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2005 Honda Hornet 600
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Introduction
In the seven years since its 1998
debut, Honda's lean and mean CB600F Hornet has become the standard
of performance and excellence against which all other middisplacement
Naked sportsbikes are measured. The diverse and dedicated following
of European riders who have fallen in love with the Hornet's
tough, no-nonsense looks and light, quick-handling performance
ride in proud testimony to its class-leading standing across
the Continent.
At first, the Hornet's striking good looks and distinctive focus
on naked performance were slow to catch on. However, the Hornet
soon blossomed in popularity to become one of the best sellers
in the 600cc class, its sales fuelled by younger new riders who
each year discover it to be an exhilarating step up from learner
class scooters, and older riders who are attracted to its 'back
to basics' appeal. In fact, not only the Hornet, but the entire
mid-displacement Naked class has become so popular that sales
have surpassed the more aggressively focused Super Sports machines
to become the largest and fastest growing motorcycle segment
in Europe.
Slim of form and light of weight, the Hornet is powered by the
same dynamic carburetted inline-4 engine it has always carried,
which was originally based on the 1997 version of the race-winning
CBR600F's powerplant and specially retuned for a
stronger rush of low-to-midrange performance. This exciting leap
of acceleration not only ensures a high degree of riding enjoyment,
it has also made the Hornet a popular mount for high-thrill/low-cost
club racing, where it even features in a popular series of one-make
races around Europe called the Hornet Cup.
Every year, the trends in motorcycling's Naked class lean more
toward higher performance in both power and handling, as riders
become more sophisticated and demanding of their motorcycle's
capabilities and aggressive streetfighter image. For 2003, the
Hornet responded to this trend with an impressive cosmetic redesign
coupled with improvements to both its power delivery and suspension
settings, delivering stronger overall performance and a sportier
ride.
Now, two years on, the Hornet's development team felt the time
had come for another upgrade in the Hornet's performance envelope,
focusing on sharper handling and a still-sharper image that will
appeal to riders of every stripe, from thrill-seeking new arrivals
from the small bike class to seasoned veterans looking for a
quick and enjoyable short-cut to the heart of the motorcycling
experience.
Development Concept
The Further Evolution of the StreetfighterOver the last seven
years, the Hornet has earned a strong and lasting reputation
for its compact yet distinctive design, powerful engine performance,
light, responsive handling, and an inherent feeling of quality
and easy rideability that effectively complement its moderate
entry price. The year 2003 saw the Hornet receive a total makeover,
with a bold, new look and an even stronger emphasis on riding
performance.
For 2005, the Hornet's development team sought to sharpen its
'Fun Naked' image and thrilling feel of performance while further
improving its all-day riding ease. Thus, rather than making any
modifications to its power delivery, basic chassis configuration
or styling, which are all highly regarded, the team focused on
upgrading the Hornet's ride quality and responsiveness when tracking
both urban avenues and the tight curves of mountain roads.
With the aim of enhancing the Hornet's ability to track pre
cisely
and confidently over Europe's widely varying road surfaces, an
all-new inverted front fork has been adopted for 2005. Giving
the Hornet a dramatically more high-performance look and the
handling to match, this new fork keeps the Hornet at the forefront
of the middisplacement Naked class, and in a class all its own
for total riding enjoyment.
A further boost to the Hornet's high-tech look of performance
can be seen in the sharp, aggressive design of its all-new electronic
instrument panel and surrounding visor, and other details that
draw attention to its inherent strength and purely functional
beauty.
Styling
As the undisputed leader of the mid-displacement Naked class,
the CB600F Hornet's lean and mean 'streetfighter' design advances
Honda's Performance Naked concept with a strong, aggressive look
that stands out from every other machine in its
class. Accentuating the Hornet's close visual ties to its 'bigger
brother', the Hornet 900, its fuel tank, side covers and seat
cowl feature distinctive designs that combine bold sweeping curves
with sharp edges for a look of functional beauty and total performance.
For 2005, the Hornet's sharper look of performance has been dramatically
advanced by the adoption of a new inverted front fork, and further
accentuated with an all-new instrument panel design.
New, More Sharply Designed Instrument Panel
The '05 Hornet's bold new front look also extends to its
instruments, with a lightweight and compact new integrated unit
based on the assembly featured on the CBR600F. This new instrument
panel features a sharper and sportier design, with the asymmetrical
layout of a large, high-visibility digital LCD topped by a row
of LED indicators positioned to the left of a large-diameter
analogue tachometer dial. This slim and compact unit is highlighted
by a hairline-finish aluminium fascia panel and a chromed tachometer
bezel ring for a hard-edged metallic look that provides a sharp
visual accent on the Hornet's aggressive new front-end. The LCD
speedometer also features a self-illuminating design that gives
the rider a clearer night-time view of speed and operating conditions.
This new instrument display also features an eye-catching startup
routine, as the tachometer needle sweeps up and down accompanied
by a fast speedometer countdown from full-segment display. The
LCD also provides displays of a six-segment fuel gauge, A/B/Countdown
trip meter and clock. A separate LCD built into the tachometer
shows a digital Celsius readout of coolant temperature. Concealed
beneath a dark, smoked plastic cover, the instrument panel's
row of indicator LEDs make a further contribution to its high-tech
look and easier visibility, day or night.
