Hornet 900 vs Street Triple

[Farab]

Hi Guys,

I commute on daily basis between the North Shore and Penrose, all weather. Also do fun rides on the weekend. Apart from the price tag difference, what are your thoughts between these 2 bikes?? Would also on occasion take the missus for short trips.

[gijoe1313]

Well as the proud owner of a new Big Ol'Hornet (still have the little ol'hornet I bought first), they are cheap as chips and you get a lot of bike for your money!

Very linear power delivery and has the usual high standard Honda finish. They are easy to mod and there is a ton of bling available for them (Hornet riders are pretty passionate about doing all sorts of things to them! :msn-wink:)

Handles well, doesn't mind the long tours nor short commutes and being naked, not too hard to get at its innards when you need to. People notice Hornets and they always bring a smile to faces ... its a friendly bike, and you always meet the nicest people on them! :innocent:

I'm biased of course, being a Hornet rider .. I'm sure others can stake a case to justify the awesome Street Triple as well! :sunny:

[Big Dave]

You just have to ask yourself
Do I want to be cool?
Or
Do I want a Honda? (not that there's anything wrong with that.)

[Farab]

thanks mate!

[xwhatsit]

You just have to ask yourself
Do I want to be cool?
Or
Do I want a Honda? (not that there's anything wrong with that.)
Or, you could buy a CX500 and have neither.

[martybabe]

If it was my choice. Honda 900.

[jrandom]

You just have to ask yourself
Do I want to be cool?
Or
Do I want a Honda? (not that there's anything wrong with that.)

Actually, Big Dave pretty much hits the nail on the head.

I can't say I'm a huge fan of the Hornet 900, but that's just because they're, well...

... a bit uncool, really. Not much else wrong with them. I've managed to verify in scientific double-blind tests (heh) that a Hornet 900 won't keep up with a GSX1400 on the open road, but that's hardly a condemnation. They're comfy, smart-lookin', economical, quite light and easy to wheel around in a driveway, offer pretty reasonable pillion accommodation... can't go wrong, really.

The baby naked Triumph is cooler, sexier, and probably faster point to point when the chips are down, but the fact remains that if I had to do major mileage, I'd pick the Honda every time.

The money you'll save with the Hornet's lower purchase price will buy you suspension upgrades front and rear (call Shaun Harris at Moto-Dynamix for a quote on Penske gear and Robert Taylor at Crown Kiwi for a quote on Ohlins, or just PM them via the forum here) as well as a very nice set of hard luggage, too.

I vote Honda.

[Fatjim]

TBH I never rated the Hornet 900 till I rode one. It just loves twisties. and for a 10k bike its pretty hard to beat, just doesn;t have much of a blokes image.


I didn't much like the triple.

[NOMIS]

if prices where closer I would take the street triple on looks, More aggressive.

And I am a biased hornet rider but there is no bike that i completely like from factory, except the "08" r6/r1 and "07" zx10 ( just not green ) thoes and the new auguster.............

[Dooly]

Go for a Speed Triple, rather than a Street triple.
Not that theres anything wrong with the Street/T.

[HornetBoy]

Owned a 05 hornet 900 for about 6 months last year and used it exactly for what you are thinking of ,commuted about 130kms a day and used it for semi aggresive twisties on the weekends,with a bit of two up occasinally.Scrubs up well when it wants to aswell :love:

Found it had a good enough tank range to be able to go out to far away places without worrying about running out or having to stop and start all the time,also if you get the +04 ones you get adjustable fronts which id have advise you to look for if u do go with the hornet.And they are a beast when you put on some aftermarkets mufflers :scooter::gob: really flickable with a pillion and doesnt weight a ton so it feels quite easy to make sharp movements as slow speeds,but it is a slightly annoying that the headers get so covered in road tar etc :(, so you might want to install a fenda extenda or a belly pan if you want to keep the engine/headers from roting .

