I loved my time with the Hornet. Such a convenient yet fun bike! Has anyone bought one yet and if so.. what do you think? Share your experiences below :)
Pick mine up today later. Test rode it and loved it. I'm 5 foot 9 and 11 stone and fit perfectly. Order it with a quick shifter and heated grips. It badly needs a hugger too so will get an after market one. For 7 grand its a complete bargain. Can't wait to get out and do some miles on it.
Great review. I think Honda has a winner here. Just a comment about seat comfort. A firm seat is essential on a motorcycle. It allows you to shift position as necessary during cornering and to align your spine and pelvis correctly, reducing overall fatigue and strain over time.
Firm doesn't always mean uncomfy either. I put a Sargent seat on my gs and my ninja and they are harder than some OEM seats I have had and yet they are all day comfy.
i have a home made inflatable camping pillow inside an outdoor waterproof cover, fixed to the seat with velcro straps on my current honda 125 bike (it doesnt look as bad as it sounds lol and only cost me about £30 all-up). I never get any kind of numb bum, even after upto 250 mile days, it's really lush & comfy, but have ordered a new hornet 750 and will give it a good go as standard knowing that if it doesnt suit me i have a solution, and that an 'air-bag' under my butt will do the trick, but may probably look for something just a little neater looking :). GL
God I love your reviews, you have a totally inimitable style, absolute honesty, laugh out loud moments and very very informative. You really are such a pleasure to watch and listen to. Keep it up girl, you’re the best 👍
Hi Kate, yes quickshift on this recommendat ! The has to straight handle bars and full power sport mode 1-2-3 the left bar while using the clutch get pulled out of your hands…. If you wanna do full power Erwin
Hi Kate. Loved the review, and agree with it all. OK i own a Hornet and it is a great bike 🏍. But there are somethings it does need. A rear hugger and front fender extender. The vike gets so dirty. The front mudguard is a joke, even the top clamp gets shit thrown over it. The back end also gets covered in road crud, even the riders back ggets wet. The standard exhaust is nice and fruity as is, so £900 for an exhaust is too much for a 7k bike As for fuel consumption at the moment im getting 60+ to the gallon, so definitely no complaints there, Am i pleased hell yeah, looking forward to getting a Transalp very soon (the Hornet is the wifes bike😂)
I am 6 foot and 11 and a half stone and was absolutely fine comfort wise.I have chronic arthritis so can't ride for long periods of time so that may help.Anyway I ordered it but was a bit disappointed that I won't get it until August.Salesman also told me the price was going up in the future,can't say how much truth there is to that Kate...liked and thanks as always..
Interesting upload Kate, much enjoyed. It looks like a superb little machine. (I’ve experienced that kind of overtake as well, it really shook me up as I wasn’t expecting other bikes to pass me)
Comprehensive and informative review crocodile. Loved the outtakes. For its price point it is an excellent machine. Suspension and handle bars could be easily upgraded and it would still be cheaper than rival bikes.
Great reviews, thanks Kate. I found the Hornet a little cramped (I'm 5'8"), no room to move back and lean into the bars, and the throttle is a little snatchy. . Helps to ride in user mode with braking on 1 and power on 2. Other reviews have said that the Hornet is a little less stable if pushed in corners. I have not test ridden that hard unfortunately. I think the GSX 8S is well finished and smoother for everyday use. The Hornet is more urgent at 6,000 rpm but the GSX has sooth everyday usable power and is not short of power. The bikes are similar to 100kph and probably get to 140kph in a similar time. Faster and the Hornet is clearly faster, if you still have a licence by then... For better or worse, pick up my GSX tomorrow.
Hopefully the start of Honda introducing some more fantastic bikes. Agree with Hondas and snatchy throttles though. For novice riders like myself, it’s unsettling mid corner. Can I just say, too, using the term “I didn’t like that” is far better than “it’s bad” as so many other people would say 👍
Mine (650R) has a cable throttle, so not prone to the FBW nonsense, but she's still quite sensitive. The word I'd use to describe it is "direct". If you're smooth - the engine is smooth. If you're rough... best not do that mid-corner... That said, you really shouldn't be going from off to on the power mid-corner. Get your braking done, then get on the power just enough to maintain speed before you start leaning. Dave Moss calls it driving the back wheel through the corner. You then basically stay on it like that until you hit the apex and smoothly power out as you stand the bike up. Much more stable, much less likely to upset the bike at the apex and much smoother on the exit. Also avoids the risk of shock-loading the back wheel into breaking loose. Whether that's faster than trail braking in and powering out I won't know until I find a nice track to test it.
