F*ck Valentines!.....

[skelstar]

I BOUGHT A NEW BIKE!!!
After many months of umm-ing and ahhh-ing I decided to buy a *new* Honda Hornet. Black of course.

Admittedly this is a wee bit before my full licence but the time was right [now] and Ill guess Ill just have to have it sitting in my gargre for a couple of months :whistle:.

I think I have surprised a few with my decision to buy another nekid as I was talking about sprotsbikes for the last month or so.

Keystone19 tells me I over-analyse so here goes:

:blip: The Honda Hornet was my first love. That is it was the first big-bike I lusted after.
:blip: I have a nekid bike, I can ride a nekid reasonably well. I havent really ridden a sprotsbike for more than 10mins, and while it wouldnt take long to get used to them, they felt weird and scary. I would be able to learn how to ride this bike fast a lot quicker (make sense?). Not too many things that are alien to me...like ergos, weight, inline4, no-engine braking, 6th gear...oh and 919cc of lunacy! :woohoo:
:blip: Price. $10995 for a new bike that hasnt been thrashed (yet). The bike is as high-spec as it has ever been. I believe the front-suss is 2 way adjustable, and rear is 3way (ignorance is bliss). The bike aint slow. Itll be faster than me for a VERY long time.
:blip: Its got to used for touring, commuting, weekend blasts. I could have done all that on a sprotsbike but it would probably only have been better (for me anyway) on the real-twisty stuff. Not enough to buy one second hand with 10000kms on the clock.
:blip: I rode Zapf's CB900 Hornet (ta dude) on the SI trip and loved it. Closed/controlled road conditions of course! With a couple of bar-mods itll be exactly what I want I reckon.
:blip: Want a bike thats a bit different. Plenty of them, yes, but Ill have a go at making this one look better. Check out the picture below...its what I intend to get it looking like. If anyone can tell me whos this bike is they get rep points.. I already have a carbon fibre screen, clear plastic brake-light, and semi-rigid panniers on their way from the states. I have matt-black bars replacing the shiny-chrome ones and crash-bungs *cringe*.

Apology and thanks
Due to my over-analysing nature I have talked about this big-bike thing alot. I really didnt intend to but things like this tend to occupy my mind...and consequently I talked about it alot (not always unsolicited), and Im guessing that my good riding mates in Welly and Auck may have got a bit tired of it ;). Anyway, apologies to those concerned (KS19, mbob, Zapf, Dafe, FJ, UB, DM, CP, Jim2).

Anyway ta to those that gave good advice (see above and more) and gave me a ride on their bikes (see above, esp Zapf - Hornet). The bike rides showed me exactly what I wanted.

I pick the bike up this arvo...and then I think Ill go for a ride with Uncle_B over my favourite hill....errrr...I mean: to put the bike in the gargre for a couple of months. See you guys at Trackday - Manfield 25th Feb!!! :done:

[Fishy]

Good on ya man! Have fun on your new machine.

[SpeedyGirl]

Damn thats a nice bike :love:

[Str8 Jacket]

Gee whiz, I still remember when I first met you as a "newbie rider", my how thinigs change! She's beautiful Sean! Im stoked that you finally made a decision, have fun and of course ride safe!

[skelstar]

Mate, Im going to be the most nervous rider out there!
Going to repsect all 919cc.

[Str8 Jacket]

You'll be fine, I definately couldn't imagine you being anything but careful! Well maybe a little faster now...

[James Deuce]

Cripes! That's a nice one! I think that is a damn fine bike for you, and do not get all jittery with your throttle hand. Roll it brother, and I want to see huuuuuge wheelies away from the lights please.

[limbimtimwim]

Admittedly this is a wee bit before my full licence but the time was right [now] and Ill guess Ill just have to have it sitting in my gargre for a couple of months :whistle: ... See you guys at Trackday - Manfield 25th Feb!!!Like hell! See you tomorrow! Forecast is good.

[Colapop]

That's a real purty beasty. How's the riding position? It looks upright (to me anyway)

[Deviant Esq]

Nice buy Skelstar! Got a bit of a soft spot for the Hornet myself, but one step at a time. Only been riding two weeks!

Shame the licence thing isn't quite fixed yet but... at least it'll make your garage look pretty... :bs:

Post pics once you get yours.

Redge

[skelstar]

Its bloody bolt-upright. Thats why I have put bars on that are lower, swept more forward, and wider (by about 3-4"). Being done as we speak actually.