On the other hand the street triple is pretty darm good looking and is not as commonly seen as the hornet is ,but im not sure how that would handle as a commuter as its a bit more sporty and more higher revving ,also the serviceing would be a bit more expensive if your racking up the kms than the hornet which is something you cant overlook.

EDIT: Yea speed triple would be a more suitable bike for what your looking at than the street triple as Dooly said.

Meh or you could buy a katana like i did ,better than both for touring and commuting IMO ,although not as full of "tehno wizardry" but thats why i got it as you can do all the work on it yourself etc and they are very low maintenance.

[nodrog]

Go for a Speed Triple, rather than a Street triple.
Not that theres anything wrong with the Street/T.

what he said, and you should be able to pick up an '07 run out special as the '08's are due soonish :wari:

[ceebie13]

Have you considered the big brother of the 900 Hornet? The CB1300.
Buy the naked version, trick it up a bit and you have the creamiest, torquiest, infinitely flickable, mile-munching fun bike - even with the Mrs on the back.
All with Honda build quality and reliability.

Ignoring all those on the "It's a Honda therefore it's dull" bandwagon, rest assured that it's quite possibly the most underrated secret in Honda's line up.
Yep! I'm biased :-)

Detailed pics of mine showing various bling here:
http://homepage.mac.com/dicklaing/PhotoAlbum9.html

In the end, whatever you choose, it has to be your decision alone. You'll be happy with whatever you choose.

[Devil]

Street triple all the way.
It's a perfect commuter. Very light, very nimple. Power right off the bottom of the tacho. If I had to dodge traffic each day it'd be no contest. The Triple goes, stops and turns one hundred times quicker than the hornet.

Out on the open road it's an absolute hoot. All the plusses I mentioned above make it a scream in the twisties.

I wanted a hornet for my first big bike... until I rode one. And damn near fell asleep.

If you want a bike to go from A to B with no fuss and dont care about it. Buy the hornet.
If you want to enjoy the ride, get the Triumph.

As for reliability, i'm up to 69,000km on my Speed Four and it's just purring.

[Devil]

Oh and before I forget, 10,000km service intervals on the Triumph. They're not hugely more expensive to service than the jap bike. Plus, if you buy from holeshot, you'll get kick arse service to boot. Plus nice loaners :D

[Big Dave]

Same @ AMPS

[rogson]

Test ride them both - and anything/everything else that takes your fancy.
Buy the one that gives you the biggest buzz - everything else is irrelevant.

[pritch]

The Triple goes, stops and turns one hundred times quicker than the hornet.

What do you smoke for breakfast? :whistle:

When I first got interested in a Hornet early '05 it would beat the then current 1000cc sprotbikes to 160kph. When BIKE did a "Fifty Best Handling Bikes of all Time" the Hornet was on the list, one judge had it in his top 10.

Back then the Hornet was featured in BIKE'S "Ten Best of the Best" list.

The Street Triple is a nice wee bike and if they bring out a touring version I might be interested, but seriously a 675 with more grunt than a 919?
"I don't think so Tim."

[Devil]

The Street Triple is a nice wee bike and if they bring out a touring version I might be interested, but seriously a 675 with more grunt than a 919?
"I don't think so Tim."

Heh. I know what you're saying, let me clarify: For the "go" side of things. It's the Street Triple being nearly 30kg lighter that helps the throttle response. It takes off instantly.
Dont mean it'd win in a drag race, but on and off the throttle, squirting through gaps, the Triumph gets up and goes quicker. Plus it just feeeeeeels like a little monster trying to get out when you're jamming the throttle to the stop in each gear riding the upper midrange! (The engine has a whole lot to do with me loving this bike).

[vifferman]

Test ride them both - and anything/everything else that takes your fancy.
Buy the one that gives you the biggest buzz - everything else is irrelevant.
Eggs Zachary. :first:

Unless there is some dark, gnarsty secret about either of them, then that's all that matters. You've obviously narrowed your list down to two - that's not too hard to decide between, surely?
Personally, I think you should add in a few more likely prospects, and have fun test-riding.

