Shall I get the Honda CB900 or...

**Cache Wraith** · 11th January 2008, 18:09

I'm looking at getting rid of the 250 and trading up to the CB900. I took one out for a test today and it meets my criteria in many respects. Naked, good all rounder, plenty of useable power and performs well both in the city and open road and is reliable (I'm a useless mechanic). I really like the Hornet, but I've got a few reservations before I park a new black one in my garage.

1. The Hornet is being discontinued, what's going to happen to their value. Crystal ball anyone?
2. The new CB1000 is a wicked looking machine, anyone know if it's destined for NZ. This would be my first choice were it available and within cooee of the current Hornet's price.
3. Albeit it's generally a very well reviewed machine (the unsung hero), the Hornet didn't totally light my fire when I took it for a test drive. As I said above it meets most criteria but I don't think they stand out from the crowd, like say a Buell does. Strangely the bike seemed to disappear from under me when I was riding it, whereas riding on the Hyobag, you know your on a Hyobag. It was really weird. I've seen what Kendog and Skelstar have done with their Hornets and I was impressed, but I'm not the sort to do much in the way of mods. Calling all CB900 owners, your thoughts on that one.

Hey thanks for your opinions, I know the stock answer is test ride a variety of bikes and I will probably do that, but something in me really likes the Hornet, and another part of me is wishing for something a little more unique.

**gijoe1313** · 11th January 2008, 18:15

I be getting one myself, but unlike you I have no reservations about getting one!

But definitely keen to see what others say as well!

Go the Hornet!

**Trudes** · 11th January 2008, 18:22

You have already said what I would say, try some other bikes that you think you could live with, think seriously about what you are planning on doing on the bike and how the Hornet stacks up to them compared to other things you like.
And as for making it stand out, yeah, the Hornet isn't always the first bike to draw the eye when parked next to the sprotsbikes, but eventually people DO look at it and then comment on all the nice bling you won't be able to help yourself buying, believe me, it is addictive and fun to personalise them!!
Good luckskies!

**bane** · 11th January 2008, 18:27

i think its fair to say that if/when that CB1000 arrives in NZ, it will be a lot more $$$ than the current hornet (think closer to $18k than $11k)

**AllanB** · 11th January 2008, 20:28

I was told by a Honda dealer that the replacement will definitely not be 08 and no word beyond that. Also as above he expected it to be at least $15k when it arrives.

The 919 Hornet is a bargain at $11k I am very happy with mine. You will not get a new Buell for this!

And its a good base to do a few mods with. I'm ordering new turn signals - the stockers are the size of a small loaf of bread!

Check out this site.

http://www.hondahornet.co.uk/

Have a look in the owner gallery.

Also I am finding it very good on fuel. Goes like a scalded cat, light & grunty in the mid-range where you spend 90% of your time.

**HornetBoy** · 11th January 2008, 20:34

ow mate go for it ,i used to own one now sold it to me old man,but i can say once you put ur own bling bits on it they certainly stand out ,especially when you put some decent exhaust on it

also gives it a little more response . but yea obviously when compared to a buell a hornet is not too flash but hey, thats why you pay a premium for them beauty's ,and considering the hornets are 11k brand new...id go for a 2nd hand one as you can find some really nice ones aye.

**Chrislost** · 12th January 2008, 01:24

Originally Posted by Cache Wraith

I'm looking at getting rid of the 250 and trading up to the CB900. I took one out for a test today and it meets my criteria in many respects. Naked, good all rounder, plenty of useable power and performs well both in the city and open road and is reliable (I'm a useless mechanic). I really like the Hornet, but I've got a few reservations before I park a new black one in my garage.

1. The Hornet is being discontinued, what's going to happen to their value. Crystal ball anyone?
2. The new CB1000 is a wicked looking machine, anyone know if it's destined for NZ. This would be my first choice were it available and within cooee of the current Hornet's price.
3. Albeit it's generally a very well reviewed machine (the unsung hero), the Hornet didn't totally light my fire when I took it for a test drive. As I said above it meets most criteria but I don't think they stand out from the crowd, like say a Buell does. Strangely the bike seemed to disappear from under me when I was riding it, whereas riding on the Hyobag, you know your on a Hyobag. It was really weird. I've seen what Kendog and Skelstar have done with their Hornets and I was impressed, but I'm not the sort to do much in the way of mods. Calling all CB900 owners, your thoughts on that one.

Hey thanks for your opinions, I know the stock answer is test ride a variety of bikes and I will probably do that, but something in me really likes the Hornet, and another part of me is wishing for something a little more unique.

do you want a booringly fast ride?

get somthing that has a werid looking dyno map, at least then youl be on your toes untill you get used to it...

**AllanB** · 12th January 2008, 06:45

Actually there are a couple of used Hornet 900's on Trademe presently with low kms and very good pricing. More money for bling then.

Even a 1 month old one with aftermarket pipes!

**HornetBoy** · 12th January 2008, 08:36

Originally Posted by AllanB

Actually there are a couple of used Hornet 900's on Trademe presently with low kms and very good pricing. More money for bling then.

Even a 1 month old one with aftermarket pipes!

yea saves you doing all the work then,and your getting it for a s$%^ load cheaper

**HornetBoy** · 12th January 2008, 08:41

or if your looking for something to compare the hornet 2 try an sv they usually sell for around the same prices, they are in the same price range

**Devil** · 12th January 2008, 09:22

Originally Posted by Cache Wraith

3. Albeit it's generally a very well reviewed machine (the unsung hero), the Hornet didn't totally light my fire when I took it for a test drive.

That there is exactly what put it off the list for me when I was looking for my first big bike.
The hornet was good at everything but excellent at nothing. It's an A - B bike in my opinion. You wouldn't go wrong with it, but I found it boring.

If you're buying something that you'll have for a while, test ride heaps. There will be something out there that really gets your juices flowing

**Burtha** · 12th January 2008, 19:07

From what I can gather, the Hornet is still going to be at least another year cos the 'new' orange colour has kinda only just come into our domain. I guess that's an advantage for us Kiwis when you want some time to decide, we are usually running behind everyone else long enough to still have our options open when it comes time to part with them $.

I too am considering the 900/919 for later this year and also agree that a Buell (XB12Ss) would be more likely to 'light my fire' !

**Cache Wraith** · 12th January 2008, 20:12

Heading home on the Northwestern this afternoon and got passed by a Black CB900 doing about 110. The bike looked small in my rear view mirror and insignificant as it passed. At that cruising speed it sounded nothing more than a 250. A Buell currently feels the more exciting option, until I get to ride a CB900 again. I can see this is going to be a battle between the port and starboard sides of my brain. The intelligent, practical and logical side (Honda) and the creative, spontaneous and illogical side (Buell etc)

**HornetBoy** · 12th January 2008, 20:23

Originally Posted by Cache Wraith

Heading home on the Northwestern this afternoon and got passed by a Black CB900 doing about 110. The bike looked small in my rear view mirror and insignificant as it passed. At that cruising speed it sounded nothing more than a 250. A Buell currently feels the more exciting option, until I get to ride a CB900 again. I can see this is going to be a battle between the port and starboard sides of my brain. The intelligent, practical and logical side (Honda) and the creative, spontaneous and illogical side (Buell etc)

yea true they sound very quiet when they are stock but like i said before you buy one with after market pipes and you will definitely be hearing it,come and hear my old cb919 and youll change ya mind about it

but yes you cant beat the sound of a buel ,even stock they have that grunty sound to them