I've gone naked!

[zeocen]

Well I didn't feel the need to post yet another "HAY I HAV A NEW BAIK" thread, but I just wanted to share my feelings towards the Honda Hornet 900.

I've had it for just over a week now I think and I haven't ridden nearly as much as I would have liked, because this thing just makes me want to ride.
Really, I never thought I would've seen myself on a naked bike, I thought them too classic looking or too 'bitsa' looking, kinda like an unfinished bike. But after buying this Hornet the only question left begging is "Why didn't I do this sooner?"

Now, I realise the Hornet isn't the crème de la crop of naked bikes, far from it. But this bike oozes fun. Boring? How could anyone say that? I feel so involved in this bike it is wonderful. I am a scenic rider, I ride to enjoy the ride and my surroundings, I'm not a "whoever gets to the destination the fastest and misses the whole point of riding wins" rider, so this bike is all me. The feeling is sublime! I can only imagine what higher spec naked bikes could do, I have entered a whole new realm of motorcycling and I do not miss supersport bikes one bit!

To say this bike is built to a budget is hard for me to believe, as my previous bike was also a very competant 'built to budget' bike. While fun, it had it's limitations in suspension and positions. Not so on the Hornet, adjustable forks, fully adjustable rear.. this alone is worth its weight in gold to me. Also the wonderful HISS security system, none of these were on my previous bike (or even the radical "40 changes" update to 2009 of said bike).

To be honest, I looked down on the Hornet. Because it was popular and naked. I was too stuck in my supersport/sport bike era, it was Gremlin, I believe, who gave me the push needed.. after telling me he went from a ZX10 to a Hornet and loved it. The bike I was looking at upgrading to was a ZX-14, after test riding one I found it hard to believe that a "shitty naked bike" (my words) could match it. But it did, I don't know how, but it did. I don't feel ANY weight, it tips in amazingly, I don't see any reason to change the bars, they are upright and they are beautiful.

Anywho, I have ranted and raved far too much on this topic! I had no intention of a conceited "look at me! look at bike!" thread but I really do love this bike and I believe it is has started a long line of things to come in the way of naked bikes, but for now.. I can't see myself straying from the swarm.

You really DO meet the nicest people on a Honda, even if their sexuality is in question!

I have Scorpion exhausts with DB Killer insert, about as loud as stock with a deep growl overlapping it, until you give it some revves and it speaks up with volume.
I also have a "Rider" custom seat.
GET ONE.
No, seriously, GET ONE. This is the second Rider seat I have had and it is the same top quality, the same finish and the same comfort that I had on my previous one. I cannot recommend how much these change your riding pleasures, well worth the money. Again, GET ONE.

Some pics!

[James Deuce]

Hah, hah.

You're old!

(Nice colour)

[DarkLord]

Agreed. Looks stunning in red.

[Fatjim]

Great choice, was my second choice but I couldn't say no to the Tuono. I've riden one of these with motorcross bars (Selstars old bike) and had heaps of fun TRYING to keep up with Deano and Sully. I would rate this one of the best value for money bikes around, and would consider having one in my garage to keep the k's off the Tuono if I have a few spare dollars.

[MsKABC]

From one honda rider to another: dat's vewy purdy :love: Enjoy!

[zeocen]

Hah, hah.

You're old!

(Nice colour)

Yes, I think that may contribute to gaining some sense :baby: hehe



Great choice, was my second choice but I couldn't say no to the Tuono. I've riden one of these with motorcross bars (Selstars old bike) and had heaps of fun TRYING to keep up with Deano and Sully. I would rate this one of the best value for money bikes around, and would consider having one in my garage to keep the k's off the Tuono if I have a few spare dollars.

I agree mate, the Shiver was ever so tempting but ever so cash-demanding. The hornet will suffice, for a gooood long while I think! Really am loving the bastard!

[keithbuckby]

Very Nice!!! have fun

[samgab]

Nice bike. I like the look of the Hornets.
Where do you get the rider seats from?
Are they gel?
What sort of cost?

