Since its introduction, the Honda Hornet has rocketed to the top of the wish lists for riders who are looking for undiluted fun. The Hornet CB900F has a formidable reputation in the delivery of a thrilling, responsive ride to match its look of pure street muscle.
One of the fundamental ideas behind the Hornet 900 was to redirect the 'Super Naked' concept more toward those who enjoy city riding rather than all-out assaults on inter-city highways and winding backroads; much like the CB900F of the mid-'80s. And what better engine to base it on than the renowned mill that motivates Honda's best loved Super Sport, the CBR900RR FireBlade?
Studies of rider preferences found that generally riders seem to be the most comfortable with a power output range of between 90 and 110PS (or 66 to 81kW), especially for a smaller and lighter machine like that envisioned by the Hornet's development team. More important than maximum power output is a strong feeling of torque and acceleration almost the instant the throttle is opened. No cutting-edge Stealth fighter, the Hornet would more closely identify with a Harrier jump-jet in its blast of broadly useable performance and anytime-anywhere riding ease.
Another primary goal in the development of the Hornet was achieving smooth, reassuring rideability, with instantly responsive yet linear torque output, which required fine-tuning its throttle response. Therefore, Honda's PGM-FI fuel injection system was selected and modified to deliver strong yet smooth, almost rheostat-like response to all throttle inputs. This power delivery helps realise an intensely fun and exhilarating city ride that packs litre-class performance into a mid-sized machine. Its engine may not deliver the maximum power output in the big-bike class, but its torquey midrange delivery provides such an exciting rush of acceleration that ultimate riding fun coupled with remarkably easy control are foregone conclusions.
Of course, the Hornet's chassis is largely based on the same Mono-Backbone frame configuration used in the Hornet and Hornet-S, but strengthened in line with its engine's higher power output. This newly designed frame effectively maintains the spare and purposeful Hornet look, showing its beautifully sculpted engine to full effect while providing exceptional rigidity and strength for confident handling during the most spirited rides.
Since the Naked class is dominated by relative lightweights, the Hornet development team also strove for the lightest weight in its class, targeting a dry weight well under 200kg for their machine, and one of the highest power-to-weight ratios around. This light weight and strong power combine to deliver a superb feeling of dynamic acceleration coupled with the light and easy handling of a midrange-class machine for the most satisfying riding experience around.
Taking the theme of 'Naked Innovation' as a guide, the Hornet's development team judged that perhaps the most important, and ultimately the most impressive criteria for top urban riding performance was 'Feeling,' as expressed in the factors of 'Vibration,' 'Sound,' 'Control' and Honda's 'DNA' styling. Definitely not made to be silky smooth and civilised, the Hornet 900 delivers rippling sensations of torque output with a distinctive and pleasing sound that provides the best expression of its performance potential.
From sight to sound to surging waves of feeling, the Hornet provides an addictive 'flavour' of motorcycling enjoyment that will have people coming back for 'second helpings' time and again. |
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