2006 Honda Hornet 900: Honest Review

[@2004sammysammy]

Bought mine during Covid from my son, 2002 model with 18k miles, for 2 grand. It was my return to biking after a gap of 36 years. Great bike, did The Cairngorms and the NC500 in 2021, so put 5k miles on during my first year of ownership! Easy to work on, I'm retired and it keeps me busy. Can't believe yours has over 100k miles!!! Plan to keep it for a long time, as you say not smooth at low revs....very "chuggy"! Love the fact it is simple and no frills. My mate has an MT10 that has just cost him a grand due to an immobiliser issue!! Great video, thank you, subbed!!

[@TheRantyRider]

@Nige Vint Thanks for the comment and subscription. I have a Tracer 9 that I will be doing a short review on in a couple of weeks, it is like the Space Shuttle compared to the Hornet's Sopwith Camel. I hope to be doing a little of the NC500 this year but I am doing it as part of a different ride. £2000 for one of these is a good deal, does the 2002 model feature carbs rather than fuel injection? If so balancing them may solve the low RPM running, if not then I would recommend the Power Commander.

[@2004sammysammy]

@@TheRantyRider Thankyou for your reply. My Hornet is fuel injection so I will look into a power commander. I'm rather out of touch with bikes after a 36 year gap, my last bike was an RD400! Loving your channel, and I must get a centre stand!! ( I watched your rant!! )

[@TheRantyRider]

@Nige Vint You may find the Honda centrestand for the Hornet a bit hard to come by, Fowlers (my go-to place for seeing if parts are available) has most of the parts as unavailable: www.fowlersparts.co.uk/parts/4786633/cb900f5-2005-e/main-stand and I doubt that many people got one when they bought the bikes. There is an aftermarket option though as SW Motech do one: sw-motech.co.uk/products/centerstand-black-honda-cb-900-f-hornet-01-05?_pos=2&_sid=d18b36906&_ss=r If you do get the SW Motech one let me know how you get on with it. I bet you wish you still had the RD, you could sell it now and pay off the national debt.

[@N269]

That is encouraging and the reason why I did get 2 of them... and both are in mint condition with center stands. It's a shame that Honda discontinued these. Parts are still available, just not too many on ebay.

[@TheRantyRider]

@N269 Thanks for the comment, it sounds like you have a couple of good ones there. I was recently in Wales for a couple of days on mine, 700+ miles, not bad for 17 years old and 102 000 miles.

[@N269]

@@TheRantyRider You should take a trip across the water and ride "The Mountain Course".... it's only 37-3/4 miles..... btw, we can find parts... best

[@TheRantyRider]

My lap record would be about 16...hours. Elsewhere on the channel is my "lap record" of Silverstone - on a Himalayan.

[@mtguz23]

Good video - nice camera work and put together well. These bikes from early 2000s or even 1990s are very good and still run great. Better feel and simpler to work on than new bikes. Had an 06 hornet 599 and loved it. Now I ride an 01 zrx 1200r and it’s fantastic. And they’re affordable.

[@TheRantyRider]

@Drv2439 Thanks for the comment and praise. Quality seems to have dropped since about '09 when the recession bit and current bikes are far too complicated for no reason in my opinion. But then I'm not the average rider who is low milage and a frequent bike changer, especially with PCP 'offers'. The ZRX doesn't seeem as popular as the XJR1300, GSX1400 or the CB1300, I've certainly seen less of them around than other muscle bikes, but then I think I have averaged seeing one 900 Hornet, inclusing mine, per year since I bought it.

[@Shake_Well_Before_Use]

Yeah these old ones really are good. I love the hornets and gullarms Honda made. They are good

[@kenlee7954]

I also have one of these. Torquey, comfy, affordable to own and maintain and u turn in a 2 parking bay width is easily done unlike most other high powered bikes!

[@TheRantyRider]

@Ken Lee - TWO parking spaces??? Are they lorry spaces? Full lock on mine has a turning circle of just over two cars wide but I think I would run wider than two UK spaces, it sounds like you are a better slow rider than me.

