Hornet will give you a buzz

3:55pm Tuesday 24th April 2007

THE NEW home of Honda Motorcycles in South-ampton, J2Honda at West Quay Road, has proved a draw for Honda fans.

Not just for existing riders, but learners are visiting the J2 training institute to get on the road.

As well as CBT (compulsory basic training) there are direct access, Bikersafe, MAC (Motor Appreciation Course) and track days - call 023 8023 0002 or e-mail training@j2honda. co.uk for more details The new CBF 600F Hornet was always going to attract a lot of interest, and judging by riders visiting the showroom for information on the streetfighter-styled naked machine local roads should soon be packed with them.

The original Hornet proved equally popular with new riders moving up from learner status and experienced riders who were attracted to its slim, quick-handling back-to-basics' design.

But none of us are getting any younger and an extensive list of changes was compiled to solidify its success in the mid-displacement performance naked class and keep it abreast of the latest technological developments.

Rather than modify or upgrade what was there, a whole new concept was called for incorporating the latest developments in engine and chassis design.

Lightness features strongly in the new design. For a start there's the lighter, more compact and higher-revving fuel-injected engine that was developed alongside the all-new 2007 CBR600RR Super Sport.

A newly developed gravity die-cast (GDC) aluminium mono-backbone frame combines lower weight with sharper handling and mass-centralised construction that locates heavier components closer to the Hornet's central turning axes giving sharper and smoother handling.

Newly designed (again lighter) five-spoke aluminium alloy wheels are held by a tapered dual-box-section aluminium swingarm and 41mm inverted cartridge-type front forks.

Riders should also appreciate the combined-ABS version.

There is a wide choice of optional extras for the 101hp machine that is available in Pearl Night Star Black, Pearl Amber Yellow, Candy Xenon Blue or pearl Sienna red.

But the best way to see what those colours look like in the metal is to drop into J2Honda and see for yourself - I'm sure someone mentioned a demo bike or two being available.

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