you?

Zapf

10th February 2006, 23:25

never been near a hornets nest have you?

hahah... in UK you have to contend with not just 1 hornet... but a swam of them....

timorang

13th February 2006, 13:09

I went thru the exact same process and arrived at these two machines. Both excellent value and capable bikes. I bought the Hornet. The Bandit I found to be 'bigger' and heavier, requiring much more muscle and input to ride than the Hornet. The Hornet by comparison felt more intuitive and responsive without being overly sensitive. I think from looking at them side by side it is clear that the Bandit is 'older technology' in most respects (frame, suspension, brakes, motor) but this is largely redeemed by that outstanding engine. The carbs and screw and locknut valve adjsutment on the Bandits will also require more regular and more expensive attention (cf fuel injection and shims). Riding them it felt to me that the Bandit was harder to maintain in the 110 - 120 kph range, wanting to roll onto 140+ if attention was not paid, the two Bandits I rode also had an annoying vibration at around 110kph. What was your decision?

OLD MAN BJ

13th February 2006, 15:36

Thanks Timorang,
I cant do anything until I sell my car which im putting on trademe shortly. However, Im more inclined to go the Hornet way for the reasons you outlined.
Actually, just yesterday, I was talking to a courier who has a hornet and in 11 m onths has put up 42000 km. He has had zero problems, but he did get his seat altered in Auckland. Considering that, it says a lot to me about the reliability of the bike. One other small point I noticed, although the bandit is the bigger of the two bikes, the honda has more leg room for a pillion. Anyways, cheers for your input.Will keep you informed.

Kendog

13th February 2006, 16:58

I may not be able to give an objective view between the two bikes as I have only ridden the Hornet, but I will try.........

Buy the Hornet :Punk:

I love this bike as I have said on here a few times. In fact it is loved so much we had to buy a second one so we can have one each:rockon:

Objective opinion ends.

pritch

13th February 2006, 21:51

I may not be able to give an objective view between the two bikes as I have only ridden the Hornet,

Me too.

As far as reliability goes mine has done almost 25,000K
in fourteen months, and it hasn't needed so much as an oil top up.

yevjenko

18th February 2006, 14:26

here's a vote for the bandit. I've had my bandit here for 2 years and never had to do a thing to it engine wise, not even the carbs. i haven't even serviced it yet. put about 10,000 k's on so far.

had a bandit in the uk that i rode through winter and never had any problems with that either.

Having ridden KenDog's hornet (one of them anyway) i would say i prefer the bandit for the comfort stakes - it's much better on bumpy roads that we have down here.

In the end though, it comes down to personal preference

Ade

marty

18th February 2006, 16:24

ride them back to back, over the same course - it's the only way to really tell which one is best for you. i rode 11 bikes over the same 40km course one day - cbr1000rr, v-rod, duke 900ss, vtr1000, vfr800, tl1000, blackbird, cb1300, gsx1400, gsxr1000 and a busa, and came away with a clear winner.

Gontour

18th February 2006, 16:56

Regarding your concerns for pillion passenger, I have a Corbin seat, and it makes all the difference, (According to my 5'10" pillion), I also think the Bandit has more readily available Upgrades, as you WILL want to upgrade something, as the bikes are both on the cheap end of the scale and suspension etc reflects that IMO, purely depends on your style of riding though. Whatever you pick, I'm sure you will have no regrets.

OLD MAN BJ

19th February 2006, 13:01

OK Guys,
Im no expert on Jap bikes, so I have a question for you. I have read on various tests, reviews etc etc that Honda seems to get the nod for the best quality Jap bikes, but they never give any examples of what they mean. So if thats true, what exactly are we talking about here. Is it the paint finish, the chrome finish, the electrics, the reliability? or all of these things. I have looked at new Suzukies , Yams etc and they look good to me. Is there a particular where I should be looking?

Cheers John

imdying

19th February 2006, 13:35

Look at some second hand examples, say 5 years old. See how long those similar finishes stay similar.

Zapf

19th February 2006, 22:25

attention to details perhaps?

Lou Girardin

20th February 2006, 09:01

Pixie did 100,000 km's on his '96 Bandit, apart fron stone chips it looked fine. Still had a shine to the paint and the alloy still looked good.
It's how you look after them.

terbang

20th February 2006, 11:26

Marty has the best idea. Get out there and ride em all and buy what (1) suits your pocket (2) Suits your riding style (3) appeals to you the most.
When it comes to Jappers the manufacturers are all much the same it is the variety of styles and models that you need to choose from. The Busa won out for me as well and was about the only bike I found that did a better job (for me) after the 1200 Bandit .

wil2

20th February 2006, 20:57

as far as paint finish goes the hondas finish is always a bit better. i had a brand new yamaha fazer (fz1) 9th february last year and the paint literally flaked off the tank, i had a new one under warranty, it was down to prep work. apart from defects such as that it is how you look after them. i have always fanaticlly cleaned my bikes becouse of all the salt on the roads in the uk.

pritch

20th February 2006, 21:35

but they never give any examples of what they mean.

