Suzuki GSR 600

Suzuki announced the naked GSR600 at the Paris Motorcycle Show this week. A modern, powerful 600 featuring a version of the GSX-R powerplant, the GSR600 takes some of the styling cues from the Boost King concept shown at the Tokyo Motor Show several years ago. The sport bike motor has been tuned for broader power and more low-end and mid-range torque.

The GSR600 is fuel injected (utilizing two double-barrel 38mm throttle bodies) and offers extensive instrumentation, including analog tach, LCD digital speedometer, LCD digital gear position indicator, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge and a clock.

The GSR600 meets EURO 3 emissions requirements. No word yet whether this bike will be offered in the United States in 2006. We may know more in a few days.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Overall Length:
2,090 mm (82.3 in.)

Overall Width:
775 mm (30.5 in.)

Overall Height:
1,075 mm (42.3 in.)

Wheelbase:
1,400 mm (55.1 in.)

Ground Clearance:
130 mm (5.1 in.)

Seat Height:
785 mm (30.9 in.)

Dry Mass:
183 kg

Fuel Capacity:
16.5 litres

ENGINE:
Engine Type:
4-stroke, in-line 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC

Bore x Stroke:
67.0mm x 42.5mm

Piston Displacement:
599.4cc

Compression Ratio:
12.5:1

Carburettor:
Fuel injection 38 mm

Lubrication:
Wet sump

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:
Ignition Type:
Electric

Starter System:
Electric

TRANSMISSION:
6-speed constant mesh

Drive System:
Chain

CHASSIS:
Front Suspension:
43mm telescopic forks fully adjustable spring preload

Rear Suspension:
Link-type, coil spring, oil-damped, spring preload 7-way adjustable, rebound damping force fully adjustable

Rake/Trail:
25.5 degrees/105.0 mm (4.1 in.)

Front Brake:
4-piston calipers, 310 mm dual-discs

Rear Brake:
1-piston caliper, 240 mm disc

Front Tyre:
120/70ZR-17M/C (58W), tubless

Rear Tyre:
180/55ZR-17M/C (73W), tubless

Honda Hornet 900

Model Information
The Hornet 900 previewed at the NEC in Birmingham in November 2001 and was released for sales in late december 2001.
2002 no model updates.
2003 Iron Nail Silver colour no longer available. No further updates.
Hornet 900 Colour info
The Hornet 900 is currently available in the UK and Europe in the following colours:
2001 onwards - Iron Nail Silver, Candy Tahitian Blue, Mute Black Metallic.

In Japan:
Red and Grey

In USA:
Asphalt

2001/02/03 SPEC

Engine
Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC inline-4

Bore/Stroke
71/58mm

Displacement
919cm3

Compression Ratio
10.8 : 1

Carburation
Electronic fuel injection

Max. Power Output
81kW/9,000min-1 (95/1/EC)

Max. Torque
92Nm/6,500min-1 (95/1/EC)

Ignition
Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance

Starter
Electric

Transmission
6 Speed

Final Drive
‘O’-ring sealed chain

Dimensions
(L/W/H) 2,125 / 750 / 1,085mm

Wheelbase
1,460mm

Seat Height
795mm

Ground Clearance
145mm

Fuel Capacity
19 litres (including 4 litre reserve)

Wheels
Front 17M/C MT3.50 hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium.
Rear 17M/C MT5.50 hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium.

Tyres
Front 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear 180/55 ZR17M/C (73W)

Suspension
Front 43mm cartridge-type telescopic fork, 120mm axle travel.
Rear Monoshock damper with 7-step adjustable preload, 128mm axle travel.

Brakes
Front 296 4.5mm dual hydraulic disc with 4-piston callipers, floating rotors and sintered metal pads.
Rear 240 5mm hydraulic disc with single-piston calliper and sintered metal pads.

Dry Weight
194kg


Model Details
The recent upsurge in the retro naked bikes market has certainly contributed to the success of the Honda Hornet 600. But it has to be said, success in the main part is largely due to the quality of the bike at the budget price and the cult following. From the word go Hornet owners were modifying their bikes with all manner of kit and it wasnât long before someone worked out that, with a little modification, the Honda 900 Fireblade engine would slip in.

Surely Honda could build one for general release? After all, Suzuki had their 1200 version of the Bandit.
Soon rumours that the Honda Blackbird was going to appear in a naked form circulated and that it would be called the Hornet 1100. This was scuppered when Honda released the bike soon after as the X11. It wasnât the cult bike theyâd hoped it to be and Hornet owners were still searching for that extra oomph at a budget price, something the X11 certainly hadnât managed to pull off.

