New Tapered Aluminium Swingarm

The new Hornet also features a newly designed tapered dual-box-section aluminium swingarm, which makes an important contribution to reduced unsprung weight while playing a key role in optimising the chassis’ overall balance of rigidity. At 579mm in length, this new swingarm is also 5mm longer than the box-section unit fitted to its predecessor.

Swift-Handling Suspension Systems

To ensure the new Hornet is up to handling everything a road can throw at it in high-speed chases through the twisties or daily negotiations of dense city traffic, its new die-cast aluminium frame mounts highly capable suspension systems. Up front, the big gold-anodised outer tubes of its 41mm inverted HMAS cartridge-type front fork exude a look of invincible control while compliantly soaking up the road’s rough spots with 120mm of smoothly damped wheel travel. At the rear, a Monoshock damper takes up position between the swingarm and the rear frame to provide positive and progressive control for assured handling balanced with compliant comfort.

High-Performance Wheels and Brakes

One of the Hornet’s main points of visual attraction has always been its wide, low-profile Super Sport tyres, as used on Honda’s premier Super Sports riding machines. Providing outstanding performance to back up their aggressive looks, these tyres further ensure precisely responsive high-speed cornering control for aggressive street riding capability. For 2007, the Hornet’s lightweight new aluminium alloy 5-spoke wheels mount the same high-speed rated tyres (Front: 120/70–ZR17; Rear: 180/55–ZR17) for both top performance and dynamic looks.

Fast bikes need strong brakes, and in its basic configuration, the new Hornet mounts a pair of dual-piston front callipers gripping wide 296mm drilled floating discs.

At the rear, a compact new single-piston calliper, like that used on the CBR600RR, slows a 240mm disc for smooth, responsive control.

New Combined ABS Version

For riders who want the ultimate in braking control to match its aggressive streetfighting performance, the all-new Hornet will also be made available with the highly responsive braking capability of Honda’s most advanced Combined ABS brake system.

Proven Combined Brake System

In its Advanced Braking System configuration, the new Hornet features Honda’s well-proven Combined Brake System, which links the rear brake pedal to the centre piston of its right-side three-piston front brake calliper to provide a measured amount of front brake control whenever the rear brake is firmly used.

A delay valve positioned in the line between the rear brake master cylinder and the front calliper ensures that light operation of the rear brake, such as when trailing through a corner, has little or no effect on front brake operation. Firm operation of the rear brake pedal results in just enough front brake engagement to assure a positive balance of front and rear braking forces for smooth, controlled operation. A proportional control valve (PCV) installed between the master cylinder and the rear brake calliper ensures progressive braking control.

Front brake engagement is strong and responsive, and the remaining five pistons of the two three-piston front brake callipers operate in the conventional manner, providing reassuringly strong braking control to match the Hornet’s sporty riding capability.

High-Performance Antilock Brake System (ABS)

The new CB600F Hornet is also the first mid-sized Performance Naked streetfighter ever to be equipped with the precision braking control of ABS (Antilock Brake System). Featured on several Honda models to date, this compact and lightweight system minimises the chance of tyre slip when braking over uneven or slippery road surfaces, for greatly enhanced rider confidence.

The system’s high-speed computerised electronic control unit (ECU) manages a single, compact motor-driven modulator that controls the operation of both front and rear brakes. The ECU monitors a pair of small Hall-effect sensors mounted to the front and rear brake calliper mounts, constantly comparing the rotating speeds of the small louvered pulsar rings attached to the centre of each wheel. The slightest hint of tyre slippage, which is detected as minute fluctuations in the relative speeds of the front and rear wheels-and is usually far too small for riders to detect—causes the ECU to activate the modulator with a rapid cycling of brake pressure in rapid micro-intervals of brake pressure control (Decrease-Hold-Increase) that applies just enough brake pressure to provide smooth and steady deceleration. All this happens too quickly for riders to notice, but effectively prevents either the front or rear wheel from slipping and losing control before it can begin.

High-performance riding always requires high-performance brakes, and the Hornet’s advanced Combined Antilock Brake System provides sportsbike braking performance to give both seasoned experts and less experienced riders more confident braking control in situations where optimal braking ability is a must.

Equipment

Honda Ignition Security System (HISS)

Like most of Honda’s larger displacement motorcycles, the new Hornet is also fully equipped with the highly capable Honda Ignition Security System (HISS), which features a fail-safe electronic interlock to prevent the engine from being started by anything other than the machine’s two original keys, thus providing effective protection against ride-away theft. 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.

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

To expand the new Hornet’s range of riding enjoyment, Honda Access Corporation will also be making available the following extensive range of optional equipment:  

• A motion and vibration-sensitive anti-theft alarm, which complements the Hornet’s HISS immobiliser by warding off potential thieves and vandals with a piercing shriek. Easy to install, the system is equipped with a pair of compact push-button remote controllers to provide operating convenience on par with its enhanced security. The new Hornet is also specially equipped with mounting and connection hardware to facilitate installation.

• An adhesive-backed tank protector pad designed to give the fuel tank a range of extra protection from scuffing and scratches.

• A distinctively curved fly screen which gives the Hornet a sharper front image while reducing the blast of wind to the chest area at higher speeds.

• An aggressively styled snap-on, colour co-ordinated rear seat cowl that covers the pillion seat section to further emphasise the Hornet’s sporty solo image.

• A rear wheel hugger which gives a more classy look to the bike and protects the rear damper from dirt.

• A set of electric grip heaters which effectively extend the Hornet’s range of cold weather riding comfort.

• A compact and highly convenient magnetic tank bag for carrying a variety of daily riding necessities.

• A selection of sturdy U-locks designed for extra anti-theft protection and easy storage under the Hornet’s seat.

• A rugged, full-coverage motorcycle cover to protect the Hornet from rain and the elements.

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