[gijoe1313]

:shifty: Meh ... what do I know about hornets? :rolleyes:

[zeocen]

Nice bike. I like the look of the Hornets.
Where do you get the rider seats from?
Are they gel?
What sort of cost?

PM Cajun on here or go to http://www.trimit.co.nz/
They are based in Tauranga and use your existing seat to completely reshape it to your desired position.

[kunoichi]

LOL! And here i was hoping for an adventure packed story, with nudity, humour and possibly an action packed police chase. But nice bike anyways. :D it gets my thumbs up :yes:

[samgab]

PM Cajun on here or go to http://www.trimit.co.nz/
They are based in Tauranga and use your existing seat to completely reshape it to your desired position.

Thanks for that. Bling added.

[zeocen]

LOL! And here i was hoping for an adventure packed story, with nudity, humour and possibly an action packed police chase. But nice bike anyways. :D it gets my thumbs up :yes:

It's how I pull punters like you in, to read my boring anecdotes.

[Insanity_rules]

You really DO meet the nicest people on a Honda, even if their sexuality is in question!

Welcome to the honda fold, now did you want to subscribe to the naked man of the month picture? LOL
Just kidding but we do have a honda riders pool of cross dressing clothes and makeup if you need them. When you titled this thread did you think that you might be adding to the rumor about us honda riders?

Seriously, nice bike dude, well done!


:shifty: Meh ... what do I know about hornets? :rolleyes:

A lot I should hope going by your posts, it almost sounds like you would take one for a wife if it weren't a sin against nature. You've almost taken Hornet ownership to fetish level LOL

[ducatilover]

horny hornet :2thumbsup

[Maha]

Gidontknow may be tad jealous of that nice colour!!

[zeocen]

Gidontknow may be tad jealous of that nice colour!!

That is something we don't speak about in person. As he may revert back to shaolin days, snap my neck and take off with it! :innocent:

[ceebie13]

Your initial post describes how I felt in Oct 2006. After a trio of ZX9's over about ten years I decided to go back to a naked bike. I thought about a Hornet, but I finally decided on the CB13 cos I'm a tall bugger and I like big lardy bikes with loads of grunt that will mile munch all day two up. You tend not to see many CB13's about and mine gives me every bit as much pleasure as the ZX9's did - it's just that I wanted something that I could personalise and bling a bit, as well as something that wouldn't be lost in a sea of sportsbikes or sports tourers. Congrats on your new steed. Great bike!

Oh, and I agree - thumbs up to MacDonald Motor Trimmers in Tauranga.

[zeocen]

I agree Ceebee, I was also looking at the naked CB1300, but the Hornet's price is what made me stick with it. I also figured if I'm having fun with the power on the 919 then I'll probably never use 1300! Especially since I ride solo. I do love the look of the naked CB13's though.

[Gremlin]

I remember when you were so anti-hornets, simply because it was a Honda Hornet and looked gay.

Then I told you how I had heaps more fun on a hornet 900, than a custom tuned 04 zx10, that on paper, was better everywhere...

You finally relent, and now you have become a raving loon! :done:

[HenryDorsetCase]

I remember when you were so anti-hornets, simply because it was a Honda Hornet and looked gay.

Then I told you how I had heaps more fun on a hornet 900, than a custom tuned 04 zx10, that on paper, was better everywhere...

You finally relent, and now you have become a raving loon! :done:

Honda Hornet = fun: Plus you meet the nicest people.

Oh, and if you have a couple of grand to spend, I really recommend the Ohlins shock/fork rebuild. Lot of money for stuff you dont see, but it completely transforms the handling.

Let me know if you want a fender eliminator for cheap for it. Its the only Hornet fruit I have left now.

