nervous newbie again?

[mailee]

Well I have just put a deposit down on my second bike, 98 reg Hornet 600. Just wondering how much of a shock it will be moving up from a 750 Virago to this? Not that I am a young boy racer at the age of 57 but just wanted something with a little more 'poke' as I have to think long and hard about overtaking on the Viggie. i won't be picking it up until next month so plenty of time to 'worry' about it.

[anthony_r6]

I don't think you'll have any trouble. I went from a 125 - to a '99 Hornet a couple of years back, and apart from a few 'too much throttle' incidents, there was no real difference other than getting used to how it handles, and how quick it can go. It'll only ever go as fast as you want it to.
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Ted : "Maybe he's agoraphobic."
Dougal : "Jack scared of fighting? I don't think so, Ted."

[wristjob]

appart from it being much faster and stopping better oh and turning better.i doubt you will notice the difference

[rideslikean00...]

Weight, especially at low speeds. For me that was the biggest difference between a 125 and a 600. I'm still wary of going full lock when steering at low speeds for u turns, something I never had to worry about on my YBR. Guess it depends on the weight distribution - as much as I love the post 2007 Hornets having used one for my license training it always felt heavy, more so than my Divvy or the Fazer S2 I'm currently on. Makes parking and backing up a little more pensive.

That aside though, much better. When the weather/visibility is good the opportunity for overtaking is increased dramatically. No more having to plan two miles ahead for any overtakes at more than 40MPH! Bigger tyres, more grip, more fun. Your fuel bills might start going up and not just because the Hornet uses more, but because you want to ride it more. Not going full throttle everywhere and not losing speed up hills - huge bonus.
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Previous/Current Bikes
2013 Yamaha YBR-125ED -> 1997 Yamaha YZF-1000R Thunderace -> 2009 Yamaha XJ-6 Diversion -> 2007 Yamaha FZ6 Fazer S2

[mailee]

I don't think the weight will be a problem after a 750 Virago! That thing weighs about as much as a battleship and I can 'U' turn it in the street ok.
I think the riding position and the power will take more getting used to and will it be as comfortable as my viggie, that's the big question? I have actually ridden this Hornet around a car park practising slow manoeuvres for my MOD 1 but have never been out on the open road with it.

[Skudd]

That thing on the right of the handle bar. It works both ways apparently.
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Famous last words of Humpty Dumpty. " Stop pushing me "
Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".

[bikertomm]

My top tip is: Stop worrying.

I was worried about getting on my Hornet after only ever riding a 125 that weighed about as much as a fart.

As soon as I got my leg over, all worries vanished.

The hornet will do everything better than a virago (with the possible exception of comfort - but you get cars for that!)

Once your out on the open road you will soon get used to it. I've never worried about the power as like others said only goes as fast as you twist your wrist, just don't be giving it fistfuls until your comfortable.
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07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[gorillaonabik...]

It's so much better. After a few days you'll wonder why you ever bothered with a 750 Virago.

Around town, Hornet's are hysterically funny and I always used to giggle like crazy throwing them around because they are so easy to play with. The only issue you'll have is the seating position because it's not sporty but a lot less laid back than the Virago.

It's like going from Anne Widdecombe to Charlize Theron. One may be comfier to sit on but in every other respect, the newer model is so much more of an improvement.
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FZR400 (blown engine), ZXR750 (blown engine), ZX6R (accident), CBR600 which had engine issues after which I learned to change gear..., CBR900, CBR924 (stolen), CB600, CB1300 (everything blew up), BMW K1300GT (written off, hit from rear while stationary), Bandit 1250 for a couple of months, Triumph Sprint ST 1050 (nicked) and somewhere in there, I wrote off a Ducati 748 at Cadwell.

[mailee]

[Clanger]

[G]

Presuming the Virago is quite low-revving, you may not notice much, as you may find you still change up at the same revs; while the extra power may only really come in as you hold the hornet to it's red line, which is a chunk higher.

Not that a hornet is particularly fast in the grand scheme of things!

[mailee]

Thanks guys. I have had a ride on the Hornet but just around a car park before I took my test so I know about the riding position, just not sure how comfortable it will be long distance. I have been informed I will have to use the gearbox more than the Viggie as that will pull almost from a standstill in top gear! It is a bit taller than the viggie too and I am a short ar*e so will have to watch my footing when I stop. My main worry was how sensitive the throttle would be after the viggie but I shall just be very gentle with my right hand to start with.

[Atomic Punk]

I've had 3 Hornets and I can recommend them as a good all round bike. After a Virago I'd say you'd love it.
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I may have lost my way but I'm way ahead of schedule.

[Musketeer]

Hornet is hardly a wrist stretching machine. You'll be fine.
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Current Bike: Yamaha XSR900 Previous bikes: Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade, Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja, Aprilia RS125 2-stroke