All Tests – Hornet 2011 Test: Honda roadster says no to inflation! – 600, the swan song?

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2011 Hornet test: Honda roadster says no to inflation !

All Tests - Hornet 2011 Test: Honda roadster says no to inflation! - 600, the swan song?

In 2011, the Hornet remained stuck at 599 cc when its rivals cubed 750 or even 800 cc. However, if it seems to be swimming against the tide, the Honda roadster has arguments relevant enough to continue to ride the success.. First try !

600, swan song ?

The presentation of the 2011 Honda CB600F Hornet is barely over when the question is already burning the lips of all journalists: why continue to bet on the 600 cc, when the roadster category is dominated by a 750 cc and all the manufacturers now follow this trend initiated by the Z750 at the end of 2003 (read our) ?

At Honda, nobody is trying to beat around the bush to shed some light on our lantern: increasing the displacement of the Hornet could indeed make it possible to play on a par with the "Zed", the Yamaha FZ8 (read our), the future Suzuki GSR750 (read in particular) and Europeans with long teeth such as the Triumph Street Triple.

But the maneuver also has its share of drawbacks: "Honda remains convinced of the relevance of the Hornet 600 concept, a light, fun and accessible machine", explains Sebastien Pernel, Honda Moto France press manager."However, proposing a Hornet with a higher displacement would inevitably generate a "cannibalization" of sales between the 600 cc, this hypothetical "seven and a half" and our CB1000R".

Seen from this angle, the argument does not lack weight … but is not enough to completely dispel this impression of immobility inspired by the approach of the world’s leading manufacturer. After all, if the roadster enthusiast today prefers a displacement of 750 or 800 cc, why not give yourself the means to satisfy him? ?

"Develop a new engine, even starting from a known base (like the block of the CB1000R "deflated", Editor’s note) is expensive and this would be reflected in the sale price", continues Sebastien Pernel:"Honda also thinks of young drivers and people whose budget is not expandable. However, the increase in displacement necessarily involves higher purchase, insurance and maintenance costs.".

Honda relies on accessibility

On this point, the winged coat of arms is not wrong: relatively expensive to insure (especially for a "djeunz"), a Z750 is displayed today at 7699 € while the FZ8, like its European companions , flirtatiously with the 8000 €…

In short, if the modifications made to the Hornet 2011 are after all minor – a new "Hornet" logo, a slight redesign of the optical unit (in which is elegantly integrated a now digital on-board console) and the appearance of a new one. rear shell very inspired by the CB1000R -, the new Frelon bets on accessibility with a low price: € 6,490 (€ 7,090 with combined ABS) !

"This is an introductory price, but we hope to be able to maintain it throughout the "dynamic" season."Says Sebastien Pernel with a smile that says a lot about the satisfaction experienced in the face of this particularly aggressive pricing positioning. It is true that this bias (price!) is surprising, as Honda is often criticized for practicing prices a bit elitist.

And not only do the cosmetic changes to the Hornet not generate – for the moment – any price increase, but the Honda even pays for the luxury of making the interior for end-of-career challengers like the GSR 600 (€ 6,499 ) and the FZ6 S2 (€ 6,599) !

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