I rode the 650, smooth as butter. And Honda did a big W for once with the new cbr650r. I want the black one really bad. Finally no half matte half gloss bs and that painted tank. Plus they fixed the tail.@@233kosta
In the outtakes was you auditioning for the amateur dramatics class..if so you passed with flying colours in my view..That aside quite a good review of one kick arse Honda..Big Up the buzzing Hornet..Chapeau..✌🏻
The reaction going over bumpy parts of the road in those circs would probably affect just about any bike; and certainly all the others in the same category as the Hornet. The seat height isn't the most important thing for long legged comfort, it's the height and position of the foot pegs. It's not a touring bike, anyway. Someone over 6ft could quite easily, and comfortably, ride the Grom.
Really good wrap up, thanks kate. Agree a bit more for better suspension would be well worth it. And a throttle remap. Where I live the Hornet is the same price than a GSX 8S and more than the CB650 bikes.
Thanks for the heads up about the size / height issue. I had this on my shortlist and it looks like a really attractive package that is better finished than the Suzuki imo. Will deff give it a test ride as you suggest.
I think the Hornet and all the older Honda Super Fours have been the spicy bois of the Honda stable. My Blackbird is definitely a spicy boi and full of character. I'd own the new Hornet in a heartbeat, the 270 degree twin is a fantastic motor. I know emissions and fuel economy is forcing manufactures hands - but I still love these bikes
I've found that for my bike (CB650R), Honda UK's marketing w@nk has been about on point for fuel economy whenever I go for the occasional bit of light speeding. If I'm taking it easy the numbers are about 25% better than advertised, so I'm happy that, at least for this one, they've listed a realistic estimate which squares with how they expect people to ride a particular bike rather than some "standardised" nonsense.
the use of gears depends entirely on your environment/bends/straights/urban/extra-urban. every single engine gives a different input on the control you have where you throw it. when your just commuting any bike can get you there until you start to lose your normal ability to be patient. my riding is well better than my writing grammar and all the bikes i have owned over the years im still here. i ride a 2019 suzuki v-strom. no problems so far.
The grey version is starting to grow on me. I'm going to buy a hornet for the season '25 and I would love the white, BUT the red frame and fork isn't working for me. My plan was to get a yellow, or grey one and make a trip to my painter. The longer I look at the grey one, the better I like it. What I will change: Tyres, if not equiped with the Michelin. Sintered break pads and braided lines. Progressive fork springs with different oil and adjustable rear shock, setup for my riding weight +10kg. Wider bar and bar end mirrors. Bellypan and seat cover in the bikes colour and ofcourse a can. Tho the last parts can wait a minute. Later upgrade the fork to adjustable cardridges. The extras will cost around 1.5k-2k€. With that, the bike will cost around 9k-9.3k in germany, which makes it an insane package. Other bikes in the near 10k range would need similar upgrades to satisfy my riding style. IMO Honda was smart to make the base version a very effordable bike, that is great for like 80-90% of all rider. The ones like me, that want even more, can invest a bit into the bike. IMO it also makes sense, not to include the QS, as there are lots of people, that would never use it.
You should try one of their cable throttle offerings, like the 650Rs (CB or CBR, more or less the same bike underneath). They've got obvious downsides, i.e. quickshifter only goes up, no modes or other bells & whistles, but the upside is just the raw feel of that throttle... The word "direct" comes to mind.
I bought one 2 weeks ago and I do like it. Not loving it yet, because I’m still breaking it in so the fun part will start in a few weeks. The snatchy throttle can be irritating at times, driving really slow is really hard, especially when its a bumpy road. I’m around 6.3 Ft (1,9m) and the bike is pretty comfortable for me, except the handlebars are a bit narrow like you said and the seat is hard in my opinion. All the other stuff is just awesome, the engine, gearbox (quickshifter!) and for me I also love the looks. In my opinion you’ve got to see the bike in person. I also cant wait the get a slip-on to see what it sounds like 😄.
Excellent! Great to hear it from a tall person's perspective!! So thanks for that! Proof is in the test ride 😁 ah at least im not imagining the throttle which makes me feel a bit more sane. Cracking bike though imo. I can't wait til you've broken it in and can really enjoy it 😁
I have the same bike now for 3000 km, came from the cb500f which has bigger fuel tank, cable gas throttle and strangely 25,4 handlebar where the Hornet has smaller fuel tank while it uses 4,8l/100km compared to the incredible 3,6 of the cb500f. Throttle on the Hornet is not easy to control. But it is damn fast though. Not very comfortable. Very light handling.. did upgrade it with rear mud guard to protect rear shock. Bigger windscreen for highway comfort.