[Charlie]

Congrats Sean. Great taste and beaut bike - one of my fav too!
Have fun and enjoy the ride. :ride:

[Keystone19]

Apologies accepted...(besides you have to put up with my raving on about everything and anything...!)

It's a great bike. It was so obvious to us all that you liked the Hornet better than any of the others in the SI.

Now go and thrash it...:devil2:

[cousa1]

Good buying! sounds like a steal at that price.

[skelstar]

Ahhh KS. I still like your bike ;)...have to try and follow you for a bit at Taupo in May! (kinda the reason I got it early...to be used to the bike by then).

[Sniper]

Nice bike mate, well done!

[cowpoos]

nice one bro....are they attaching the training wheels today aswell...you didn't mention that in your post...lol...mite seeya tonight for a rip :2thumbsup

[skelstar]

Looking forward to it poos.

*note* anyone is welcome to join me (and maybe Uncle B) for a ride tonight. A tentative meeting at motomart at 5ish. I know its not Thursday and Wed rides dont tend to be very popular...but its a beautiful night. We might be having a ride with poos!

***edit: ride now meeting at Rimutaka Caltex at 6pm. The plan hasnt changed too much.

[Kendog]

Nice choice my friend! Hubby and I can flank you sometime, :chase: the three Hornets would make a good sight, two black and one gunmetal grey! Be careful on the throttle, finding the new one is quite responsive (touchy) compared to one that is two years older! Have fun, ride safe and look forward to seeing you out and about on your new baby.:niceone:
Mrs KD.

[cowpoos]

We might be having a ride with poos!

you think thats gunna get more people along? :weird:

[skelstar]

poos: I dont believe anyone should get a nasty surprise is all.

[Str8 Jacket]

you think thats gunna get more people along? :weird:

Tis what I thought!

[skelstar]

Mrs Kendog: sounds like a good idea. Was wondering when you two were going to come along on a ride...:)

[James Deuce]

Can't come to for a ride tonight thanks to work, but you have fun. :)

[Darryboy]

Nice one!

I hear they do the 1/4 mile in the 10s.

Bloody nice!

[skelstar]

Yeah they do...:eek5:

[Kendog]

Mrs Kendog: sounds like a good idea. Was wondering when you two were going to come along on a ride...:)

Was going to come along on the Sunday ride, but was feeling a bit crappy, but weather is meant to be nice on Saturday, so are thinking of going over to Lake Ferry. Will you be out riding in the weekend, or are you going to be "good" and park her up in the garage? When do you get your full licence? PM us if you're keen to come along anyway! :cool:

[skelstar]

Ill be out riding 'something' on Sunday most likely. Have to shift flat on Saturday (closer to the Te Hill)...so will be busy then. Ill let you know when we are riding Sunday if ya like.

[Zapf]

now u wonder if you'll be getting the one with Bridgestone or Michellin tires.... :) :confused:

[Kendog]

Sounds good skelstar.

[skelstar]

I dont know actually. I thought they came with BT056's. Which is better?

[cowpoos]

I dont know actually. I thought they came with BT056's. Which is better?

michelin.....bridgestone don't make good tyres for bikes.....

[phoenixgtr]

Congrats Skel. Thats awesome! Nice choice of colour too:msn-wink:

You're gonna be a happy boy when you take her for a ride tonight

[skelstar]

Thanks Tristan. Yes I will be a happy man...full of nervous energy but happy.
Havent rdden a big bike arounda decent corner yet. I remember riding a blackbird around a 75km/h corner thinking 'crap!!!...this is a bit different!'.

[far queue]

Well done, that's a real nice looking bike

[Mental Trousers]

Funnily enough, there's a trackday at Manfield in 1.5 weeks :banana:

[skelstar]

yes....yes there is ;)

[phoenixgtr]

I see your old ride is already being referred to as the Hyobag.

Poor wee thing

[skelstar]

Its been the Hyobag for ages (ask LBTW). Its a term of endearment.

[Swoop]

Going to repsect all 919cc.
This is a line from a Tui billboard advert???

Bloody nice bike! Enjoy!!!:yeah: :ride:

[runed]

WOW, That is a NICE looking Hornet

Hehe, I got a Hornet too and loved it, I don't mind you talk about the hornet/big bike at all :-)

[nudemetalz]

Congrats, Skelstar !!!

Just make sure you ease into it, what with the massive power difference.
I did the same after being used to the NZ-250 and then going to the ZX-10.