New, Dual-Texture Seat Material
The Hornet's sleek and aggressive-looking seat cowl is topped
by a comfortably contoured seat that offers exceptional positioning
freedom for both city commuting and back country corner strafing.
For 2005, the seat features two different textures of cover material
for the actual rider and passenger seating areas and the rest
of the seat, achieving a more high-quality look and offering
more comfortable seating for both rider and passenger. While
the sides of the seat use a moderately slippery material, like
the current model, the seating areas now feature a low-slip texture
that offers passengers a greater sense of security during spirited
riding and braking manoeuvres.
Like the current model, the pillion section of the seat is designed
to provide passengers with broad, comfortable support, and features
a central raised hump in the forward area that helps keep passengers
from sliding forward into the rider under hard braking. Behind
the seat, the Hornet's contoured aluminium grab rail provides
a firm and comfortable grip, while under the seat ample space
is provided for carrying larger sizes of U-locks.
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Engine
Drawing its power from a high-revving,
high-performance inline-4 engine, the 2005 Hornet's lightweight
and compact powerplant remains essentially unchanged from its
most recent predecessor. Originally based on the unit that powered
the popular 1998 CBR600F, this race-proven liquid-cooled 16-valve
DOHC engine was specially tuned to deliver stronger bursts of
low-to-midrange acceleration coupled with a smooth, broadly accessible
power delivery that maximises the Hornet's overall riding enjoyment.
Such detailed performance touches as modified intake ports and
separate digital ignition system mapping for inboard and outboard
cylinders provide enhanced linearity for smoother and more responsive
power characteristics that optimise throttle control through
the corners, while providing instant, lag-free response to sudden
demands for strong acceleration.
Easy on the Environment
The Hornet's carburation duties continue to be handled by
a bank of responsive constant velocity carburettors, which not
only provide excellent low-to-midrange performance, their innovative
'fuel-cut' system eliminates the chance of raw fuel entering
the exhaust when the throttle is suddenly closed, thus permitting
the Hornet to be equipped with a catalytic converter which ensures
low exhaust emissions for performance that is as easy on the
environment as it is exciting to experience.
Also contributing to the Hornet's low exhaust emissions is an
integrated Air Induction system that feeds fresh air directly
from the aircleaner to the engine's exhaust ports to extend the
combustion of any partially burned exhaust gases into the exhaust
ports for more complete combustion and more efficient and effective
reduction of harmful exhaust gases by the stainless steel exhaust
system's combination of in-line catalytic heat tubes and exhaust-scrubbing
100-cell catalyser element.
Chassis
The central element in the Hornet's spare, sporty and aggressively
attractive design is its rigid, light-handling Mono-Backbone
frame, which carries the engine as a stressed member in a diamond
configuration for sharp, responsive handling. This original configuration
also provides an impressive, unimpeded view of the engine's strong,
businesslike mechanical look. Featuring the same large, rectangular-section
steel backbone and seat rail in a remarkably simple design, this
basic chassis configuration remains essentially unchanged for
2005, although the new Hornet now sports a dynamic, n
ew inverted
front fork.
New Inverted Front Fork
Giving the new Hornet a big step up in high-performance good
looks, and realising a boost in confident control while still
maintaining its famed sharp handling feel is an impressive, new
inverted front fork. Adopted to more responsively meet the diverse
demands of Europe's widely varying road surfaces, this new fork
is nearly identical to the system introduced this year on the
new 2005 CBR600RR. Its stout aluminium stanchions feature 41mm
inner sliders and a brilliant gold-anodised finish that really
catches the eye.
This trick new inverted fork set-up also features a wider span
between stanchion tubes (increased by 10mm to 214mm), for a sharper
and more secure feeling of control. The fork's smoothly responsive
HMAS cartridge-type configuration, although nonadjustable, also
provides a significant improvement in ride quality over varying
road surfaces compared to the current model's design, adding
up to more confident control and a more enjoyable riding experience
in every situation from the cut and thrust of city traffic to
high-speed assaults on mountain curves.
The adoption of the Hornet's new inverted fork obviously necessitated
other modifications to frame and chassis components in order
to ensure optimal performance and handling. These mods include
new triple-clamps and fork stem, and additional frame gusseting
around the steering head to ensure that the lightweight Mono-Backbone
frame best matches the different performance characteristics
of the new fork. Finally, the Hornet's front fender was also
specially redesigned to fit the new fork.
The Hornet's rear suspension duties are handled by the same single
monoshock damper system that has been used since its debut. As
before, the direct-mounted damper features 7-step spring preload
adjustability and damping settings designed to provide firm,
progressive and confident feel when tracking through the corners
and twisties, combined with all-day riding comfort. The new Hornet's
suspension changes deliver sharper handling, and more confident
control at high-speeds that translate into greatly a extended
range of riding enjoyment.
Wheels and Brakes
The Hornet's aggressive, Super Sports-oriented triple-spoke
wheels and widecarcass, low-profile tyres are effectively stopped
by essentially the same set of tripledisc brakes featured on
the current model. Up front, a pair of wide-diameter 296mm floating
front discs are gripped by lightweight and compact dual-piston
callipers mounted with high-grip brake pads for sharp, effortless
control and excellent feedback.
The Hornet's wide rear wheel is stopped by a compact single-piston
calliper gripping a 220mm disc rotor for a highly responsive-and
highly rated-balance of braking control that feels equally smooth,
sure and confident on city streets and winding backroads.
Equipment
Twin-Bulb Multi-Reflector Headlight
Like its current configuration, the Hornet features a distinctively
designed dualbulb headlight. This round aluminium die-cast 'free-form'
multi-reflector unit features a unique 'ridged' polycarbonate
convex lens that provides a strong visual accent on the Hornet's
impressive overall design. Featuring separate bulbs for low and
high beams, this headlight also offers excellent night-time riding
visibility. Producing approximately a 60% larger and brighter
area of illumination than conventional single-bulb headlights,
this design also greatly extends bulb life by using separate
single-filament bulbs and reducing heat build-up within the housing.
The Hornet's taillight remains unchanged, its form cleanly integrated
into the underside of the tail cowl's sleek, knife-edge.
HISS Anti-Theft System
Like the current model, the new Hornet comes fully equipped with
the highly capable Honda Ignition Security System (HISS) for
effective protection against rideaway theft. The system features
a fail-safe electronic interlock which prevents the engine from
being started by anything other than the motorcycle's two original
keys. Designed to totally disable the engine at the very heart
of its ignition system, the HISS system cannot be bypassed by
hot-wiring the ignition or exchanging the ignition switch module.
New Hazard Lights
The Hornet also features a new blinking hazard light function
that flashes all four indicators to warn approaching traffic
of the motorcycle's presence on the road. The ignition switch
also features a hazard light position which switches off the
headlight and all other electrical functions to preserve the
battery's charge while leaving the indicators flashing.
The indicators themselves are compact, like those featured on
the current model, but with a brilliant output that belies their
small size and a trick look that complements the aggressive lines
of the entire machine. Their lenses are moulded in a smoked clear
colour with a textured finish that accentuates the Hornet's sharp
sense of style.
Tech Specs
 Engine
Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC inline-4
Displacement 600cm3
Bore · Stroke 65 · 45.2mm
Compression Ratio 12 : 1
Max. Power Output 71kW/12,000min-1 (95/1/EC)
Max. Torque 63Nm/9,500min-1 (95/1/EC)
Idling Speed 1,300min-1
Oil Capacity 4.2 litres
Fuel System
Carburation 34mm slanted flat-slide CV-type carburettor ·
4
Aircleaner Dry, cartridge-type paper filter
Fuel Tank Capacity 17 litres (including 3.3-litre LCD-indicated
reserve)
Electrical System
Ignition System Computer-controlled digital transistorised
with electronic advance
Ignition Timing 7° BTDC (idle) ~ 45° BTDC (4,500min-1)
Sparkplug Type CR9EH-9 (NGK); U27FER-9 (ND)
Starter Electric
Battery Capacity 12V/6AH
ACG Output 330W
Headlight 12V 55W · 1 (low) / 55W · 1 (high)
Drivetrain
Clutch Wet, multiplate with coil springs
Clutch Operation Mechanical; cable-actuated
Transmission Type 6-speed
Primary Reduction 1.864 (82/44)
Gear Ratios 1 2.929 (41/14)
2 2.063 (33/16)
3 1.647 (28/17)
4 1.368 (26/19)
5 1.200 (24/20)
6 1.087 (25/23)
Final Reduction 2.800 (42/15)
Final Drive #525 O-ring sealed chain
Frame
Type Mono-backbone; rectangular-section steel tube
Ch
assis Dimensions
Dimensions (L·W·H) 2,100 · 710 ·
1,070mm
Wheelbase 1,420mm
Caster Angle 25° 45'
Trail 98mm
Seat Height 790mm
Ground Clearance 140mm
Dry Weight 178kg
Kerb Weight 200kg (F: 100kg; R: 100kg)
Maximum Carrying Capacity 190kg
Loaded Weight 390kg (F: 140kg; R: 250kg)
Suspension
Front Type 41mm inverted telescopic fork, 120mm axle travel
Rear Type Monoshock damper with 7-step adjustable preload, 128mm
axle travel
Wheels
Type Front Hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium
Rear Hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium
Rim Size Front 17M/C · MT3.50
Rear 17M/C · MT5.50
Tyre Size Front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear 180/55ZR17M/C (73W)
Tyre Pressure Front 250kPa
Rear 290kPa
Brakes
Front 296 · 4.5mm dual hydraulic disc with dual-piston
callipers, floating rotors and sintered metal pads
Rear 220 · 5mm hydraulic disc with single-piston calliper
and sintered metal pads
All specifications are provisional and subject to change without
notice.
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