How it’s like having a Honda 919 / Hornet 900
August 1st, 2006 | View blog reactions
I bought the Honda from new back in August 2003 and so far I’ve done more than 28.000 km (17.500 miles) on the motorcycle. It’s a very versatile machine good for both touring two-up full packed, fun with the lads on the back roads, and the occasional track-day. Not to mention reliable; never had any trouble with it. I trust that motorcycle more than I do the sun rising at dawn.
The mods
Not many people have the same motorcycle for a few years without throwing in some mods. First thing I added was an original Honda flyscreen, which removes most of the wind pressure from your torso. A slightly wider and lower set of Renthal handlebars was added next, for a more forward leaned riding position. Last year I added slip-on Akrapovic exhausts and a Power Commander, which made it feel like a totally different motorcycle. The acceleration is now a smooth curve all the way to the top, where it had sought of a kick around 6000 revs before. The setup doesn’t give you a mentionable horsepower increase, for that you’d need a full exhaust system. These are just end cans, but the power commander gives better performance throughout the rev range and the sound of the cans is bloody nice.
Sport or touring?
I’ve considered replacing it with another motorcycle several times, but I always end up keeping it. Haven’t seen a bike yet that can do what the 919 can; I’d like a 600ccm race bike, but that will be awful for touring vacations, and a touring bike would be damn boring on a track-day. I think the 919 (hornet 900) is as close as you get to something in the middle. I’ve met a few other 919’s packed for touring, and I attended a track-day once where an instructor rode a Honda 919, so I guess I’m not the only one believing the motorcycle does those two things well.
Riding it
The engine is and old CBR 900 Fireblade engine from before it became a CBR 1000, so only the meanest of race bikes will give you the rear wheel and, if that’s your game, you’ll have no problem pulling wheelies from traffic lights. The Honda 919 (Hornet 900) has a fantastic riding position; I have never had problems with sore buns, even after 12 hours of riding in one day. The wind pressure have given me sore shoulders and upper arms at times, but only after doing long hauls on the freeway (800+ km / 500 miles) after riding everyday for a few weeks. Not so much that it becomes unpleasant, but it would be unfair not to mention it. It’s a freaking great motorcycle that’s what it is, and when it has just been cleaned (did that yesterday) it looks absolutely bitchin’. If I could afford it though, and had the room for it, I would get two motorcycles instead; a 1000cc touring bike of some sort, and a 600cc sports bike. As with most thing that do several things well, it does none of them excellent. But then again asking a motorcycle to be a tough tourer and a nimble race bike at the same time might be pushing it.
Sounds liek a great bike! I have been in almost the exact same situation as you re: wanting two bikes for my one and still being very happy with what I have. My Ducati Multistrada 1000s is very similar in being sporty and a wonder on the twisties, good enough for the occasional track day and still useful for touring. After going to the track with the Multi I had thought about how much fun a dedicated track bike would be in the 600cc range but for now, the Multi does everythign so well, on average, that it’s tough to add another bike. Kind of makes you wish these bikes weren’t so good to help you get different, specific perpose bikes!
Actually when I tried a Multistrada it was as close as I have ever been to replacing the Honda.
But the Duc’s are very expensive both to acquire and to own, at least in Denmark. It would only get me in the same situation I’m in now, maybe a little more towards touring. So I decided not to.
But still, I’m pretty exited to see how Triumph’s new 1050cc Tiger turns out. I like the trend the Multi started of lighter sport touring bikes that at leaned towards supermoto’s rather than race bikes.
Did I mention that I hate you for having a Multi 1000s? If you now tell me it’s also black, I’ll turn green with envy and ban you from commenting ever again.
Ha ha just kidding of course. Would love to hear how it is owning one though.
Welcome back Jesper!! It was very good
what you did with the video stuff!!! I really enjoyed it. Now, i’m thinking of creating a blog like yours, with as many
as possible , information about greece(this is my place!!!)& i have a question for you : would it be better to make at “blogger” or “word press”? Thanx in advance.If you want, you may answer me directly to my mail.
Thanks, Chris. Glad you liked the video.
I have answered you by email.
[...] Summer is coming to an end and you start to wonder which trip will be your last for the season. The first hunch is the leaves turning redish, second is the increasing lack of daylight, and third is when you consider zipping you thermal liner back into your leathers. The most important hunch however is when your motorcycle blows a big fat hole in a piston, and the engine starts smoking like a [...]
Hi Jesper,
I usually buy my bikes (8 since is was 15) around this time of year, partly because it just about to get warm and lovely outside and also that I have my birthday in March. As you know I have been doing some test rides (KTM990 Adventure, MUltistrada 1000, Sprint 1050 ST) and most recently I tried a VFR 800 and a beautiful Hornet 900.
After my BMW R1100GS, wich I loved for the stable predictable handling and the built for two up engineering of the thing I was sure I was after something:
A) More sporty (Power and light weight)
b) More comfortable on the Autobahn (Screen)
c) Still with a certain uniqueness. (No inline 4)
The VFR800 (Before VTEC) was very interesting but I could not stand the looks. The particular Hornet900 I tried was a hoot, but very twitchy with some very wide aftermarket bars, and still too windy on those autobahns (From hamburg you have to ride at least 1 hour to get to any decent roads)
In the end I found my dream, a 1996 VFR750F in Red, it looks just like the famous NS750 and for its years still rides and feels like very high quality piece of work. The riding position is sporty but comfotable, the noise from that growling burblling V4 is awesome, and with 100HP she can still go. I’ve only done 500km so far but very satisfied. Will keep you posted on life with the VFR.
Hey David, congratulations on the VFR. Email me a few photos of the bike and write a little on how it’s like to ride and I’ll post it in the review section.
I have an 05′ 919(US) and have been extremely impressed with the mixture of performance and riding comfort. I generally use it in the warmer months as a commuter but have taken it on some longer rides and have nothing but praise for the power and feel.
I have grown up on quite a few sport 600’s and as they have a better immediate “nimble agility”, Over time with the 919, I have learned that it is just as agile on the twistys as any 600 and has been proven with several friends. The other notion is that with the past 600 class bikes, you feel that you need to get them up into the 8 or 9K rpm range for them to really show what they are made of. With the 919, that’s a non-issue as the power is there from off-idle to the top end. With some creative shift points, you can pretty much match or exceed anything on the road. (Within reason)
I believe that it comes down to rider skill as I have ridden with professionals that have simply walked away from me on one wheel out of a corner, but I have to admit that this is a fantastic, well rounded machine.
I can’t wait for it to warm up..
I just bought my first motorcycle, a 2006 919, in June of ‘06. I knew nothing about motorcycles other than I really liked the looks of the Ducati, but as I went looking around at the dealerships the Honda dealers started asking about my experience and styling and pointed me toward the 599, which I wasn’t quite comfortable on. I tried the 919 and absolutely loved it. After a few riding sessions I am getting much more comfortable with riding my bike, but I keep feeling frustrated that I can never find any accessories for the 919. Are their wind shields of any sort, or packs I can throw on it somewhere so I don’t always have to lug around my backpack? Is it possible to make the exhaust louder? Lots of questions from a new timer, and apparently it is a shame that I don’t know enough about the bike to fully appreciate it yet.
There´s plenty of accessories around for the Honda 919, Elizabeth. E.g. Givi makes windshields and luggage, akrapovic makes exhausts and Rizoma makes quite a few shiny knobs, levers, and indicators. That’s only mentioning a few.
Thank you so much! I was really only looking at official Honda parts because they say to use them and I didn’t know where else to look. Once again much thanks!
i been looking for a 919 for a damn long time kind of rare in canada not a lot of true believers here of naked style lots of 600rrs or lay down machines for sale but not alot of 599s or919s
I found my 919 pretty easily. Each of the dealerships around me had one. One had the previous year and the other two had the current. I looked for used for a little bit but found nothing to my liking since I refuse to use eBay motors.
As used the 919 is not that common in Denmark either. But usually there’s one or two for sale. They sold lots of them from new, so I guess people just keep them.
I bought a salvaged 919 a couple years back. I’m pretty impressed by the handling and braking although you must hang off and never upshift exiting a left hand turn or risk getting your foot pulled under the footpeg.
Those that want a useful fairing can look at Rifle fairings. I adapted the sportbike fairing to the 919 using handmade brackets to the mirror mounts on the handlebars and to the cast-in holes in the lower triple clamp.
I had to replace the forks because the place that sells these salvaged bikes welds the original and usually bent forks. The Honda 600 forks work. I also got a used 4 into 1 pipe from some other Honda 900 to reduce weight and make room for flush mounted turn signals. I had to fabricate two mounting brackets for the pipe and also bought two used footpeg assemblies and cut off the passenger pegs.
You might wonder why I did these things, but I am getting older and the riding position on most sport bikes are hard to deal with, and the 919 is one of the few more upright bikes that are still pretty sporty, fairly light weight etc.
I also made some plates for the front engine mount where it looks like there should have been some. It seems to make the frame a little stiffer.
An all-around good bike it seems, lots of fun and not exceedingly tiring while riding just to get to an interesting road or place. I can go about twice as far as I could on my SV650S and still feel better.
Its kind of sad that competition seems to dictate a large part of motorcycle design, both street and dirt, while it seems most riding is done somewhere other than a track.
I have Husqvarna 510 dualsport also. It is designed seemingly for the guy that lives three blocks from a motocross track and doesn’t want to load his bike onto a truck. Not dual purpose.