You must be reading the wrong magazines :-)

They will talk about one brand having paint of the absolute minimum thickness. Fasteners on the same brand turn "furry" almost overnight. Another model of a different brand must be kept indoors because the finish will deteriorate very quickly outside: paint is suspect, all metal parts liable to rapid corrosion.

Interestingly they don't uaually make these comments in the road test of the latest model. These comments tend to come out in comparisons of previous year's models, or articles on what to watch for when servicing or buying an earlier model.

One model on which I was quite keen was described as having an abbreviated front guard. This allowed water to spray part of the ignition system which then corroded, eventually bringing the bike to a sudden and complete halt. Rather off-putting.

The aforementioned are all as I have seen them reported but I have omitted the brand and model details so as not to offend their devotees...

terbang

21st February 2006, 07:47

Rode with a bunch of blokes recently (on me old bandit) and one of them was on a 900 Hornet. It looked like a nice bike, didnt seem to give its rider any grief and did its job well. However the impression I was left with was that it appearde to be dead boring and was more suited to commuting where the Bandit certainly has that Hooligan factor that makes it fun to ride.

skelstar

21st February 2006, 07:54

I would agree re: a bit boring looking. I think there is plenty of scope for making a Hornet quite individual though. You just have to go to www.hondahornet.co.uk (Hornets nest) to see what you can do. Also www.919.org is a good reference site. Add a monster/Buell M2 screen and a belly pan and they look more like a muscle bike.

BRETT B12

21st February 2006, 11:16

Hi Old Man BJ,
I live in Brisbane and commute daily on my 2004 Bandit. Summer temps around town/traffic can be the high 30s in summer. Never experienced any dramas re overheating in traffic.
I too looked at the Hornet before purchasing but decided on the Bandit, proberbly not as great a handler but bullet proof mechanically, put on a micron muffler which seems to have freed it up alot. Might benefit from a slightly higher screen, depending on your height. I love the thing, having come from a long range of in line four ownership.
Good luck with your decission making,
Brett.

Zapf

21st February 2006, 22:37

I find my CB900 more fun to ride than my GSXR750.... but thats me.... :scratch:

Lou Girardin

22nd February 2006, 09:39

I think a lot of people are discovering that Zapf. In our over-trafficed, over-Policed world the nakeds are making more sense.

Ixion

22nd February 2006, 12:12

True, but when the skies cloud over 300km from home, and the rain starts pelting down, and y'don't have waterproofs with you, the fairing on the BMW is SO nice! Nakeds don't keep you warm and dry, alas.

skelstar

22nd February 2006, 12:21

Cages are real good for keeping you warm and dry. ;)

Ixion

22nd February 2006, 12:36

Yith , but boring when teh sun comes out. Besides, riding in the rain is quite fun if you can be warm and dry at the same time

Lou Girardin

22nd February 2006, 13:09

Nakeds don't keep you warm and dry, alas.

The Bandit doesn't do too badly. But my WATERPROOF gear is superb, always warm and dry.
Even my FEET.

Ixion

22nd February 2006, 13:13

Yes, but then you have to lug it with you. But if your feet are dry presumably you are only talking showers, since as we all know waterproof boots are a delusion (unless yu have very sensibly invested in some gaiters)

Scouse

22nd February 2006, 13:20

I think a lot of people are discovering that Zapf. In our over-trafficed, over-Policed world the nakeds are making more sense.
Shit somthing we agree on

Lou Girardin

22nd February 2006, 14:11

Shit somthing we agree on

I'm very agreeable.

pritch

24th February 2006, 12:35

Yes, but then you have to lug it with you.

Pardon? What are you wearing? The mind boggles :-)

If I'm touring I'm wearing a touring suit, so i don't get wet.

Kornholio

24th February 2006, 12:48

Umm even tho Im a Suzuki freak, Im going to have to go with the Hornet here... The neighbour has one and its quite sexy sounds nice and has a fireblade motor in it...The bandit didnt really take me by the goolies...I think the Hornet is cheaper new too

My .10 :D

Scouse

24th February 2006, 16:48

Ixion

24th February 2006, 17:41

Pardon? What are you wearing? The mind boggles :-)

If I'm touring I'm wearing a touring suit, so i don't get wet.

Leather. The original idea was leather with PVC ovber the top. But i don't like having to lug the PVC around, and on the BMW I don't need to for shortish trips (unless theres a tropical storm threatening).

Lou Girardin

25th February 2006, 10:06

Cordura, 1 suit - all seasons. Nothing to lug around.

Aitch

25th February 2006, 10:09

Have you tried a GSX1400???? luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuverly bike!