[EJK]

no No NO! Why the Hornet? :no:

[zeocen]

Thanks mate but I quite like having the big ol thing at the back to stop the dirt being kicked up on me tail!
I will be looking into a few superficial things before I get into suspension, the bike's current suspension far outperforms me. Trying to find an OEM honda hornet screen and have a Ventura light guard as well as the Hornet Ventura pack rack on it's way also.

I'm debating on whether I should get the frame sliders or the engine cage, quite liking the look of the givi cage as it seems to cover quite a lot incase of fallage. Though I suspect it will cost an arm and a leg!

[zeocen]

no No NO! Why the Hornet? :no:

I don't quite understand..?

[EJK]

I don't quite understand..?

I was meaning that you would look better on a sportsbike. I mean a proper sports bike :rockon:

[zeocen]

Well when you complete an actual ride without managing to destroy your motorcycles I'll deem you fit to critique me on what I ride, until then I, and all others (including even the girlfriend) think I look quite the stud on my naked steel horse.

Not to mention it's comfier, more suited to me and more relaxing. They're popular for a reason, yeah?

[AllanB]

fucking ace!

[yod]

it's a honda, it must be good

[gijoe1313]

no No NO! Why the Hornet? :no:

You tread on dangerous ground here padawan .. :girlfight:



I was meaning that you would look better on a sportsbike. I mean a proper sports bike :rockon:

And now you have in one sentence managed to alienate a rider who has been enjoying his new bike and dissed all the Hornet riders around ... have you seen what a swarm of hornets do to a fleshy target? :oi-grr:

When next I see you EJK, honour demands I challenge you to a duel ... at dawn with seconds I should think. Let me bring my chainmail glove so I can slap you as tradition dictates, I shall then throw it on your foot (hopefully breaking it) and then you can choose the weapons ...

I fear that even if you defeat me, there will be no end to the line of angry hornetto bikers waiting! :angry2:

We, the hornet swarm, await your reply with slight anticipation ... :2guns:

[PrincessBandit]

Very cool! Hey, you could get even more punters having a peep if you'd titled your thread "Zeocen - naked pics" ; but then I looked anyway. Not that I'm a dirty old lady at all....

Nah, seriously, very very cool bike. When are we going to see yours and Justins out on a double date??

[gijoe1313]

Very cool! Hey, you could get even more punters having a peep if you'd titled your thread "Zeocen - naked pics" ; but then I looked anyway. Not that I'm a dirty old lady at all....

Nah, seriously, very very cool bike. When are we going to see yours and Justins out on a double date??

You are behind the times PB! :msn-wink: I think he is also considering the bling LED lights, but since he never rides at nights anyway it's a moot point!

Wait till one day when there is a sea of hornettos and predators swarming around ...

Oh yes, to reiterate ... EJK is a marked padawan ... he has been sentenced to violent delights for violent ends, the biker gods shall cast their lots and I foresee nothing but a plain of misery and doom to ride <250cc bikes till he has realised what bikerdom is about! :slap:

Tch! He was such a nice lad as well ...

[zeocen]

Very cool! Hey, you could get even more punters having a peep if you'd titled your thread "Zeocen - naked pics" ; but then I looked anyway. Not that I'm a dirty old lady at all....

Nah, seriously, very very cool bike. When are we going to see yours and Justins out on a double date??

Not a dirty old school teacher at all... :shifty:
You raise a good point, though! We 'southies' haven't been on a ride together in too long, we must organise one soon. If only McJim and Chickadee were still up here it would be just like the old days.

[gijoe1313]

Not a dirty old school teacher at all... :shifty:
You raise a good point, though! We 'southies' haven't been on a ride together in too long, we must organise one soon. If only McJim and Chickadee were still up here it would be just like the old days.