In both cases the gear ratios are not suited ideally for where the bikes will end up being ridden.
- Keep riding to good places for good reasons.
I bought my 919 back in Feburary of 03. I think that this 03 smoke color is still the best. 14 K miles without a tune up and it still purrs.
I did have to put some new tires on it at 7k miles with a new chain. I have a GIVI windsreen and that helps alot at 80+ mph. The only problem I have had was that the shifter arm bolt fell off once and I put some lock tite on it. I was lucky enogh to find it on the road. This bike will do anything you want as long as you stay under 154 mph. That was the speed I reached just last fall after cycle work tested the 919 and said it would do 140. This bike is as much anti Harley as you can get. So quiet, so fast. I wonder how much longer Honda will make it, and what will they replace it with?
Honda keeps updating the 600cc version, and they don’t have any other naked bikes in the 1000cc category than the 919. I have a hunch that we’ll see a new version based on the 1000cc fireblade engine very soon. Questions is will it be just as versatile.
Since the mid 70’s here in Central California I have owned 4 street bikes and 3 dirt bikes, and ridden countless other examples of both kinds with extreme glee. My first streeter was a little Honda CB100 Scrambler. Wouldnt do 60 if you dropped it out of a plane, but it started my love for street bikes.
Went in the U.S. Air Force coupla years later and didnt get another bike until 1986. A 1981 Honda CB650 Custom.
That bike and I went everywhere, and for 4 years I didn’t own a car. That sweet little gem of an OHC 647cc engine was very willing, and the bike was low and I could move it around like a flat tracker. Had a lot of fun spinning donuts in the dirt and watchin’ my sportbike buddies dumpin’ there bikes trying best me.
After the Honda, it was a 79 Yamaha XS850 Special. Considered by many to be the first true Japanese cruiser bike, the XS had a three cyclinder 4 stroke that had a good blend of torque and power, was shaft driven and all disc brakes, and was a smooth and powerful cruiser. A very nice bike and in good shape for its years, and I put a lot of miles on it. It sits in my garage waiting for someday.
A few more years and an opportunity to get a VERY nice 1982 V45 Sabre. A real firebreather. Literally. The exhausts were so blown out you could see flames come out of them at night! A fact that did not go unnoticed by the local police who quickly and very earnestly warned me that this was not something they would tolerate.
But the bike was fast and I rode it hard and sold it and got married (at 41!) and now have kids and well…
So two weeks ago for various reasons I walked into the Honda Dealership and bought a brand new, last one, good deal 2006 Honda 919.
And all I can say is this:
It’s like I never owned a motorcycle before.
Almost everything about this bike amazes me. The seating position is just the way I like it. The color is Red. And the bike is FAST! Nothing I have ever ridden has had such a smooth delivery of usable power. And so much of it! And yet the bike is nimble and stable at speed. But the bike is also well mannered and quiet, and I love that I can just laugh at all the road sofa V Twin ridin dentists and accountants and know that they just don’t get it.
A modern naked is a true street bike. Meant to do a lot of things very well, and for a very long time. A Honda that is well maintained can last forever, and the 919 is as fine an example of quality and engineering in a motorcycle as you are likely to find today.
Redshark
Amen to that, Redshark. A good explanation to why I find it so hard to part with my 919.
Jesper,
I knew you would agree. Even though I loved all my bikes, this on is really something special. I guess, though, when you go 24 years between models, your gonna get your eyes opened. Wide. lol
Redshark
Ha ha, yea. Anything else would be pretty disappointing.
Jesper,
Im not really too big on making mods to my bike, mostly just little cosmetics changes. Aside from that, do you think that the 919 needs any critical changes made or is she good to go the way she is? So far, for me anyway, the bike is a monster already, but I’m curious what someone with a lot more experience with the bike thinks.
Thanks, Redshark
Redshark,
I haven’t modified the Honda that much, but the mod I appreciate the most would be the power commander. Not that it ads more power, it just gives you control of the fuel injection, like a jetkit on a carburetor. I had it tuned in on a dyno by a pro, and the even acceleration curve all the way up to the red is very noticeable. Where it would have sort of a dive at 5-6k revs before, and then shoot you out of a cannon after 6k.
Other than that, I like my slightly lower bars, for a more aggressive riding position.
Oh, and the honda flyscreen is a must. Even though it’s small it makes a big difference in moving the wind away from your torso. Depending on your height of course.
Thanks, I think that the screen sounds like a good idea. I’m only 5′ 9″ so it would probably help a lot. The rest sounds good, too, but to be honest the bike scares me a little as it is (lol) so i might hold off on more power (for now)!
hi, to all u guyes and gals who have commented on the honda 919 , i just tested a red new 06 on sunday and sure it goes very well , i took my partner on the back and she said it was very comfortable , i ride dirt bikes a drz 400 lots of fun , and the last road bike owned was a zzr 1100 which was a very fast bike and comfortabel two , but lots of dollars , so for half the price i can get this 919 , like various comments before i found it needed a screen to keep some wind off, i took it up to 160km which was very easy , but a bit hard to ride at that speed for long , so should i buy it , i think it feels good , and like to have the option of road riding as well
It’s your decision, buddy. Every bike has its pro’s and con’s. Most of us here would tell you to go for it. But you are the one coughing up the dough.
thanks , jesper , yea sure , well they have it on special as well 10,ooo nz dollars for a new bike sounds to good to let go
Dear Folks, I started riding in 1955 on an Ariel Red Hunter 500 single, graduated to an Ariel Square four and a succession of other bikes over the years. Twelve months ago I bought a new red Hornet 900 and have to say it is one of the sweetest pieces of machinery I have had the pleasure of riding. I also have a Suzuki SV1000S which is a different formula but equally exhilarating. Bikes just keep getting better, and what a blast they are. At 70 years of age it still curdles my hormones to go for a fang with my son on a nice Saturday morning. Keep on ridin boys.
Greynomad,
You go dude! I thought I was an old street vet, but you are the man! I wish I could ride with you someday, but it’s nice to know that we don’t lose the thrill as we get older! Ride on!
Redshark
Jesper, If I may ask, exactly what bars did you install to lower and approximately how much? If there is one thing, I sometimes feel as if my stance is a little tall and feel as if I’m riding a top a very fast refrigerator. A small drop in bar height would be a welcome thing.
Any suggestions?
And thanks for the site.. I don’t know if you intended this to be a forum for the 919 / Hornet but it’s a wealth of good information for those of us who covet and appreciate them as a wonderful, well rounded bike..
Thanks
Steve, the bars I fitted is Renthal bars. You can find them at renthal.com
I don’t remember exactly which ones, but I think it was the Road Medium bars.
When you fit them, you have to grind down the plastic knobs inside the controls. The knobs fit in holes on the original bars to prevent the controls from twisting. You could drill holes in the Renthals for the knobs, but I don’t recommend that. Instead I used some double sided foam tape to keep the controls in place, that works excellent.
Good luck with the bars mate, and just ask if you have any questions. I think it’s great discussing this brilliant motorcycle with you guys.
hi greynomad, yes indeed fantastic news to see your still riding at 70 , im 51 , and still love riding , i have riden since i was 15 and have also had i think seven bikes and looking for my 8th , i ride dirt bikes , but want to have a road bike to , im looking at a red hornet like yours , and i have also been looking at a sv 1000 , plus the new bandit ,but the hornet for 10k is a good buy against 12,500 and 13,500,it is fantastic that your son loves to ride with you, something i would like to happen one day for myself. there have been times in my life when i havnt had a bike but i cant get them out of my system , just love riding so much , i guess you all know what im talking about
Hi, thanks for the review and comments. I have been considering purchasing a Suzuki sv650 but now thinking about the hornet 919 instead especially at the reduced price of NZD 10K.
Has anybody ridden or owned both as to how they compare. I am mainly wanting mine for commuting about 60km per day (some motorway work) plus the option to cruise / tour 1 up or maybe 2 up less frequently
Re
Cheers Dave,
I rode the SV quite a few times and was impressed with the low end torque but the overall experience was a little flat. It reminded me of a GSXR with a mildly tuned V four and no excitement over 5K rpm. I also rode the SV1000 and was a bit more satisfied, but where the low end left off, the 919 just starts to kick in.. And just doesn’t stop until you let off.
My neighbor owns an SV650 and we go riding regularly. He complains of the same. I let him ride my 919 a few weeks back and he’s now trying to sell the SV for something as he says, “More agile and a tad more aggressive”…
The sad part is that he was sold on the “Twin” concept and that it was more powerful and “better”. An interesting sales perspective on a import bike. I wonder how long that will last. Even with the RC51 in play.
In my opinion, the SV650 is a great bike and a good equal for the 599 / Hornet 600. The 919 however is a completely different motorcycle. You need to ride the difference to make a balanced decision.
My 919 is mainly a commuter with occasional rides of 4 to 500 miles. I have yet to hear or experience a belch or anything negative from the bike. A truly amazing machine. It seems to get smoother and more powerful with every ride.
Of course we are bias in our choice but you have to understand why. And you will only do that when you get on one and open it up.
Happy and safe riding..
S
Hi Steve
Thanks for taking the time to write some very useful comments.
A lady at my work (hospital 4000 staff)has also recently changed from riding a SV650S to a Honda 919 and seems very happy with the change even though she really liked the SV650S. I’m still to decide 100% but thinking more towards the 919. Perhaps a test ride of both will clearly settle the issue.