Lou Girardin

27th February 2006, 08:10

By sheer co-incidence I've got an '06 Hornet for a few days. Initial, around town, impressions are; much lighter than the Bandit and feels much less substanial. Turns like a fly dodging the swatter.
Ride is good, on a par with a standard Bandit.
Quite torquey and the light weight gives it great 'zip'.
The seat is plank-like, I'd hate to do a long ride.
Far too quiet, but the induction roar is nice.

It's a pleasant bike. It'd be great for a commuter/play bike, but it wouldn't do all that I need from a bike.

Scouse

28th February 2006, 11:29

Have you tried a GSX1400???? luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuverly bike!
Have you thought about a ZRX1200R even more power and torque than a Bandit and better looking than a Bandit, Hornet or GSX1400

OLD MAN BJ

28th February 2006, 12:04

Yeh, but its not $4000 better looking than a Hornet, or $ 2500 better looking than a Bandit

OLD MAN BJ

28th February 2006, 12:13

Sorry, that should have been $5000 more than a Hornet and $3500 more than a Bandit. Also, the position of the rear pegs (with reference to pillion comfort) look like they were an afterthought.

terbang

28th February 2006, 17:21

Have you thought about a ZRX1200R even more power and torque than a Bandit and better looking than a Bandit, Hornet or GSX1400

Fatter looking than the Bandit though..

TONO

28th February 2006, 18:30

Have you thought about a ZRX1200R even more power and torque than a Bandit and better looking than a Bandit, Hornet or GSX1400

If your skinny little dude?, value for your money go for the Honda,;) If your bigger like me!! go for the Bandit:clap: and if you are a real big muther like Steve make him an offer for his one :yeah: as he needs to get something bigger now to keep up with Bruce:2guns: :rofl:

Scouse

28th February 2006, 18:36

Scouse

28th February 2006, 18:38

Fatter looking than the Bandit though..unfair Bruce im not fatter looking than a bandit

Lou Girardin

1st March 2006, 07:37

Sorry, that should have been $5000 more than a Hornet and $3500 more than a Bandit. Also, the position of the rear pegs (with reference to pillion comfort) look like they were an afterthought.

Quite right. And less than a grand will make the Bandit out-grunt a Quacka.
Spend the whole $3500 diff and he won't see where you've gone.
Suzuki dealers are better than 'some' other brands too.

OLD MAN BJ

1st March 2006, 11:46

Hey Lou,

Came accross this pic on the net. I know its not a Bandit ( tut tut) but we were talking last week re paniers and I thought it looked quite neat. What do ya think?

Lou Girardin

1st March 2006, 13:14

Hey Lou,

Came accross this pic on the net. I know its not a Bandit ( tut tut) but we were talking last week re paniers and I thought it looked quite neat. What do ya think?

Does my bum look big in these?

Seriously, they're not bad really. Those N41 bags are a good idea with the two openings.

The Stranger

1st March 2006, 13:20

Now there's a man that knows what he is talking about.

Scouse

1st March 2006, 18:22

Quite right. And less than a grand will make the Bandit out-grunt a Quacka.
Spend the whole $3500 diff and he won't see where you've gone.
Suzuki dealers are better than 'some' other brands too.
Maybee but you would need to spend more than the $3500 to make it look better than the kwaka
my $00.02

terbang

1st March 2006, 19:20

Only thing you could ever replace a Bandit with is a Hayabusa..:niceone:

Zapf

1st March 2006, 19:57

I just got a set of Givi pannier and topbox mounts for my Hornet :yes:

Kornholio

1st March 2006, 23:15

Only thing you could ever replace a Bandit with is a Hayabusa..:niceone:

And a Busa with a GSXR 750 :blip:

skelstar

2nd March 2006, 07:48

Pictures please Zapf.

Lou Girardin

2nd March 2006, 08:59

Maybee but you would need to spend more than the $3500 to make it look better than the kwaka
my $00.02

The riders always detract from Quacka looks though.

Zapf

2nd March 2006, 09:08

Pictures please Zapf.

haven't had time to mount them on yet... but bikes always look fat with big panniers on anyway... unless its a FJR1300 thing.

skelstar

2nd March 2006, 09:22

THey do. Im hanging out to get my chase-harper luggage. Good price on eBay.

terbang

3rd March 2006, 15:03

And a Busa with a GSXR 750 :blip:
Well if you want to save on rear tyres then I suppose you have a good point there Korn:rofl:

Kornholio

3rd March 2006, 15:23

terbang

3rd March 2006, 18:45

You know you dont just have to wear out the middle bit on your tire either, thats why the tread pattern goes around the tire about another 2 inches.... you can use that too and make it last a bit longer :PI
I thought it was only me ol bandit that was bad at wearing the sides out before the middle (my only real complaint about the bike). Havn't ridden the Busa enough to notice. Thought it mustave had something to do with NZ roads and a heavy bike. So it happens on 3/4 bikes as well. Think were on to something here..