I don't own the bike but your evaluation is the best that I've seen on YT. I watched the video because even though I've ridden since I was 12 I still might consider the purchase of the bike in the future and I need to know what weaknesses exist in the bike that can be remedied.
…. The chassis is writing cheques etc - haha nice! You could include Mike’s 5’11” view of the bike’s size? Oh, and ‘very sexy exhaust’ - steady now Kate, phew! I hope MCN are watching - this girl talks the talk AND walks the walk. Cheers Kate, good work.
Just discovered the Hornet Kate, hence searching through RUclips and finding you. Fantastic review and love the outtakes. Really love the Hornet and have by test ride booked. I’m only 5ft 7inch so all being well it should fit nicely. Quick question Kate, how did you get on with the self cancelling indicators? Keep up the good work.
I also recognize that Honda snatchiness from my Honda NT650GT Hawk / Bross. It seems to be a matter of getting to know the bike well enough. The longer I rode it the better I got at smoothing things out with my own "onboard computer". I've already been wondering if the good old Bros would be your kind of bike anyway. All the power one needs to get into trouble, 180 kg wet, pulls cleanly from 2000 rpm and has all the v-twin character and rumble one can wish for. Imagine a lighter SV 650. It even serves me well enough and I weigh near to 100 kg! Try it if you ever get a chance.
Good to hear confirmation on the snatchy throttle, I test rode one and decided I wouldn't be able to live with it even in standard mode, good to know it wasn't just that particular bike. That said, cable throttle isn't the be-all end-all either, the GSX-8S has electronic everything and is much better in that regard.
Usually you can get stuff like that flashed out. It's to meet emission standards and is usually the ecu cutting fuel as soon as you decelerate. I had it flashed out on my tenere and it fixed it.
“Does it? Doesn’t it?” Haha! You didn’t let us down, Kate. Tbh, once you get a bigger displacement bike, fuel economy is kinda the last thing you consider 😂😂 just fun. More smiles per miles.
hello, good morning Kate, it's not bad 😊 for this price a friend bought it but for me it's little 😜 small motorcycle and little power 90 cv best regards 😃
good vid Kate, I have become lazy on the GS, if it is raining and the roads are greasy, yeah I will now whack it in "rain mode" lol it is there so why not, my other bikes don't have that luxury, no longer aquaplaning and wheel spins in the wet haha especially on my old sportbike with 160bhp with no electronics. I think I have earned the right to be lazy now after all the years and miles I have done on two wheels.
why the elevated passenger seat; 500x seat was fine ! like to see some comparisons to the new versys 650. IS THE GEARING LIKE THE 500X; with a non useable 1st gear . ?
I’ve found in town & lower speed riding that throttle is easier to manage in either rain mode or user mode by dialling the engine braking down. I’ve been told that it’s all down to fuelling for euro 5 compliance? Not sure how true that is though. Absolutely love my hornet & yes the SC can is expensive but the sound is awesome!
I own a yellow Hornet and the bad things to me is 1 snatchy throttle 2 to me the seat is to hard 3 I feel like the rear brake could be better Other than that I love it. It’s fun with plenty of power😂 turn of tc and let it rip!😂
How do you manage a Africa Twin? I picked up a damaged 2018 Adventure Sport model to wreck out, sitting on the bike I could not even lift it off the side stand 😢 I’m 5.7” but short legs. Had modification to suspension but still a very tall bike
Great video, Kate. I am so excited for when mine arrives in July, can't wait! I've gone for the grey colour like you have in the review, looks stunning! But from my test ride I couldn't believe the torque, it was stunning, and so agile! Sounds ace with the stock exhaust too.
I can imagine that incident with the overtaking bikes might have made your shoulders stiffen uo a bit but every bike can get under pressure in a "perfect storm" situation anyway. Ond now say something with an "NG" without using a "K". 😄
Hi... I had a previous generation of this bike and IT was very good bike for learning... I saw this new bike in the shop and they let me started in there.... They shouldnt let me do it, couse Now I want to try IT..
Great review Kate, as far as a snatchy throttle response is concerned, is it possible you are overenthusiastic with a bit of wrist action. Sorry, just a cheeky comment.