I just brought home yesterday an ‘04
919 with 1300 miles. This bike is awsome. Having riden much in my 20s I cannot believe how well the bike tracks and how smooth the power rolls on. I could get in trouble on this!
CD
G’Day All
Interesting discussion. Speaking about the difference between the SV and Hornet, they are both great bikes. The SV 1000 makes a bit more power than the Hornet (86 kw [115.24 hp] and 81 kw [108 hp], with power to weight ratios of .45 kw/kg and .4175 kw/kg respectively. The real difference is in the way the power is delivered. The Hornet, being a four, is as smooth as silk all the way up the rev range.It delivers 92 nm of torque at 6500 rpm against 87.3 nm at 8000 rpm from the SV. At anything above 2500 rpm on the Hornet the gearbox becomes almost irrelevant (unless you want to put that Porsche 911 in its place). It just hauls away like a diesel electric locomotive. The SV on the other hand, doesn’t like getting below 3000 rpm if asked to dig its toes in, and will induce transmission lash unless dropped down a cog or two. Nevertheless it is also a beautiful thing on the road and has that magic V twin throb with the aftermarket Devil cans fitted. The Hornet has the small screen and a centre stand, useful for chain and tyre maintenance but is otherwise as created by Honda. And how good is Honda engineering? When they brought out the Benley Dream in the early 60’s we Triumph, Norton, AJS etc traditionalists thought it was a bit of a joke, but it didn’t leak oil, always started and went forever. The rest is history. Hey Christian, take it easy for a few days till you’ve got the feel of it! It’s awfully tempting to let the horses out for a run.
Cheers, and safe and happy riding.
Wow, I couldn’t agree with you more. You nailed that comparison perfectly. There is very little mechanical and comparative difference in street machines at this point other than color.
I do however believe that it comes down to a mixture of innovation, performance, reliability and as a result, brand loyalty. The last being a synergy of the previous three.
I believe that all major manufacturers are on a fairly level field at this point. They all have their strong points and of course areas that they equally struggle with. But the analogy of the Benly struck a chord with me. It’s one of the reasons that I purchased the 919 in the first place. Amusingly enough, I recently bought a 63’ Honda CA95 from a young kid that let it sit outside under a tarp for many years as he didn’t have the money nor the technical direction to appreciate it. This motorcycle was absolutely stock with the exception of the oil and the spark plug.. It was missing a few small parts that will come with time and much research but I spent a weekend cleaning the cobwebs out of it, replacing the remaining fluids and general inspection. After a little “basic housecleaning”, I was amazed that the bike started within 5 minutes and with a little light tuning, I was roaming around my neighborhood on a piece of history.
My amazement at the resilience of that machine is a small testament to excellent engineering and a company that has sold over 150 million motorcycles. That first puff of smoke from the exhaust and the eventual short trip around the block is what causes that brand loyalty that I spoke of above. Not meant to sound like an advertisement for Honda, as that could have happened with any vintage bike. But it just happened to occur next to it’s much newer cousin the CB900F and also next to the Prelude on the other side of the garage. Yes, there is something to that brand loyalty.
Don’t get me wrong though, that zip around on the ZX-14 last week was a mind-scrambler. Geez…
Cheers.
Hey, great report! I own an 04 919 (US) and love it. Great mix of bike. I had the misfortune of hitting a deer on it last fall. The damage to me and the bike was mainly superficial. Stitches for me, new tank, alternator cover and rear fender for the bike.
My question is about frame sliders. I would really not like to buy a tank again should I put the bike down again in the future. Everything I’ve read though seems to indicate that you put the crank case in danger with most frame sliders. What’s your take? Any recommendations? If saving my tank costs me the engine mounts on the motor then I guess I’ve lost the whole bike instead of just the tank.
You might have a point there, Tyler. I use Rizoma frame sliders. But as you say, they replace the engine mounts. I haven’t crashed it, so I can’t say if it’s a problem, but I’d definitely look further into it.
Gentlemen,
What do you get for RPMs @ MPH. I have not pulled the sprocket cover but I am lower in RPM than what I have read. I would still like to have a lower RPM 6th gear. Approx from memory 60 MPH 4200 70 MPH 4800
80 MPH 5100
CD
Tyler,
Wow, I hunt deer, I know their density!
I’m glad you are OK.
CD
I run stock size sprockets front and rear. Never really noticed exactly how fast I was going at a certain RPM. But I’ll make a note of it next time I’m out.
Tyler
Pleased to hear you are OK after your encounter with the deer. In 1958 two mates and I were going to a dance one night on an Ariel 600 side valve single with a large wooden box sidecar. Two of us in the sidecar and one driving, all wearing dinner suits, going flat chat (about 60 mph)when a large Red Forester kangaroo bounded out of the bush, saw the bike at the last moment and jumped. His tail and legs hit my friend’s arm and the tank as he went over the top, we swerved and the sidecar wheel lifted about 2 feet off the road but settled again and we proceeded to the dance a bit shaken but unhurt. Livestock are unpredictable, particularly at night and the counter-steer can be a useful skill. Can’t help with the slider issue Tyler, but it would seem to be a potential problem where the forces generated when a bike is dropped are transmitted to the engine block casting, rather than the frame. As the Hornet’s main structural member is the spine there doesn’t appear to be a mounting point where you need it other than the usual one. It might be worth writing to Honda or raising it with your local dealer.
Good luck, and beware of the venison.
Wow.. I felt lucky to gather my wildlife badge with a Jack Russell Terrier (named “Lucky”.. No kidding..) and a Mallard Duck. Of course not all at the same time but my heart stopped nonetheless.
I couldn’t imagine a deer. That’s just something I can’t imagine.
I’m on my third Hornet 919. I do 10000 kms per year and ride every day. I keep trying other bikes from the new Kawasaki 1400 to Blades, but short of buying a shed-full, the hornet covers more situation with less fuss. Since I never have a pillion, I can store plenty on a Ventura rack and tour the country. (5000km round trip).
It’s winter here now and I’ve bolted on a massive “Slipstreamer” American wind screen. It’s horrible, ugly and noisy, but warm and dry in filthy weather. I’ve got a Givi flyscreen for Spring. I just love this bike. It feels as flickable as a scooter around town, but it can keep up with some pricy bikes out in the country.
Thanks for putting together a good site. (Tak Jesper) I enjoy reading other reactions to the Hornet 919.
Thanks, Jorge, glad you like it. I think it’s remarkable that we all feel exactly the same about this bike. Looks like the 919 will become a modern classic.
Hi folks,
I’ve been reading your comments with interest. I ride an ‘05 919 and while I’m not as enthusiastic as some of you, it’s a fine bike nonetheless: at least it will do until I can afford an S4R Monster, if that ever happens. What I really wanted to contribute is that for those 919 owners who might be shopping for a small, economical and sporty looking fairing for the 919, you might want to give National Cycle a look. They make several nice products that fit the 919 and other bikes as well. http://www.nationalcycle.com
And, no, I don’t work for them
To John T, I understand the appeal of hairy V-twins, but I must tell a couple of stories concerning the Hornet versus “sexy” show ponies.
Firstly a near neighbour bought a magnificent Cagiva V-twin (which has the SV motor)with very masculine cans. It must have been great roaring through the countryside, but after three weeks of firing it up at 7am, he took it back and got a Bandit. The novelty of waking up the neighbourhood wore thin.
Secondly, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I used to be embarrased that it wasn’t a BMW or an MV, but I have been pleasantly surprised at the attention paid to the Hornet 919 by attractive articulate undergraduates, who have yet to learn the prejudices of bike journalists.
Dont get me wrong- I’d just love a Ducati, but not for touring or commuting. I’d need both bikes. One day……………
Christian
Mine does 3800 rpm at 100 kilometres per hour in 6th gear, which translates to 3672 rpm at 60 mph. There are 16 teeth on the small cog and 42 on the large cog. It was built in August 2005. The primary reduction is 1.52, sixth gear ratio is 1.130 and final drive reduction is 2.687 according to the handbook. It is running a 180/55 ZR 17 Bridgestone Batlax BT 56R on the rear with negligible wear.
Greynomad,
Thank you. Your information and tails are great. Bikers down under are beyond the rest, I know, I’ve seen Mad Max.
CD
I have a 2003 919 and just put Michelin Power Pilots on it and the bike luvs them it’s own children! Also, I figured out how to mount a steering damper from a GSXR on the 919 and if you think it handled the corners before, I cannot tell you what a huge difference the damper makes. I have ridden it about 7000 miles without the steering damper and 300 with it installed. It now corners at least TWICE as well as it did before!
Interesting… Sounds like I got to try that.
Jesper,
Well, it’s been two months since I bought the 919, and all my earlier impressions were based on riding the bike during the break in miles. Now that I can really get on her, I am more amazed than ever. While I’ve only been able to hit 135 so far, I’m sure I will get that last 7 miles an hour (according to Cycle World) at some point. If my nerve holds up (and my grip! No fairing yet!)
Anyway, I love the 919 more than ever, and am looking forward to a very long, and very satisfying relationship with her.
And even better, finally got my wife to go for a ride and she loved it. Time for some California Coastal Route touring this summer!
By the way, I hit a possum once on my old 850 Yammie and some how managed not to go down, but I’d say it ruined the possums day.
Redshark
Redshark, Old Son
Don’t you have a restaurant or two in California which specialise in dishes prepared from road kill? I was in LA and San Francisco in September but didn’t see any although I had read about them. A nice ‘Frisco fricasseed possum might make an interesting change from clam chowder and sourdough!
