One of the fundamental ideas behind the 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 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 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 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 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 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.
|
