05 CB900F Honda Hornet Review

**skelstar** · 15th February 2006, 07:24

I can confirm that Zapf's pipes do sound good. Mark at Neptune reckoned that the single exhaust option would cost about $550. Bit better than $1200-1300 (Im a tight-arse).

**et al** · 15th February 2006, 20:25

I have heard back from Mark (Neptune) and will get him to do me a set. The single pipe option makes sense in many respects because it removes a lot of excess plumbing and weight from the bike, and takes less weight out of your wallet - but for me I like the styling of the twin high rise/underseat pipes so am going with that. Will be interesting to compare the differences noise and styling wise etc between our bikes if you go ahead with the single pipe option.

**skelstar** · 15th February 2006, 20:59

You should get him to take a good photo of your bike with the pipes off. Id be keen to see what it looks like.

**Kendog** · 15th February 2006, 21:48

I would like to replace the exhausts for the same reasons. Will be interested to see how the Neptunes turn out as I have heard nothing but good feedback about them.

**Zapf** · 15th February 2006, 21:54

I think a single pipe sized to suit a sports 600 would be about right... similar power out put. Just need to get a mandural pipe made up for the connection. It can be mounted off the factory pipe bracket.

Re the mount, it'll be best if they can also fit a rubber mount for the pipe. As that isolates the vibration from the mono tube back bone frame.

**skelstar** · 15th February 2006, 21:58

Apparently Neptune have a 'computer controlled mandrel machine'. Well I was impressed.

Zapf: the single pipe...do you mean under the seat or down low?

**Zapf** · 16th February 2006, 10:31

Originally Posted by skelstar

Apparently Neptune have a 'computer controlled mandrel machine'. Well I was impressed.

Zapf: the single pipe...do you mean under the seat or down low?

down low... follows how a sports bike would normally run its exhaust. But have to make sure it doesn't reduce clearence

**Groins_NZ** · 16th February 2006, 12:38

Nice avatar 'skelstar' and congratulations on the purchase.

Wish I had some spare $ for some more exhaust note 'character', alas, I'll have to wait - South Island tour coming up soon! I want to get my suspension sorted before an exhaust mod though, either of which may well not happen?

I don't really know what the stock exhausts sound like except from inside my helmet. Some reviews say it's a substantial 'bark' but I wouldn’t mind being behind another Hornet when the throttles’ opened up at around 6500Rpm… so we need a Hornet Swarm Vest (or something)! Anyone up for swarming over to the coast via Wainuiomata tonight?

**Zapf** · 16th February 2006, 13:45

Originally Posted by Groins_NZ

so we need a Hornet Swarm Vest (or something)! Anyone up for swarming over to the coast via Wainuiomata tonight?

I do have the idea of heading to Wellington for a weekend with skelstar's invite.

Groins... does your bike have the 2 way adjustment front and rear? if so I am happy to send u my suspension settings, as I have had it setup by guy in Cycletreads.

**Groins_NZ** · 16th February 2006, 14:40

Thanks Zapf that would be cool - how much do you weigh, if you don't mind me asking?

**Kendog** · 16th February 2006, 18:53

Originally Posted by Zapf

down low... follows how a sports bike would normally run its exhaust. But have to make sure it doesn't reduce clearence

Isn't one of the good things about the Hornet the twin underseat exhaust. At least I think it is. Looks good when you are following one on the road

**Groins_NZ** · 16th February 2006, 20:37

I see I'm going to have to update my avatar.

**Kendog** · 16th February 2006, 20:46

skelstar inspired me

**skelstar** · 16th February 2006, 21:39

I am quite inspirational...
Another cool thing about the Hornet is the thin seat. Would look fanastic, but yet to see a good piccy of it.

nptnz is watching!