[@kenlee7954]

@@TheRantyRider no just parking bays for regular passenger vehicles. So 2 bays should be about 4.8m/16 ft. I can do it cos I have been practicing it for a little while. I believe for a street bike it's a necessary skill and also a great way to get the basics solidly. I use this example often to judge a bike's slow speed maneuverability. So full on litre sportsbike suck in this regard I reckon.

[@maroshek19]

This is true old school metal horse, kinda vibrates at 80mph but it is a beast on twisties, I regret I never replaced my springs… mine is at 75000 and no issues at all, just burns some oil, 1 quart every 10000 miles…

[@TheRantyRider]

@POV Motorcycle Atlas Thanks for the comment, it's good to see another high mileage Hornet. I've not noticed mine using oil, as I said in the film I change it at 4000 miles but at your usage that would still be the best part of a litre and I'd notice that in the sight glass. My suspension, apart from fork oil, is all original, but I will have got used to the gradual change in spring rates and handling over the years. It still feels pretty taut to me and passes the annual MoT.

[@CarkeekW]

Had my first at 110000km no oil used , sold that and got one at 25000 km i spotted and I'm doing it all again

[@TheRantyRider]

@CarkeekW Mine has over 160 000 km (102 000 miles) on it now and it's still going well. If only I had room in the garage for another!

[@davapod]

What a great bike. Unfortunately as they weren't a great seller there are very few around to be found in 2024.

[@TheRantyRider]

@davapod - Thanks for the comment, I had a look when making the film and there were a few available for about £2500 - £3000 with well under 30 000 miles on the clock. I was out on mine today, it's done more miles than my newer Himalayan or Tracer 9 so far this year!

[@kenlee7954]

I also have one of these bikes. Great at both slow and fast riding. Have no issue keeping my turning radius to no more than 18 ft (4.8m) in parking lots or narrow lanes, making me feel I shouldnt have any issue even using it for food delivery. Also quick off the mark acceleration and comfortable cruising in top gear at around 70-80 mph. Havent owned many powerful bikes but it's been the best bike for me so far. I plan on keeping it indefinitely.

[@TheRantyRider]

@kenlee7954 - Thanks for the comment, I can't find a new bike that is as good for me as the Hornet and there are plenty around with under 30 000 miles on the clock still.

[@PlattLaneEnd]

Excellent and informatve review David. You've definitely had your money's worth out of your Hornet!

[@TheRantyRider]

@PlattLaneEnd Thanks for the comment, the Hornet is still going strong but is semi-retired now. I am working on a CB500 and Himalayan V Tracer 3000 mile review at the moment. The Tracer is currently awaiting pick up after repair following the 'slight deer incident'.

[@iantobanter9546]

My experience with handling the fuelling has proven useful in dealing with my new hybrid car.

[@TheRantyRider]

@iantobanter9546 Thanks for the comment, I'm surprised a hyrid car is jerky though.

[@Stangelycoloured]

Great review. Underrated bikes. Mine's 18 years old and on 28K miles. Still looks almost new like yours. I'm interested in the power commander addition. It's a bit rough around the edges at low throttle and that's being kind. It's nice to see it's a worthwhile addition. A lot of bike for not much money.

[@TheRantyRider]

@Strangelynatured thanks for the comment, it's always good to know I'm not the only Hornet 900 afficianado out there. The Power Commander shown is a series 3, I dare say that is no longer available. You do need to make sure that the tailpiece goes back on correctly with regard to the seat release lock. The placement on my bike is the only way it would fit as there is an alarn in the tail unit behind the lock where the chap at BSD would normally place them. Unless you also change filters or exhausts there won't be a lot of power gain (104 vs 100 bhp at the rear wheel) but it really improves the off-on throttle response. At 28 K miles yours must look far better than mine, but back then the build quality was far higher than it is now.

[@Stangelycoloured]

@@TheRantyRider thanks for all the advice. Time to buy a Power Commander I think. I've got used to the weird off-on throttle response but it still bites me occasionally. No alarm in mine so I'll get the Power Commander slotted into the tail unit. I can't say I'm bothered too much about the power. I'd take a power decrease if it sorted out the throttle response. Mine lives outside under a cover only but still looks great with only minimal pitting on the lower forks. Build quality back then as you say, although I put a lot of effort into winterizing the bike. Like you, I ride all year round. Anyone looking for an honest bike that looks pretty good too, buy one. They are great bikes as proven by David's 100K mile example. The seat could be better mind you but that is fixable too.