On a different note, we had here an artist of some international renown called Pro Hart who lived in a mining town called Broken Hill until his recent death. He was, among other things, a collector of motorcycles, so he was not all bad. A Google search on ‘Bonhams & Goodman’ will yield the results of an auction of that part of his estate held on 1 July 2007, when a 1966 Greeves, a 1951 Ariel Red Hunter, a 1958 Ariel Square Four and a 1949 Vincent Rapide were sold,the Vincent for AU$47,460 (about US$40,725). It would be nice to have a couple of those in the garage.
Cheers
Greynomad,
I don’t know of any restaurants that can do roadkill, but I know a few gap-toothed, mullet headed, Camaro drivin’, moblie home livin’ California Hillbillies that probably have more than one recipe for possum and God knows what else. Can’t say I’m droolin’ over the prospect though.
As far as the bikes go, would love to have seen, let alone ridden, any one of them.
Redshark
P.S. I think we all need a place to post our photos, would love to see all of you, your bikes and your travels.
Gentlemen- What a cool site with lots of good old real world info from the guy net door! I am currently looking for a nice used 919, wanted a bike now for 4 years. My impending divorce (she walked out on me) frees me to get what I want, when I want. I have read so much positive about the cb900f and sitting on one in the showroom confirms my lust. Just a couple thousand US dollars away from bliss!
Take care and ride safe boys—
Funny, that’s how I got mine. She says,”I think it’s over between us.” I just looked at her and said, “I’ll be right back…” Picked it up the next morning.
Guys, I’ve been reading your blog with huge interest. I live in the UK but currently I do not own a bike - nor have I taken a test…yet. But please keep reading, I don’t plan to be an outsider forever!
I have become obsessed with bikes since watching Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman circumnavigate the globe on BMW R1150 GS’s. Check it out http://www.longwayround.com/lwr.htm and just lately I’ve spent loads of time reading all of the reviews on your amazing site it’s amazing.
I wonder, how do I persuade my wife that biking has to be part of my life! Does anyone have any suggestions, I need to make a compelling case for it - or I might just go ahead and do it anyway!
By the way, I think for a first bike I’d fancy a Honda CB600 Hornet but you know if anyone has any other ideas…
thanks
Rob
Jesper, Put a steering damper of some sort on your 919 and I guarantee it will become the sport bike you are looking for and make it an easier bike to tour on too! Guaranteed! I did it to mine and the difference was astounding!
Hey Will, Any possibility of giving up the technical end of the GSXR damper retrofit? I would love to jump into it blind, but some advice would be quite welcome.
Cheers
Well they wouldn’t post the technical.
Is there any to post a photo on this site? If not there is one on the ‘flaming knife’ site.
Find a photo of one of the dampers on an auction site.
The threads on the ball joint end bolt are 8mm X 1.25mm threads.
Sitting on the bike, look at the top of the left lower triple clamp. You will see a small raised ‘doughnut’. It is the bump stop for the steering stop.
I drilled it out with a 7/64″ bit and tapped the hole through it with an 8mm x 1.25mm thread tap. Take the seat off and loosen the bolt at the rear tank mount so you can slide the tank back. Lift the tank and put a 2′ long piece of wood under it to hold it up in the air. Look at the right side of the bike where the frame top tube meets the frame down tube, you will see a triangular piece of flat metal bracing. Drill and tap the same size hole 3/4″ up and 3/4″ back. You will need a 8mm x 1.25mm thread about 2″ long round/hex head bolt, a metal sleeve 1/2″ long to go between the damper body swivel and the frame brace, and a locknut if you want.
photo here
http://www.fireblades.org/forums/honda-naked-sportbikes/57264-919-steering-damper.html
Hi Guys well today was won of the most embarrising days ive ever had. recently i got my bike licence and have been drooling over the new fireblade in the local honda dealership. any way the salesman said “would i like to test ride so the next day i got my riding gear and took him up on the the offer .
I signed the necessary paper work
handed over my shiney new licence and here was this beatiful shiney red and black monster i was supposed to ride off on anyway i was packing shit beacause all i had ever riden was a 250 and 500 a few times on my training.
i composed myself and rode off into the traffic.The hydraulic clutch was nice as easy to use and to my suprise i was riding off with this machine. It was supprisingly easy to ride and streered beatifully everthing went fine till i turned into the drive at the dealership. there was a line of cars exiting the drive way so i thought i would go into the neighbouring carpark and do a u turn slowly join the traffic and end up at the the front of shop but some how i forgot everything i learned at the course about looking where i wanted to go andfelt the blade dropping and i could not stop it. Miraculasly i managed to pick it back up myself and it didnt have a mark on it except for a scatched bolt on the engine cover.
Im only 170cm tall an only my tippy toes could touch the ground when seated this along with my lack of experience i assume nervousness cause dthis mishap and it has rattled me a bit about buying a bike. the owner of the shop came out expecting to see heap of damage but nothing which was amazing but bloody embarrising.
the shop were grat about it and have ofered to see if they can lower the bike for me as im vertically challenged so will keep you posted if i end up buying it.
simon
Personally I would characterize starting off on a fireblade as insane. That’s one of the most potent motorcycles you can buy, and certainly not a beginner bike.
I’ll bet anything that you will end up either not riding very much because you’re not really comfortable with the bike, or only using like 1% of what the bike can do.
If you must start on a sport bike, I’d strongly recommend going for the CBR600RR instead. Even that can be a handful for the untrained.
I wrote a few tips on buying your first motorcycle a while back. You can find them here.
5 things I wish I knew when I bought my first motorcycle
Choosing your first motorcycle
Bottom line advice is; buy something used in the 500-600cc range, ride it for a year, do track days, courses etc. then sell it and get your Fireblade. I guarantee you will be a safer more happy rider.
Thanks for the advice Jesper i think i will be a little more comfortable with 2nd hand and lower power. At least if i drop it it wont be as heartbreaking as dropping a shiney new fireblade and a few more hours practice on quite streets (eg new subdivison) going through my turning and stopping would build more confidence.On my course i confidently did figue 8’s etc no problem so was really dissapointed today when i did what i did. I got a laugh when reading 120 ways to drop your bike on the net.
regards
Simon
This forum has some legs!
I have never owned a motorcycle, and only had first hand experience with powersports by way of a Honda ATC185 (three-wheeler, natch) when I was a teenager.
My cousin, a die hard Suzuki guy throughout my adolesence, always let me ride whatever bikes he owned: a 92 GSXR 1100 (frightening speed), a 96 TL1000 (frightening torque), and a 99 Hayabusa (ludicrous).
So, lo and behold, here in 2k7 I manage to slip into a job as Marketing Director for America’s largest Honda powersports dealership in Chattanooga, TN.
A month into my job, I have a crush on Honda motorcycles, and I’m absolutely smitten with the 919, which for me has all the attitude of a sportbike (without the penchant for criminality), the muscularity of a cruiser (without destroying my quadriceps sitting it upright), and the practicality of a sport tourer (without feeling too tame). All the gushing in these forums from you 919 owners is doing nothing to calm me down.
So, my question is: would the 919 make a good first bike? I’m 6ft tall and fat (250lbs), so I worry I’d have the 599’s suspension crying for mercy. In putting all of our bikes around (mostly to and from events) I like the nimble heft of the liter bikes, but the 600s are so much easier to maneuver; the 919 seems a perfect split. However, all of us here get a few cold chills in the spine when a 17 year old with a shiny new bike license leaves the parking lot on a CBR1000RR, and I don’t want my desire for a big motor to be my mortal undoing.
So what do you think?
Also: not to sound like…well…a marketing guy, but we’re developing a line of “private label” bikes–that is, custom bikes that still cost less than MSRP–and I’m nuts about a 919 streetfighter, but without creeping into competition with our CBRs. We sell 07 919s out the door for $7283, so I’m wondering if you all could suggest about $1k worth of cosmetic/performance mods to make a 919 really scream for attention.
Thanks!
Wave rotors, Akropovic slip-ons, and some fat Renthal handlebars…
Hey Will, thanks for all of the valuable insight and information. I’ve already got my sights on a steering damper that I know will work quite well based upon your help and experience.
Thanks again.. That was above and beyond.
Cheers!
S
No Prob. My feeling is that anything that makes the bike handle better makes it safer and more fun to ride.
Good luck with the drill and tap!
w
SOOOOOOOOOOKAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!
Is that Spanish or Japanese?
I think that it’s actually a localized Buddhist term.
My understanding is “Sooka” means to short shift from second to third in order to achieve that special harmonic from the machine that brings you closer to that magical yet unlisted nine hundred nineteenth amendment of the “Eightfold Path” which eloquently states, “Pursue only noble conquests with all due speed..”
Yes, I think that’s it.
Great info here, I have been outta of the “loop” for a while..But I have found a good condition 02 for a great price..after reading nothing but good about the bike I do think that I am going to get the 919, It’s been a few years since I last rode (1993 cbr 1000f)..I do have quite a few years riding though, cant wait till i ride again..
Close Steve, but no cigar.
Sooooooooooookaaaaaaaaaaaa was, in fact, the last sound made by the devotees of Krishna when they hurled themselves under the wheels of the Juggernaut (the 8th. avatar of Vishnu) to be crushed as a symbol of their faith. I prefer an annual donation to the work of the Church.