All this changed when the Hornet 600âs biggest rival, the Yamaha Fazer 600, was rumoured to be going up to a 1000cc version based on the R1 in late 2000. Honda had to keep up and immediately answered our prayers by building the Hornet 900 based on the proven 1998 Fireblade engine. Not only that, they billed it for sale at under £6k ö a grand and a half cheaper than the Fazer 1000.


For the most of early 2001 we were graced with artists impressions and computer photo fits. Eventually n the summer we were treated to some carefully leaked/released spy shots. The cat was out of the bag.

The Hornet 900 debuted at the NEC bike show and was on sale in the shops by the end of 2001. The good news for our friends across the water in the US of A was that they would finally get their paws on a Hornet having been deprived of the 600. The Hornet 900 was also released in the States in 2001, but under the name Honda 919. Same bike, different name. Americans finally got a taste of ÎHooningâ, a name us Hornet owners over here give to the experience of riding the 600. With the bike on both sides of the Atlantic the Hornet scene can only get bigger. Youâve only got to look at the aftermarket spares available to realise that the bike is here to stay.

The Hornet 900/Honda 919 is based on the same mono-backbone frame as the 600 with some extra strength added to cope with the extra forces from power output and braking.

A quick shufty at the stats and youâll see that the 900 is only 18kg heavier than itâs sister 600 and thereâs not much change in the ride height, length and width. The ride height sits just 5mm higher than the 600. What you will notice in the specification, is that the Fireblade motor uses fuel injection instead of carbs, improving low down acceleration at the sacrifice of top end performance. Saying that, when you consider Hornets are naked beasts, then itâs probably a good thing, unless you want your arms stretching to the length of a baboons.

Take it for a spin and if youâre a Hornet owner already youâll soon realise it handles in much the same way, with the added bonus of Fireblade grunt. The brakes are superb, instilling confidence. You know that when you wind her up, youâll just as easily be able to bring her to heel. Out on the open road you get a fluid feeling and the bike really comes into itâs own.

The body work still follows the beautiful sexy lines of the 600 ö but with some smooth touches and some tasteful finishing. The rear light is now integral and the tank bigger. The elephant ear indicators of the 600 are gone and replaced by some more tasteful items. A sharp looking front light and neat alloy mounting bracket sweeten up the front end along with little touches like over riders on the front forks. The swingarm is also a point of interest ö looking far tastier than the 600. All wrapped up in Hondaâs high quality finish.

But donât forget this is a budget bike The bike doesnât get adjustable front forks and still just preload adjustment at the rear mono shock. But hey, remember how much youâre spending to get a bike that will put a smile right round your head!

Honda Hornet 600

Honda Hornet CB600F and CB6000S (faired) Specifications.

Model Information

Launched in UK April 1998. Specification remained same through 1998 and 1999. Model updated for year 2000. Hornet S (faired version) also introduced for 2000.

Full revamp for unfaired model in 2003.

Scroll down for model update details and comparisons.

Hornet Colour info

1998 - 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.

2001 - (unfaired) Yellow, Blue, Black 2001- (faired) Silver, Black, Blue 2002 - (unfaired) Yellow, Blue, Black 2002 - (faired) Silver, Black, Blue 2003 - (unfaired) Blue, Black, White 2003 - (faired) Silver, Black, Blue

1998/9 SPEC

Engine

Liquid-cooled4-stroke 16-valve DOHC inline-4

Bore & Stroke

65 x 45,2mm

Displacement

599 cubic centimetres

Compression Ratio

12:1 Carburettors 34mm slanted flat-side CV type x 4

Max. Power output

96/PS/12,000rpm (DIN)

Max Torque

6.4kg-m/9,500rpm (DIN)

Ignition

Computer-controlled digital transitorised with electronic advance

Starter

Electric

Transmission

6-Speed

Final-Drive

'O'-ring sealed chain Dimensions

(LxWxH)

2090x730x1060mm

Wheelbase

1420mm

Seat Height

790mm

Ground Clearance

140mm

Fuel Capacity

16 Litres

FRONT: 16xMT3.50 hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium

REAR: 17xMT5.00 hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium

Tyres

FRONT: 130/70ZR16 (61W) (Michelin Bridgestone)

REAR: 180/55ZR17 (73W) (Michelin Bridgestone)