Jeez getting all weepy and nostalgic and sentimental now? How very Honda of you! :eek:

[TOTO]

no No NO! Why the Hornet? :no:


I was meaning that you would look better on a sportsbike. I mean a proper sports bike :rockon:



a proper sports bike ay ? like an FXR I presume. :2guns:

Ahh after all that hornet owners have done for you thats how you repay. :nono:


You unsencitive "cool" biker you. What kind of 21st century educated metrosexual male biker says something like that ? :mad:

biker gods will not forget what you have just said - and oh you will pay dearly for it. Have our word ! :weird::ar15::kick::violin:


We better not find you somewhere on a beach with a $100 000 sports car as we will be extremely dissaponted.

Run and hide Ej. Run and Hide!

[The Stranger]

All this carry on (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=88733) and you get a bloody Hornet FFS.
Still could have been worse - you could have got an SV.

At least you will get to enjoy the bewildered looks of sport bike riders.

[gijoe1313]

All this carry on (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=88733) and you get a bloody Hornet FFS.
Still could have been worse - you could have got an SV.

At least you will get to enjoy the bewildered looks of sport bike riders.

En garde! En pointe! Riposte! Touche! Coup de grace!

[Gremlin]

I was meaning that you would look better on a sportsbike. I mean a proper sports bike :rockon:
Why? He's having a ton of fun with his choice (which is the all important metric). I've had more fun on naked bikes than sportsbikes, and depending on the bike, are more capable of doing more things. Open your eyes mate... life don't start and end with sportsbikes :yawn:

All this carry on (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=88733) and you get a bloody Hornet FFS.
Was it zeocen that I pointed I was training to ask impossible questions, then get something else? :whistle:

[davebullet]

Bloody good choice. I love my little hornet (well sorta hornet, but two cylinders ate the other two to become a 250 v-twin).

I'm choosing between an SV650 (naked of course) or Hornet CB900. Can get both for similar money.... I haven't been able to ride either (restricted license, owners / dealers insurance won't cover me, fair enough).

I've only ever ridden one faired bike - a new GS500F. In wellington cross-winds, the thing acted like a spinnaker - blowing me across the lane.

Anyway - bloody good choice. May you have many safe miles.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Bloody good choice. I love my little hornet (well sorta hornet, but two cylinders ate the other two to become a 250 v-twin).

I'm choosing between an SV650 (naked of course) or Hornet CB900. Can get both for similar money.... I haven't been able to ride either (restricted license, owners / dealers insurance won't cover me, fair enough).

I've only ever ridden one faired bike - a new GS500F. In wellington cross-winds, the thing acted like a spinnaker - blowing me across the lane.

Anyway - bloody good choice. May you have many safe miles.

I've owned both of those, you cant go too far wrong with either. I would pick the hornet though: better forks from stock (marginally) and a bit (well, 30) more horsepowers.

[zeocen]

All this carry on (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=88733) and you get a bloody Hornet FFS.
Still could have been worse - you could have got an SV.

At least you will get to enjoy the bewildered looks of sport bike riders.

I was stuck in my sports tour ways hehe.
I was very adamant in getting a ZX14, I even had the money ready to throw in for one that was available. But after a last sweep of test rides the Hornet blew me away. And you're correct, at least it ain't an SV! :chase:

The bewildered looks will only last but a second as they pass me, I'm cool with that, I'll be enjoying my ride :)

[TerminalAddict]

I remember, there was this one time .. .when my bike looked that clean

I fancied the bars change . .to renthal ultra lows ... but nothing wrong with the OEMs .. I just fancied changing to be honest :)

The suspension is the latest addition (from HenryDorsetCase)
It's not *quite* right just yet .. but about 60% better than it was ... HDC I suspect is "toothpick" sized compared to me ;)

I must book in a trip to Shaun or RT

[Dean]

I was stuck in my sports tour ways hehe.
I was very adamant in getting a ZX14, I even had the money ready to throw in for one that was available. But after a last sweep of test rides the Hornet blew me away. And you're correct, at least it ain't an SV! :chase:

The bewildered looks will only last but a second as they pass me, I'm cool with that, I'll be enjoying my ride :)

Ae you kidding me you didnt get the zx14, its the best tourer bike out.Or what about the gsx1400 , sure hornets are nice but..