Steve, in your note of 29 May you refer to $NZ, from which it might be fair to infer that you live in the Land of the Long White Cloud. You may have heard of a friend, John Woodley, who was prominent in NZ and international motorcycling in the 70’s, particularly riding a Suzuki TR500. John is now a silviculturist in the hills outside Melbourne but still retains an active interest in bikes and has Italian and Japanese delicacies in his stable. Good bloke!
Speaking of India, it’s fascinating to see late 1950’s Royal Enfields, brand new, being ridden all over the country by police, the military and the public. It’s an amazing place if you are into travel.
Cheers
GN
Mike, you will be happy with the ‘no maintenance’ aspect of the bike, just a key and a kickstand, adjust, clean, and oil the chain regularly as the tranny likes it lot’s better when it’s just right!
Just been for a ride with a friend who has bought a new Harley Sportster 883 custom. It’s a handsome steed in vivid black with customised small tank, a special lowrider seat and aftermarket fenders (we call them mudguards)and chromed straight-through pipes. All silver barrels and deep black paint. Looks good with the open spoke cast wheels and shouts for, and gets, heaps of attention with the unsilenced V twin throb. Doesn’t come close to complying with our rules about decibels. He looks like Martin Lawrence in Wild Hogs, but on the road it is no match for the Hornet. He is talking already about a 1200 conversion.
Grey,
Tell him it won’t help…
12,000 lbs is still 12,000 lbs..
That will do if you want to sleep from point A to point B. Think for a minute of the platform that the Space Shuttle rides on to the launch pad. They indeed get it done, but a Church mouse could beat them to the pad and probably has more fun doing it.
On the lighter side, I just went through a MSF (Yank) experienced riding course today with some amazing instructors. I cannot recommend signing up for one of these classes enough. Not only did I learn some new “tricks” but gained an appreciation for taking it to a different level.
Everything from basic safety to group riding and way beyond. And yes, there was hard acceleration and knee dragging involved..
I find that when I get “relaxed” on my bike, that I occasionally need a refresher. Someone to shake me up and think a bit.
Knowing that there are a lot of new riders that find this forum, I encourage all of you to spend the money and participate in at LEAST a basic riders course. You will not only learn the basics to stay alive in current day traffic condidtions but you will look at the world differently once you are on your Hornet / 919.
Hopefully, alive to enjoy another day.
Cheers
Hi to Anthony Junior
The best looking Hornet I ever saw was at the Honda riders Club offices at Philip Island in Australia. They had removed and Gold plated all of the bolts on the crankcase etc., (as well as adding all of the usual extras). I was surprised what a stunning effect it made. I’d do it to mine if I wasn’t lazy.
Gray, You have to remember when you race guys on Harley’s to just stay about 2 meters in front of them, that way you won’t hurt their feelings quite so much.
Thanks for the tip Will, but I prefer to draw up alongside Harleys, look across and smile, then administer the coup de grace quickly and cleanly to avoid subjecting them to the indignity of seeing their mascara run. In my friends case it would be a cruel and unusual punishment to attenuate the process since the little Peter Fonda tank (range 170km) and the other added accoutrements meant that the Sportster cost him just twice what he would have paid for a new Hornet 900, without approaching its performance!
Steve, your advice about advanced riding courses is sage indeed, particularly having regard to modern traffic conditions. I stayed in Annaheim last September and went for a walk from the hotel, located right near a freeway. It was wall to wall traffic across 4 lanes all stampeding toward their destinations. A few bikers were mixing it with the cars and trucks. It would be seven years bad luck to miss seeing something ahead of you and come off in that company. The courses here, and I imagine there, are designed to alert riders to the whole environment, and are used by the police as well as the public. There is always something new to learn and who knows, it might be just the thing that saves you from a nasty accident.
Safe riding.
Cheers.
Hi, Anthony Jr
Interested to read that a 17 year old can ride a CBR1000RR over there. Road traffic law is a matter for the States in Australia. Like you we are a federation, but under our constitution the Commonwealth (the federal body) has certain specified powers, the matters not specified being the responsibility of the individual States. In Victoria, my stamping ground, a newly licensed motorcyclist may not lawfully ride a motorcycle on a highway for the first 12 months if the engine has a swept volume greater than 260cc (15.86ci). He may not lawfully carry a pillion passenger during that time, but may carry a sidecar passenger. During that period he must at all times have a blood alcohol concentration of zero. The policy answers the very valid concerns you have expressed about the volatile cocktail which exists where the high spirits of youth are combined with inexperience and rocket sled performance. The advice Jesper gave Simon was eminently sensible from both the safety and financial perspectives.
Are you able to say Anthony Jr, whether a revised 010/Hornet 900 is planned by Honda?
GN
Hi Jesper
About this Hornet.
I need a bike that can be used 4 times a day to visit the accountant, pick up things without parking hassles, have coffee somewhere nice, and front up to elusive negotiators in person(the way you cant with email). Say 10000km per annum. It’s all traffic, so linear engine performance, grunt and handling are musts. A 600 with a 900+ engine.
I need to bolt on different stuff depending on the season. In one month my huge Harley-type screen comes off. It looks nerdish and makes a racket, but I ride warmly through winter wearing summer-weight armour. On goes a colour keyed Givi one for Spring. (I live in New Zealand) Then the odd 400km day trips will get windier but quieter. For heatwaves the Givi comes off too.
Year round I like to filter traffic like a 250. The mirrors define the gaps. So I dont want panniers. Luggage can go on the rack and the pillion- more than needed.
I need to pick it up if I drop it, so it’s got to be under 200kg.
Lastly it needs to look good. Everybody admires this one except in winter.
How many riders are as fussy as to want all this? Greynomad was asking about he next Hornet. I love the styling of the new 600 Hornet, but that frontal treatment would rule it out for versatility. Maybe I’ll have this one for 100000kms.
Yes, Jorge, that sounds like a Hornet, it’s amazing isn’t it.
I agree on the all space ship style fronts they give new bikes at the moment. They don’t look that good, and makes the bike less versatile.
Hi All,
6 weeks ago I bought a used 2003 919 Hornet on eBay. The seller agreed to keep it for 6 weeks until I could fly from Eastern Washington State to Los Angeles, CA to pick it up and ride it 1200 miles back home. I leave next Saturday the 22nd and I’m looking forward, not only to the adventure of the trip, but the joy of owning a 919. I’ve heard lots of good stuff. I currently ride a 2000 Sabre 1100cc cruiser and can’t wait to see what the hornet is all about. I’m hoping that it is as comfortable as everyone seems to think it is. I plan on 300 to 400 miles per day and that could last forever on an uncomfortable machine.
Cheers,
David
Hi David
Congratulations. You’ll notice a lot of differences. One that I would recommend is to give it a few revs and a slow release of clutch when cold. A cold Hornet can be stalled if you get too cocky. There’s a choke-like hand throttle that you can set to about 1300rpm idle until it’s warm. That leaves the Pacific Coast to learn the rest of the differences. It’s a hard life for some!
Thanks, Jorge,
Any ideosyncracies that I should know about this bike? Any particular rpm range that induces increased vibration? What is the most comfortable cruise speed (vibe wise)?
Thanks for your information….
Regards,
David
I find that my 919, vibrates the most at 5000 rpm. Not as much to be annoying, but that’s when you can feel the vibration. Other than that, there’s nothing really to notice. Just ride the hell out of it and have a good time doing it.
Hi David
There is a tingling sensation (that some might not object to) at around the 5000 as Jesper says. But you have six gears to chose and it’s up to you. It’s been winter where I am and I’ve been using lazy revs, but until you’re used to it keep the revs higher and avoid being caught out with a rapid stop.
If you find yourself in 5th or 6th going too slowly you may have to let a bit of clutch out to change down.
I’d also have a good look at the tyres (sorry, tires) and brake pads because stopping performance is sensational.
Finally, manoeuverability is so good you forget it’s a big bike. I dropped mine asking it it to do a moped u-turn. You’ll love the steering lock, but there are limits.
Question for All 919 owners, I have recently decided to sell my 89 Honda Hawk GT650 to fund another bike purchase. I am looking at buying the 2003 Honda 919. this will be my 4th Motorcycle, would this be a good Idea to go from the Hawk to the 919? Power wise i know the 919 is much stronger, but as far as reliability and riding position. I also Have a 1980 Honda cb750k and i love to ride it. Its a comfortable all around moto.
any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks all!
Hey AJ.. I can’t speak for the rest but as far as reliability, I haven’t had one cough from my 05′ other than vibration loosening a cover plate bolt and it falling out. Change the oil, keep air in the tires and it goes like hell all the time and every time. Good luck with your impending purchase.
You’ll luv it! Change the fork oil, adjust the chain and go riding. Like someone else said, the 919 is more reliable than the sun coming up every day!
Hi All,
Thanks for all the helpful comments. I leave the 22nd for Los Angeles from where my 1200 mile 919 ride back home begins. I’ll be coming up the eastern side of the Sierra to Bishop (Got to see Galen and Barbara Rowells Photo Gallery- If you’re a photo buff you’ll know what I mean). Then up to Lee Vining and west through Yosemite and back. Never seen it so will do it this trip. Then up to Reno, Winnemucca, Boise, and home (Lewiston, ID/Clarkston, WA). I’m excited and a little apprehensive at the same time, but, from the sounds of it, the 919 should get me back and quickly. I sent a Plexifairing GT down ahead of me and will install it before I begin my trip. This might be a saving grace should I hit bad weather. Once home an OEM flyscreen will replace the GT. I’ll give a report once I’m back in Washington State. Thanks again to all that have contributed to my knowlege of the hornet.