[@TheRantyRider]

@Strangelynatured keeping the bike outside means that ACF50 is your friend. I give my bikes a spray every 2-3 years using a can of it in the process. In between washing the crud off and using FS365 helps. Don't tell everyone how good they are though, if I find room for a second one I don't want the prices to be too inflated!

[@TheRantyRider]

@Strangelynatured blimey, I haven't heard of waxoil in ages. It was up there with the graphite grease you heated on the cooker and soaked your chain in when I started riding.

[@nickb3968]

I made a change in my sprockets to 17 front & 44 rear for slightly taller gearing(only 3.8%) and not only did it move the vibration zone to above 80mph for highway cruising it toned down the abrupt throttle response nicely...it's not perfect, but better and if I focus I can make it smooth(which I couldn't do as easily with stock gearing). I'm not sure there's even much of an acceleration trade-off given the torque of the re-cammed 919RR unit.(and FI)

[@ridderjaim3]

I bought my 2002 Hornet 900 with 45k KM as my first self-owned bike earlier this year after riding the Hornet 600 for my motorcycle courses last year, so far got 0 issues while its an amazing ride & sound all round. Personally I don't have the same issue (or don't seem to mind as much) when it comes to the throttle, yeah it's really responsive, could also be that i just got used to it really quickly as a younger & brand new rider🤷‍♂. Would certainly recommend them to others though, even if it's just to ride on them once, just because they're that nice.

[@TheRantyRider]

@ridderjaim3 Thanks for the comment, even though you seem to be implying that I am old :-) Glad you are enjoying the bike, at that milage [or kilometerage] there is still plenty left.

[@ridderjaim3]

@@TheRantyRider As long as you can still get on your bike and ride you're young enough😂 That comment was made moreso as the fact that its the only type of throttle response i've dealt with as a (new) rider, whereas i can imagine if you've ridden more that it might feel unusual/clunky.

[@TheRantyRider]

@ridderjaim3 - ever hear the phrase 'when you are in a hole stop digging'? :-D The throttle resopnse when going on and off is a known problem on all bikes of a similar vintage that had engines designed for carbs and then had fuel injection slapped on. In theory all should be well - after all it's just fuel going bang - but the two don't mix. The CBF500 was worse futher up the rev range in that it couldn't hold 30 [MPH] in 4th and kept hunting and opening the throttle between 5 and 6 000 rpm made the bike think, cough and then accelerate, but of you were accelerating from lower in the rev range it went cleanly through. Bikes of the time had similar age KTMs fairing the worst when it came to FI on a carbed bike so it may be worth avoiding these.

[@billy1858]

very good down to earth review ,im looking at buying one at the moment,mileages vary from 19000 up to 32000.i think il go by condition as mileage dosent seem to matter to much.

[@TheRantyRider]

@billy1858 Thanks for the comment, if you can find one with an original exhaust that may be the one to go for, valve clearances are due at 16 and 32 000 miles [or 4 years].

[@billy1858]

did you ever have any problems with the hiss security built into the ignition?@@TheRantyRider

[@TheRantyRider]

@billy1858 Mine has the HISS 2 alarm/immobiliser fitted [it's a Datatool Averto in drag], it was an upgrade available when I bought the bike. The only problem I hgave had is with an alarm fob going down a few years ago. I haven't had any problems with the transponder key itself. Fowlers list all the parts if you need a new key etc (see link) , but I don't know if a Honda dealer would need to program it up for you. www.fowlersparts.co.uk/parts/4786741/cb900f6-2006-u/handle-pipetop-bridge

[@maroshek19]

Buy with confidence anything under 30000 miles. I had 80000 miles on my bike when I crashed it...

[@TheRantyRider]

I don't think / hope the mileage had anything to do with the crash. I've just found a pinhole in the RH exhaust at over 104 000 miles. Gutted.

[@ddavexn]

Great review...many thanks!

[@TheRantyRider]

@ddavexn Thanks for the comment, do you have a Hornet? If so how do you find it?

