New Hornet...

[dave87]

This style, to be exact.






During a trip to the Honda Dealership for an unrelated matter, I expressed an interest in the new Hornet - big mistake.

I rode one today, and its an animal. The engine in it is an absolute screamer - a 'detuned' CBR600RR motor in it. The detuned part is deliberately in parentheses, as 101 bhp is not exactly detuned now is it The induction howl at 5k RPM is fantastic, but pales into comparison of the scream as you approach 9-10k RPM. With an aftermarket exhaust I bet only God clearing his throat will be any louder.

However, at the same time as being ridiculously rapid, it is as confidence inspiring as all Honda's I have ridden are. Pace available at the slightest twist of the throttle, but it doesn't bite your head off - it is simply an unrelenting rush through the rev range. Bumpy ground it is planted, responsive, and stable. Soo much feedback through the bars, but I suppose that is to be expected as that feels where most of your weight is. Longer journeys will be an absolute pig, but it is such a hoot in a straight line, that it fades away its lack of ergonomics. Oh, and being a Honda, its going to be reliable

I'm now smitten, and to make matters worse, insurance is affordable (<1k). Why oh why did I have to open my mouth. Watch this space, it may be filled with a new Hornet rather soon

Oh, the one in the pic is the current model, which only started the end of last year/beginning of this year, and is meant to be 10 times better than the outgoing model. I fear I may abandon my principles of wanting someone else to handle the depreciation and stomach the cost myself.

[Ben_]

Looks so much better than the old hornets, I must say.

Great next bike for a person in your position I guess

[fatbears]

That bike is a beauty!

[kaillum]

Dave,

do me a favour before putting any money down on the new Hornet...

go and test ride the FZ6, the Bandit, the SV650 and the ER6.. I tested all of the 2006 bikes before going for the FZ6... and that was stepping down from the RSV Factory!

Really, make an informed decision.. there are other bikes out there that are as good, and better than the almighty H! (I loved the Repsol Blade - but on riding it just didn't get on with it and so went for the RSV Factory)

But still, nice bike.

[Zak33]

This style, to be exact.

I know nowt about bikes,.....but that's making me moist !

[Lee H]

I know nowt about bikes,.....but that's making me moist !

Do I detect a little hint of mid-life crysis starting to flare up?

I prescribe 1 x Motorbike for 3 years to combat the condition

Oh AND that is a nice bike

[dave87]

Dave,

do me a favour before putting any money down on the new Hornet...

go and test ride the FZ6, the Bandit, the SV650 and the ER6.. I tested all of the 2006 bikes before going for the FZ6... and that was stepping down from the RSV Factory!

Really, make an informed decision.. there are other bikes out there that are as good, and better than the almighty H! (I loved the Repsol Blade - but on riding it just didn't get on with it and so went for the RSV Factory)

But still, nice bike.

Hey mate,


Funny you should suggest the FZ6, as that was the next bike I test rode. Ruled out the Bandit, SV650 and ER6 on the basis I wanted a practical sportsbike, rather than a semi faired middleweight.

The FZ6 Fazer though, is exactly the bike I've been looking for. It has the low speed ability for the commute to work, whilst it has the top end to keep up with quicker bikes. I also found the power was accessible, as in didn't require an intimate knowledge of the bike to get riding reasonably quickly. Obviously to get it to do exactly what you want, its going to take time & miles under your belt.

The other thing, that was particularly conspicuous by its absence, was the fuelling glitch that I expected at low speeds. Having read the reviews of the bike 2004- that was all road testers had to say about it. Oh, and that the 2004- bike had brakes which weren't as good as they should have been. The latter has certainly been fixed, same setup as on the R6, and the former, I honestly couldn't find it, and I took it out for a good hour and a half over a variety of roads at a variety of speeds. The only time I found it less than smooth was riding at relatively low revs(1-2k)/speed in third and fourth, I couldn't apply the power as smoothly as I can on my current carb'd bike. But then how often do you sit doing such a thing?

If I were to go for the Fazer, I'd be buying new, to which I'd normally think was certifiable, and Rave will certainly agree from a purely financial perspective. However, I couldn't find many new shape Fazers (2007-) that I'd want to buy, and they were very little difference from prices new. Added to that a cashback deal Yamaha are running at the mo, and it makes a very attractive proposition. The only thing that is making me wait is getting my current bike repaired (some numpty reversed into it, knocking it over).

Oh, and what options are worth having, I was thinking the optional fairings (375), heated grips (209) and luggage rack (99), any objections/alternatives to that?


EDIT - this is what the one I'm after will look a little like: (Click for larger original)

[Rave]

If I were to go for the Fazer, I'd be buying new, to which I'd normally think was certifiable, and Rave will certainly agree from a purely financial perspective.

Actually, I would never buy a new car but I would prefer to buy a sportsbike new . They depreciate less than cars and they're far more fragile and high maintenance. If you buy a bike new you don't have to worry about how it's been looked after. Ideally I'd like to buy one straight out of the crate so that I can run it in how I want to.

However, I'd look to buy an old stock model at a bargain price rather than pay full whack for the latest paintjob. I don't think either the Fazer or the Hornet have been updated for this year, so try and find an '07 model, could save you a fair bit of dosh.

I'd be less worried about buying a touring bike (or commuter) secondhand.

You might want to ride the Suzuki GSR600 too, it's supposed to be a nice bike (and faster than the Fazer round the Nurburgring, according to PB).

