Honda 900 Hornet

[never2late]

Has anybody got one of these bikes 4 sale ??

Just about to get back into riding after many years & have had a couple of rides on one of these models & a Suzuki Bandit 1200. I'm thinking the Hornett is probably more me as it seems more up-right sitting as there is a longer reach for handle bars on bandit.

If anyone can help please forward details of bike!

[GSXRjohn]

Has anybody got one of these bikes 4 sale ??

Just about to get back into riding after many years & have had a couple of rides on one of these models & a Suzuki Bandit 1200. I'm thinking the Hornett is probably more me as it seems more up-right sitting as there is a longer reach for handle bars on bandit.

If anyone can help please forward details of bike!

Have you looked at trademe

[Silage]

Hi N2L

When I was looking for a new bike 2yrs ago it was out of the Hornet and the GS1200. In the end, the GS price, that the Hornet is naked and the reception I got at the Chch Honda shop decided it. Being somewhat suspicious of too much technology in a bike (that's just me OK), that the Hornet is fuel injected kinda swayed me a little too.

At the time the fared Bandit was $3k (or $4k?) more than the Hornet otherwise I would have looked at it longer. They both look great bikes for getting around on and touring.

[Kendog]

Have you looked at trademe

Yep, plenty on Trademe.

[gijoe1313]

My good sir, a passionate shout-out for the Hornet can only be championed a little by me - I ride a little ol'Hornet and have often drooled over it's older brother and father. Go and excite the shop dealers and use your leverage to cage more rides or two on those bikes that ... rock your world, float your boat, makes it swing, go humina humina and so forth!

Go on you for riding two wheels of freedom, looking forward to hearing the latest buzz on your new wheels!

[Crazy Steve]

All I can say is make sure you have Insurance..

BECAUSE HONDA'S CATCH FIRE...

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/at...8&d=1139565454

Crazy Steve..

[ceebie13]

Don't touch one with a barge pole mate! Very dodgy bikes. Otherwise known as "parts bin specials" or girly bikes. You won't like one. Dreadful handling. Drinks petrol, no grunt at all. About as much go as a fart in a seive. Eats rear tyres and hellish to insure because of dodgy cam chains. Otherwise, fantastic bikes. Only joking....Enjoy! lol

[ceebie13]

Yep, plenty on Trademe.

And we all know why aye, Nige?

[Crazy Steve]

One day it will look like this....

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/at...5&d=1143004730

Then the next it will look like that..

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/at...8&d=1139565454

Crazy Steve..

[Kendog]

And we all know why aye, Nige?

Because people want to share the pleasure of owning such a fine piece of machinery

I am pretty sure the sellers are off to their Honda dealer to pick up a new Hornet once they make the sale. Then they can start the 'bling my bike' process again.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Hi N2L

When I was looking for a new bike 2yrs ago it was out of the Hornet and the GS1200. In the end, the GS price, that the Hornet is naked and the reception I got at the Chch Honda shop decided it. Being somewhat suspicious of too much technology in a bike (that's just me OK), that the Hornet is fuel injected kinda swayed me a little too.

At the time the fared Bandit was $3k (or $4k?) more than the Hornet otherwise I would have looked at it longer. They both look great bikes for getting around on and touring.

no surprises that the service at the Chch Honda shop is shit. that seems to be their modus operandi. I bought a Hornet 900 last year, (from the Ashburton Honda dealer who is a top guy, with great staff, and fantastic customer service).

I bought the Hornet because at the time I couldnt afford a Buell. I am very happy with the Hornet though: I have toured on it (2800 km in 6 days round the Nth Island). I have scratched it round the local racer roads, and just last week did a track day on it. Its an excellent bike, and I recommend it thoroughly.

Fuel injection vs carbs: I would take fuel injection any day: its easier to tune, easier to alter, and works (in my experience) flawlessly. I have to dismantle the carbs on my 400f and clean and fart about with them, I know its going to be a nightmare and a gigantic PITA so Im putting it off.

There is a very enthusiastic owner community for hornets, and some very cool modded ones. The best money you can spend on the hornet IMO is a new shock and setting up the forks. That $1500 (I bought the cheap Ohlins shock .... cheap being a relative term you understand) and it completely transformed the thing. Other alterations to mine are cosmetic: tail tidy and bullet indicators, different handlebars, crash knobs (even if you dont go on a track, fit these, they are worth their weight in saved radiators and fuel tanks.... check out the photo at the end of this thread.)

I didnt buy a bandit because much as I like that great big lump of motor, its a big old bike, and I wanted something physically smaller, with more up to date motor and running gear.

my 5c. FWIW

[timorang]

I have other bikes and while the Hornet may lack the personality of some, it is the most versatile and enjoyable ride. I think the latest release of the Bandit closes the bike and price gap significantly but I would still think that the Hornet is the better bike. This is what I wrote in a post about a year ago as a brief comparison when I was down to answering the Bandit or Hornet question:

I went thru the exact same process and arrived at these two machines. Both excellent value and capable bikes. I bought the Hornet. The Bandit I found to be 'bigger' and heavier, requiring much more muscle and input to ride than the Hornet. The Hornet by comparison felt more intuitive and responsive without being overly sensitive. I think from looking at them side by side it is clear that the Bandit is 'older technology' in most respects (frame, suspension, brakes, motor) but this is largely redeemed by that outstanding engine. The carbs and screw and locknut valve adjsutment on the Bandits will also require more regular and more expensive attention (cf fuel injection and shims). Riding them it felt to me that the Bandit was harder to maintain in the 110 - 120 kph range, wanting to roll onto 140+ if attention was not paid, the two Bandits I rode also had an annoying vibration at around 110kph. What was your decision?

[mstriumph]

All I can say is make sure you have Insurance..

BECAUSE HONDA'S CATCH FIRE...

....................

....... and also attract a hellova lot of ragging on KB .................


ps were you thinking of a pink one?

[240]

Mate you will love the Hornet, had a 600 then a 900 and loved them both.!
Heaps of torque and all round shit hot! (now for the sales pitch )
If you do buy the 900 I have a ventura sport pack rack system for sale used only once.
Only selling as have changed bikes and it wont fit the new one.
Enjoy your mighty hornet!

[Trudes]

Mate you will love the Hornet, had a 600 then a 900 and loved them both.!
Heaps of torque and all round shit hot! (now for the sales pitch )
If you do buy the 900 I have a ventura sport pack rack system for sale used only once.
Only selling as have changed bikes and it wont fit the new one.
Enjoy your mighty hornet!

Hey man, how much?