[wbks]

Not to make an argument for the sake of it, youngbiker16, but how would you know? I saw toto's Hornet 900 the other week and it looked a lot better in person than I was expecting. Sounds nice, too. I'm assuming it's got the lead over the zx14 on most NZ roads if you were going to bring performance into it aswell.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Ae you kidding me you didnt get the zx14, its the best tourer bike out.Or what about the gsx1400 , sure hornets are nice but..

a ZX14 or busa or GSX1400 might be "the best tourer around" but not in NZ roads: particularly some of the highways with numbers greater than 1. Its very difficult to cruise at 100 -110 120 k on something like that, not tomention a waste. And with speed laws being what they are (ding: 141kph you get to walk home to Wellington from Putararu) not to mention the large traffic volumes and all the well known negatives, it seems to me pointless having a bike with som much capability but no real ability to use it on NZ roads as they are.

Thus the Hornet, (or any naked bike) is the sensible choice, with a reasonable riding position, cheapish to buy, cheapish to run, cheapish to crash and fix. If you grew up in an era where all motorbikes were unfaired except race bikes and the odd touring bike, it looks like a motorbike. But meh, buy what you want, ride what you want, its all good.

[TOTO]

Ae you kidding me you didnt get the zx14, its the best tourer bike out.Or what about the gsx1400 , sure hornets are nice but..


Mate you have got no idea. Hornets are a whole another world :yes:


Not to make an argument for the sake of it, youngbiker16, but how would you know? I saw toto's Hornet 900 the other week and it looked a lot better in person than I was expecting. Sounds nice, too. I'm assuming it's got the lead over the zx14 on most NZ roads if you were going to bring performance into it aswell.


I hear a hornet coming your way...:woohoo:

[wbks]

Lol maybe when I get back into the market for a bike in a year or so. What is the average value for a Hornet 900?

[TOTO]

Lol maybe when I get back into the market for a bike in a year or so. What is the average value for a Hornet 900?


mate you can get an absolute minter with 5000 - 10 000km on the clock for around 6.5 - 7k.

and they last. they really last. I know of a 900 hornet which has done 170 000km and is going stong with no engine rebuilds or anything. Regular servicing and you are away :)

[zeocen]

Ae you kidding me you didnt get the zx14, its the best tourer bike out.Or what about the gsx1400 , sure hornets are nice but..

When ego doesn't reign supreme you'll be suprised at the realm of bikes you get to choose from.
I ride solo, the other half doesn't particularly like bikes and that's the only person I'll pillion. ZX14 has the grunt and the power but unless I'm taking my life on the back as well as a passenger the amount of power it has amounts to zilch to me. The Hornet has suprised me in power already. That, coupled with gas, mileage, tyres, services, ease of use in town, cheap repairs if I were to drop it, not to mention it was a good 5k less, keeping me with some 'Hornet Bling' if need be.

Also, going by your name I'm just going to assume you're 16, you shouldn't even be speaking the words of a GSX1400 or ZX14. Come back down to earth before you kill yourself.

On a lighter note, I knew there were some Hornet riders around here but not this many! It's awesome :D I feel I have joined a small family :sweatdrop

[wbks]

Is a hornet motor a de-tuned fireblade 900 motor? Would re-mapping it to fireblade specs and putting a pipe with jetting changes on it make it as powerfull as the cbr900? Or are there mechanical changes?

[TerminalAddict]

different cams .. beyond that I don't know

[HenryDorsetCase]

i have a magazine at home where a guy either completely worked over a Hornet motor or stapled and duct taped a 954cc Blade motor into one. I dont see the point TBH I think it would tie the chassis in knots.

and (wait for it) more power is not always better. (says the guy on a 56hp AT THE CRANK bike :o )

[TOTO]

Is a hornet motor a de-tuned fireblade 900 motor? Would re-mapping it to fireblade specs and putting a pipe with jetting changes on it make it as powerfull as the cbr900? Or are there mechanical changes?

