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The naked bike everyone forgot - ignored by the press and largely by bike buyers too. It's a shame as it's a superb if unpretentious machine. The upside is it's another steal on the used market.
Quite why we all overlooked this machine while falling so whole-heartedly for the 600 is a mystery. The ex-919cc FireBlade engine isn't short of stomp, but some reckoned Honda sliced just a shade too much off the Blade's top end to make the Hornet really exciting. It's still got some go though, and more than most will want or need from an upright naked machine.
The bonus here is the chassis - it's a spot-on match for the motor. The riding position is the perfect on-to-it blend of forward lean, yet allowing supermoto-like leverage on the steering - you can see where we're heading... The brakes are nothing short of good, although the suspension was never top-notch from new and second-hand kit will benefit from some TLC no doubt. That said it's a fine scratcher's tool -bear in mind the Ron Haslam Race School used these for instructors' bikes at Donington Park.
There are few downsides. We can't really challenge it's aesthetics as they're identical to the 600 Hornet, but having said that, yes, it looks a wee bit bland. And if you do a fair few motorway miles then beware. Wind blast isn't that much of a problem so long as you have the natty flyscreen fitted. No, the problem will be the saddle. It's a royal pain, after 70 miles or so you'll be looking for a rest - just as well you'll be needing fuel just after the ton.
It's good with a pillion though, the extra weight does little to effect the performance or the handling. Only you'll struggle if you want to tour. Solo you'll be fine with a tailpack and tankbag, but two-up the underseat pipes will more than hamper throw-overs, leaving only the tankbag and rucksack option.
Best of all, owners tend to be low-mileage, big chicken strip, get the service done at a big dealer types. Yeah, we love this bike. Much underrated. It's a hoot.
- Key ID Two exhausts shows it's not the 600.
- Don't fear Bikes with neat aftermarket fairings - but check for crash damage too.
