Ducati Monster vs Honda Hornet

**beanz** · 27th April 2010, 12:15

Hi,

I'm upgrading and been thinking about these two bikes. Been looking at a 2001/2 S4 Monster, and a 2005ish 900 Hornet.

What get me interested in these was the more upright riding position, and the nakedness of them both. I test-rode a guys Hornet and it went like stink (but I have no experience with big bikes). Trouble is it idled funny when cold, and temp needle stayed on cold even after 10min of riding round the streets. Not sure if this is normal. The erratic idle was there after the 10min too.

Anyway, the Monster looks better IMO, and feels smaller (I like that). But I've heard they have a noisy dry clutch and need more regular maintenance. Also, I've heard the 2cyl puts more uneven load on the chain/sprockets than a 4cyl.

Anyway, keen to hear peoples opinions on these 2, or any other recommendations. (For around $7000)
Cheers
Chris

**BuzzardNZ** · 27th April 2010, 12:32

Owned a 600 hornet, and have to say I hated it. Buzzy engine, fuel hog and sounded crap. I'd much prefer a large V-twin over the 900 Hornet.

You should take a look at the SV-1000, plenty out there, more fun than the Hornet, get a great V-twin sound, shit loads of torque and way less
to maintain than a ducati.

**firefighter** · 27th April 2010, 12:39

Originally Posted by BuzzardNZ

Owned a 600 hornet, and have to say I hated it. Buzzy engine, fuel hog and sounded crap. I'd much prefer a large V-twin over the 900 Hornet..

The buzzy engine and fuel hog thing does'nt quite sound right....... 260 kms to a tank on my last 900, town riding, with a smaller front sprocket and a larger rear. (lower gearing) Sound is actually pretty nice with the right pipes on board......That's of-course asides the fact they're bullet proof engines....

As for an SV1000 for someone who has just said they have little experience with big bikes, I ca'nt say I agree there, especially when he said the Hornet felt grunty enough but the monster was preferred due to it being a smaller bike.

For the money it sounds like he has available the hornet probably is a safer and more sensible buy, and he will get more for his money. (until he gets the "mod" bug like I did!)

For the record I compared the same two bikes, but went with the hornet for the reliability, and the fact I could get one with lower kms, newer year and essencial pipe mods etc for much less, and know it would die well after I do!

**BuzzardNZ** · 27th April 2010, 12:44

Not a lot in it with the SV1000 vs the 900 Hornet regarding being a 'big' bike.

I get better mileage from my SV1000, over the 600 Hornet.

Bullet proof engine, I agree, but at the end of my stint on the Hornet, I wanted to put more than a few bullets in the phucking thing.

SV1000 was my first big bike, moved up to it from a 600 ( the Hornet ) with no worries ( plus I see beanz rides a 650 )

**firefighter** · 27th April 2010, 13:07

Originally Posted by BuzzardNZ

Not a lot in it with the SV1000 vs the 900 Hornet regarding being a 'big' bike.

I get better mileage from my SV1000, over the 600 Hornet.

Bullet proof engine, I agree, but at the end of my stint on the Hornet, I wanted to put more than a few bullets in the phucking thing.

SV1000 was my first big bike, moved up to it from a 600 ( the Hornet ) with no worries ( plus I see beanz rides a 650 )

You are attributing 600 traits to the 900. Kinda the same bike but not really, if that makes sense. And for the size I'm not thinking performance or power wise, more the height thing to do with the size, as he sounds like he was after something smaller than the 900, and the SV is quite a bit taller. (I think that's what he was meaning)

ps. I personally would choose the SV over the other two also, but my criteria is different than Beanz's.......it was actually on the cards but I managed to buy my 750 for the right price!

**gijoe1313** · 27th April 2010, 13:15

Well of course with my bias, I always champion the Hornet. But different strokes for different folks and all that, best way is to just ride a variety of each around so you can best judge with yourself which one takes your fancy the most. If you like to ride for long stints and enjoy reliabilitiy and reduced servicing issues, go for a Hornet. If you are into the cachet and unique feel of a Ducati then choose that! For the money you pay, Hornets are great value for money, also tend to have a lot of extras on them also.

Most Hornets tend to be well-treated by their owners and high milage is not really an off-putting factor. My lil'ol'hornet 250 is still going as strong as when I got it at 24 000km, it's now at 105, 000km now. My Big Ol'Hornet 900 actually feels better now at 76 000km then when I bought it brand new just under two years now.

But then, biking is a passion, just go with your passion and you can't go far wrong!

**onearmedbandit** · 27th April 2010, 13:15

Go with your heart - go the Monster.

**beanz** · 27th April 2010, 14:07

Thanks for your replies guys. Yeah, I currently own a BMW 650 Dakar and a 50cc scooter. I love weaving through traffic on the scooter, but obviously it lacks the adrenaline hit we all need. And the Dakar beast feels like riding a horse down the road, and my feet can't even touch the ground flat. Its wrong to ride that round on solid ground anyway. So I was thinking of doing away with them both, and getting a mean city machine. Something small and nimble (I'm not a buy guy), but something with balls and style, but not a pure sports bike. I'd get a KTM Duke if I could afford it.

The Monster is completely the right size, but yeah, it seems I can only afford a 2001 model with 20-odd k's on the clock. Can get a much newer Hornet for the same coin.

So would a 900 Hornet with trick pipes sound throaty? Cos the stock Hornet I rode sounded like a typical high-revving sports bike.

Yeah, my heart is with the Monster, but my head is with the Hornet. What to do...

**beanz** · 27th April 2010, 14:19

SV1000 is prob too big for me, but just discovered the 650 version (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-285734043.htm) Looks quite cool! Any opinions on this?

**onearmedbandit** · 27th April 2010, 14:20

You need to ride a better running Hornet to help you make your decision, and speaking of such ride a Monster as well. The dry clutches only make noise when the lever is pulled in, so it's not really a big deal. And yes the hornet will sound 'throatier' with some decent pipes.