Kornholio

3rd March 2006, 18:53

I thought it was only me ol bandit that was bad at wearing the sides out before the middle (my only real complaint about the bike). Havn't ridden the Busa enough to notice. Thought it mustave had something to do with NZ roads and a heavy bike. So it happens on 3/4 bikes as well. Think were on to something here..

LOL, shouldnt you be flying a plane or something :D

terbang

3rd March 2006, 19:08

LOL, shouldnt you be flying a plane or something :D
Fuck flying in all this shit Im havin a coupla days off. Jeez had a look at Wellies yesterday, left some rubber behind there..:cry: glad I don't pay the tyre bill.

smokiesam

25th March 2008, 15:48

I'm doing the same thing, which one choose but with the new model fuel injected. Any advise anyone

HornetBoy

25th March 2008, 17:24

I'm doing the same thing, which one choose but with the new model fuel injected. Any advise anyone

Hornet mate - much more nimble ,quicker ,sportier (if your into a more sportier bike than id go for the hornet ) good touring range ,comfortable and tons of mods you can do to em to individualize.

My hornet is up for sale ,is a real nice bike to ride mate ,have a look at my signature for a look at it if your like. :headbang:

chanceyy

25th March 2008, 21:20

Hornet mate - much more nimble ,quicker ,sportier (if your into a more sportier bike than id go for the hornet ) good touring range ,comfortable and tons of mods you can do to em to individualize.

My hornet is up for sale ,is a real nice bike to ride mate ,have a look at my signature for a look at it if your like. :headbang:

gezzzz chris .. I would think he has the bike by now .. the original thread was started in 2006 :lol:

gijoe1313

25th March 2008, 21:23

Can't fault a guy for trying! And the Hornet love needs to be passed around! :love:

Kendog

26th March 2008, 05:18

gezzzz chris .. I would think he has the bike by now .. the original thread was started in 2006 :lol:

Can't fault a guy for trying! And the Hornet love needs to be passed around! :love:

Did you notice he was replying to someone that asked about the bike yesterday? :Pokey:

Jantar

26th March 2008, 05:31

I'm doing the same thing, which one choose but with the new model fuel injected. Any advise anyone
Go for the Bandit, Brian. Its closer in riding style to your current bike. But they are both good choices.

wharfy

26th March 2008, 11:36

Hi, I have a hornet 900, brand new in 2003. I have done 80,000 + K's on it and it has never missed a beat. I ride it to work every day into Wellington, I thrash it about the hills at the weekend. It has been drag raced (I suck at drag racing) hill climbed (I suck at hill climbing) been in a number of time trials/sprints (230 kph max. 11.55 sec standing 1/4 ). My partner and I just did the South Island on it 4500 + in 2 weeks no problem.
Cars have had fuel injection as standard for more than 10 years.
Fuel injection and sexy looks gave the Hornet the nod

HornetBoy

26th March 2008, 11:38

Did you notice he was replying to someone that asked about the bike yesterday? :Pokey:

yea chanccey and gijoe:devil2:

chanceyy

26th March 2008, 11:45

yea chanccey and gijoe:devil2:

:lol: noticed it .. just had to laff & redregging an old thread .. mind you at least it was not a repost :niceone::msn-wink:

HornetBoy

26th March 2008, 11:55

:lol: noticed it .. just had to laff & redregging an old thread .. mind you at least it was not a repost :niceone::msn-wink:

lol yea ,well ya got me a little worried that i posted on a 2 year old thread ,but the other fela asked a recent question so thought i might get some more attention for the bike :cool:

FilthyLuka

26th March 2008, 12:22

Go for the 1200, its built like a brick shit house and moves if you need it to, real comfortable riding position and tourque for africa. Maintanance is easy, new oil every 5000k, on the dot, fresh oil regularly and it will go for yonks

chanceyy

26th March 2008, 13:39

lol yea ,well ya got me a little worried that i posted on a 2 year old thread ,but the other fela asked a recent question so thought i might get some more attention for the bike :cool:

absolutely & only reason i had a read is its a subject that I am really really really interested in .. esp since i am looking to upgrade :whistle:

Go for the 1200, its built like a brick shit house and moves if you need it to, real comfortable riding position and tourque for africa. Maintanance is easy, new oil every 5000k, on the dot, fresh oil regularly and it will go for yonks

sounds like my kinda bike ... :yes: ... just waiting for a 1200 to be dropped off at the bike shop so i can test ride it .. have taken a 600 out & the latest 1250 .. loveddddddddddd the 600 .. 1250 would have loved to really tested her out but since she was not a demo model could not rack up the ks .. so wanna test the 1200 out & perhaps the 600 again :whistle: