Opinions on Honda Hornet / CB600F's?

[bikertomm]

Hi,

Time has finally come where I'm seriously looking for a bigger bike after passing my test back in September so I'll be on 33BHP.

I've seen a Hornet that looks ideal, and the owner can even restrict it aswell.

My question is it's a 1999 bike, with around 20K Miles on. I know they are known for being pretty reliable but at the end of the day it's still a 14 year old bike, should I be worried ?

What's it like owning an older bike?

It has a full 12 Month MOT just done, 2 brand new tyres, and a nice stubby exhaust which looks good, and the description says it's in really condition and has no problems at all ready to ride away.

It's at £1850, what are your thoughts?

It's the model with the 16" front wheel so be interested to see if anyone's owned one and what they thought of it.

Cheers
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07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[garth]

I owned one for about six months and 6,000 miles.

I rode it round France and Italy, 2400 miles in two weeks without a problem.

They're geared too high as standard. Lower the gearing by changing the sprockets and the speedo reads wrong...

Gearbox I found to be a typical Honda box. Gears are all there but not as slick as others. Mine jumped out of third a few times - However on the whole, ok.

Main gripe was the vibration. At (I can't remember exactly) 5-7k rpm, it really did tingle. This just so happens to be top gear A road / Motorway speeds. I fitted a dynojet kit, balanced the carbs etc etc and it was still there. Most frustrating.

They go ok. Very little low down, need revving to get the best out of them.

Suspension is basic. Mine was utterly shot by 20k.

Tank range is pretty crap if you use the power. If you're nice to it you can squeeze 120 out of a tank though.

I didn't have any problems with the 16" front wheel, bar the limited tyre choice. I used Diablos. They were ok.

Quite a good wheelie bike though.

I wouldn't pay £1850 for one.

[Aspire]

I've just bought a 2006 triumph speed 4 for £2200. FSH, 11K new tires, scott oiler the bike is in very good condition.

I would shop around more go and see as many bikes as you can, the guy originally wanted £2700 for mine but haggled him plus he took it on a part ex so had already made his money so was okay to let it go cheaper. If I hadn't gone and looked I probably would of paid £2700 for it so its worth your while.

I like Hornet's but the price put me off 2k seems the going rate for older hornet's which IMO isn't worth it. I'd rather save up a little more and get a more modern Kawasaki z750 or similar for a few hundred more.

or get something like a cb500, gs. gpz etc for cheap get used to a bigger bike then get a 600 etc when you want something a bit bigger.

Did my test on a gsr600 then got a cb500 IMO for a new rider cb500 was much more easy to ride and more confidence inspiring.

[garth]

Oh and if you do get it, don't get pissed on Peroni and drop it against the side of your house, because it will break the rev counter, you'll find out how expensive new clocks are, and have to replace the needle with a match stick.

[Joncrete Cungle]

The Hornet is a decent first big bike imho, never owned one but rode a couple of mates Hornets. At £1850 for a tidy 1999 model it sounds like an over priced bike at a dealers?

This is a bit more sensibly priced 1999 Hornet imho, full service history, 12 months MOT and similar mileage.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201303075663199/sort/recpriceascdefault/usedbikes/price-from/1000/cc-to/600cc/price-to/2000/cc-from/600cc/model/hornet/make/honda/page/1/radius/1500/postcode/pr22xp?logcode=p

[Aspire]

^^^^ that's more like it

[moppy]

That's ridiculously expensive for such an old bike. You will definitely not be getting that back when you come to sell.

I own a 99 ZZR 600 and the only things I've had to change on it are speedo cable & throttle cables. I got it with 20K or so and have since wound that up to 30K. As long as it's been looked after, it'll be fine. Especially with such a low mileage.

I'd be looking at things like downpipes & brake hoses. Both deteriorate with age and can cost a bit to replace. Nothing which would tell me not to buy it, just something to haggle with.

[garth]

[evoboy]

Take a look at the Kawasaki Z750 aswell.

