Honda CB900F Hornet (2002 - 2009)

moko
Reviewed: 26 June 2012

Massively underrated "Real World" bike.

Reliability,build quality,excellent all-rounder.Bargain at current prices.

Really don't understand why Honda didn't offer a half-faired version,the fairing from the old faired 600 Hornet is pretty much a bolt on job making the bike a lot more practical and it looks right as well.
Standard Honda gearing leaves very little chain adjustment and the chain isn't quite long enough to fit with a link less,plain stupid design fault.1 tooth extra on the gearbox sprocket makes very little difference to performance on the road but you'll get more miles out of your chain,it'll use a bit less fuel and the speedo error is eliminated.Pretty obvious solution then Honda eh?

Had mine for a bit over 2 years,as one who's owned over 30 bikes in 37 years of riding any bike I keep that long has got to be good.I have looked around and tried everything from Transalps to Fireblades with ZX9's and Fazers in between but I've always ,so far,stuck to the Hornet.I ride just about every day in all weathers and the 900 has been totally reliable.I don't do the miles I used to but have done 17,000 miles totally problem free and everything still feels tight and works as it should.Mechanic who services my bike tells me it's "a quality bit of kit" and working on it is a pleasure after the usual wrestling with bits of corroded brake and rusty fasteners that are the norm with similar age Bandits and the like.
While the big Hornet dosn't have the presence of the 1200 Bandit or the XJR Yamahas it's just as quick and will leave either wallowing in it's wake down a twisty road.Yes the motor could be more powerful I suppose but how much do you really want or need on the roads most of use? Uprated suspension would be more useful than more power,with Fireblade suspension of the same vintage as the motor it would be a real giant-killer,as it is the slightly soggy suspension is probably it's worst feature.Having said that it's again better than a big old lump like an XJR1300 but coming from a 600 Hornet I find it a bit lardy and stodgy when I want to crack on a bit.Dosn't impress other bikers but a good solid,reliable, machine that will last for years if you look after it.

JMW
Reviewed: 22 June 2012

My 13th bike, actually quite nicely finished, goes just fine, understated to the point of boring

Finish, easy ride, reliability, comfort, nice handling at sensible speeds, fine brakes

Dull, slippery seat, mushy front suspension,

Difficult one - plenty of poke, well finished (still looks great after 9 years), grows on you but not one to set the pulse racing or to make you look back when you walk away

bikerbing
Reviewed: 02 September 2008

GOOD FOR SURPRIZING SPORTS BIKES

very smooth power delivery from real low down. Handles almost anything you can throw at it. Low centre of gravity & wide(ish) bars enspire you to throw it around.

wind blast from the genuine fly screen (if fitted) directs the airflow straight under your chin. This makes long fast journeys a bit of a chore.

pretty good all round performer, real good first time big bike. Easy to get to grips with "BUT" still could throw a wobbley if you get too cocky.

the_chemist
Reviewed: 22 April 2008

CRACKING BIKE DOES EXACTLY WHAT IT SAYS ON THE TIN!

nice grunty engine, perfect for the real world. the handling is plenty for the road also, can be a handful but only on the bumpiest roads. Very reliable, no probs here, but i service it as and when i should. oh and the looks! traditional bike with underseat exhaust lovely

ok i admit a bit more grunt would be nice but as a roas bike it's more than enough, i keep thinking i want a blackbird, but when i "go for it" on the hornet i'm reminded of whats realistic. No wind protection is a grind but i've toured scotland on it, at speed.

t509speed states that a speed triple would embaress the 900, rubbish, my mate has a 955i same age and similar mileage. I pull away on the striaghts and on the twisties i'm in front and we're very similar riders. unless of course the speed triple is the 1050. I reguarly do advanced training and the hornet never embaresses itsself. Buy one, look after it and the only thing keepng you behind will be your own ability

flange
Reviewed: 21 March 2008

GOOD ALL ROUND BUDGET BIKE

Used prices have come down a lot,making it a sound secondhand buy..
Good build quality.Bullit proof motor.Reliability comes as standard.
Fairly low seat height for the shorties.

Although plenty quick enough in the real world.A stock Blade motor would have made it a real contender and its reveiws from the biking press would have been great...

Great bike for the money.I ride with sports bike and more than hold my own untill the big straight bits.Good low/midrange power..The handling is pretty good for a budget bike as are the brakes.