Regards, David
Congratulations on the purchase David.
As a fellow Washingtonian I have to remind you to not forget 101 North.
At least through Oregon as far as Astoria. I know it’s out of the way but this time of year it’s amazing.. You can head East and catch 2 to head home. Give it a thought.
I’ve done it on mine and it was a fantastic ride. And I didn’t have the windscreen.
Congratulations again, and here’s to a safe trip..
I’ll be interested to hear your reaction to the Plexifairing. It looks far superior to my Slipstreamer S-08, which roars from city speeds. Having said that, I have to admit you can carry on riding through hail in winter with it. Please let us know.
Dave
Have a safe and enjoyable ride. There will be a few of us riding with you in spirit. Let’s know how you got on when you get home.
Cheers
GN
Hi All,
Thanks for the good wishes for a safe trip. I’ll give a full report on what I think of the 919 as soon as I’m back. Also the Plexifairing GT and how well it did.
Steve…I’ve done that route and, you’re right, it is a gorgeous trip. Actually a more scenic route than the trip through Nevada, but I have friends to see in Boise so I have to do that route.
I’ll chat again when I’m back…
Dave
I read about Akrapovic exhausts as a modification in one of the blogs. After looking at the official Akrapovic website, there is not a custom slip on exhaust that fits a 919. Can you give me the type of exhaust you ordered to modify the fit?
Glen
There is slip-on that fit the 919 on the Akrapovic site. It’s the ones listed under HONDA CB900F HORNET, which is the name of the 919 in Europe.
Deals are being done here on Hornet 900’s, and bikes generally at the moment. I was made an offer I could not refuse and traded my 2005 model on a new Hornet 900 today. Also tried out a new red and black 2007 CBR 1000 RR Fireblade which is a thing of beauty. It only had 430 km on the clock so I took it gently, but once or twice let it out on the freeway. Sharp and precise are the words that spring to mind. The mailed fist in the velvet glove. Might have another look when the SV1000S is due to retire. After half an hour it was apparent that to ride any distance someone my vintage would need Helibars to raise the bars and move them rearward. I can sit on the Hornet all day without discomfort but quite apart from that, it did not appear that the very significant price difference (about $7,000 Au) was merited. The Hornet does everything so nicely, and although the Fireblade is quicker in the upper echelons of the performance scale, the opportunities to use it on public roads are almost non-existent here. Exceeding a speed limit by 25km or more attracts mandatory loss of licence if apprehended. The new Hornet is the same metalflake burgundy as the last one and has precisely the same poise on the road. The small Honda screen and centre stand have been transferred to the new bike. Fitting the centrestand is a fairly difficult and time-consuming task so it was left to the boys with the equipment. Happy tonight!
GN
The ride from Ontario, California to Washington State was an adventure. One flat tire going through Yosemite (Thank you Triple-A for the lift) and a plug to get me down the road to a Honda Shop for a new tire, but nothing beyond that for problems. The 919 is a blast. More power than Hoover Dam, but then you all knew that. The National Cycle Plexifairing GT is wonderful. You look over it, but it blocks the windblast from your main torso and a full face helmet takes care of the rest. It stays on the bike. Not nearly so large as I thought and it looks good as well. Just sent in a stock seat (ebay special) to Sargent for their magic reshape/refoam/recover job so I should be a bit more comfortable. All in all I love the bike.
Cheers,
David
Hi Greynomad
Congratulations. I too renewed my Hornet- 14 months ago. My Givi screen, Scottoiler and luggage rack are now on my third Hornet. I went through a period of doubt about whether my money should have gone to an “upgrade”. I too also tried a Blade and was mightily impressed, but found it downright frustrating at daily commuting speeds. I am now emerging from winter vindicated in the choice of another Hornet. It’s a fine motorcycle in absolute terms, but it’s also the best bang for your buck in NZ.
Hello Jorge
Interested in the Scottoiler. Chain lube is not the best part of motorcycling. Does it throw oil about, and do you have to wipe excess oil off the chain occasionally? I have cut the side off a plastic kitchen spray dispenser to make a shallow bath, fill it with kerosene, lift up under the rear sprocket and totally immerse the chain, turn rear wheel slowly to rotate the chain a couple of times, wipe it, then apply gear oil and wipe off the excess. It’s a bit tedious but satisfying to stand back and look at a clean chain with a hint of oil showing. Thoughts sometimes turn to shaft drives, but the parasitic transmission losses probably explain why none of the machines lining up on the grid at the Moto GP have shafts.
Dave, glad you are back in one piece and liked the Hornet. Enjoy!
GN
Greetings Greynomad
The Scottoiler is now on it’s third Hornet, and it’s not what it used to be. It was admittedly low maintenance on the last bike, but some oil goes on the tyre and down the side stand onto the floor until the flow is perfect. The seat has to come off every other week to make sure the header tank is full. If the siphon runs out it’s back to square one. The seal broke and the tank wouldn’t fill- still wont. At my 12000k service they suggested taking the top off and pouring the oil in. Now I’m readjusting the flow, hence more oil on the floor.
To cut it short, I’m jealous of your centre stand and if I had one I wouldn’t get a Scottoiler. If I must fiddle with something it might as well be the bike. Your technique sounds good to me.
In any event I’ve only kept the bikes for 20k so I’m working for the next owner. In the right hands, it’s a great device, but I might be the wrong guy to ask.
Greetings Dave
The Plexifairing GT sounds good. I might try one next winter. Thanks for the research.
Jorge
Coincidentally, after our exchange about chain lubrication I took my new Hornet out this morning with 50 kilometres on the odo to put some run-in miles on it. At an intersection close to home I did a right angle left turn. Travelling at about 30 kph I accelerated moderately in 2nd gear in the apex of the turn when the rear wheel suddenly lost adhesion and slid out quite violently. I was able to steer into the slide and straighten up without dropping the bike. A check revealed that the road was clean and dry, but the chain, frame and left side and contact surface of the rear tyre were liberally coated with spray-on silicon lubricant, which I do not use. The tyre has now been washed in hot water and detergent, the surplus wiped off the chain, and the dealer alerted to the potential hazard created when excess lubricant applied to the chain is thrown onto the contact surface by centrifugal force. His response is awaited.
Cheers
GN
Good save. Whenever anything like that happens to me I instantly go into my ‘Dirt Bike’ riding mode.
That’s why real chain lube comes with a sticky additive that keeps it where it belongs! Although it will attract dirt like a first grader at recess…
The turn was a reflex action Will, but the save was more a tribute to the inherent stability of the Hornet. This is a very forgiving motorcycle at any speed. It would not have happened on the Jawa 350 two stroke twin I owned in 1958, as the chain was completely enclosed in a pressed metal case which prevented the egress of lubricant, and the ingress of dust and grit. It was a pretty little bike and very advanced for that era with avant garde fairings and uncluttered engine bay. It revved very freely in the nature of two strokes and had commendable acceleration, but was deficient in torque and would fade at 60 mph against a strong head wind. Doesn’t happen on a Hornet!!
GN
Has anyone experienced difficulty selecting gears when downshifting while running up to traffic lights on a new Hornet?
Grey, I had the same problem when mine was new. The gearbox was real “sticky” in general. It seemed to straighten itself out in roughly 6 to 800 miles. I also relied heavily at the time on compression braking rather than using the brakes. That seemed to speed the process up a bit.
I chalked it up to breaking in a stout transmission.
Good luck.
Hi GN. Yes downshifting can baulk. I tend to use no higher than 4th around town to avoid being stranded in a high gear should an emergency stop happen. I have found though that by setting the idle to 15-1800rpm when cold it clicks down from any gear. My Scottoiler is behaving now. Maybe I was a bit harsh on it.
Never had any problems with mine. But that’s a 2003, don’t know if they’ve changed anything.
Thanks boys. I have increased the idle speed which seems to have smoothed gearshifts in both directions. It can stay there till the 1000k service. It was a nice day here today and we gently put another 140 km on the clock. Even allowed a Softail DeLuxe to pass.
Bliss.
what do yall think would be a better bike for someone who has never accually owned a bike before ive drove a couple before biggest being a cbr 600. ive been looking at the 599 but there is a 919 at the dealership for 7000 and i could get the 599 for 6200. the 919 feels better but i think it might be too much power for me
Hi leland. Whichever one you buy, that dealer’s going to get a large bundle of your cash. Get them to give you some time at their next instruction course. You’ll learn some theory, try some tricks on each bike and see which suits you. They’ll get to make a sale. Pay for the lesson- maybe they’ll refund it if you buy a bike. You’ll be in a better position to decide. I’m too far away to be of any help. Have fun.
Hi Guys!
Been a little while since I posted. Getting on to 3k miles on the bike, and the only problem I have had was a big fat nail (looked like a damn railroad spike!) in the back tire. Since I don’t have a centerstand yet, I had the local shop do all the work to put on a new tire. About three hundred all said for a very nice Michelin Tire. Otherwise the bike has been my mechanical soulmate. I feel like I did when I had my first real streeter, excited and wanting to make it the coolest around. Alas, small business expansion and kids wont allow all the stuff I would like, but the bike is so sweet to begin with that I just keep it maintained and ride it box stock (for now).
I love the feeling of pride we all have in our 919/Hornet’s and believe it all to be justified. Maybe we can have a Run of our own somehere, someday and get to meet and greet with our fellow owners. Until then I will always check in once in a while to read and maybe put in my two cents worth.
