Here you'll find all the spec on our favourite two wheeled hooner.Model InformationLaunched in UK April 1998. Specification remained same through 1998 and 1999. Model updated for year 2000. Hornet S (faired version) also introduced for 2000. Scroll down for model update details and comparisons. Hornet Colour info1998 - Boon Silver Metallic, Candy Blazing Red, Candy Tahitian Blue. 1999 - Candy Tahitian Blue, Pearl Shining Yellow, Italian Red. 2000 - (unfaired) Candy Tahitian Blue, Pearl Shining Yellow, Mute Black Metallic. 2000 - (faired) Candy Tahitian Blue, Mute Black Metallic, Force Silver Metallic. ![]()
Hornet SpecWell, here it is. The full spec in all it's glory. 1998/9 SPEC
2000 SPEC
![]() Model Updates and ComparisonsFrom it's launch in 1998 through to the end of 1999 the Hornet model remained unchanged. For 2000 Honda introduced some modifications to the Hornet and also introduced the Hornet S, a faired version to the bike. Most die hard Hornet fans prefer the original naked version, but saying that, the faired version still looks OK. You can find further information on the Hornet S by scrolling down. Concentrating on the Original naked Hornet, the differnces between the 1998/9 model and the 2000 model as as follows: The increase in size of the front wheel and the change of tyre spec as improved handling a great deal. My first Hornet was a 98, my current Hornet is a 2000 model and the difference is very noticeable, particularly when dropping into fast corners. The bike feels more stable and more positive. Sometimes the 1998/9 model felt a little 'vague'. So what do they cost?The 2000 Hornet CB600F (unfaired) RRP: £4599.00 inc VAT The 2000 Hornet CB600S (faired) RRP: £4999.00 inc VAT Closer look at the Faired Hornet![]()
The addition of a fairing has added 5kg to the overall weight of the bike. Unfortunately, and this is only my opinion, I think the fairing spoils the lines of the Hornet and takes it into the Fazer school of looks (pap). Of course, the are obvious benefits for people with moptorway journeys or the Tourer amongst us. ![]() It's basically a small bikini fairing with a high windscreen and combined headlight - aimed at combating wind blast. ![]() Here's how! ![]() Instruments look tasty though. ![]() Shorter tail setup. ![]() A suspension picture - still no hugger. ![]() Re-inforced brake lines, new calipers and better pads. Colour schemes - Black, Silver and Blue. ![]() ![]() ![]() Fortunately lead production for the Hornet is still the un-faired version. So you'll be able to take advantage of the mods - without the fairing! Unless you live in places like Australia, where they have ditched the unfaired version in favour of the S. Pity. What Honda say about the HornetIn their own words... Unfaired Hornet CB600F 2000"The sleek, compact and lightweight CB600 has won a rabid following in the two years since its introduction for its bare-bones look of spare 'streetfighter' bravado, and the sharp, powerful performance to back it up. Shorn of all but the fundamentals of aggressive sport-riding enjoyment, the CB600 has also grown increasingly popular as a 'one-make' racer that provides big-time excitement and winning track performance at a relatively reasonable cost. Because of this unexpected boom in popularity, the new Year 2000 CB600 receives several improvements to its performance and handling that will see it winning not only the hearts and minds of European 'naked sport' bike lovers, but also quite a few races as well. More than any other machine, the CB600 epitomises the definition of the roadster. It does so literally, exulting it to a new realm of excellence. As proof of this, the engine is nothing less than the one in the CBR600F super sports bike and the wheels are those used on the CBR900RR Fireblade. As for the weight to power ratio (95.3PS for 176kg) it is by far the best in its category. If you add to the picture an ultra-compact back-end, a guarantee of the extreme agility demanded by formula racing, an exemplary finish and a superb design emphasising all the Hi-Tech aspects in its construction, we have in the CB600 the most explosive cocktail on the road today. Introduced in 98. Manufactured in Japan." Faired Hornet CB600S 2000"The last few years have seen a phenomenal boom in the popularity of unfaired, ‘naked’ motorcycles that offer sportbike-class performance at an easily affordable entry price. This popularity is representative of all displacement classes, but is especially prominent in the midsize 600cc class, where sales virtually trebled in 1996 alone. This phenomenon is partly explained by the surge of new riders who have qualified for their full motorcycle licenses opting to go for a full-powered 600cc machine after having been limited through the term of their beginners’ licenses to the machines offered in the 125cc class. Another contributing factor is the entry cost in this class, as ‘naked’ machines, by virtue of being generally shorn of expensive body work, high-tech aluminium parts and other styling touches that add to their cost, provide a satisfying balance of performance, fun and excitement at an exceedingly reasonable price. Likewise, bare-bones naked motorcycles like the CB600FS allow riders to add any of a wide range of after-market accessory parts, from bikini cowls to pannier bags and lots more in-between, to fit them to a rider’s particular requirem ents or simply personalise their mount." |