05 CB900F Honda Hornet Review

**pritch** · 21st February 2006, 19:53

Originally Posted by skelstar

After having a look at that solid square beam running dwn the length of my bike, I cant believe there would be any shortcomings in the frame.

I guess a study of the GSXR1000, R1, CBR1000RR, ZX10 etc(?) might reveal the state of frame development as at early 2006.

I'm not knocking the Hornet, it is excellent, "better than the sum of its parts". BIKE rates both it and the 600 four stars, (VFRs and Blackbirds get three stars...) If you upgrade one aspect, however, you will show up the next weakness. That doesn't just apply to the Hornet, that goes for almost anything.

If it wasn't the frame, it'd be the brakes etc etc.

**skelstar** · 23rd February 2006, 09:58

Have mentioned this in another thread but thought it prudent to put in here as well.

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.

I got my clear taillight kit from eBay today. Its basically a clear taillight lense, and red bulbs. I thought the bulbs were a bit dim so am in the process of making some LED units that will slot right in. Im an electronics doobie so thisisnt too much of a problem. Will let you know how I get on.

**et al** · 24th February 2006, 21:42

Rode through two tunnels on the way home tonight - sounds awesome (was so excited I forgot to toot thru Mt Vic!). I was worried about how the pipes would look styling wise but pleased to say I reckon from the back it looks soooo sexy - I have no doubt that Quagmire (Sex crazed neighbor of Peter Griffin in Family guy) upon seeing them would say: Alll Right, Giggidy-giggidy-giggidy! Hope to post some pictures in next few days so that you can all see what I mean. Mark from Neptune has done an exceptional job - he is a true craftsman and a pleasure to do business with. These pipes have had absolutely no detrimental effect on fuelling - in fact it feels a lot sharper on the throttle, especially in first gear. True test will be ride to Manfeild for track day tomorrow.

**skelstar** · 27th February 2006, 07:19

Have seen the pipes. Very sexy. I quite like the look of the bigger cans on the bike. Kinda 'chunks up' the rear end a bit.

**skelstar** · 27th February 2006, 07:23

Oh yeah - much of Friday was spent trying to sort out my clear taillights. The red bulbs supplied were a little inadequate so I got some high intensity LEDs and kinda made a circuit board that goes across the two bulb sockets inside the taillight. It required the destruction of two bulbs and the wiring of the filaments onto the board. As I am an electronics engineer I have the luxury of being able to mill out circuit boards on a milling machine. Not sure if I have made it bright enough yet, so might order some more LEDs and have another go.

**Kendog** · 27th February 2006, 09:57

Hey Skelstar, after looking at your tail-light while it was parked up, thought 'Yeah, looks cool', but then saw it while you were riding it, and now my impression is 'That looks farkin hot!!' It's awesome dude, nice job!

Mrs KD

**skelstar** · 27th February 2006, 09:58

Why thanks. Put it down to my work paying for a day and a half of labour getting the farking LEDs right. It needs more though. Im thinking of going SMD next....

**HenryDorsetCase** · 27th February 2006, 11:28

pleased I found this thread. will review in detail tonight.

lot of bike for $11k !!

**et al** · 27th February 2006, 20:51

Here are some pictures of my Hornet with the Neptune mufflers. As you can see it gives the backend a real different look, and also opens up the side view. Also sounds awesome, and she seems to rev a lot more freely and cleanly right through the rev range - gave it a good workout at Manfeild Track Day on Saturday.

**DrHook** · 27th February 2006, 21:54

et al, couldn't help but drool over the Neptunes...they look and sound just great!

**skelstar** · 28th February 2006, 07:43

THey did sound good (and look good). Would prefer something a tad louder (dont have an italian girlfriend).

**Groins_NZ** · 28th February 2006, 11:34

Nice et al.

So how much did you shell out in the end?

I'm off my Horny for 28 days - yes 28 days! Got snapped Sunday night on the Raumati Straight just before dark.

**skelstar** · 28th February 2006, 11:52

Ouch. Was that because of demerits or just instant removal of licence?

**et al** · 28th February 2006, 12:22

I like the way the Neptunes don't get incrementally louder as you open the throttle - am pretty much over loud pipes myself (my Ducati has standard ones by the way), although I enjoy listening to them on other people's bikes.
And Mr Skelstar aka Mad Butcher: if you ever do get an Italian girlfriend please promise me you will not go near her with your blunt bread-knife, chainsaw, or whatever it was you used on your Hornet's rear guard!