[skelstar]

Mate, I was changing my mind every day. Hadnt even talked/thought about the Hornet until I was riding home from a ride last Thursday night. I was going to by Test Pilot's black/orange GSXR600K4 or the blue ZX-6R off trademe (similar money) but had an epiphony. Basically for all the reasons above.

[skelstar]

Will do nudeMt. Quite concious of it :).

[nudemetalz]

Great stuff !!

I will have to get my A into G and come on a TRTNR with you.

[miSTa]

Good looking bike there Sean - enjoy. :2thumbsup

[skelstar]

...and come on a TRTNR with you.
Definitley. Would be good to have a few more non-regulars come along.

[Uncle B]

Thank fuck for that he's finally bought a bike.......no more "what do you think of....blah blah blah" my head just couldn't take it anymore.

Seriously, good one mate, no more 'chasing the dots' . You'll love the extra power at your finger tips.

[skelstar]

Nice :). Yeah it was a bit like that.
Uncle B's bike was the first I rode other than my own (SV1000S). Was an awe-inspiring experience.

[pritch]

I BOUGHT A NEW BIKE!!!
After many months of umm-ing and ahhh-ing I decided to buy a *new* Honda Hornet. Black of course.



You are obviously possessed of great good taste and discernment.
Enjoy!

[skelstar]

I dont know if you remember but I declared my interest in the bike back in Spet (I think) when the Hornet Review thread began.:niceone:

[Sparky Bills]

We have only dropped it a couple of times, and that battery acid on the tank will cut and polish out real easy:whistle:



OH!! You did want the tyres to be painted green aye??:wacko:

[skelstar]

Nice. Actually...what are the tyres on it SB? Mich or Bridgies?

[Xtat1k]

nice bike, have fun lol. not a bad price also:gob:

[skelstar]

New time for those who want to ride: 6pm at Rimutaka Caltex. If we arent there shortly after we will probably be bullshitting at the top o the Takas.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I really like that. I just dont like the Honda dealer down here. and $11k is not much money for a lot of bike. Its a better buy than (say) a SV650 or thou.

[Coyote]

Congrats on the new bike. Very good choice :2thumbsup

And the streetfighter one looks wicked

[skelstar]

Thanks guys.

CAN THIS AFTERNOON GO ANY SLOWER!!!!

[Wasp]

I BOUGHT A NEW BIKE

yay, congrats, cant wait to see it going off into the distance infront of me some time soon.

any chance of me trying the hyosung now?

[Leong]

Hey skelstar, that pics awesome, love the headlights. :2thumbsup

Congratulations, and have fun doing the mods. See ya in May!!

(How'd the ride go tonight?)

[MidnightMike]

Dam nice bike skelstar (Its puts a smile on my face just looking at it :yes: )
Are you going to sell the other one? :slap:

[APPLE]

nice bike mate.well done champ?

[et al]

Good choice, am sure you will both be very happy together. Seems to be a lot of Hornet 900s around here (Wellington) now, maybe we can all get together for a ride sometime.

[crazefox]

Primo bike mate looks the part:banana: :banana:

[Kendog]

Good meeting you today, was a shame I couldn't stick around for the ride up the hill.

How did you find it?

Will catch up soon for a Hornet convoy :rockon:

[skelstar]

Thanks all.

Had a good ride tonight. Pulled into Caltex early and before I could work out how to set the clock (its got a clock) Kendog rolled in with Mrs KD's Hornet. Well met sir. Chin wagging for about 30mins before flame, UB, FJ, and LBTW turned up.
Headed up the hill...the bars hadnt been changed so I was finding it a bit of a challenge getting used to the position on the bike. Much more upright and narrow than Im used to. Nevermind. Gave it a bit of welly before hitting the bottom of the twisties. Wasnt over awed by the power but then it was at 1/5 throttle and below 5000rpm. Peak is at 9k rpm I think.

I had a good time though. Came back over the hill much more confidentally than I headed over. Getting into the feel of the bike. I might write a proper review tomorrow morn in the '05 CB900F Honda Hornet Review' thread.

Looking forward to TRTNR tomorrow night, and trackdays and U2 concert trips coming up very shortly. Sleepy now.

[Velox]

Thanks guys.

CAN THIS AFTERNOON GO ANY SLOWER!!!!
Mate - I totally sympathise with you on that one. The minutes took hours yesterday arvo eh?;)

[James Deuce]

Good choice, am sure you will both be very happy together. Seems to be a lot of Hornet 900s around here (Wellington) now, maybe we can all get together for a ride sometime.