I think that the engine is mechanically retuned. But changing a hornet to fireblade is like trying to turn Angelina Jolie into her mother. She is perfect the way she is.

[samgab]

Lol maybe when I get back into the market for a bike in a year or so. What is the average value for a Hornet 900?

Here's a nice 'un. $1 reserve. 2004 model.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-202040710.htm

[wbks]

I'm sure it's fine as it is, I was just interested.

[The Stranger]

Ae you kidding me you didnt get the zx14, its the best tourer bike out.

Not knocking the 14 at all, but the concept of touring in NZ has to be a joke, you can "tour" it in a few days.
Very few people use their bikes like Unit i.e heaps of 400k commutes.

If most bought for the riding they actually do instead of what they dream they would like to do - or for vanity - more would favour and be better off with nakeds.

[pritch]

Is a hornet motor a de-tuned fireblade 900 motor? Would re-mapping it to fireblade specs and putting a pipe with jetting changes on it make it as powerfull as the cbr900? Or are there mechanical changes?

Cams, compression, diameter of intake and exhaust ports, etc.

As it is, the Hornet is a very nicely balanced package. When it came out it would beat the contemporary 1000cc sprotbikes to 160kph. (Then their longer legs would come into play.) Most changes an owner could do to the engine, with the exception of a PCIII, would hinder rather than help.

In theory you could get a CBR900RR engine from a wrecker, and fit that with the RR exhaust pipe but then you'd find shortcomings elsewhere such as frame or brakes.

Balance may be under appreciated by some but really, it's cool :cool:

[Renegade]

naked...i know what you mean, i love my ducati monster :love: i to went from the sport bike to a naked, and i hate to say it but a took an 80's goldwing for a ride and it was choice :blank:

[Renegade]

When ego doesn't reign supreme you'll be suprised at the realm of bikes you get to choose from.
I ride solo, the other half doesn't particularly like bikes and that's the only person I'll pillion. ZX14 has the grunt and the power but unless I'm taking my life on the back as well as a passenger the amount of power it has amounts to zilch to me. The Hornet has suprised me in power already. That, coupled with gas, mileage, tyres, services, ease of use in town, cheap repairs if I were to drop it, not to mention it was a good 5k less, keeping me with some 'Hornet Bling' if need be.

Also, going by your name I'm just going to assume you're 16, you shouldn't even be speaking the words of a GSX1400 or ZX14. Come back down to earth before you kill yourself.

On a lighter note, I knew there were some Hornet riders around here but not this many! It's awesome :D I feel I have joined a small family :sweatdrop

dude i think he has a point with the gsx1400, its a great looking naked muscle bike, especially with the optional pipes all for 13k

[davebullet]

People have mentioned " thank god you didn't go for an SV". Can you tell me why? Are you comparing the hornet with the naked or faired SVs - and with the 650 or 1000 (PS: I've only seen one naked SV1000 - sold recently on TradeME).

PS: I haven't seen any sub 10,000km hornets for under $7k on Trademe - they seem to be advertised between 8 - 10 (so maybe with haggling you are getting into the $7s).

[The Stranger]

People have mentioned " thank god you didn't go for an SV". Can you tell me why? Are you comparing the hornet with the naked or faired SVs - and with the 650 or 1000 (PS: I've only seen one naked SV1000 - sold recently on TradeME).

PS: I haven't seen any sub 10,000km hornets for under $7k on Trademe - they seem to be advertised between 8 - 10 (so maybe with haggling you are getting into the $7s).

I could tell you, but can't be arsed putting up with all the maoning and wailing from the pansy arse SV owners.
Best you go ride one.

