On Tuesday I went to Justin's house (GIJOE1313) to pick up his Hornet. He has lend it to me for some reason but the main purpose was to experience a real 250.... I think.
Day 1:
Power
The bike is indeed heavier than the FXR but I got used it eventually.
When I went to his place, GI didn't just let me off (lol ofcourse not). We went right around the area and I felt the total difference between my single and this inline 4 baby beast. My hands began to shake...
When I got home, the adrenalin was still on me. Shaking didn't stop till the next day. Honestly I was scared of the power.
Summary
- Its a whole new generation
- The bike surpasses every specs compared to the FXR
- The bike's m้tier is agility
- Even a simple roll on generates enough power (compared to the FXR)
I questioned myself. If a 250 has this amount of power, then how the hell some people ride a bike such as the Yamaha R1?
I couldn't/ didn't rev it up over 8,000rpm that night. I dared myself not.
Day 2:
Comfort
I woke up around 6:30 somehow without an alarm clock (which is preety amazing for me). I listened to the drops of rain hitting the roof of the house. It wasn't that noisy which meant it was just a drizzle. Good. Well had nothing to do till 10:30am so what did I do? I made myself a blame to ride! (Just like GIJOE1313! Aargh! McJim was right! I am becomming like him!)
1st off, St Helliers bay via Mission bay. It was nice.. the road was wet but it wasnt drizzling anymore when I reached around the Mission bay. I took it nicely all the way. Still I wasn't used to the upright(er) position and the POWER. Then I did some more urban riding... All the way down the Gt Nth Rd, then to Swanson, then to the Don Buck(?) Road reaching Westgate. To finish off, I took the motorway back home, making it Urban Perfection Ride.
Now when I was on my way to school, For the first time ever on the Hornet, I reved above 10,000rpm!!!. As I went through the tunnel, I gave more reaching 13,000rpm screaming EXACTLY like an F1 car! Honestly it did! I'm a big fan of cars (well yeah.. bikes too) and this really replicates the sound of an F1 car. Oh yes! I was going through the under-pass, not exactly a tunnel, however the echo and the ricochet of the sound just made me smile. A BIG one too.
Summary
- Upright position is ofcourse comfortable but I wasn't still used to it
- I love the exhaust note!
- It's quick when the needle goes over 10,000rpm.
- ...still (end of day 2) didn't know how to turn the bike well...
Hornet is a good bike but there are some parts which makes me nervous abit. The up riding position is comfortable but I feel that my body can't give some pressure on to the front wheel, making the front wheel light which could lock up easily during an emergency breaking in wet. I don't know... Others will know it better and may think differently but I personally feel it that way.
Also I am very used to the GT250R's riding position, which is the lying on tank position lol. Its wierd that I feel more comfortable on a GT250R. Maybe because I'm getting old and my back is aching heh...
Day 3:
Agility
Also woke up around 7:00am. Hmm no school till 12:00. Lets go
Today I took it to the St Helliers (again). Since the road was dry now, I felt more comfortable. Furthur more, I took the bike to the Skidmark's birth place (St Hellier twisties). Went on and back a couple of time trying to learn how to lean the bike properly. It's really different to a sportsbike riding position. Gosh I'm a noob...
But by end of the day, I got it right. On my way to work, I took the Coatesville Riverhead, Albany road. The bike really handles awesome (I don't know if it's the Diablos or the bike). Can I comment on the Diablos too? Once they get warmed up, the bike feels like spreading sour cream on top of a toast! Also, the wide rear tyre is really useful.
Summary
- Good on corners
- Love the wide tyre!
- Light bike! (Got used to the weight now)
- I love the bright headlight!
- Gotta love the Diablos.
- When was the last time you changed the front break pads GI?
I went to sleep that night planning a ride to Huia the next day...
Day 4:
Ride
I woke up with a txt message alert saying "feeling like a pootle today?". So I replied my plan (last night) and we were on our way.
The ride was good. I took it easy as always. Some moss were on the road while riding the Scenic Drive, so I dare myself not to speed
The weather was fine! It was a perfect day! All the rainy days have paid it's price! Enjoyed the ride very much. Hornet indeed overcame the tough hill just before reaching Huia, whch my FXR struggled. Ride was easy. Just give me some cash and I bet I will go and go around the South Island.
- Nice weather
- Long time no Huia
- Got some photos this time
Will upload the photos.
Overall:
So will I buy a hornet? Well it's a good bike but can't really judge it yet. I am very used to the Hyosung Gt250R's riding position. It somehow suits me perfectly. However if I want the power and the comfort of a sports bike position, maybe I'll try a CBR.
I gotta say, Justin is fortunate to have this bike lol It's got alot of love and I know it lol Mostly I love the sound. It is just amazing (especially riding through an under-pass hehehe I'll do that again soon!). Thanks for this opportunity Justin, like I said the other night, I was just a frog inside a well, and you pulled me out of it. Well thanks!
P.S. Pics will be uploaded soon
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by EJK
what about my mighty GNX-R???
MY GOD I LOVE THE HORNET!!!!
Who parked it down there?? 
I'll see you on the road sometime 
How much throttle do you Thous give when departing from the lights??
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