[@PC_27]

Maybe you don't have the issue because you have the luggage on the bike but I'd add to the review that my bike put a lot of smell of my clothes and backpack, and I didn't like it at all. I resolved switching the exhaust with a low one form the fireblade 900 '98/'99, it's doable you only have to hold it with a custom plate screwed on the footpeg assembly. Great bike, and kind of a sleeper... if you have the right experience and trust in the tires can go really fast: once you push it to the limit the generous tires size provide the grip necessary, but you can actually feel the frame lacking stiffness, I don't know how to describe it but it's kind of feeling a twisting disconnection between the front and the rear of the bike, I think this is good because the bike tells you that you are approaching the limit, but some people prefer the stiffness from a tubular frame and can find this "movements" scary. The OEM rear shock is not adequate in my opinion, for comfort and performance you need to put something better. On the long journeys of 5+ hours it needs some extra padding on the seat. Best aspect of the bike it can go very well both on a quiet ride or on a weekend racer mentality, you have almost two different bike. Recommended, 8 out fo 10

[@TheRantyRider]

@ Horsemanhorseman Thanks for the comment, it's an interesting point about the smelly clothes, was it a petrol smell? If so it may be due to the emissions targets the bike had to meet. The bike is 'tuned' to be quiet in the midrange where the noise tests are performed and also injects more fuel than needed to help with noise reduction. The PAIR valve in the head takes air from the filter housing (you can hardly call it an airbox) to burn off the excess and keep within the exhaust emissions regulations. If you have blanked this or fitted a freer flowing air filter then you may be getting unburned fuel out the exhaust. The tyres can be trusted of you use something like the BT23s, but as mentioned the 16s aren't good for this bike in the UK. With the OE 56s I could get the pegs down. With the roads in the UK, and in particular in the Midlands, you won't notice any frame flex as it will be maked by all the holes! I can't say I've felt any but perhaps I don't ride hard enough. As for the seat and shock, I have ridden a lot of miles and hours and felt fine and I'm not as slim as I was even 10 years ago. As I've had the bike for so long the rear shock and fork springs are probably well past their best but it's a bit of a 'boil the frog' in that I have got used to the gradual degradation.

[@PC_27]

@@TheRantyRider Hey man! thx for the response.... about the smell my bike is all stock , even the air filter is standard... I don't know about the dB regulations and it may effectively run on the richer side of the mixture, but at the end of the day I think the vast majority of the smell problem is due to the aerodynamics... the low pressure zone behind the rider creates a "vacuum" that redirects part of the exhaust fumes towards the rider, some years ago I had an MV F4 with high exhaust and I had the exact same issue. I think that having the luggage rack prevents most of the smelly fumes to reach your clothes. About the tires I live in Italy so we have higher temperatures, but apart from that since it equips measures that many sportbike and 600 superbike used we still have plenty of choice even new models and compounds, from the touring to the track oriented ones, it's really a privilege! About the rear shock, on my bike it's terrible it really needs a service, but I think I'll equip it with a new bitubo, since I found it at a good price, to me it's evident since I got the bike two years ago, but it could very well be that mine degraded much more than yours, since you didn't have the pain issue on the seat, I think that the lack of proper dampening on my bike could be a factor... maybe it's also partially responsible for the "flexing" feeling that I have when I push hard-ish... when I'll change the shock, if I remember, I'll give you a feeback, cheers!

[@TheRantyRider]

@Horsemanhorseman You're welcome, I always aim to reply to comments and questions. The large engine and narrow 'waist' of the bike cause other aerodynamic effects such as coating the top of the swingarm in road muck. Although I have the full luggage for the Hornet I usually only have a US10 strapped to the rack and I haven't noticed smelly kit after a ride. How many miles has your bike done? It may be worth-if you haven't already-checking the wheel, swingarm and shock bearings for wear. As mentioned in the video I had the front wheel bearings go at 16 000 miles and it felt like the front tyre was squared off. The shock may be over rather than under damped if you are suffering over long distances, have a look at setting up the static sag first then adjusting the damping, there will no doubt he lots of videos on here showing how to do it.