Suspension

FRONT: 41mm telescopic fork, 125mm axle travel

REAR: Monoshock damper with 7-step adjustable preload, 128mm axle travel

Brakes

FRONT:296mmx4.5mm dual hydraulic disc with dual piston calipers, floating rods and resin mould pads

REAR: 220mmx5mm single piston caliper hydraulic disc with sintered metal pads

Dry Weight

176kg

2000 SPEC

Engine

Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC inline-4

Bore & Stroke

65 x 45,2mm

Displacement

599 cubic centimetres

Compression Ratio

12:1

Carburettors

34mm slanted flat-side CV type x 4

Max. Power output

95.3/PS/12,000rpm (DIN)

Max Torque

6.3kg-m/10,000rpm (DIN)

Ignition

Computer-controlled digital transitorised with electronic advance

Starter

Electric

Transmission

6-Speed

Final-Drive

'O'-ring sealed chain Dimensions

(LxWxH) 2095x740x1065mm

Wheelbase

1425mm

Seat Height

790mm

Ground Clearance

140mm

Fuel Capacity

16 Litres

Wheels

FRONT: 17xMT3.50 hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium

REAR: 17xMT5.50 hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium

Tyres

FRONT: 120/70ZR17 (61W) (Michelin/Bridgestone)

REAR: 180/55ZR17 (73W) (Michelin/Bridgestone)

Suspension

FRONT: 41mm telescopic fork, 120mm axle travel

REAR: Monoshock damper with 7-step adjustable preload, 128mm axle travel

Brakes

FRONT: 296mmx4.5mm dual hydraulic disc with dual piston calipers, floating rods and sintered metal pads

REAR: 220mmx5mm single piston caliper hydraulic disc with sintered metal pads

Dry Weight

176kg (unfaired) 181kg (faired)

 

2003 SPEC

Engine

Liquid-cooled4-stroke 16-valve DOHC inline-4

Bore & Stroke

65 x 45.2mm

Displacement

600 cubic centimetres

Compression Ratio

12.0:1

Carburettors

34mm slanted flat-side CV type x 4

Max. Power output

71kW/12,000min-1 (95/1/EC), 96 bhp

Max Torque

63Nm/10,000min-1 (95/1/EC), 46 ft-lb

Ignition

Computer-controlled digital transitorised with electronic advance

Starter

Electric

Transmission

6-Speed

Final-Drive

'O'-ring sealed chain

Dimensions

(LxWxH)2095x740x1065mm

Wheelbase

1420mm

Seat Height

790mm

Ground Clearance

140mm

Fuel Capacity

17 Litres

Wheels

FRONT: 17xMT3.50 hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium

REAR: 17xMT5.50 hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium

Tyres

FRONT: 120/70ZR17 (58W) (Michelin/Bridgestone)

REAR: 180/55ZR17 (73W) (Michelin/Bridgestone)

Suspension

FRONT: 41mm telescopic fork, 120mm axle travel

REAR Monoshock damper with 7-step adjustable preload, 128mm axle travel

Brakes

FRONT: 296mm x 4.5mm dual hydraulic disc with dual-piston callipers, floating
rotors and sintered metal pads

REAR: 220mm x 5mm hydraulic disc with single-pistonÊ

Dry Weight

178kg (unfaired)

 

Model Updates and Comparisons 1998 - 2003

From 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.

2000

Concentrating on the Original naked Hornet, the differnces between the 1998/9 model and the 2000 model as as follows:
• The 2000 Hornet has a 17 inch front wheel compared to the original Hornet's 16 inch version. The front tyre on the 2000 model is slightly narrower. 120 as a pose to a 130.

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'.

• The 2000 Hornet has uprated brakes. It uses a stronger passover system at the front (being steel instead of reinforced rubber) which has improved the braking power considerably. To boost the brakes all round, Honda have also fitted better pads.

• The 2000 Hornet has black brake calipers as a pose to the gold ones of the 98/99 models.

• The 2000 Hornet has re-mapped ignition timing for a slight power increase and better response througout the rev range.

• The 2000 Hornet has Gun Metal Metallic coated parts such as Grab rail, yoke top, foot peg hangers and engine. The original 98/99 Hornet had a bronzey coloured engine and the other parts were just grey alloy with a tendancy to dull if not kept clean.
• The 2000 Hornet has different paint schemes, see above.

• The 2000 Hornet has a small red triangle trim on the foot peg hanger.

