Roadster – The Hornet stung! – Used HONDA

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The Hornet stung to the quick !

Roadster - The Hornet stung! - Used HONDA

After ten years of dedicated service, the Hornet 600 is entitled to its first real redesign. In the program in particular: the engine of the CBR 2007, an aluminum frame, a new pot, a new look … Test on instructive Portuguese roads !

It is in the far south of Portugal, not far from Faro, that Honda invited European journalists to test its latest Hornet 600. And according to the world number one, three "keywords" sum up its new roadster: ease , performance and pride.

The day of making contact, with "complete" meteorological conditions, therefore made it possible to test the manufacturer’s statements one by one. First of all, the morning spent on soaked and then downright tricky roads was ideal for judging the ability of the new hornet to be easily controlled..

Then, under a shy sun but on much more convincing asphalt, the second defining notion of the Hornet – performance – was fully experienced. As for the third main idea – pride in its owner – this is a very subjective point of view that deserves some observations..
Faro, 02/15/2007 – In 2007, Honda plans to shake up the hierarchy of French sales with its brand new Hornet Video Site.

But let’s remember to start that this Hornet 600, unveiled at the last Cologne show (read), represents the biggest evolution of the model since its arrival on the market in 1998..

And it was about time, because although it does not reach the frantic pace of sports production – which requires renewals every 4, even 2 years! -, the segment of mid-capacity roadsters is increasingly dynamic. The engineers of the Hornet were therefore led to thoroughly review their best seller to counter the attacks of competitors "A and B" (according to Honda, including Yamaha FZ6 and Kawasaki Z750) particularly sharp…

The ingredients therefore evolve considerably, but the recipe for the "bad" 600 roadsters in general and the Hornet in particular remains the same: to offer a streamlined chassis and at a lower price the engine and the attraction of unaffordable Supersports, both in level of piloting, comfort and wallet…

Also remember (read) that this new Hornet gained 7 horsepower compared to the old model (read) and lost 5 kg.

Let us not forget either to mention the arrival of the block of the CBR600RR 2007 somewhat metamorphosed: single injector PGM-F1 in the place of the doubles, retouched intake ducts and combustion chamber, redesigned camshaft, ratios of modified box, lighter crankshaft, etc. Finally, note the creation of an aluminum frame and no longer steel, and the possibility of equipping the Hornet 600 with the optional ABS-CBS braking system..

Mechanical evolutions accompanied by a radical change of look, much more contemporary but naturally subject to controversy among bikers. The design of motorcycles playing a big role in the esteem that owners have for their machines, this leads us to deal right now with the third point of the manufacturer’s argument: pride !

Everyone is free to think what they want with the manufacturers’ choices in terms of design or even technical solutions. In this case, the French in good patriots were numerous to point the finger at the copy of the rear of the Voxan Roadster.

However, it is clear that the Japanese version is much more tapered than the French, in order to match at best with a sharp front optic and a tank still as thin. Regarding the dashboard, Honda is content to take the condensed aspect of that of the CBR1000RR, which increases the sportiness of the Hornet.

As for the short chrome pot – whose output visibly does not support the rain – and its prominent "torpedo", they are however very specific to this new 600 and differentiate the Hornet from the rest of the current production..

Moreover, the exhaust and its additional gas plenum chamber are actually much better integrated into the bike than the first low-angle photos show – devaluing in this case – yet "made in Honda".

A bit like the Kawasaki Versys, the new Hornet is therefore more charming in real life than in photos … An opinion that remains personal and can be verified by everyone in the dealership from next week !

On the mechanical side, the new Hornet has some good advantages previously mentioned: the revised and corrected CBR engine, the new aluminum frame, and even the ABS-CBS braking system. The many accessories available also allow you to personalize your mount, to make it your own and to take, as with any motorcycle, a certain pride..

The static approach being made, it’s time for the real test: the dynamic behavior of the bike on Portuguese roads comparable to a circuit as the quality of the surface is excellent. We would like to thank a famous German car manufacturer, who would have participated in the renovation of an entire route through the Algarve region for the launch of its "Tete", only a few years ago. !

However, it is in unappealing conditions that we make the first turns of the wheel. But the soaked roads and the few furrows of earth flowing on the road have a great interest: to test the driving pleasure with more attention than in idyllic weather conditions. !

The position of the pilot is pleasant, the handlebars being placed at a height allowing to maintain a straight bust without any constraint. The saddle offers a very appreciable comfort for the category while its 800 mm and its shape allow easy access to the ground, even for short legs. The width of the tank is moderate, revealing an advantage of the "backbone" frame overhanging the engine instead of covering it..

The effort at the clutch lever to engage the first is reasonable and its precision attracts no reproach: the bike leaves quietly on a trickle of gas. The gearbox is fun to use and the upshifts are done efficiently without even disengaging.

But what driving in the morning drizzle brings out the most is undoubtedly the flexibility of the new unit, available and entirely devoid of jolts. From 2000 rpm, or just under 40 km / h in sixth gear, the brave 600 cc Honda tows its pilot, too cowardly or lazy to play with the box.

Obviously, before the "catapult" mode is engaged, it takes 3000 additional turns. But on slippery ground, the low revs of the Hornet show good will and we perceive in it an easygoing city dweller..