[@luvsallbikes279]

I have an 04 I bought 2 years ago with 9k on it . Needed a foot peg and mirrors, tires . I love the bike . Very comfortable, put a small windscreen on the front , had a Yoshimura exhaust, and I added. Givi monolock top box . Can’t see myself selling this bike it’s just to good all around and an fond of bikes with round headlights . I recently purchased 2 RD 400’s one lives in my dining room ! Do you think the power commander is worth the money ? Thanks for the vid love hearing about the fabulous Honda 919 Hornet !

[@TheRantyRider]

@Luvsallbikes 27 Thanks for the comment, if you can adapt to the throttle response when going on and off the throttle then I wouldn't bother with the Power Commander. @Nick B commented that a change of sprckets has helped him (see below). With the Yoshi exhaust the Power Commander would be able to be set up for that exhaust so you may get a bit more performance out of the engine. A 19 year old bike with pretty much zero miles sounds like a real find!

[@jawsamt3787]

I have a 2006 hornet 900 in red, I love the bike and I put just over 12k miles a year on her, would just like it to be easier to find parts for her, she needs a new tail as I unfortunately low sided her on some ice.

[@TheRantyRider]

@Jaws AMT Sorry to hear about you dropping the bike, I hope you can find what you need.

[@tonymarchant9083]

i saw one on ebay last week i think it was about £60

[@tonymarchant9083]

i saw a tail fairing on ebay last week £60 .........that was uk ebay btw.

[@joakimjanmyr7477]

Hi! Have the valves ever needed adjustment during the 100000 miles? Just bought an 2002 with 38000 miles on it. Not sure if I should pay for a valve check/adjustment or if I just should ride it and have fun :p The cost is rather high to do it considering the total price for the bike.

[@TheRantyRider]

@joakimjanmyr7477 I would definitely get the valves checked. If you go to a non-marque independant shop you will only pay about half the labour costs. Whilst my Hornet has never had a shim, the CBF500 I bought in '18 needed three and it had only done 27 000 miles. If you don't know the service history also change the coolant, air filter, oil and filter and brake fluid, you may be able to do these yourelf or get someone to show you how. Whatever you decide to do enjoy the bike!

[@maroshek19]

Dont touch it... I had pretty abused bike and they were ok after 53000 miles!

[@TheRantyRider]

@maroshek19 - I was told by a mechainic that the more bikes are ridden the less the clearances change, seems counter intuative but it may be that I don't often do less than 100 miles on a ride unless I am commuting so there are less cold starts.

[@maroshek19]

@@TheRantyRider I used my bike exclusively for long trips, 350-450 miles a day...

[@michaelmclarney1994]

Nice review, I have one, also in black but trying to decide between selling or modifying. The area looks like Woodford Halse?

[@TheRantyRider]

@ Michael McLarney Thanks for the comment, the footage is indeed shot on the Charwelton/Byfield/Woodford Halse/Water Tower/Charwelton loop as it provides a mix of roads, an industrial estate for the slow riding and the only place for miles that you can film some 'urban' riding that you would miss if you blinked. You must be a local if you recognise the streets?

[@michaelmclarney1994]

@@TheRantyRider I'm not local but it's on my patch for work so I occasionally get out that way, we have a couple of customers on the new and adjacent old industrial estate. Many years ago we used to go to the plough at upper boddington, from Redditch, every few weeks too. It's nice around there 👍

[@theyoungestboomer]

Hi. I have a late f7. Have you had a problem with the lower exhaust mount? Mine has failed due to fatigue, snapped off and gone so the lower mount is hanging and the bike vibes horribly. Have you had that experience? If so, how did you fix it?

[@TheRantyRider]

@Stuart Morris I haven't had that one, does the part that has failed appar on this breakdown: www.fowlersparts.co.uk/parts/4787035/cb900f7-2007-ek/exhaust-muffler ?

[@CarkeekW]

Love the Michelin Road tyres on mine , like having a suspension upgrade

[@TheRantyRider]

@CarkeekW Thanks for the comment, which particular tyre model are you running?