[Devil]

Go to the yamaha/KTM shop in albany They have a KTM 690 Supermoto, brand new, $13,995. WP shocks front and rear, Brembo brakes. Cool looking bike.

[Big Dave]

I got no issues with the Hornet - done KR tests on it twice and really rated it both times. Recommended it to several people. Sweetest of front ends. Power and Torque usable in the legal zones. Does everything well. Clearly superior passenger considerations. Better ergos for taller chaps.

The Triumph works a bit harder but it's a heap more 'fun'. Wheelies and stoppies are dead easy and if you want to lift a wheel on exit - whap it on and baby!

It's far more raw boned. Personally I'd need to spend a grand on the suspension. It's a harsh ride on poor surfaces, but it's in keeping with the character of the bike, the set up is xtreme/stunting.

I'd still pick the Street Triple.

Other cool things with the Triumph.

RAT
I've made a a heap of good friends, won Thousands - yes thousands of dollars - worth of kit at the big weekend party that is a RAT Raid held twice annually. Depends on your age group a bit - but not entirely. Great rides. Honda does the red riders too. Don't know any.

The Gear.
I've got a new Triumph classic jacket at the moment and it's the nicest leather and some of the coolest stuff. It's got full Knox armour and is comfortable (and styley) enough to wear as a casual jacket.

Got my first bit of Triumph kit with the Tbird in 1997. Some of it is still in good nick.
The jackets, leathers and all weather stuff is designed for the Euro market. Subsequently it's good for here too.

I give it high praise to say it's comparable quality to Harley stuff. And it doesn't have to be all big logos - like harley, some of it is understated and just well designed and made motorcycle gear.

For the 'Britain of the Pacific' types, the English motifs are more comfortable than the Anime elsewhere on KB - and a subtle star or four (five) under a union jacket is easy to add :whistle:

Street Cred.
It's even in the name.

Triumph's web site is working nicely now.
www.triumph.co.uk
Choose NZ at the start and all the stuff that shows up is available here and priced in Pacific Pesos.

Jacket pics off it - the nine on the back's story is told on the lining.

[vifferman]

Jacket pics off it - the nine on the back's story is told on the lining.
Ooh! My jacket's got pix on the back lining too! Cartoons that try to explain the process of fitting/ replacing the various linings.:crazy:

[Batcerb]

I may be biased but ...

See if you can get a demo ride on a Street Triple.

Ill be shocked if you can still think about another bike after that :drool:

Done almost 10,000ks on mine, commute on it everyday of the week and then usual weekend mischief - Brilliant.

Its pretty good 2 up, even with a 80kg pillion

[Farab]

Thanks guys, keep it coming!! I'm a shocker when it comes to this sort of thing. Sweating ice blocks the day I got married I was so calm...choosing the right bike: can't sleep, tossing and turning, waking up in cold sweats:D

I think I need to take my time and test ride more bikes.

Test rode a 2005 ZX6R the other day..what a blast!! Not really suitable for what I want, would be great as an additional fun bike if money wasn't an issue...

The Aprilia Shiver has also caught my eye... As for the Speed Triple..heavy price tag (almost 20K), even at run out prices, for me anyway.

[Devil]

The Aprilia Shiver has also caught my eye... As for the Speed Triple..heavy price tag (almost 20K), even at run out prices, for me anyway.

Mid sized bikes are where the fun is at. You're not missing out by getting the Street Triple over the Speed Triple.

[Bonez]

Or, you could buy a CX500 and have neither.Must spread the rep around dammit!

[Bonez]

Test ride them both - and anything/everything else that takes your fancy.
Buy the one that gives you the biggest buzz - everything else is irrelevant.
Best advice given so far. If you need to pillion the Hornet might make more sence though.

