Honda CB900F Hornet
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.
Honda CB900F Hornet Design Concepts
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.
Honda CB900F Hornet Features
Raw power
The Hornet CB900F has a formidable powerplant. Derived from the legendary
1998 CBR900RR FireBlade, the Hornet's engine has been specially modified
for 'naked' use. With more emphasis on its feeling of acceleration and low-to-mid-range
grunt rather than the traditional high-revving performance demanded by an
all-out Super Sports machine.
Mono-backbone frame
A design feature of the Hornet CB900F's frame is its emphasis on 'feel'.
Rather than being designed to convey a feeling of silky-smooth operation,
the frame is tuned to emphasise the engine's sensations of sound, rhythm
and power.
Sturdy suspension
The high performance suspension system of the Hornet CB900F delivers a
superb balance of roll and yaw characteristics. You can lean deep into
corners confidently, learning from the feedback of the direct handling.
Comfortable control
Featuring a similar seat height to that of the Hornet CB600, the Hornet
CB900F's riding position is as comfortable and easy-going as its performance
is thrilling.
The Hornet image
The Hornet CB900F features the trademarks of a narrow waist and muscularly
curvaceous fuel tank. Its sleek aero tail now fans out to encompass a
set of menacing, dual 'under seat' exhaust silencers. This combination
of slim proportions and dual shotgun pipes strongly emphasises the Hornet
CB900F's high performance potential.
The new 2004 Hornet CB900F is a light and powerful 'super naked' machine,
with breathtaking yet effortless performance.
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