I'm the exact opposite, I want short gears. Because if they're too long you're barely using the bike. My cb500f does 90kmh at the top of 2nd, shift up to 3 and legally it's done with having fun on backroads. And my bike's got 48hp, half of what the 750 has. If 5th and 6th are tall I wouldn't mind, don't want to be revving 6000rpm to cruise at 130kmh (my case).
Like you I find the throttle snatchy, to the point it’s really starting to get on my nerves after 2000 miles of riding, I sometimes get it right but it catches more often than not.
@@UsernameKate In Australia we only get the horrible candy floss toffee apple painted frames. Yuck! Honda Australia say none of those lovely grey ones for us. That's a deal breaker.
I have ridden Suzuki VX800 earlier and compared to that, Hornet felt really light, fun and playful. The seat felt really stiff when compared to old, comfortable bike but still manageable. The only con I felt as mentioned here, was the snappy throttle response with 1st and 2nd gear. It made me feel uneasy and I would make the throttle easier to use in low speeds if possible with SW update or something. The motor feels close to V-twin but it lacks some torque in lower rpm range that VX800 has (around 2500-4000rpm). However, it picks up really fast with slight increase in rpm.
I think the Suzuki GSX- 8S will prove to be an superior machine. Lamb Chop Rides thought the Suzuki was an more substantial machine. The Honda tries to be an Big bike but just can't pull it off. It's like it suffers from an "inferiority complex"... The Suzuki in contrast feels and looks like an proper big bike. I think the Suzuki will also prove to be a better quality made machine. Hence, it's more expensive price.
I loved my time with the Hornet. Such a convenient yet fun bike! Has anyone bought one yet and if so.. what do you think? Share your experiences below :)
Pick mine up today later. Test rode it and loved it. I'm 5 foot 9 and 11 stone and fit perfectly. Order it with a quick shifter and heated grips. It badly needs a hugger too so will get an after market one. For 7 grand its a complete bargain. Can't wait to get out and do some miles on it.
Will you be test riding the Suzuki GSX-8S?
Great review. I think Honda has a winner here. Just a comment about seat comfort. A firm seat is essential on a motorcycle. It allows you to shift position as necessary during cornering and to align your spine and pelvis correctly, reducing overall fatigue and strain over time.
Firm doesn't always mean uncomfy either. I put a Sargent seat on my gs and my ninja and they are harder than some OEM seats I have had and yet they are all day comfy.
i have a home made inflatable camping pillow inside an outdoor waterproof cover, fixed to the seat with velcro straps on my current honda 125 bike (it doesnt look as bad as it sounds lol and only cost me about £30 all-up). I never get any kind of numb bum, even after upto 250 mile days, it's really lush & comfy, but have ordered a new hornet 750 and will give it a good go as standard knowing that if it doesnt suit me i have a solution, and that an 'air-bag' under my butt will do the trick, but may probably look for something just a little neater looking :). GL
Firm comfortable seat is the go. I prefer Corbin but cost a small fortune here in Australia.
God I love your reviews, you have a totally inimitable style, absolute honesty, laugh out loud moments and very very informative.
You really are such a pleasure to watch and listen to. Keep it up girl, you’re the best 👍
Awww John, that is too kind honestly!!
Hi Kate, yes quickshift on this recommendat ! The has to straight handle bars and full power sport mode 1-2-3 the left bar while using the clutch get pulled out of your hands….
If you wanna do full power
Erwin
Hi Kate. Loved the review, and agree with it all.
OK i own a Hornet and it is a great bike 🏍. But there are somethings it does need.
A rear hugger and front fender extender. The vike gets so dirty. The front mudguard is a joke, even the top clamp gets shit thrown over it. The back end also gets covered in road crud, even the riders back ggets wet.
The standard exhaust is nice and fruity as is, so £900 for an exhaust is too much for a 7k bike
As for fuel consumption at the moment im getting 60+ to the gallon, so definitely no complaints there,
Am i pleased hell yeah, looking forward to getting a Transalp very soon (the Hornet is the wifes bike😂)
I am 6 foot and 11 and a half stone and was absolutely fine comfort wise.I have chronic arthritis so can't ride for long periods of time so that may help.Anyway I ordered it but was a bit disappointed that I won't get it until August.Salesman also told me the price was going up in the future,can't say how much truth there is to that Kate...liked and thanks as always..
Interesting upload Kate, much enjoyed. It looks like a superb little machine. (I’ve experienced that kind of overtake as well, it really shook me up as I wasn’t expecting other bikes to pass me)
Comprehensive and informative review crocodile. Loved the outtakes. For its price point it is an excellent machine. Suspension and handle bars could be easily upgraded and it would still be cheaper than rival bikes.