Likewise, equipped with a 34 horsepower kit, the new Honda could become an ally of choice to begin with, especially since "it is a real desire for Honda to attract young people, because it would seem that the cost of this kit is reasonable ", says Bruno Chemin, head of communication at Honda France..

The lightness of the front axle even at low speed and the handling of the Hornet also go in this direction. In fact, only its price (€ 7,290 for the standard version and € 7,830 with ABS) could work against it with young permits, facing competitors better placed in this area..

On a much smaller scale, there are also slight vibrations in the thighs around 4000 rpm, which gain the mirrors in which it is not obvious to see directly behind you. Fortunately, nothing that could alter the behavior of the new roadster or irritate its driver. !

When braking, the lever is as precise as the clutch. Easily dosable, the front brake – the same as in 2005, namely a 296mm double disc clamped by double piston calipers – does not have the bite of current Supersports: a good point for a motorcycle required to circulate in cities in the dense and unpredictable traffic rather than on circuits.

ABS and CBS braking – untested – meanwhile offers the possibility of slowing down the bike with just one right foot without touching the front brake. Actuated with a slight delay, the center piston of the right caliper also kicks in and allows more braking without having to lick the front brake lever.

Devoid of this system, the test models – standard version which "should represent 60% of sales in France against 40% of ABS", according to Bruno Chemin – require time to adapt to the rear brake.

The rear caliper of the new Hornet is borrowed directly from the pistarde sister, but the relatively long stroke of the brake pedal and the late activation of the single piston penalizes precision, at least at the beginning. Some emergency braking tests are therefore recommended … as every time we discover a new machine. !

Regarding the suspensions, some road imperfections are hardly absorbed by the mono-shock absorber mounted directly between the new swingarm and the new frame, while the inverted fork absorbs any type of stress without flinching..

On the other hand, the absence of a central stand and the total lack of storage space under the saddle will annoy those who intended to enjoy their new Hornet on a daily basis. Lubricate the chain, park the motorcycle in a stable way or fix it to a pole with an anti-theft device will force the "commuters" to organize themselves. Note that the metal tank will still accept magnetic bags.

As the test day progresses, the driving conditions improve and gradually increase the revs to, in the end, let the Hornet fully express itself. !

In the same spirit as the CBF 1000, the new Hornet is limited to 102 horses for the whole of its world production and not only French. Only the vocalizations of the pot – which gain in presence despite its smaller appearance than the old one – increase the sensation of acceleration, unlike the silencers of the 1000.

Thus, between 5,000 and 9,500 rpm, the mill gradually releases its horses and provides an appreciable sensation of speed. The total lack of protection over the abs is no stranger to this impression, which translates into the need to hold on firmly to the handlebars and lock the tank between your legs..

Beyond that, the ascent to the red zone located at 13,000 rpm is continuous but is more constant than in the previous laps. Suddenly, after having tested the good extension of the 4-cylinder, the passages to the higher speed even in "sporting" driving are done before the 10000 revolutions / min.

The cycle part has in a way a similar profile: playful, healthy and very pleasant to drive at a brisk pace on beautiful roads. There’s no point in rushing the new Hornet 600! On the contrary, in the event of too sudden a request, the "Streetfigtheuse" calls her pilot to order. The front axle, in particular, is not adept at too sharp changes of angle and prefers to be driven smoothly..

The wide handlebars allow you to precisely cut your trajectories without too much effort and the whole bike reacts very well during last minute corrections, in order to avoid an area that has remained wet at the last moment for example! The added value of the new five-spoke rims, which are lighter than the old ones, is therefore immediately palpable..

During the slowing down phases, only the most daring braking betrays a front axle that is slightly too deep to take for Sebastien Charpentier. On the other hand, the new small Honda readily accepts to keep the brakes on the angle.

The hesitation in curves between braking and go-around results in slight longitudinal tilts and small deviations in trajectories, but the latter remain completely controllable and then predictable. Note for the purpose of correcting the trajectory in curves that the slight lack of precision of the rear brake disappears as soon as the grip is good. Likewise, at full angle, the footrests placed further forward and lower than on hypersports can rub but this only occurs late..

As for corner exits, they are precise and efficient: the rear suspension is less sensitive to load changes than the fork and ensures good road holding. And the BT 012s fitted to the test models were, it must be admitted, valuable allies in this area. !

Roundness – relative, it’s only a 600! – motor allows you to choose your rhythm: explosive in 2nd, angry in 3rd, muscular in 4th, energetic in 5th and dynamic in 6th … It’s up to you !

Finally, while waiting for the roads to dry, duo driving has also been discussed: the passenger seat is a little less welcoming than that of the pilot but remains acceptable. The grab handles, advanced compared to the old model, offer good support and the raised footrests a good seat.

A duo session quickly transformed into a stunt session behind the famous Steph ‘Lacaze, hyperactive member of the "MIB" – Men In Bike of our colleague Motos et Motards. The ability the Hornet 600 continues to provide to stunters will naturally come at the expense of passenger condition. !

"By the end of February, 800 standard Hornets will be available in dealerships and the ABS version will arrive in May", indicates Bruno Chemin. European sales champion between 2001 and 2003, the Hornet is therefore ready – torpedo in the airlock – to regain the top of French sales, even if the battle promises to be fierce with the almost simultaneous release of the new Suzuki Bandit 650 and Kawasaki Z750 … Race results soon in the Site market reports !

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