I owned the last CB1000R for 2 years and put 20K on it, but I wouldn't want the new one unless they've got the weight down below 400 lbs and the HP above 120 and torque number would need to be pushing 70 cuz the old one was like riding an elephant. It was slow and fat and seemed to make power right at redline then the limiter would shut it down The idea of using the CBR motor is a good one but detuning it and taking away the top revs is just wrong! Additionally, the beast gave no confidence cornering and turned like a boat and keeping those pipe clean was a PAIN!

 

Wow! That's interesting - I had totally different impression when I consequentially test rode CBR1000RR in 2004, 2005 and 2006 (I know they changed quite a bit in process).
To me it actually felt light, sure-footed and electric-smooth torquey engine in comparison to every other liter bike I tried. Is that something to do with US version? I mean - is it possible that even two different people have such different impression if bike is same? May be some catalytic sh...t etc. was done to US-version of CBR1000RR?? I am really curious now!

As for de-tuning - you mentioned that your CBR made power at redline, so why not detune engine for midrange? You got me confused now...
Anyway - I think that biggest issue with new Hornet is weight. Way too much. Well...loosing 14 kg of exchaust and catalytic converter would help of course...along with this joke that supposed to carry numberplate
See when I can have my test ride on it...Belgium usually get new models quickly. And I still keep good relationship with my Honda dealer. Will I sell my Shawk? Nah, unless somebody would give me 5000 Euros right away...to buy another one I am not in for (as well called by somebody on other forum) "origami styling"

 

Thats the new Hornet.

I'll ship one to anyone who wants one form here in th UK, but at $16000 plus shipping for UK prices, I dont imagine that will be any.

I've no idea why they aren't releasing it in the US. The older model (IIRC you guys call it the 919) did that not do well or something?

This type of bike does exceedingly well in Europe (on average, is the highest selling bike UK favours Sportsbikes and Italy favours naked Ducatis like the 620 and 900 Monster.)

Surely now the model is officially built, they'd be nuts not to sell it in as many markets as possible?

 

Bluesman, sorry I shouldda said CB1000F (naked version) and it can't even come close to comparing to the CBR1000RR...your test rides on the RR should be totally different then on the CB1000F they detuned the CBR1000 motor but there was no midrange to speak of and they stopped the high end at around 8,000 revs

Here's the specs and you can see how heavy it is:
http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/hon...000_f_1995.php

 

They might need to change their minds.

Suzuki is bringing the Naked Hyabusa here. They'd be silly not to try and compete in the market.

 

Ahhh! I got it now. Yes, I am 100% with you. I call it "castrated Hornet" - heavy, ugly brother of Yamaha Diversion 900 Urghhh...I did not like it at all - except it was comfortable. I heard that with swapping engine to 919 and loads of suspension work it's better, but still way too heavy and uuuuugly

 

Nah, they not nuts - they are businessmen. If homologation costs do not justify market ( and believe it or not, both Hornets were fiasco on US market, yes, even best -selling in Europe bike Hornet 600) so they won't bring it there. Horrible, totally unfair - US never had Africa Twin too! And first Hornet (I still love that bike). And I think even Deauville never came there (thou I do not like it is brilliant low-cost low-maintenance commuter)
I hate it. It's totally wrong. Like I hate that I never will get Japanese-market beauties...