Great reviews, thanks Kate. I found the Hornet a little cramped (I'm 5'8"), no room to move back and lean into the bars, and the throttle is a little snatchy. . Helps to ride in user mode with braking on 1 and power on 2. Other reviews have said that the Hornet is a little less stable if pushed in corners. I have not test ridden that hard unfortunately.
I think the GSX 8S is well finished and smoother for everyday use. The Hornet is more urgent at 6,000 rpm but the GSX has sooth everyday usable power and is not short of power. The bikes are similar to 100kph and probably get to 140kph in a similar time. Faster and the Hornet is clearly faster, if you still have a licence by then... For better or worse, pick up my GSX tomorrow.
Hopefully the start of Honda introducing some more fantastic bikes.
Agree with Hondas and snatchy throttles though. For novice riders like myself, it’s unsettling mid corner.
Can I just say, too, using the term “I didn’t like that” is far better than “it’s bad” as so many other people would say 👍
Mine (650R) has a cable throttle, so not prone to the FBW nonsense, but she's still quite sensitive. The word I'd use to describe it is "direct". If you're smooth - the engine is smooth. If you're rough... best not do that mid-corner...
That said, you really shouldn't be going from off to on the power mid-corner. Get your braking done, then get on the power just enough to maintain speed before you start leaning. Dave Moss calls it driving the back wheel through the corner. You then basically stay on it like that until you hit the apex and smoothly power out as you stand the bike up.
Much more stable, much less likely to upset the bike at the apex and much smoother on the exit. Also avoids the risk of shock-loading the back wheel into breaking loose.
Whether that's faster than trail braking in and powering out I won't know until I find a nice track to test it.
I rode the 650, smooth as butter.
And Honda did a big W for once with the new cbr650r. I want the black one really bad. Finally no half matte half gloss bs and that painted tank. Plus they fixed the tail.@@233kosta
@@Daniel-dj7fh I mean yeah, if you know how to treat her - she'll be smooth. Bit vibey though, a balance shaft would have been nice.
In the outtakes was you auditioning for the amateur dramatics class..if so you passed with flying colours in my view..That aside quite a good review of one kick arse Honda..Big Up the buzzing Hornet..Chapeau..✌🏻
The reaction going over bumpy parts of the road in those circs would probably affect just about any bike; and certainly all the others in the same category as the Hornet. The seat height isn't the most important thing for long legged comfort, it's the height and position of the foot pegs. It's not a touring bike, anyway. Someone over 6ft could quite easily, and comfortably, ride the Grom.
After watching the video this bike is fantastic value for the money and looks great fun. great video.
Really good wrap up, thanks kate. Agree a bit more for better suspension would be well worth it. And a throttle remap. Where I live the Hornet is the same price than a GSX 8S and more than the CB650 bikes.
Great comments Kate, I reckon I'm going to treat myself 😮😅 x
Thanks for the heads up about the size / height issue. I had this on my shortlist and it looks like a really attractive package that is better finished than the Suzuki imo. Will deff give it a test ride as you suggest.
Ride both. I prefer the Suzuki.
You can also lower the bike, since it's pretty much cb500f framing.
Unless you want the bike high, you can also lift it. But my 1.84m ass sit quite well on it. And the build quality I can assure you is good.
the important thing is to keep the spirit, continue to work very well, high quality and always think positively to work, I am very happy to see you
I think the Hornet and all the older Honda Super Fours have been the spicy bois of the Honda stable. My Blackbird is definitely a spicy boi and full of character. I'd own the new Hornet in a heartbeat, the 270 degree twin is a fantastic motor. I know emissions and fuel economy is forcing manufactures hands - but I still love these bikes
if the 500 got a 270° crank it would also be a smol spicy boy.
I've found that for my bike (CB650R), Honda UK's marketing w@nk has been about on point for fuel economy whenever I go for the occasional bit of light speeding.
If I'm taking it easy the numbers are about 25% better than advertised, so I'm happy that, at least for this one, they've listed a realistic estimate which squares with how they expect people to ride a particular bike rather than some "standardised" nonsense.