[@CarkeekW]

Pilot road 2 , I'll be going for a higher number next time a road 4 or 5 most likely . It feels like the tyre is down a few psi in terms of comfort but not handling if that makes sense . Less loss of traction , I have never had none in the past 15 years , used to run bt023 . I'm a big fan of multi compound so I get sticky edges and excellent center wear too

[@TheRantyRider]

@CarkeekW I have heard that the 4s can exhibit strange wear patterns. I used a set of 2s on an XJR1300 and 3s on a Gladius, both were excellent.

[@maroshek19]

@@CarkeekW Michelin road 4 is all you need for street... I was able to put 12000 miles on front tire and 6000 on a rear one...

[@TheRantyRider]

@maroshek19 - Thanks for the comment, did you see any odd wear on the tyres?

[@gitoberg1]

I love mine don’t think I’ll ever get rid well unless I wreck it like an idiot lol it’s 20 years old this year could do with a spray although I’ve all the tools here to wrap it so I’ll probably do that this winter

[@TheRantyRider]

@gitoberg1 Thanks for the comment.

[@christopherwalker6056]

At 8:47 there's my car! The exact car I have, black 2007 Volvo S60! I love that car.

[@TheRantyRider]

@Christopher Walker You must admit that the bike is better though... :-)

[@christopherwalker6056]

@@TheRantyRider oh, no comparison sir, the bike is awesome!

[@icandsc]

4 cyl inline triple. ofc.

[@TheRantyRider]

@icandsc - I know, I know, I know, it was a slip of the tongue and I didn't notice until after uploading. At least I didn't say it was carbed like my carbs v injected comment on the CBF part of the CB500 review.

[@ringolams]

hi mate, do you think this bike is good for a 2nd year rider ? from other videos, it seems like this bike is very fast when pulling the throttle. Thanks from canada !

[@TheRantyRider]

@jonlam4404 Thanks for the question. It depends on what you ride now. If you are on something of about 50 BHP you will be fine, but if stepping up from 30-ish BHP you may want to have a period of 'running in', say no more than 4-5000 rpm (which will be 70-85 mph in top for a bit until you get used to it. The bike will do 0-60 in about 4 seconds and 60-120 in about 6 to 7 (and that's MPH) but only if you tell it to. Some reviewers like to show how fast they can go, I get my fun in other ways than just top speed, although I have ridden some horrenously powerful bikes on track and been well North of 150 MPH many times. Treat it with respect and get a feel for any bike you ride and you are usually OK. Now a question for you, how long is the riding 'season' in Canada, a lot of FortNine's videos mention about 6 months?

[@ringolams]

@@TheRantyRider thanks so much for taking the time to reply, i appreciate it ! I started on a cbr250 then got a vulcan 500 which i sold. I am still learning by experience and my weakness is slowing down before making a 90 degree turn, i find i slow down all the way to 1st gear while holding in the clutch and 1 time my back tire wobbled, im guessing because i was holding in the clutch during the turn. im good at slow driving, blipping, im not a fast drivier, i just like to cruise and escape but i need to know how to make turns because the hornet is a powerful bike and im thinking if i make a mistake on this bike during a turn, im done for. THe season here is usually between April-May to September-October but the weather now isnt like the 1990`s, its madness, unpredictable, rains when its not supposed to. Cheers !!

[@TheRantyRider]

@jonlam4404 It sounds like you have had a bit of a beginner's scare. When slowing to turn you don't want to hold the clutch in as the engine braking will stabilise the bike. You may need to feather the clutch (hold it on the bite point) which will help. If you look at the 1 minute mark in the film you will see that my right foot is on the brake to control the bike's speed. The engine speed at this point is about 3000 rpm. I feather the clutch to keep the engine at this speed - using the throttle as well - and the rear brake to control the speed of the bike. With practice you can do a full lock turn on pretty much any bike with this technique. The most important thing is to never, ever use the front brake when slow riding* as this will cause the bike to drop to the inside and a probable 'off'. At 3000 RPM the Hornet 900 develops about 50 ft-lb of torque and 30 BHP on a wide throttle opening so a 'pootling' speed will see it a lot tamer. I have taught advanced riding and being able to slow ride is a key skill. If you want to increase your skill levels then practice in a straight line, keeping at walking pace using throttle, clutch and rear brake. Once you have your confidence up then try increasingly tighter turns until you are on full lock. One thing to consider, less on the Hornet than on bikes with wider bars is the inadvertent throttle operation as you turn. If you don't plan for it you may close the throttle in a left and open it in a right as your wrist to twist grip angle changes. There are no doubt lots of films on KZbin showing slow riding techniqes, but if you want I can put one together for you in much the same way as I did the 'best Kreiga for a laptop' one after being asked a question, so if you want me to do that let me know, it will take a week or so as I have to fit it in around work. *If you ride trials you will use your front brake more than the rear, but this is a very specialised discipline. If you get a chance to try it, then do. I learned a lot from a day or two playing off-road.