One last thing.
I find it impossible to do anything but leave the Fatbikes (harley’s etc)
sucking on my exhaust. Bunch of dentists and accountants who think they are “bikers”. Lol. Don’t even know better than to throw rev’s at me while riding their “Fatboy”! More than one has learned the hard way! LOLOLOL
Redshark
Thanks to all who’ve spoken back to me here, and sorry for being away so long.
Looks like the 599 and 919 are lame ducks in 2007. I did see that Honda showed a CB1100F and CB1100R concept at the Tokyo Auto Show this year, but I doubt either will make it to the USA.
Despite my affection for the Honda hooligan bikes, each was outsold four-fold by the rather pedestrian CBR600F4i; I suppose most Americans who want naked bikes buy Triumphs and Ducatis.
In more personal news, we (being Southern Honda Powersports, where I work) have just taken in a used 919 with a dent in the tank, a faulty tach, and a gouged-up sissy bar. I am wants it so much bad. Occasionally (often, actually) we put too much into our trade-in bikes in order to facilitate the new bike sale, so this particular warhorse of a 919 is ~$4000USD, but I can get it somewhat cheaper. Is it a good deal?
Also: any advice on how I can get my wife to buy into the 919 spirit?
Jr.
Ant, if you’re looking for a bike to trick up, you’ll save by getting that used 919 if you can get your workshop to let you have some of their downtime.
Those big new CBs dont do it for me any more than the CB1300 does. As you say, it’s up to your US importer what they will go with. I guess it’s a lot about the “visual statement”, but I have heard a rumour that there’s also a new 900 coming. Who knows what market it’ll end up in? I like the 919 because it’s so friendly you can put all the power down with confidence- most Ducatis wont take you on.
As for your wife, get her to try on some nice leather outfits.
With all of Jesper’s generosity of bandwidth, I would like to ask What is the preferred windscreen of the experienced riders posting here?
I need to buy one as I am going to start some longer distance riding and need to be able to relax a bit from the wind.
Most of the solutions that I have seen are a bit cumbersome and “ugly” at best, detracting from the general “look of the bike”.
At this point, I would love to know what the masses think of the options available as far as form and functionality.
Thanks in advance Gentlemen.
Steve, there’s a direct relationship between size noise, ugliness, warmth and dryness. Why doesn’t somebody make clip-on foul weather screen that you can take straight off after an epic run? Check Dave, October 9.
I like the one Honda makes. It won’t turn it in to an all comfy goldwing though. But as Jorge say, the bigger the uglier.
Actually the screen debate is quite serious. I admit that the look of the Hornet was a factor in buying it. The design is beautifully balanced in my view without a screen. “B” roads and summer breezes are pure elation to me. But let me bore you.
In the Swiss Engadine in August 2005 I was on my brother-in-laws bike, a naked Honda Revere 650 with no screen. I was freezing cold, and I still had a pass to negotiate to get home. It would have been madness to get colder. There are articles in European mags about this. Instead I went south to Chiavenna in Italy to thaw out (700 metres or so lower altitude), then over the Spluga Pass (old but spectacular). Had this option not been there, I would have had to check in somewhere or risk bad reactions on cold roads, not to mention pain and misery. That’s when I resolved to get a decent winter screen.
For on long journeys they make STs, FJRs and BM tourers for this reason. The makers would like you to buy one. But you cant strip them back to a 919/Hornet for the summer.
As for looks, 90% of the crowd dont care, and the guys on the Harleys or Ducatis aren’t going to change their opinion. With a decent winter screen you’ll get used to the noise in about 2 weeks, and from then on you’ll treasure the warmth.
Check out the National Cycle Plexifairing 3. I bought one when I bought the Hornet and rode it from Los Angeles to Washington State. It stays on the bike. It doesn’t look bad and does a heck of a job cutting wind blast. It goes on or comes off in about 3 minutes once you have the handlebar mounts in place. I thought I might go with the OEM, but talked to several that said it still has a lot of wind blast across your upper torso. With the plexifairing it cuts all the windblast except for what the helmet protects you from. You do look over it.
Hi! I tried Bandit,Fazer,Magna,Africa Twin,Transalp,Aprilia and several other bikes until I found the 919.Bought it without hesitation even not searching for oppinions in internet.Perfect universal bike!Great engine, easy handling!!Will be mine forever.I am from Bulgaria and after reading all postings in the blog I am much more happy I found this bike.Will buy a bigger wind shield may be for longer touring
I love my 919 . Its a 2004, I was wondering if you had any good quility pictures I could use for desktop wallpaper. I was bored so I got on google looking for some, Honestly the picture of the honda with the lake mountians and tents in the background is about as close as I found to a good one.
I’ll see if I can find a few on my back up disc and turn them into wallpapers for you, Randall.
Well Nick and Randall, you got in just in time. It looks like the replacement Hornet/919 is going to be the CB1000R. (Google it) Gone is the trad headlight which lets you customise your comfort with your choice of screen. Do they want us to buy CB1300s? Didn’t the 919 sell?
Thanks man I dont use my hotmail email very often, But its basicaly my MSN messanger name if you want to use that.
Gotta warn you though I run my monitor at 1920×1200 thats a 16:10 resolution.
I’ll have to check that out Jorge.
My Hotmail is Slynine@hotmail.com btw.
Im not sure I like the styling of the back, That last piece of plastic looks more like a liability. But besides that , To me that is a sleek looking bike.
I have no Idea how well the 919 sold, only that I love mine. If I had one grip, I wish it had a tad more power. Dont get me wrong it will fly.
I just bought an 06 900 Hornet here in New Zealnd and love it. Last bike I owned was a CB750 K2 so it’s been a while. Just a quick follow up to the chain lube discussion, today I bought some chain paste from a mate that runs the Elf depot here in Christchurch. Looks like tooth paste so I smeared it on with a tooth brush and took the bike for a quick blast, 140kph, checked it out when I got back and there was a few small spots on the rim and thats all. Elf mate said he sold some to a guy the other day that did a 1000km trip and the chain looked as lubicated as the day he applied the paste. I think Elf are the only company that make this paste? has anyone else used it?
The CB1000r is a bit like the Curate’s egg–good in parts. Whether the appearance of a particular design is pleasing is essentially subjective, but before committing capital to the manufacture of a new design, why don’t the makers consult their market through sites such as this. A significant part of the appeal of naked bikes is that they reduce the machine to pure, elegant function. The Hornet is a classic example. If Honda had given the styling brief to us it is likely that instead of the Darth Vardar front there would be a simple round headlight, the Thor plastic lightning bolts would never have found their way onto the radiator, and the exhaust would have exited under the seat. We could have helped by eliminating the excremental rear assembly which ruins the upswept line of the tail, and substituting a wheel-hugging fender and neat license plate and indicator mount. Mechanically we might have suggested a range of engine options such as larger throttle bodies even if there was a risk of approaching Fireblade performance at 2/3 the price. Otherwise it looks good. Son of Hornet.
As always, Grey so eloquently shared an opinion. And I have to agree with him.
At first glance, I don’t care for it all that much. My first impression is the step-child of a backwoods romp between a Yamaha FZ1 and a BMW K1200 with the genetic single rear swing arm having the dominant gene. I know that the rivalry between Honda and Yamaha is a longstanding tradition but to chase the styling and drop what “we” think made the 919 successful is a mistake in my opinion.
I’m sure it probably goes like hell but like Grey stated, the simplicity of the Hornet / 919 is it’s magic. I can’t tell you about how many people have asked me if I can buy fairing for my 919. And I always ask them the same question, “Why?”.. And my riding friends with the really expensive bikes are always asking me if they can take mine out for a spin…
I understand that Honda has to sell these machines to continue their very expensive production line but I think they are missing the boat with this one. It may be light and fast as hell, but in my opinion, it defeats the purpose of the CB series. Admittedly, Honda did not bring the “naked bike” to the production table first, but for a number of years they produced a truly brilliant offer that the other manufacturers didn’t quite understand or, “get”.
That is what makes the 919 / Hornet special. It’s elegance and power in simplicity. It’s not flashy. It’s not the fastest thing on the planet, but it suits more riding styles, situations and climates than any other bike that I have ever owned.
I will ride the new CB but I probably wouldn’t fork over money for one.
Well, as an owner of my third 919/Hornet, I can assure you all that they’re a doddle to sell. You just have to make sure of the buyer’s bona fides and give them a ride. They’ll be hooked.
I don’t know if Honda reads owners’ blogs but they must know that they have a CB heritage to protect, as Steve points out. It looks as though they’re rushing off after the Kawasaki Z1000 with this wacky 1000R thing. Europe has a bike called a CBF1000 that looks and sounds (in reviews) like a half-faired Hornet (check http://www.hondamoto.ch) click “Motorader”. The fairing looks similar to that on the CB1300S, which has pointy bits menacing my knee caps. Certainly Honda have a parts bin to die for, and signs are that they’re prepared to try. But so far they’ve hit either side of the target, and neither is a worthy successor to the 919/Hornet in my view. I’m in no hurry to replace it anyway. As one UK BIKE journo puts it- What a brilliant bike……
Gent’s,
Having just got my first look at the CB1000R I must say my first impression is “What the ****?” Is that thing supposed to be in the next “Transformers” movie? Ugly as hell, is all I can say. And If they don’t make any more 919’s, then that’s fine with me. Just makes mine that much more unique. Here where I live (Fresno, CA) the local dealership told me they sold only three last year in the entire Central Valley (an area almost the size of the New England States!} I can’t tell you how many people have said “I’ve never seen one of those before.” Just shows that most riders just aren’t as discerning as we are. This is also evidenced by the fact that Cruiser bike sales are through the roof. {I’m sadly shaking my head.} I think that so many of these new riders that are spending Ungodly amounts of cash on bikes that are so limited in performance are just selling themselves short on the riding experience.
