Honda's answer to the FZ6S

[Hillbilly]

Here's a look at the new 2008 Honda CBF600S:

[yod]

it does resemble the FZ's a bit, not a bad looking bike but a bit too plain-jane for me

detuned CBR engine i guess?

[James Deuce]

It's been on sale in Europe for 2 years. It has a 1000cc big brother with twin extra-ugly mufflers.

[NZsarge]

it does resemble the FZ's a bit, not a bad looking bike but a bit too plain-jane for me

detuned CBR engine i guess?

Don't be insulting Yamaha like that! what did Yamaha ever do to you? I think it looks too top heavy and the front is a bit fugly.

[Renegade]

i like the new cb600f hornet better, that looks ugly

[SVboy]

I am suprised it is on sale in Europe-it would copete with the hornet600 which appears to be highly rated over there.

[James Deuce]

It's marketed as a beginner bike. They have direct access in the UK. The CBF1000S is marketed as a competitor for the FZ-1 - it has 100hp and looks like a giraffe's hind-quarters.

I'm more perplexed that the Hornet is highly rated. It's a lovely engine put together in a criminally incapable chassis. It combines modern brakes and engine with the worst of crappy '70s "hinge in the middle" handling.

[SVboy]

I think on of the latest PB had a review of the new Hornet 600. They loved it. I didnt pay much attention as it is not available in nz. Interestingly, they slam the hornet 900, which seems to be loved in NZ.

[pritch]

I'm more perplexed that the Hornet is highly rated. It's a lovely engine put together in a criminally incapable chassis. It combines modern brakes and engine with the worst of crappy '70s "hinge in the middle" handling.

What have you been smoking for breakfast?

For several years now the 600 Hornet has been rated the pick of that bunch.
(The Speed Four was better in some ways but there was a price difference...)

Several of the Honda range are designed and made in Italy now and so far we haven't seen any of them here.

[James Deuce]

I've ridden the original 16" front wheel Hornet 600 in the UK and three second hand models ranging from 4000kms to 40000kms usage of the intermediate model refresh with the 17" front wheel and RWU forks. They all exhibit the same bizzare mid-corner behaviour of compressing the rear shock to the bump stop and running wide on a corner exit if you're riding over 6/10ths. If you want to wheelie away from the lights or dodge traffic to and from work a Hornet 600 is ideal. Try flicking the bitch in through a series of corners and the rear shock gives up fairly rapidly, irrespective of the bike's mileage.

The last version of the previous Hornet with 17" front wheel and USD forks and an uprated rear shock was supposed to have fixed that.

I stand by my remarks. A Suzuki GSX600F is a much better ride in the twisties than a Hornet 600. I looked at Hornet 600s in Masterton, Wellington, and Auckland to replace the TRX when I wrote it off - and bought a Suzuki GSX600F.

The new Hornet is a different story and is an attempt to add flair and capability to what was a pretty dodgy bike. I've always wondered how much Honda paid Euro bike journalists to talk the Hornet up.

[Hillbilly]

There's a short article about the 2008 CBF600(S) HERE, as well a better look:

[HenryDorsetCase]

I think on of the latest PB had a review of the new Hornet 600. They loved it. I didnt pay much attention as it is not available in nz. Interestingly, they slam the hornet 900, which seems to be loved in NZ.

I really like my Hornet 900. compact, capable and relatively nimble. I put a new shock in it Ohlins and decent fork springs. If I keep it I will put proper cartridge dampers in the forks. It is predictable enough to get the knee down and circulate Levels and Ruapuna quickly enough to get my jollies on.

Its a really competent, capable street bike. and at $11k brand new was the best value new motorbike for sale in New Zealand at the time. Still is I believe.


But back on topic: Pro Twin racer anyone? Hasnt it got two to many cylinders