I bet, if I pulled my db killer out of my cb500f I'd also get my 2.8-3.3l/100km back instead of the current 3.5-4l/100km
Great stuff Kate, really enjoyed the review. Good to see your injured hand is well on the way to recovery. 😊
Brilliant review!!! ❤ Thank you so much for sharing this! ✨️🙏
the use of gears depends entirely on your environment/bends/straights/urban/extra-urban. every single engine gives a different input on the control you have where you throw it. when your just commuting any bike can get you there until you start to lose your normal ability to be patient. my riding is well better than my writing grammar and all the bikes i have owned over the years im still here.
i ride a 2019 suzuki v-strom. no problems so far.
The grey version is starting to grow on me. I'm going to buy a hornet for the season '25 and I would love the white, BUT the red frame and fork isn't working for me. My plan was to get a yellow, or grey one and make a trip to my painter. The longer I look at the grey one, the better I like it.
What I will change: Tyres, if not equiped with the Michelin. Sintered break pads and braided lines. Progressive fork springs with different oil and adjustable rear shock, setup for my riding weight +10kg. Wider bar and bar end mirrors. Bellypan and seat cover in the bikes colour and ofcourse a can. Tho the last parts can wait a minute. Later upgrade the fork to adjustable cardridges.
The extras will cost around 1.5k-2k€. With that, the bike will cost around 9k-9.3k in germany, which makes it an insane package. Other bikes in the near 10k range would need similar upgrades to satisfy my riding style.
IMO Honda was smart to make the base version a very effordable bike, that is great for like 80-90% of all rider. The ones like me, that want even more, can invest a bit into the bike. IMO it also makes sense, not to include the QS, as there are lots of people, that would never use it.
I bought one, traded in my GS absolutely love it
I like your reviews, as well as listening to your lovely voice 😂 Thank you
Good summery of the Hornet and good bouncy blooper. Take care and I hope you weekend is sunny 😎.
Thank you Nice voice! I heard one of these at my dealers the other day, and I must say, the OEM endcan sounds fine. One of the better ones.
You should try one of their cable throttle offerings, like the 650Rs (CB or CBR, more or less the same bike underneath). They've got obvious downsides, i.e. quickshifter only goes up, no modes or other bells & whistles, but the upside is just the raw feel of that throttle... The word "direct" comes to mind.
I purchased a 2023 CB650R and even though I already own one I would love to see your thoughts on the bike.
@@danielsaur9553 i heard leg room on the 650 is same on the hornet 750; A bit crunched for me.. I'm used to the 500x.
Exelent review Kate thanks. Looking forward to see you review the GSX 8 S.
Oooh very excited to ride that!!
I bought one 2 weeks ago and I do like it. Not loving it yet, because I’m still breaking it in so the fun part will start in a few weeks. The snatchy throttle can be irritating at times, driving really slow is really hard, especially when its a bumpy road. I’m around 6.3 Ft (1,9m) and the bike is pretty comfortable for me, except the handlebars are a bit narrow like you said and the seat is hard in my opinion. All the other stuff is just awesome, the engine, gearbox (quickshifter!) and for me I also love the looks. In my opinion you’ve got to see the bike in person. I also cant wait the get a slip-on to see what it sounds like 😄.
Excellent! Great to hear it from a tall person's perspective!! So thanks for that! Proof is in the test ride 😁 ah at least im not imagining the throttle which makes me feel a bit more sane. Cracking bike though imo. I can't wait til you've broken it in and can really enjoy it 😁
Great review, loved the bloopers!
I have the same bike now for 3000 km, came from the cb500f which has bigger fuel tank, cable gas throttle and strangely 25,4 handlebar where the Hornet has smaller fuel tank while it uses 4,8l/100km compared to the incredible 3,6 of the cb500f. Throttle on the Hornet is not easy to control. But it is damn fast though. Not very comfortable. Very light handling.. did upgrade it with rear mud guard to protect rear shock. Bigger windscreen for highway comfort.
I don't own the bike but your evaluation is the best that I've seen on YT. I watched the video because even though I've ridden since I was 12 I still might consider the purchase of the bike in the future and I need to know what weaknesses exist in the bike that can be remedied.
…. The chassis is writing cheques etc - haha nice! You could include Mike’s 5’11” view of the bike’s size? Oh, and ‘very sexy exhaust’ - steady now Kate, phew!
I hope MCN are watching - this girl talks the talk AND walks the walk. Cheers Kate, good work.
Just discovered the Hornet Kate, hence searching through RUclips and finding you. Fantastic review and love the outtakes. Really love the Hornet and have by test ride booked. I’m only 5ft 7inch so all being well it should fit nicely.
Quick question Kate, how did you get on with the self cancelling indicators?
Keep up the good work.
Haha loved the outtakes, Kate.😊🤣😄
Thank you.. comprehensive video... Im collecting mine next week..