Picked mine up for a shade under £2k, on an 05 plate.

I find it better in pretty much everyway than the Hornet. But not as good as an S Triple.
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[Shinigami]

I have a 2003 with 76k on the clock, engine still runs absolutely fine, no idea what work it's had done before I owned it, I've had it on the road since Jan.

Currently in the garage for front brake to be sorted (seized with road salt), new tyres & new chain+sprockets.

I find it handles very nicely and gets upto speed very easily.

Didn't really like the stock bars but have switched for renthal road lows (£25) and it's now comfy as fook, no aches on 150 miles each way journey etc.

If you're looking for fuel economy however it's definately not the bike for you, with it being a 99 bike it'll also have a smaller fuel tank so the range isn't particularly great.

Also the vibration thing, I get it on mine but only when i hit about 7k, both under and over this are fine though
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Current: Honda City Fly CLR125 2003 Honda CB600F Hornet 2008 Yamaha FZ6 S2 + 1991 Kawasaki GPZ500
"Once you realize what a joke everything is, being the Comedian is the only thing that makes sense.

[Aspire]

[GrumpyGuts]

I've got a a 98 Hornet - fantastic bike I must say.

Cosmetically it is pretty crap, but that's only because it wasn't looked after particularly well..
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My Bikes: Lifan Beat 125cc '11 -> Suzuki B120P '76 -> Suzuki EN 125-2A '08 -> Honda CG 125 '04 -> Honda CB600F Hornet '98 -> Kawasaki ZZR 600 '99 -> Kawasaki GPZ 500S '95 (Current)
Theory test passed - 09/02/2012 >>>> Module 1 passed 24/07/2012 >>>> Module 2 passed 24/10/2012

[Nick_Giles]

.
I love my Hornet.

That mileage is nothing to those engines.

I would say however that the asking price is a little steep (especially for a 16" front wheel version.) As I paid £1700 for my 2001 with only 6K on the clock. ........... Perhaps I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time as the lady NEEDED to sell it rapid.


Nick
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Peter Cook: "I have learned from my mistakes, and I am sure I can repeat them exactly".

[bikertomm]

Some great replies coming in lads just what I was after thankyou

It's not a dealership I don't think.

I don't really want a 500, they all look rather bland, would rather a DRZ 400 but they are really pricey at the moment.

I can insure a Hornet for £395 which IMO is amazing.

The MPG does not matter at all as the bike will be purely for fun

Here's a picture of it, it does look tidy.

I'm guessing it may be a tad overpriced but it doesn't seem too bad. It will be my first big bike so I'm guessing it will feel like a rocket ship anyway. Also has 2 new tyres so that must have cost a few bob which (might reflect why he's asking more for it)

If it looks decent and I could knock off say £100 I think I'd be happy, because I'd be getting a 33BHP kit aswell which is all extra expense on another bike, I'd be happy to just get it over with

https://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o520/bikerrtomm/Hornet_zps7fea2ac7.jpg
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07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[moppy]

It's obviously your money and if you're happy pay that, then all good.

BUT, restrictors are what, around £40 on eBay? (Assuming this is a carbed bike)

[Supermoto_Fan]

Does look clean! Needs bellypan and fly screen
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[bikertomm]

[Nick_Giles]

[moppy]

[bikertomm]

[Nick_Giles]

[carlosthejack...]

Cracking bikes, hold their money well, will pay for itself when you upgrade either by private sale or p/x.

Pootle round on it or wring it's neck, it's happy doing either. It's hard work on motorway commutes with windblast, but doable. With good rubber and a will to have fun, it's a proper hoon on back roads.
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[Aspire]

Could go speed 4?

Better brakes,chassis, suspension - same price range and insurance group.

[evoboy]

[Matt94]

I would say have a dig around for cheaper ones.. It does look a little high, I have a 99 bandit with 11k and it cost me £1150.. I know the hornets command higher prices but that's a bit steep. Oh and they are said to be a little smaller than other bikes in it's class although I haven't seen one THAT close to confirm
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