• The 2000 Hornet has a shorter tail as standard. (the sale of hacksaws will tumble!)



2003

With just minimal changes to the Hornet since 2000 Honda finally got their thinking caps on and gave theri designers the go ahead to start re-styling the Hornet for 2003. The launch of the 900 in 2001/2, with its sleeker more angular styling, had already got heads turning. This coupled with complaints of the 600's relatively small petrol tank and a few other gripes, they got to work.

Firstly, they updated the styling. A reshaped and larger capacity tank (now 17 litres instead of 16). A sharp upswept tail unit flanked by an updated exhaust featuring hex-bolt end detailing. The plastic side panels were also restyled and revised to include bulges and cutaways creating a more up to date look.

The clocks and instruments received a much need overhaul. They ar enow similar to the 900 setup but with more impressive backs. They kept the sporty white dails associated with the 600 since 98.
The headlight is an altogether cooler unit. Shaped lense and brackets of much better look and quality finish the bike off nicely. The headlight is superb at night.

The mirrors are now square, which look more stylish at first glance compared to the original round ones, but don't appear to offer as good vision.
Indicators are now smaller (thankfully!) the elephant ears have gone and have been replaced by the shaped versions used on the 900.
The bike is 2kg heavier than the earlier models.

The 2003 Hornet also features the Honda HISS ignition immobiliser facility.

The bike is overall a much better looking package, with the added benefit of the larger tank.

The 2003 Faired Hornet remains unchanged and stays exactly the same model as the 2000-2002 setup.

Closer look at the Faired Hornet

The addition of a fairing has added 5kg to the overall weight of the bike.

It's basically a small bikini fairing with a high windscreen and combined headlight
- aimed at combating wind blast.

Honda Hornet 250

The HORNET'S NEST was conceived, designed and built by Matt Statham way back in early 1999 - not long after the launch of the 600 Hornet in the UK. The site quickly took off and grew at phenominal speed. In 2000 Matt and a key group of Hornet owners who came together through the site turned the site into an owners club. The Hornet's Nest - Honda Hornet Owners Club was born and today has over 2000 members signed up. The club, the web site, the events and the message board are all run by volunteers in their spare time - purely for the love of this great machine from HONDA.

 

Honda Hornet CB250

Model Information Launched in Japan
in 1996 the 250 Hornet was the 'original' Hornet.

It uses the same frame, swingarm, tank, and wheels from the Fireblade as the 600. Specification remained same throughout production to my knowledge. Model introduced to UK in 1998 as an import or 'grey' bike

In 1996 the 250 Hornet revolutionised the naked street fighter market in Japan
The roots of this engine is the 1986 CBR250Four. Its gear driven cams and liquid cooled in-line 4 250cc engine is based on the "Jade 250." (native to the Japanese domestic market only) All this is wrapped up in a pretty impressive and original styling package that pumped up the whole naked street scene and paved the way for the CBR powered 600 version (1998 UK) and eventually the Fireblade powered 900 version (2001 UK).

Aggressive body styling, high level exhaust and of course, that fat 180 back tyre taken straight from the 1992 to 1999 CBR900RR Fireblade, all add up to a tasty machine.

In Japan where the laws governing bikes are tight, insurance sky high and MOTs so stringent most people buy new bikes to avoid them, the 250 Hornet is perfect. The bike is still quick and easily modified and tricked up. In Japan, it's a favourite with many bikers of all ages, over here, it tends to appeal to younger riders and those restricted to 33bhp for 2 years having just passed the bike test. On first look it's a Hornet, just a skinnier version with less guts, but still the same street cred.

Hornet 250 Colour info

1996 onwards - Metallic Silver, Metallic Dark Red, Black, Blue. Some models have interesting wheel colours, such as gold/bronze on the red bikes, white on the blue bikes and orange on the silver bikes.

Hornet 250 Spec

Engine

Liquid-cooled 4-strokeDOHC inline-4

Bore/Stroke

48.5/33.8 mm

Displacement

249cm3

Starter

Electric

Transmission

6 Speed

Final Drive

‘O’-ring sealed chain

Dimensions

(L/W/H) 2045 / 740 / 1,055mm

Wheelbase

1,460mm

Seat Height

760mm

Ground Clearance

170mm

Fuel Capacity

16 litres

Tyres

Front 130/70 ZR16

Rear 180/55 ZR17

Brakes

Front : single disc

Rear : single disc

Dry Weight

149kg