So, after a demo ride at the weekend I decided to trade in my trusty and almost 50k, VTR Firestorm, and furnish my garage with a nice new Hornet 900.
My first impressions of the demo bike were mixed. The riding style was completely different to the VTR, from the bent over to the upright position. This gave me a slight feeling of the front wanting to ‘dip’ into the corners a little. I put this down to my lack of recent experience on a ‘street fighter’ and concentrated on the rest of the ride.
The roads around Palmy were slightly damp so I had to take it fairly gingerly, actually that’s probably an understatement, since it a) wasn’t my bike and b) I didn’t want to make a complete arse of myself in front of my two, somewhat frustrated companions, Babelfish and Grant my neighbor -Thanks a million guys. Who were both straining at the bit to roar off into the distance for some fun.
The bike handled very well and the upshot was I decided to go for it. So I picked my new baby up on Tuesday morning and after a few I’ve begun to get a feel for it. I’ll begin with what I don’t like…
Honda, for some reason, chose to put the kickstand bar behind the foot peg, which makes it cumbersome when parking for someone shorter like me, as you have to fumble to find it.
The seat could be a tad more comfortable but I think over time that seat may soften a bit as it’s worn in. The only other criticism I have is that I like to ride with the balls of the feet on the pegs. The design of the Hornet pushes your heels out so you’re slightly pigeon toed in this position. But this may just be something I’ll get used to.
The good side…
The stability of the Hornet in comparison to the VTR is very different. Into the corners the hornet digs itself into the tarmac and delivers to you a massive burst of confidence. The VTR on the other hand was a slight more unpredictable and often had to be teased and eased through the ‘experience’.
The range on the hornet is impressive in comparison. No more paranoia of the red light of death. I filled her up after about 250k’s and about 25k after the light came on. With 3.5 liters left in reserve there’s no problem with getting to a gas station.
The gear changes on both bikes are cluncky, however, the hornet seems much happier with clutch-less changes. Between 4th and 5th however you have to make a conscious effort let the gear leaver return fully, otherwise the next attempt too often ends up with nothing more than a toe full of spring!
One thing to get used to from the VTR is how quickly you have to change up through the gears. The hornet gets there in an instant whereas the VTR’s tourqe and higher gear ratio takes you to the next change in a slightly longer timeframe. Having said, that I’m still keeping the revs on the 900 fairly low at the moment.
The higher gear ratio on the VTR meant that town riding would be in 4th or maybe 3rd a lot of the time. The Hornet in 6th will potter down to 40 without a moan.
Power delivery on the hornet is extremely smooth. So much so that you have to watch the needle carefully if you want to keep the bike below demerit level! Much less torque than the VTwin, for obvious reasons, but getting up there seems to be a touch quicker. I could be wrong and just lulled into this view due to the engine being so much quieter than the roaring VTR lump with the Two Brothers kicking out some obscene amount of noise on acceleration.
The hornet enters and exits the twisties beautifully, even on it’s current ‘uscrubbed’ tires and gives great feeling of confidence on the damp patches too.
Yep, this is a budget, entry level bike, but for what you get for your money, (I paid 10k for it brand new) I’m impressed. The 100k a day commute is more comfortable, cheaper and worry free compared to the VTR. And I’ve no doubt it’s going to be just as, if not much, MUCH more, fun!
All up, I love the Hornet. I was sad to get rid of my previous partner but having spent a few k’s with my new one I’ve nothing but happiness.
The VTR could be compared to something untamed, rugged and untrustworthy on many occasions. It was full of testosterone and yearning to be treated very badly.
In contrast the hornet is rather more hormonal and needing to be directed with more finesse. It’s responsive to the nth degree and exponentially more refined. Wine and dine her and she’ll give you pleasure of a gentle, but raging, sex kitten. If I were married I’d be having an affair right now. Sneaking out in the morning and returning late at night...
This bike at the least makes me feel like being a VERY naughty boy! And at most, an utter and outright hooligan! I’m certainly looking forward to some better weather, so I can find out what happens when she’s lost her virginity!
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Originally Posted by Toaster
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