[Swoop]

A few similarities between the Honda and what Clarkson was saying about "certain brands" of cars. They are quiet performers with few vices and last for ages. For this they get classed as "boring".
I think JC described them as like "a librarian"... dull looking BUT when the hair gets let down, the glasses come off... PHOARRRRR!!! what a ride!:drool:

[Devil]

I think JC described them as like "a librarian"... dull looking BUT when the hair gets let down, the glasses come off... PHOARRRRR!!! what a ride!:drool:

Except... it isn't.
It's boring because it's a boring ride :girlfight:

[avgas]

The real question is are you:
An Aston Martin driving, MI6 secret agent type person.
Or a NSX driving, tagger? type person.

Both can be cool, but one will always be considered *Cheap*

[Fatjim]

Except... it isn't.
It's boring because it's a boring ride :girlfight:

You need more sugar.

[Farab]

Any body got any info on the new CB1000R? When and how much?

[El Dopa]

The money you'll save with the Hornet's lower purchase price will buy you suspension upgrades front and rear (call Shaun Harris at Moto-Dynamix for a quote on Penske gear and Robert Taylor at Crown Kiwi for a quote on Ohlins, or just PM them via the forum here) as well as a very nice set of hard luggage, too.

I vote Honda.

But he'll almost certainly have to upgrade the striples bargain-basement suspension anyway. Triumph really missed a trick there.

Farab - is this bike going to be more 'tool' than it is 'toy'? I don't need to use my bike to commute, so I bought a toy, pure and simple.

If you're going to be commuting on it, I would reluctantly vote for the Honda. Just watch out if you acquire a new-found interest in interior decoration and TV programmes such as Greys Anatomy and other girlie shit. We'll have to stage an intervention.

[Farab]

^ He, he!


I live on the Shore and commute to Penrose...so 26 km's one way of Auckland traffic... I need something for the weeks commute, but also for a fun blast on the weekends

If I go with the 900 I'll most probably end up doing Ohlin conversion on the shocks & install a power commander...

[nallac]

you don't need the ohlins to have fun on a hornet.
it might make it more fun tho..

avgas summed it up the best
aston vs nsx.
style over function.

the triumph is oh so sexy.
the hornet no so.

[Devil]

Best advice given so far. If you need to pillion the Hornet might make more sence though.
Sure, if you need to pillion at 200km/h...
Otherwise the Triumph does just fine at pillioning!

[Coyote]

Any body got any info on the new CB1000R? When and how much?
Been trying to find that out myself. I've always like the hornet but it's never really excited me (yet to test ride one though). Pretty keen on the newer one, with it's single sided swingarm and upside down forks. If I had the cash I'd be changing the rims to RC30 looking ones though.

Hopefully it'll be just as cheap as the previous model (though I doubt it will be).

Shot of one on a turntable: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17B1G87522k

[Drew]

I have ridden a speed triple 1050, and own a Hornet, so i can give my personal view of both.

The rear shock on both needs serious attention.

The Trumpy aint as grunty as you'd expect, the Hoe more grunty than expected.

The triple wins the looks section hands down, as with the brakes.

That said, I hate to admit, I prefer the Honda.

Better value for money.

Ride them, decide yourself.

[Devil]

I have ridden a speed triple 1050, and own a Hornet, so i can give my personal view of both.

Better value for money.

Ride them, decide yourself.

Except we're talking about the Street Triple the hornet... :innocent:

[Drew]

Except we're talking about the Street Triple the hornet... :innocent:

Oh, in that case, there is no comparrison. The baby Trumpy is a toy, for short bursts of fanging. Less versitile if you will.

The bigger bikes are better allround machines IMHO, but no where near as capable for the real fun stuff.

[2wheeljunkie]

hands down the hornet is kick ass..

[Devil]

hands down the hornet is kick ass..

Your thread dredge aside, have you even ridden the Triumph?
Judging by your comment, I guess no...

[TerminalAddict]

Sure, if you need to pillion at 200km/h...


I can confirm the hornet does this well