“But, look how good I look!”
Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad to see that more people are out riding bikes. And I am not one to say “You should ride this” or “you should ride that”, but going out to the local Harley Dealership and buying a new “Softail Deluxe” does NOT make you an “Outlaw Biker”.
And these are the guys who have the nerve to down my “riceburner”. Ask any true outlaw, (and I know a few Norseman and Hell’s Angels)and he’ll tell you the same thing I will:
What a joke.
Maybe this is just a local California phenomenon, and I may seem a little bitter, but I have been dealing with this kind of prejudice for years and it just seems to be getting worse.
Sorry about the rant, just had to get it off my chest.
Redshark
I get the same thing here. I just tell them it’s made in Ohio. Went to Bike Night in Cape Coral, Florida last night. There were easily about 8000 Harleys, 20 Goldwings, 10 sportbikes and my 919. A few guys did know what it was, those who actually know one bike from another and gave me knowing smiles. Nearly everyone was over 60, dressed in official Harley logo clothes including boots so heavy they would probably tear you leg off in a crash. What really surprises me is the total lack of safety gear other than boots, no helmets of any kind and quite a few had they ‘Old Ladies’ on the back with even less on. Oh, an not even a couple dozen bikes out of the 8000 had a single bug on it’s headlight…
Hvad siger du, Jesper? It’s your blog. My take is that Honda now have three naked 600s- a Hornet, a CBF600N (that resembles a 919), and a CBF600S with a half fairing. The Swiss site (see December 5th) shows brand new replacements for the CBFs. So I predict more naked 1000s to come. Why else do something so loopy as the 1000R?
Redshark and Will, bike showrooms here and in Australia try hard to sell you up to CBRs, STs and at the least CB1300s. It’s probably the same stateside. If I was a dealer I’d be no better. And in the US they’ll be getting double or triple the dollars for a Harley. It’s not money wasted- H.O.G. is the best social club on the planet. And Redshark, they are nice to look at and ride amongst . A lot cleaner than my Hornet too, most of the time.
Honda will come up with a son-of-919 one day when they cant be bothered casting 919cc blocks any more. Meanwhile I’m off tomorrow for 2000 kilometres. I’m in such a good mood on a run I even wave to BMWs .
hola que tal , espero que tengan una muy feliz navidad , mi moto es 919 del 2003 , aunqueno lo crean es muy rapida , el dia primero de enero de este 2007 al salir de un puente cuando iba a tomar la curva se me derrapo y me estrelle contra las protecciones de metal , me fracture una vertebra lumbar y dos o tres costillas , estuve encamado por tres meses pero gracias a dios la libre , el problema es que para mi las llantas que traen de fabrica son muy duras , yo las cambie por unas soft , pues con las duras no puedes tomar una curva sin peralte a mas de cincuenta y yo la tome a mas de cien km por hora y sin peralte , ahora con las llantas soft paso por donde mismo a mucho mayor velocidad , mi comentario es que para correr en cualquier lugar debes tener el equipo adecuado como son llantas , la presion de las llantas , conocer el camino , y llevar las protecciones adecuadas , todas las precauciones son pocas , un saludo a todos .
Que?
Is that Manuel from Barcelona?
Hi all,
Glad to have stumbled upon this site. I looked at a 2002 “Matte-black” 919 yesterday evening. Pretty awesome bike so far, and I’m desperately seeking to replace my 1998 Bandit 1200S (shamefully I have a fairing and not the true naked look/feel).
The one big question I have to ask you guys is: does the tank width bother you? My first impression from sitting on the bike was, “dang, that tank is wide”. I’m going to take another look at the bike this Saturday for a second impressions, but I want the bike to feel like its somewhat a part of me when I ride (moreso than cumbersome).
Thanks for the input,
-Daniel
Hi Daniel from Atlanta
I guess you will have tried a 919 by now and answered your own tank width question. The part of the tank that the thighs engage is not particularly wide. The lack of a sculpted bulge ahead of the knees is a plus for me. Being tall I can move about on the seat, perch, slouch and generally vary my posture without worrying about the tank. Each to his own, but it suits me. Let us know how you find it.
Jorge et al,
I ended up test riding the bike today and bought it.
I drove it home only, so I don’t have a lengthy impression, but my initial thoughts follow.
Incredibly smooth power delivery and motor. Plenty of power. 6th gear pulls on the freeway are pretty strong.
The wide tank actually became a non-issue once I started to ride. I didn’t neven notice it.
Handling is pretty good, the bike feels much more nimble under speed than one would detect by sitting on the bike and rocking it between the legs.
For highway riding, speeds up to 60mph with the Buell M2 flyscreen are pretty tame. However, over that and the wind really gets to you. I ducked to the tank and it was alot better but a little stressful on the back.
All in all, the first impression is that this bike beats the heck out of my 1998 Bandit 1200. I love the fuel injection, 6 speed, and liquid cooling combined with a slight weight decrease.
I’m looking forward to riding the heck out of this thing soon!
-Daniel
Manny’s post…
Hello such, I hope you have a very happy Christmas, my bike is 919 2003 aunqueno believe it is very fast, the first day of January this 2007 to emerge from a bridge when it would take the curve I derrapo and I - star protections against metal, I fracture a lumbar vertebra and two or three ribs, I was encamado for three months but thanks to the god of self, the problem is that for my tires to bring factory were harsh, I changed some soft, because with the tough can not take a curve without peralte over fifty and I take over a hundred kilometers per hour and without peralte, now with the soft tires to the same passage where much faster, my comment is that run anywhere you need to have the proper equipment such as tires, the tire pressure, knowing the way, and bring the appropriate protections, all precautions are few, my greetings to all.
Complimente de la temporada Manuel. Eleccion de los neumaticos y el correcto mantienemento son fundamentales para carretera, ya que han descubierto. Descubriras que el compuesto de neumaticos mas blandos se desgaste con mayor rapidez que la fabrica suministra, neumaticos mas duro, pero a la majora de la adhesion que haya encontrado. Espero que se recupere totalmente de su lesion y que siquen disfrutando de su Hornet/919 para muchos viajes por venir. La mayoria de los lectores de este sitio (proporcionades generosamente por Jesper) tienen en Ingles como nuestro primer idioma. Asimismo, ayudara a nostros para compartir experiencias, que nos quataria hacer, si las contribuciones son en Ingles. Disponer de un seguro y feliz ano nuevo.
Grey Nomada
Compliments of the season Manuel.
Choice of tyres and correct maintenance are critical to roadholding, as you have discovered. You will find that the softer compound tyres will wear more quickly than the factory supplied, harder tyres, but give the improved adhesion you have found. I hope you have recovered completely from your injury and that you continue to enjoy your Hornet/919 for many journeys to come. Most readers of this site (generously provided by Jesper) have English as their first language. It will assist us in sharing your experiences, which we would like to do, if contributions are in English. Have a safe and happy new year.
Greynomad
Fellow 919er’s,
Greetings and a Happy New Year!
I send this post a bit sheepishly.
Let me explain:
As you all know, I have been ranting about “posers” for some time now, and for the most part my feelings are the same.
However.
Last weekend, I decided to bundle up and take a ride into the hills outside of my home town (actually the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range) and started out at a local cafe just at the beginning of my run to have some breakfast. I noticed about six Harley’s out in the parking lot and thought “Oh great, here we go.” But I went in anyway, and well, long story short (rare for me!) they were some very affable fellows. Only one had more than a year of street experience, so I was surprised that they were out in the cold weather (about the low 40’s I believe)! I ended up sitting with them and having breakfast and it was a very good time. They were all very interested in the 919 and when they found out how much riding experience I had they were full of questions, which I did my best to answer. One said that my 919 was “Beautiful and scary.” When I told them about the power and handling of the bike and the awesome engineering, they were all very impressed. So we decided to to keep the ride in the foothills because the upper elevations were under a lot of snow and chains were being required. It was a fun ride, though I had to supress the temptation to just let the 919 go and leave them all behind. I did, a couple of times, just to show them what she could do, but always slowed down to let them catch up.
So, I got taught a lesson. Prejudice is wrong. I realized I was a snob about “Posercycles” and the “Wannabe’s” who rode them. They may not ride what or how I do, but they were some good guys, and I will try to be more open minded in the future. I just wish I had some knee dragger’s around here to ride with, too.
Redshark
Hi guys,
Just recently bought a 05 with 12000km on the clock. I have a knock in the engine when accelerating from about 2000rpm upwards which I am sure is piston slap.Have checked a few sites and it would seem that this is a characteristic of the 919 engine and is not a worry-Have any of you got this problem?
Not me, Jeff. Never had that experience.
I have heard of that in a couple of other inline four cylinder machines that were primairly cold climate bikes. I was told by quite a few people that excessive use of choke or engines that are running constant rich are more prone to damaging the piston and cylinder wall from “lubrication washing”.. It was brought up during a discussion on piston slap.
Just a thought.
Make sure you don’t have a stiff spot or two in your chain before you start tearing into the engine.
Thanks for your replies fella’s.
Not a bad wee ride are t