Honda CB600F Hornet
You probably remember the Honda Hornet introduced in 1998, with a distinctive drilled exhaust cover that glistened tightly under the seat. Virtually plastic-free, with a round lantern and an almost flat steering wheel, it looked simple, yet hid enough sportiness to become a popular piece of street fighter rework. You can call it a Japanese monster. Despite its success and popularity, Honda has had to take action as this class has sold well in recent years and the competition is fierce.
After a minor update in 2003, a completely new weapon was introduced for the 2007 season.
The most notable change is the front end, where an aggressive piece of plastic has been painted around the triangular light, and above it an analog tachometer, digital speed display, small odometer, total mileage, engine hours and temperature display. When we look at it from the right side, we notice that the exhaust is squashed under the belly and the GP race car-style tank is right behind the rider's foot. The trend of recent years, which not everyone likes in terms of design, is mainly to ensure the centralization of the masses. The bike is actually very compact with a 19 liter fuel tank. The rear is again completely different from the older version. The plastic holder for the turn signals and license plate is separated from the seat, and we are interested in how fans of shortening license plate holders will begin to process it.
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> Let's take a quick look at technical innovations. It has a new aluminum frame, with the main support section running in the middle of the bike, rather than the way we are used to in supersport bikes with aluminum delta box frames. The four-cylinder is borrowed from the sportier CBR 600, except that they knocked down some of the horses and got a revision. The suspension and brakes also have racing genes, only both are adapted for civilian use.
The stance on the new Hornet is as relaxed as expected as the handlebars are comfortable in the hand and the fuel tank is the right shape and size so the knees are out of the way and at the same time provide support. while driving. A passenger who has been given richly metered pens will feel pretty decent too. Thanks to its large steering angle, the Hondico can turn in a small space and easily drive past a convoy of cars. Mirrors disappointed. Sorry, but you prefer to watch what is happening behind your back, not your elbows. Since their installation was unsuccessful, the door will have to be turned more often than necessary.
Definitely, Honda will not disappoint behind the wheel! It is very easy to switch between corners and at the same time stable. We already know that he's also designed for faster cornering when we look at his shoes, as the excellent Michelin Pilot tires are designed for him as standard. During the test, the roads were still cold, but even during the more challenging riding, the bike did not slide or dance dangerously, making it clear that the safety margin was still far away. Also commendable are the gearbox and clutch, which are controlled by a classic cable.
The modern liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine is very smooth and does not emit even the slightest vibration that could disturb the driver or passenger. For six hundred, it pulls fairly confidently in the middle range, and between 5.000 and 7.000 rpm you can slowly overtake cars or move quickly on a winding road. However, when the heart desires a faster change in speed, the engine must be turned towards the five-digit numbers on the tachometer. The hornet begins to accelerate sharply around the number eight and likes to turn towards the red box. Maximum speed? More than 200 kilometers per hour, which is ideal for a motorcycle without wind protection. Because of the wind, comfort ends at around 150. Fuel consumption ranges from six to eight liters of greenery per 100 kilometers, which is still acceptable for a motorcycle of this size.
The suspension works great when paired with great tires, but doesn't allow for its own stiffness or return rate settings. The brakes are also good, they brake very roughly, but they are not aggressive to the touch. There is a version with ABS, which, unfortunately, we have not been able to test yet, but we highly recommend it. The workmanship is overshadowed by a drop of lacquer on the edge of the fuel tank, difficult seat removal and installation, and a brief creak at certain speeds, likely due to poor contact between the two plastic parts.
There is room under the double seat for tools, instructions and first aid on the motorcycle, for which you will also need to put on a backpack. Suitcase? Um, of course, yes, I know that, why this is something known in advance. Due to the sporty suspension and lack of wind protection, the Hornet is not a hiker, so plan a maximum of 200 kilometers per day.
Based on the comments from riders who first saw the bike live during testing, we can trust you that fans of the "old" Hornet did not like the newcomer, and most others loved the new look. But when it comes to performance, the new CB600F is superb and is probably the best choice in the 600cc category by far. See The choice is yours.
Honda CB600F Hornet
Test car price: 7.290 EUR
engine: 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 599 cc? , electronic fuel injection
Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain
Suspension: non-adjustable inverted telescopic fork at the front, single shock at the rear
Tires: before 120/70 R17, rear 180/55 R17
brakes: two 296 mm discs at the front, 240 mm discs at the back
Wheelbase: 1.435 mm
Seat height from ground: 800 mm
Fuel tank: 19
Weight without fuel: 173 kg
Sales: Motocenter AS Domžale, doo, Blatnica 3a, 1236 Trzin, tel. №: 01 / 562-22-62
We praise and reproach
+ conductivity, stability
+ sportiness
+ brakes
+ suspension
– mirrors
Matevj Hribar
