Honda CB900F Hornet
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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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| Engine | Honda |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC inline-4 |
| Engine Displacement | 919cm3 |
| Bore & Stroke | 71 x 58mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8 |
| Carburation | Electronic fuel injection |
| Max. Power Output | 109 bhp at 9,000 rpm |
| Max. Torque | 92Nm at 6,500 rpm |
| Ignition | Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance |
| Starter | Electric |
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| Transmission | |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final Drive | \'O\'-Ring sealed chain |
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| Dimensions and Weight | |
| Length x Width x Height | 2,125 x 750 x 1,085mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,460mm |
| Seat Height | 795mm |
| Ground Clearance | 145mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 19 litres (including 4-litre reserve) |
| Dry Weight | 194kg |
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| Wheels, Suspension and Brakes | |
| Wheels Front | 17M/C x MT3.50 hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium |
| Wheels Rear | 17M/C x MT5.50 hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium |
| Tyres Front | 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W) |
| Tyres Rear | 180/55 ZR17M/C (73W) |
| Suspension Front | 43mm cartridge-type telescopic fork with stepless preload and rebound damping adjustment, 120mm axle travel |
| Suspension Rear | Monoshock damper with 7-step spring preload and stepless rebound damping adjustment, 128mm axle travel |
| Brakes Front | 296 x 4.5mm dual hydraulic disc with 4-piston callipers, floating rotors and sintered metal pads |
| Brakes Rear | 240 x 5mm hydraulic disc with single-piston calliper and sintered metal pads |
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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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Other Models
Honda CB1300F ABS - Honda CB1300S ABS - Honda CB600F Hornet - Honda CB900F Hornet - Honda CBF1000F - Honda CBF1000F ABS - Honda CBF500 ABS - Honda_CBF600_S_ABS - Honda CG125 - Honda_CG125
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