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Design Concept
As the Hornet name has become well-established in Europe through the 600 and its half-faired sibling the Hornet-S, creating a larger-displacement version proved to be a natural extension of the concept.
One of the fundamental ideas behind the new Hornet 900 was to redirect the 'Super Naked' concept more toward those who enjoy city riding rather than all-out assaults on inter-city highways and winding
backroads; much like the CB900F of the mid-'80s. And what better engine to base it on than the renowned mill that motivates Honda's best loved Super Sport, the CBR900RR FireBlade?
Studies of rider
preferences found that generally riders seem to be the most comfortable with a power output range of between 90 and 110PS (or 66 to 81kW), especially for a smaller and lighter machine like that
envisioned by the Hornet's development team. More important than maximum power output is a strong feeling of torque and acceleration almost the instant the throttle is opened. No cutting-edge Stealth
fighter, the new Hornet would more closely identify with a Harrier jump-jet in its blast of broadly useable performance and anytime-anywhere riding ease.
Another primary goal in the development of the
new Hornet was achieving smooth, reassuring rideability, with instantly responsive yet linear torque output, which required fine-tuning its throttle response. Therefore, Honda's PGM-FI fuel injection
system was selected and modified to deliver strong yet smooth, almost rheostat-like response to all throttle inputs. This power delivery helps realise an intensely fun and exhilarating city ride that
packs litre-class performance into a mid-sized machine. Its engine may not deliver the maximum power output in the big-bike class, but its torquey midrange delivery provides such an exciting rush of
acceleration that ultimate riding fun coupled with remarkably easy control are foregone conclusions.
Of course, the new Hornet's chassis is largely based on the same Mono-Backbone frame configuration
used in the Hornet and Hornet-S, but strengthened in line with its engine's higher power output. This newly designed frame effectively maintains the spare and purposeful Hornet look, showing its
beautifully sculpted engine to full effect while providing exceptional rigidity and strength for confident handling during the most spirited rides.
Since the Naked class is dominated by relative
lightweights, the Hornet development team also strove for the lightest weight in its class, targeting a dry weight well under 200kg for their new machine, and one of the highest power-to-weight ratios
around. This light weight and strong power combine to deliver a superb feeling of dynamic acceleration coupled with the light and easy handling of a midrange-class machine for the most satisfying riding
experience around.
Taking the theme of 'Naked Innovation' as a guide, the Hornet's development team judged that perhaps the most important, and ultimately the most impressive criteria for top urban
riding performance was 'Feeling,' as expressed in the factors of 'Vibration,' 'Sound,' 'Control' and Honda's 'DNA' styling. Definitely not made to be silky smooth and civilised, the new Hornet 900
delivers rippling sensations of torque output with a distinctive and pleasing sound that provides the best expression of its performance potential.
From sight to sound to surging waves of feeling, the
Hornet provides an addictive 'flavour' of motorcycling enjoyment that will have people coming back for 'second helpings' time and again.
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Specifications
Engine
Engine Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC inline-4
Engine Displacement 919cm3
Bore & Stroke 71 x 58mm
Compression Ratio 10.8:1
Carburation Electronic fuel injection
Max. Power Output 81kW/9,000min-1 (95/1/EC), 110 bhp
Max. Torque 92Nm/6,500min-1 (95/1/EC), 68 ft-lb
Ignition Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance
Starter Electric
Transmission
Gearbox 6-speed
Final Drive 'O'-Ring sealed chain
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