I'll sneak up behind and give all you Honda riders the rogering you deserve!

[Brownbikerbabe]

Nice bike! Looks eeeevvvvviiiilllllll:devil2: Hahahahahahaha!

I am sure you will have a great time with it!

[skelstar]

I forgot to say...Il be holding onto my 250 for another couple of months...you know, while the Hornet is in the garage.;)

[SPORK]

Oh my goshes, so it WAS you at Caltex yesterday! I saw a Hornet and some other bikes around 6ish and thought "No, that can't be the TRTNR..."

[skelstar]

You werent on a blue/red CBRXXX were you?

[SPORK]

You werent on a blue/red CBRXXX were you?
Um, nooooooooooooooooooooo...

(Psst, no bike yet remember ;) )

[buellbabe]

Hey HOT looking bike mate. And of course what asuperb colour choice! Black is Beautiful/Best/Baddest/Brilliant etc

[sels1]

Sheesh....go away for a few days and it all happens....

Well done mate, look forward to seeing it in the flesh.

[boomer]

nice looking bike bro.. ENJOY !!!!!!

[skelstar]

For my 2000th post I thought I would post a wee update for those who are interested.

Its been about 8 days since getting my new bike and I have done about 950kms. I had kinda hoped I would get the first service done before taking it out on Manfield this Saturday. All those kms were done in my gargre of course.:whistle:

My impressions of the bike?

Its obviously fast. Its got a fireblade motor in it of course. Everytime I give it a 'bit of a nudge' (ie half-throttle) Im launched backwards while the bike is launched forwards at a great rate of knots. I can see how they came up with the sprotsbikes riding position...you have to lean forward and HANG ON!!! I havent got much over 6000rpm and half-throttle. Maybe at the track ill give it some 'welly'. Im scared sh1tless to be honest :).

Its hard work riding it in 50km zones. Its hard sticking to 50km/h and its hard being smooth with the very jerky throttle. Fuel management is to blame here I guess. Roundabouts are a nightmare and Im not looking forward to the first trip to work in the rain. I pillioned someone for the first time last night and even though we were travelling at 100+ it was still reasonably difficult riding smooth due to the gear changes. Well its friggin difficult doing 100+ in your gargre anyway I guess. Im thinking clutchless gear changes may be the solution.

The bike feels awesomely planted when Im in the twisty stuff. I firmed up the rear suspension after my first ride (rear rebound set to 4) and am now very happy with the feel of the bike. I think the front is a wee bit soft but Im not going to touch that too much as I dont know what Im doing and its not bad. I had the opportunity to ride the bike in a bit of wind last night and it wasnt nearly as unstable as my 250 which is what I wanted. The 250's suss was quite soft but never took the time to adjust it. My bad.

The seat isnt too uncomfortable. I rode about 100kms in one go out in the wairar...err...I mean 'gargre' and was getting ants in my pants at about 100kms. I hadnt had a coffee at that stage so it could have been the lack of caffeine. Ill looking forward to longer trips shortly.

Mods: I have changed the bars on the bike as I found the stock ones were a little too narrow and swept back. Its more about what Im used to in my old bike. The bar changing was a bit of a mission as we had to drill holes into the bar to locate the grips (not very cool) and am struggling to find bar ends that will fit the 14mm ID of the bar. The black bar does look very sexy though, and will set the twin Buell headlights off nicely, once I get them. That in itself will be a mission. Nevermind. I have also fitted the Oggy knobs. Wanted white ones but got black. Ce la vie.

Next big trip is to Auckland for the March18 U2 concert. Much more excited about the trip up than the concert itself. Im sure it will 'go orf'.

Anyway, catch ya.

[Zapf]

Its hard sticking to 50km/h and its hard being smooth with the very jerky throttle. Fuel management is to blame here I guess. Roundabouts are a nightmare and Im not looking forward to the first trip to work in the rain.

I recommend relaxing your arms and get a throttlo boss.... the "boss" helps you to apply preload onto the throttlo and gives u a better transistion from off to on. Man those EVO7's are fast..... :sweatdrop

[skelstar]

Yeah, I intend to get one but havent found one yet. Admittedly I havent asked at the shops though.

[Zapf]

Yeah, I intend to get one but havent found one yet. Admittedly I havent asked at the shops though.

I can get one for you in Auckland.... let me know... and what do I do with the pipes?