[dave87]

Hmm, now that wasn't the reply I was expecting.

You do, however, make some very valid points. The only thing putting me off buying a Suzuki is the lack of a main dealer in the vicinity of Norwich, nearest one is a good trip away unfortunately.

The GSR I read from Bike was too much of a compromise, and not as well rounded as the Fazer? My trips to the Nurburgring are going to be rare and my ability the limiting factor, so I don't think I've much to worry about there . The other thing is I looked at the GSXF600 as an option, but it is simply a Bandit with a different set of panels, where as the Fazer is based on a Sportsbike engine etc.

You did say look for an 07 model, but in my recent searches I couldn't find any that made the savings worthwhile, and hence suggesting your idea about the depreciation being less. Also, it would be rather nice for it to be mine, and mine only

[Rave]

You did say look for an 07 model, but in my recent searches I couldn't find any that made the savings worthwhile, and hence suggesting your idea about the depreciation being less. Also, it would be rather nice for it to be mine, and mine only

No, I mean a 2007 model bike that the dealer didn't manage to sell last year. Old stock, but new and unused. They're typically discounted by &#163;500-&#163;1200 depending on the model and the original asking price. Have a look through the bikemart section of MCN. AFAIK if you buy an EU model bike your local franchised dealer is obliged to do any warranty work necessary even if you didn't buy it from them.

It may be that the Fazer is such a popular bike that there was no need to sell off old '07 models cheap. Of course it's the luck of the draw what you can find as old stock. It's a smart way to buy a new bike though, especially if the mechanicals of the bike are unchanged from one year to the next.

[dave87]

You, sir, are a Genius.

I'll ask them when I go to spec up a bike what the availability would be like, what savings would be available and whether they'd fit the extra kit for me, and go from there

[Agent]

Scary Dave - I'm in the same position atm

With any luck I will be getting a new job within the next 6 months and would like to buy one of those two from new. I haven't test ridden either yet and will probably wait until I have the cash in hand before I do.

But you have good taste sir

[dave87]

Agent,

They are certainly both good bikes. You've currently got an ER5 haven't you?

If so, I'd focus on the Hornet and FZ6/FZ6 Fazer, as that is going to give you a more noticeable step up. I'm moving from 15bhp to circa 100, but my fear with the likes of the CBF600 and SV650 etc, is that I'll get accustomed to the power fairly quickly.

With regards waiting until the cash is available, it is certainly a commendable decision. I've got the cash in the bank waiting to be spent, but I'm being constrained by getting some accident damage sorted on my current bike, before I can trade it in and get the new one. By the rate its advancing atm, I'll be on a 58 plate

My point, however, is that the wait is killing me, because now I've ridden the Fazer it puts my bike firmly in the shadow. Best not to tempt yourself before you are ready, however, Yamaha are offering &#163;375 cashback on bikes and 0&#37; finance over 2 years. I'm not taking the finance, but I'll quite happily take the cashback. No idea if it is a time limited offer either.

[Agent]

ER5 currently yes, but it was only ever planned as a stopping gap to learn 'bigger bikes'. I feel kinda reluctant in some ways upgrade it, because its a DAM good bike. Reliable, good MPG, very easy to maintain (I do all servicing on it), so I really will be sad to see it go. I'm tempted to keep it in all honestly as a hack - its just that space may be an issue.

The Hornet and the Fazer are the two i'm looking at. I've sat on the Fazer in the showrooms and liked its upright position. I do a fair amount of motorway journeys, so that's important to me (plus, I want a fairing this time around!)

You'll get used to the speed quickly, yes, but its nothing to fear. You've got previous experience and you don't strike me as the kinda bloke to be taking risks. The bike will only go as fast as you make it.
Don't forget to take the weight into consideration when having a job that big. The riding style is a fair bit different (although I'm sure you know this if you have rode them).

I've bee on the ER6. Although it wasn't a bad bike, it excelled at nothing. At least the ER5 was regarded as one of the best 'new biker big bikes' you can buy. It its current state, the ER6 seems to try and copy a bit of everyone else, and ends up just being....'meh'. Shame, because the styling isn't bad, although I do prefer both the Hornet and Fazer

[kaillum]

howdy..

I had the faired version.. well worth the extra over the unfaired.. i'm 6' 4" and motorway cruising at 70+ (ish ) was easy... Heated grips are also a must... but i'd save yourself &#163;160 and get the Oxford HotGrips.. I've used mine for over 2 years now and they are spot on perfect!

With the rack you need to be careful. The Yam branded luggage rack is only rated at (iirc) 5kg's, whereas the Givi rack is rated at 15kg's! don't know why, think its something to do with the mountings for it... the Givi rack mounts under and around the exhaust, and think that makes it a stronger mounting... also the Givi Pannier bars look nicer than the Yam ones....

By the way, i've got a nice 2006 Blue FZ6 for sale at the moment.. 12806 miles in 2 years, 12000 of those in the first year motorway commuting.... Its in a dealer for &#163;3499, and i'm looking to get &#163;3k out of it... Heated Grips, Full Yam Service History, Mint bike! My wife is pregnant, so the bikes are going on hold for a couple of years (she's just sold her 2007 Kawasaki ZX6 Ninja - well part ex'd it for me to buy a BMW 320 Touring )

The FZ6 is a great bike!