[Dean]

sure hornets are nice i would love to buy a hornet 250 (but ill never get the money, maybe on a huge loan) but when it comes to big bikes zx14 or a gsx1400 i think are more allrounder tourers.Yes i am only 16 but i have ridden big bikes, ive ridden the gsx1400 and pillioned on a zx14 ,zzr1400 also i think it was.I dont want to impose any bad points about the hornets, hornets are great bikes to and maybe if i ever get a hornet 250 i might change my mind

[zeocen]

Hate to break it to you quickshot but the ZX-14 and ZZR1400 are the same bike. You're talking to the guy who had a CBR1100XX Blackbird, ZZR1100 and go out on the ZZR1200 every now and then, I know what I'm "missing out on" and I'm quite content with the purcahse I made.

[Dean]

Hate to break it to you quickshot but the ZX-14 and ZZR1400 are the same bike. You're talking to the guy who had a CBR1100XX Blackbird, ZZR1100 and go out on the ZZR1200 every now and then, I know what I'm "missing out on" and I'm quite content with the purcahse I made.

For sure man, but i don't want to in anyway say that I'm experienced in riding or know a heap about bikes and I'm sorry if i did, i know for sure that you will have more riding years then my age or just a lot of experience.I just think as an opinion that the zx14 from being a pillion on the back of one they definitely have the power to keep a smile on a riders face, its quite a big bike and comfortable on long rides, fuel wise the hornet would beat it economically.
Don't get me wrong i like hornets they are great bikes especially the 250cc version and the 600 hundreds and up but for big tourer bikes zx14 gsx1400

[doc]

Don't you just hate it when you get a new bike, then notice everyone else has one too.

[nallac]

been there done that with the Hornet,
awesum bike for the money.
Could have better brakes tho.

I've gone faired sports bike now, going to be hard to keep my license
compared to the Hornet... just to easy to get into instant license losing speed.

looky here for lots of Hornet info
http://www.wristtwisters.com/forum/index.php

[240]

Well I didn't feel the need to post yet another "HAY I HAV A NEW BAIK" thread, but I just wanted to share my feelings towards the Honda Hornet 900.

I've had it for just over a week now I think and I haven't ridden nearly as much as I would have liked, because this thing just makes me want to ride.
Really, I never thought I would've seen myself on a naked bike, I thought them too classic looking or too 'bitsa' looking, kinda like an unfinished bike. But after buying this Hornet the only question left begging is "Why didn't I do this sooner?"

Now, I realise the Hornet isn't the crème de la crop of naked bikes, far from it. But this bike oozes fun. Boring? How could anyone say that? I feel so involved in this bike it is wonderful. I am a scenic rider, I ride to enjoy the ride and my surroundings, I'm not a "whoever gets to the destination the fastest and misses the whole point of riding wins" rider, so this bike is all me. The feeling is sublime! I can only imagine what higher spec naked bikes could do, I have entered a whole new realm of motorcycling and I do not miss supersport bikes one bit!

To say this bike is built to a budget is hard for me to believe, as my previous bike was also a very competant 'built to budget' bike. While fun, it had it's limitations in suspension and positions. Not so on the Hornet, adjustable forks, fully adjustable rear.. this alone is worth its weight in gold to me. Also the wonderful HISS security system, none of these were on my previous bike (or even the radical "40 changes" update to 2009 of said bike).

To be honest, I looked down on the Hornet. Because it was popular and naked. I was too stuck in my supersport/sport bike era, it was Gremlin, I believe, who gave me the push needed.. after telling me he went from a ZX10 to a Hornet and loved it. The bike I was looking at upgrading to was a ZX-14, after test riding one I found it hard to believe that a "shitty naked bike" (my words) could match it. But it did, I don't know how, but it did. I don't feel ANY weight, it tips in amazingly, I don't see any reason to change the bars, they are upright and they are beautiful.

Anywho, I have ranted and raved far too much on this topic! I had no intention of a conceited "look at me! look at bike!" thread but I really do love this bike and I believe it is has started a long line of things to come in the way of naked bikes, but for now.. I can't see myself straying from the swarm.

You really DO meet the nicest people on a Honda, even if their sexuality is in question!