😂😅 I loved the singing Kate. I'm losing my voice and say hi to the 5ft short king 😂😊
Cracking vid again.. hmmmm could this be the step up from my humble CB125R? Would definitely allow for some more exciting riding 😅
I also recognize that Honda snatchiness from my Honda NT650GT Hawk / Bross. It seems to be a matter of getting to know the bike well enough. The longer I rode it the better I got at smoothing things out with my own "onboard computer". I've already been wondering if the good old Bros would be your kind of bike anyway. All the power one needs to get into trouble, 180 kg wet, pulls cleanly from 2000 rpm and has all the v-twin character and rumble one can wish for. Imagine a lighter SV 650. It even serves me well enough and I weigh near to 100 kg! Try it if you ever get a chance.
Good to hear confirmation on the snatchy throttle, I test rode one and decided I wouldn't be able to live with it even in standard mode, good to know it wasn't just that particular bike.
That said, cable throttle isn't the be-all end-all either, the GSX-8S has electronic everything and is much better in that regard.
Usually you can get stuff like that flashed out. It's to meet emission standards and is usually the ecu cutting fuel as soon as you decelerate. I had it flashed out on my tenere and it fixed it.
Great stuff Kate!
“Does it? Doesn’t it?” Haha! You didn’t let us down, Kate. Tbh, once you get a bigger displacement bike, fuel economy is kinda the last thing you consider 😂😂 just fun. More smiles per miles.
If I were in the market I would buy this bike over the MT07. That being said I love my MT07.
Mt passngr Seat is better
Well I traded in my MT07 for the ZX4RR. I Just love the experience of this bike. A lot more then the MT07.@@ed.t.hansen6499
hello, good morning Kate, it's not bad 😊 for this price a friend bought it but for me it's little 😜 small motorcycle and little power 90 cv best regards 😃
Enjoyable as ever. What did you do to your fingers? Love you girl. Keep on.
Thanks - may try one at some point albeit just changed mine.
That's is a nice motorcycle thanks for sharing it with us
A very nice review, thank you😊
Kate i know what speed shifter is but what is a blipper thanks Kate great video as always stay safe and have fun
good vid Kate, I have become lazy on the GS, if it is raining and the roads are greasy, yeah I will now whack it in "rain mode" lol it is there so why not, my other bikes don't have that luxury, no longer aquaplaning and wheel spins in the wet haha especially on my old sportbike with 160bhp with no electronics. I think I have earned the right to be lazy now after all the years and miles I have done on two wheels.
Love that! You've earned it 💪
yes I was comfy on the 500x and leg room on this are crumped at 6' no one can lower the pegs or raise the seat ?
why the elevated passenger seat; 500x seat was fine ! like to see some comparisons to the new versys 650. IS THE GEARING LIKE THE 500X; with a non useable 1st gear . ?
I’ve found in town & lower speed riding that throttle is easier to manage in either rain mode or user mode by dialling the engine braking down. I’ve been told that it’s all down to fuelling for euro 5 compliance? Not sure how true that is though. Absolutely love my hornet & yes the SC can is expensive but the sound is awesome!
I own a yellow Hornet and the bad things to me is
1 snatchy throttle
2 to me the seat is to hard
3 I feel like the rear brake could be better
Other than that I love it. It’s fun with plenty of power😂 turn of tc and let it rip!😂
1. I think sport is least snatchy
2. You can get gel inserts, costs some money tho
3. my cb500f has the issue that abs kicks in too quick.
Great review. Thank you
Good to hear it is so good. Augers well for the Transalp xl750.
Another great vlog Kate looking forward to seeing you on it wearing your leathers and new swanky helmet and dark visor ride safe lovely 😂
Great review
I am using it's smallest version that is Honda hornet 160r and i like it for daily uses.
Great review thanks
How do you manage a Africa Twin?
I picked up a damaged 2018 Adventure Sport model to wreck out, sitting on the bike I could not even lift it off the side stand 😢 I’m 5.7” but short legs.
Had modification to suspension but still a very tall bike
Dear Usernamekate
How does this bike compare to the triumph street triple ?
Great video, Kate. I am so excited for when mine arrives in July, can't wait! I've gone for the grey colour like you have in the review, looks stunning!
But from my test ride I couldn't believe the torque, it was stunning, and so agile! Sounds ace with the stock exhaust too.