[Groins_NZ]

Hey skelstar,

I like the pic in your first post, especially the front end. The headlights fitted lower on the forks looks good. Are you a belly-pan man?

About the throttle - I noticed that a lot when I first got mine. I think now, a.) I've gotten used to it, b.) the blade has worn in making things a bit smoother and c.) I also took up a bit of slack in the throttle cable which may help you initially (so you haven't got that dead spot in the throttle grip when you roll it on). From what you describe though it sounds like an engine 'run-in' issue (IMHO) i.e. the engines are built to very tight clearances and when new won't idle along very nicely (does that make sense).

Cheers mate.

[skelstar]

Hold on to them Zapf if thats cool. Ill have panniers soon and might grab off you when I come up for U2 concert.

Went and visited Cycleworks yesterday. The guy was a bit dubious about performing the 'bafflectomy' but quoted $150. Bit too much for me as I could tech do it myself...just dont have the tools. He did say that because the cans were ugo under the heatsheilds that he could cut the cans, rip out the internals and put his own stuff in there (presumably exhaust stuff), and patch it up stock like and quoted about $350. Better deal I think.

[Groins_NZ]

cut the cans, rip out the internals and put his own stuff

COOL

10chars

[pritch]

He did say that because the cans were ugo under the heatsheilds that he could cut the cans, rip out the internals and put his own stuff in there (presumably exhaust stuff), and patch it up stock like and quoted about $350.

I'd be interested to know what "stuff" he puts in. Some owners in the USA report having to have a degree of backpressure for the bike to function properly.

Also if you modify the exhaust much you had better factor in a Power Commander. This will also eliminate the "sudden death" throttle.

[T.I.E]

that is a hot looking machine for sure.

[Kendog]

Its hard work riding it in 50km zones. Its hard sticking to 50km/h and its hard being smooth with the very jerky throttle. Fuel management is to blame here I guess.

I know what you mean. The new Hornet is very touchy on the throttle compared to the 2003 one. I am assuming this is due to the engine still running in.
Also, I have done the flapper mod on the new bike (yet to ride it) but a lot of people say this smooths it out.

[Kendog]

I recommend relaxing your arms and get a throttlo boss.... the "boss" helps you to apply preload onto the throttlo and gives u a better transistion from off to on. Man those EVO7's are fast..... :sweatdrop

Whats a throttle boss?

[et al]

Whats a throttle boss?
They might be talking about something more sophisticated - but I think it is basically a piece of plastic that you wrap around the throttle as an extension/lever - so you can relax your grip on the throttle and control it with your palm/wrist to give your hand a break on long rides. Groins NZ showed me the one he had a while ago - I made one up myself but have not done any long trips to see if it is any good or not. Next time I see you remind me to show you.

[Groins_NZ]

Incidentally there is a product called the "ThrottleBoss"...
ThrottleBoss (http://www.lockitt.com/AccessoriesOther.htm#ThrottleBoss)

This product looks nice but the price ain't...
Throttlemeister (http://www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=TMFH%26AHR3-H&Category_Code=Honda_CB919)

The Throttlemeister is a friction device where as the ThrottleBoss and the 'do-dacky' I have are for reducing muscle fatigue as you can rest the palm of your hand on them instead of gripping the throttle all the time. Not a problem if you're doing short trips but comes into it's own on longer rides.

I think previous posts in this thread were referring to the friction devices as opposed to the anti-muscle ache variety?

[Zapf]

Incidentally there is a product called the "ThrottleBoss"...
ThrottleBoss (http://www.lockitt.com/AccessoriesOther.htm#ThrottleBoss)


Yep its this one that I use on every single bike I had...

[ducatilover]

;) fuck me sideways till im green! beauty bike sean! i love it, where are you getting your headlights from and what are they costing? mine were $210..... how do i get a screen like that? :yeah: have fun and dont be stupid in your garage lol

[skelstar]

Ta DL. Was intending to get my headies as a Buell spare part ($150 I think). Dont know how much the screen would be as a spare but have a carbon fibre one coming from the states as we speak. Not telling you the source as I dont want too many bikes that look like mine thanks :).

I am considering keeping the 7" headie and getting a M2 cyclone/monster type screen. The wiring job looks like an arse and my bike wouldnt look like a Buell wannabee. Opinions?

[ducatilover]

i dont like big single headies. i reckon a custom fairing blade/screen thingy with the twin lights would look the bees balls