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Hey there, I'm in Canada, personally I think this is not a 2nd year rider bike, the gearing is quite short and the engine hits very hard at low rpm, lots of bikes like 600's take time to get into the power, the 919 does not, it will pull your face off pretty nicely at mid rpm (thats what honda designed it too do, not massive HP, but its all midrange and downlow) This thing is ludicrously faster then a Vulcan 500, I"d look at something a bit milder, something that isn't as aggressive, super smooth, the worlds fastest scooter I call it, but its a fairly advanced bike IMHO (at the time, it was faster to from like 40k - 120kph then the fastest bike in the world, a ZX11 as I recall, short gearing and optimized power at low-mid range)

[@TheRantyRider]

@Kingsoupturbo Thanks for adding your thoguhts. The low RPM power isn't that bad, but the delivery is due to the snatchy nature of the throttle and fuelling. I fixed mine with a Power Commander and some have changed the sprockets to give a different gear ratio. I've had a look as the specs on the Vulcan, the jump in power is about the same as when I added a 955i Speed Triple to my CB500 although I had a lot more riding experience. The biggest thing will be the change in feel, the Hornet will turn a lot faster than the Vulcan as it is a road bike and not a chopper/cruiser and this can catch new riders out.

[@emyr69]

Inline triple ??????? Get it right.. 😂

[@TheRantyRider]

I would have got away with it if it wasn't for you pesky kids. I noticed after I had uploaded and couldn't be arsed to change it to be honest. At least I won't have to 'naga' like I did on the CB/CBF boo-boo.

[@icandsc]

no no, a 4 Cylinder inline triple.

[@TheRantyRider]

@icandsc - Wouldn't mind one of those, that's 12 cylinders! Now where can I get three [or is it four?] Hornet four cylinder [or is it three?] engines...

[@ephicpanama]

I was going to give a dislike to this video but decided that it deserves that I tell you it sucks in the comment section..

[@TheRantyRider]

@EPHIC Panama Interesting comment, can you expand on why you have that opinion? I try to make my reviews more informative than entertaining, so if you can offer some pointers I would be grateful.

[@randystidham3783]

A 2003-2007 Honda CB900f bike may not be the illustrious powerered motorcycle you want. Around 100hp? It may be what you need to learn how to control motorcycle power.

[@TheRantyRider]

@randystidham3783 Thanks for the comment. I doubt I even use all of the power that often, maybe accelerating down a slip road from a standstill to join a fast moving motorway or the occaisional bit of track. For the twisties and the like I'm usually pootling along at 3 - 5000 RPM. On most of the roads near me the next thing you see after using 150 BHP is an ambulance roof! I've had (and have) more powerful bikes learning to control the power is easy. Don't snap the throttle open. Of course these days you will be saved by the electronics as you are riding code and not the bike.

[@mikemet1744]

I totally agree David. Lower RPMs are much better in the twisties. I changed the bars(and everything on them), pegs(stock kinda suck and I don't miss shifts now!), added a Procom module and a few other things. The bike(06, red)does anything I ask of it. Have fun all.@@TheRantyRider

[@N269]

@@mikemet1744 I disagree...keeping the revs up give far better control, especially in the twisties-ymmv. Being naked with virtually no wind break, these are not the best at high speeds, 100+mph, but great, great below that, but still with oodles of oooomph above 100.

[@TheRantyRider]

@N269 I think it may also depend on your riding style, mine is usually relaxed (except for a game of find-the-ambulance in the Peak District a few years ago) so I prefer lower revs. Higher engine speed has a marginal gyroscopic effect that I doubt many would notice. There aren't many places where 100 mph is safe around here.