I have Scorpion exhausts with DB Killer insert, about as loud as stock with a deep growl overlapping it, until you give it some revves and it speaks up with volume.
I also have a "Rider" custom seat.
GET ONE.
No, seriously, GET ONE. This is the second Rider seat I have had and it is the same top quality, the same finish and the same comfort that I had on my previous one. I cannot recommend how much these change your riding pleasures, well worth the money. Again, GET ONE.

Some pics!

Owned a 1999 600 then a brand new 2007 900 f@cken awesome bikes!! enjoy.:headbang:

[ceebie13]

All this twaddle about sportsbikes v naked bikes is pointless. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder surely? It's horses for courses isn't it? Let's see, what other cliches can I come up with? Seriously, You ride what you ride and you make decisions accordingly - don't you?

As someone who has been in both camps but has returned to the "starkers" club, I can only say that I got enormous fun out of both genres. In both cases I was not out to break the land speed record - but it's great discovering what any bike is capable of and putting it through it's paces. I used both types for long distance work and the ZX9 proved able to multi-task quite happily just as the CB seems pretty adept at keeping up with my friends on sportsbikes now and again.

I don't believe that sportsbike riders look down on naked bikes (or vice versa) - well, maybe those who don't subscribe to my points in this post do! - but in general we are all in the same camp, or it looks that way to me when we all converge on our favourite roads or gather for some cause or another.

[gijoe1313]

I don't believe that sportsbike riders look down on naked bikes (or vice versa) - well, maybe those who don't subscribe to my points in this post do! - but in general we are all in the same camp, or it looks that way to me when we all converge on our favourite roads or gather for some cause or another.

You do realise this is KB right? :msn-wink: :rofl: Your genuflected and pertinent points will be drowned out by the general unwashed mass mugging for the most controversial statement.

I ride what I ride so I can ride ... two wheels, a motor? Gimme it and I will ride it! :yes:

[Despatch]

Good choice of bike. I find mine fantastic to ride. Loads of power when you need it, yet nimble in the traffic. You should get loads of miles out of it too.

With the round headlight and mirrors, the look is a bit more "classic" than "street". I'd consider changing the mirrorsto get rid of that "Mickey Mouse" ears look. More squarish and black instead of round and chrome would look better.

I can see that in 10 years time once we've given up on keeping them "new" looking, this bike would be great fully matted out.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Sure the chrome mirrors do look a bit naff in some eyes but they are superbly functional: buzz free even at slightly unlawful speeds and a view past the elbows to the road behind.

I do LOVE those CRG bar end mirrors but $$$$$

[zeocen]

I was thinking of getting different mirrors, those Rizoma ones were looking MIGHTY tasty, but as Despatch said, right now it looks more classic than street, I like that.

...and I could feed half of Africa for the amount of the Rizoma bars..

For now they do the trick :D I just love it as it is right now! The Hornet OEM screen seems pretty expensive so I might have to go the Givi route too for when I do them 400km+ rides.

[The Stranger]

All this twaddle about sportsbikes v naked bikes is pointless. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder surely? It's horses for courses isn't it? Let's see, what other cliches can I come up with? Seriously, You ride what you ride and you make decisions accordingly - don't you?


You need to add vanity and ignorance into that equasion there somewhere, because I am sure many purchase decisions are based largely on one or both.

[pritch]

I can see that in 10 years time once we've given up on keeping them "new" looking, this bike would be great fully matted out.

The Yanks have already had matt paint jobs new.

[bezajel]

Mmmm naked... not sure what it is but they do tend to catch my eye.

So... nice bike! Yay red! :clap::headbang:

[gatch]

Congrats on your new wheels, may the light of the honda gods shine on you crazy diamond :)

Also mayhaps I have missed something important ? Why do so many people hate on SV's, I'v never ridden one further than around town but it seemed ok, everything I have seen in text indicates they are capable bang for buck bikes, a little over 100hp for the thou, capable suspension unless you are attempting race pace.. etc etc, what gives ???