I can imagine that incident with the overtaking bikes might have made your shoulders stiffen uo a bit but every bike can get under pressure in a "perfect storm" situation anyway. Ond now say something with an "NG" without using a "K". 😄
Hi Kate sorry to change the subject none of my favorite RUclipsrs have done a review on the xsr 900 as 8:58
Sorry messed up wondering if you could do a review on the xsr 900 many thanks.
Booked in to review one in May :)
Many thanks
What would you spend your own money on, this or the GSX-8S?
Hi... I had a previous generation of this bike and IT was very good bike for learning... I saw this new bike in the shop and they let me started in there.... They shouldnt let me do it, couse Now I want to try IT..
@UsernameKate Is it ok if u can do a review of the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 650 & Yamaha Mt-07?
Its all in the pipeline 😊
Great review Kate, as far as a snatchy throttle response is concerned, is it possible you are overenthusiastic with a bit of wrist action. Sorry, just a cheeky comment.
backward step the 2018 ktm 790 duke far superior , 3:44 lighter ,more hp,quickshifter
Honda makes the best bike period
Adjustable engine braking is usually only on more expensive bikes
Did you like this better than the gsx8r?
I'm the exact opposite, I want short gears.
Because if they're too long you're barely using the bike. My cb500f does 90kmh at the top of 2nd, shift up to 3 and legally it's done with having fun on backroads. And my bike's got 48hp, half of what the 750 has.
If 5th and 6th are tall I wouldn't mind, don't want to be revving 6000rpm to cruise at 130kmh (my case).
And about size I dunno man, I'm 1.84 and I feel like I'm too big for my 500f (which geometrically wise is the same like the hornet)
why not see any reviews on honda tft vs; bmw vs. kawasaki on the versys ?
Nice one 👍
Like you I find the throttle snatchy, to the point it’s really starting to get on my nerves after 2000 miles of riding, I sometimes get it right but it catches more often than not.
Yeah I didn't like it at all, and since I rode the cb650r back to back on that. I've found my next love
so was the knit cap for warmth or lookin' cool? :-) ?
mainly because my hair was greasy haha
does it come with the front steering shock ?
When will this bike be available to the US? We are really really really sorry about how WWII ended Honda. Please forgive us!
🤣🤣
You can sing! And do a good coughing Bob Fleming...
What about a review on the 2023 Yamaha mt07 😉
07 is like sitting on a small Toy.
Crunched legs yes - compared to the 500x but far better than the bmw 800r, i sold for the same reason
Comparison with the GSX8S please.
I think you will find the mpg displayed on the TFT screen. Why dont you have a look ?
I usually try to give how many miles I get to tank 😊
@@UsernameKate In Australia we only get the horrible candy floss toffee apple painted frames. Yuck! Honda Australia say none of those lovely grey ones for us. That's a deal breaker.
I'm 5'11 1/2. Got a complex now. 😉
🫣
I have ridden Suzuki VX800 earlier and compared to that, Hornet felt really light, fun and playful. The seat felt really stiff when compared to old, comfortable bike but still manageable. The only con I felt as mentioned here, was the snappy throttle response with 1st and 2nd gear. It made me feel uneasy and I would make the throttle easier to use in low speeds if possible with SW update or something. The motor feels close to V-twin but it lacks some torque in lower rpm range that VX800 has (around 2500-4000rpm). However, it picks up really fast with slight increase in rpm.
I guess still no word about if or when it will come to America
In india Andhra Pradesh state my village there is only hornets 150 cc, present hornet 180cc running
A ralley seat for an extra inch of leg, room would help
After market muff ya no ?
Spooky peds late night walking the streets
Lovely review . Considering getting one , so very helpful. Thank you !
Can't see advantage over the mt07. Passenger seat is painful
I'm likn'g her videos 😊
err... what happened to the fingers?
You can flash me anytime 😂👍🏻
i didnt test drive it,i was disapointed just that i sat on in.
Never give up road position for anybody, bar emergency services if appropriate.
yea its my natural reaction... the empath in me lol
I agree, hold your line…if you can move over, fine, but don’t compromise your safety for other people’s disregard of their own.
is the horn still in the wrong place; on top; compared to all other bikes ?
Std for Honda on all bikes.
I think the Suzuki GSX- 8S will prove to be an superior machine. Lamb Chop Rides thought the Suzuki was an more substantial machine. The Honda tries to be an Big bike but just can't pull it off. It's like it suffers from an "inferiority complex"... The Suzuki in contrast feels and looks like an proper big bike. I think the Suzuki will also prove to be a better quality made machine. Hence, it's more expensive price.