The all new 2007 600 Hornet



Introduction

When Honda announced in the late summer of 2006 that they were to launch an all new Naked bike that would get people 'buzzing' there was much speculation that it could be a new Hornet. They dangled the carrot a bit and then some more. Finally a Honda bod from Honda Europe contacted the Hornet's Nest and provided a link for us to put on this site. It had to be a new Hornet. Sure enough, on October 9th 2006 at 8pm they revealed the all new 2007 CB600F Hornet and opinions were divided from the moment the covers came off...

click for larger image.

The new '07 Hornet quickly became known as the 'Marmite Bike' - you either love it or you hate it.Initial reaction from our members was "It's not a Hornet - where's the high level exhaust??!". It seemed that Honda's decision to move towards the MOTO GP exhaust trend was not going down too well.

Others were divided over the tail design, or the clocks. What we do know is that everyone wanted to see it in the flesh. The NEC bike show in November 2006 provided that opportunity and representatives from the Hornet's Nest went down to the show for a preview and a chat with Honda UK.

The more we saw of the bike, the more we began to like it.

Especially when the first shots of it wth aftermarket parts began to come in and a rather tasty race Hornet.

First Ride

Council member Dunc Adams was first to set out for a test ride.He liked it so much he bought one to go with his '06 Hornet! Read his short but sweet first impressions here. FIRST RIDE

HORNET 07 GALLERY

DOBLES AFTERMARKET PARTS

DISCUSS THE '07 HORNET ON OUR MESSAGEBOARD

Colours Available
* Pearl Night Star Black
* Pearl Amber Yellow
* Candy Xenon Blue
* Pearl Siena Red



HORNET 07 SPECIFICATIONS

 

Specifications CB600F Hornet ED-type
Engine
Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC inline-4
Displacement 599cm3
Bore x Stroke 67 x 42.5mm
Compression Ratio 12 : 1
Max. Power Output 75kW / 12,000min-1 (95/1/EC)
Max. Torque 63.5Nm / 10,500min-1 (95/1/EC)
Idling Speed 1,350min-1
Oil Capacity 3.5 litres
Fuel System
Carburation PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Throttle Bore 36mm
Aircleaner Dry, cartridge-type paper filter
Fuel Tank Capacity 19 litres (including 4-litre LCD-indicated reserve)
Electrical System
Ignition System Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance
Ignition Timing 10° BTDC (idle) ~ 60° BTDC (13,500min-1)
Sparkplug Type CR9EH-9 (NGK); U27FER-9 (ND)
Starter Electric
Battery Capacity 12V / 8.6AH
ACG Output 333W
Headlights 12V, 55W x 1 (low) / 55W x 1 (high)
Drivetrain
Clutch Wet, multiplate with coil springs
Clutch Operation Mechanical; cable-actuated
Transmission 6-speed
Primary Reduction 2.111 (76/36)
Gear Ratio 1 2.750 (33/12)
2 1.938 (31/16)
3 1.556 (28/18)
4 1.348 (31/23)
5 1.208 (29/24)
6 1.095 (23/21)
Final Reduction 2.688 (43/16)
Final Drive #525 O-ring sealed chain
Frame
Type Mono-backbone; rectangular-section gravity die-cast
aluminium
OTHER DETAILS:

Chassis
Dimensions (LxWxH) 2,090 x 740 x 1,095mm
Wheelbase 1,435mm
Caster Angle 25°
Trail 99mm
Seat Height 800mm
Ground Clearance 135mm
Dry Weight 173kg (*177kg)
Kerb Weight 198kg (F: 98.2kg; R: 99.8kg),
*203kg (F: 100.7kg; R: 102.3kg)
Max. Carrying Capacity 188kg
Loaded Weight 386kg (F: 191.4kg; R: 194.6kg)
Suspension
Type Front 41mm inverted telescopic fork, 120mm axle travel
Rear Monoshock damper with 7-step adjustable preload, 128mm
axle travel
Wheels
Type Front Hollow-section 5-spoke cast aluminium
Rear Hollow-section 5-spoke cast aluminium
Rim Size Front 17M/C x MT3.50
Rear 17M/C x MT5.50
Tyre Size Front 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear 180/55 ZR17M/C (73W)
Tyre Pressure Front 250kPa
Rear 290kPa
Brakes
Type Front 296 x 4.5mm dual hydraulic disc with dual-piston (*threepiston)
callipers, floating rotors (*ABS) and sintered metal
pads
Rear 240 x 5mm hydraulic disc with single-piston calliper

(*ABS) and sintered metal pads
* ABS Version

The Original Honda Press Release...

2007
CB600F HORNET
PRESS INFORMATION

Introduction
The Original Streetfighter Is Back on the Streets
Lean, mean and poised for new conquests, the startling new 2007 CB600F Hornet
stands the mid-displacement Performance Naked class on its head with riveting new
looks, the blistering performance of a totally new engine and chassis, and an always
thrilling blast of streetfighter riding enjoyment. From nose to tail, every line and every
component of the 2007 Hornet is totally new and totally geared to delivering an
electrifying jolt of riding excitement that stays sharp and refreshing the whole day
through.
When Honda’s Performance Naked development team set out to create the next
generation of the wildly popular Hornet, they knew that the time had come to break the
mould of what has gone before and strike out with a concept so utterly new and
unexpected that it would reset the stage for a whole new generation of class domination.
One look says it all; with sharper styling and a lighter and sleeker form that concentrates
its heavier components closer to its centre of mass, the new Hornet is not just a looker,
but also a top performer, briskly negotiating tight twisties and midtown traffic with
equal ease.
Since its crowd-pleasing 1998 debut, the Hornet has enjoyed a proud nine-year
history of charting new trends in naked sportbike riding enjoyment, along the way
winning wide recognition as a best-selling pioneer of performance and design
excellence against which all other mid-displacement naked sportbikes would come to be
measured.
Popular among young new riders who soon made it their first choice as an
exhilarating step up from learner class bikes and scooters, the Hornet also gained a
following among more experienced riders, who were attracted to its slim, quick-handling
‘back to basics’ appeal and its easy ability to be pushed to its limits, as proven by its
popularity in box-stock racing classes.
However, time finally caught up with the Hornet, and a long list of changes was
compiled to not only reassert its leading position in the mid-displacement Performance
Naked class, but also to keep it abreast of the latest developments in technology, safety
and environmental protection. No modifications or upgrades of existing features would
do. Instead, a whole new concept was called for. One which incorporates the latest
developments in engine and chassis design while again charting bold new trends in the
Performance Naked segment of Europe’s growing midrange motorcycle class. As can be
readily seen, the dynamic results of this next-generation Hornet speak for themselves.

Development Concept
Based on the development goals of achieving a new “High-Impact Design” and
more “Dynamic Performance,” the new 2007 CB600F Hornet has been forged,
tempered, polished and primed to reclaim its rightful place as the undisputed leader of
the middleweight Performance Naked class.
A Thoroughbred Bloodline
A close blood cousin of the new race-ready 2007 CBR600RR, the new CB600F
Hornet focuses on delivering a more broadly accessible balance of performance and
riding ease. This new direction combines more versatile and easier to use engine power
characteristics, a more exhilarating thrust of acceleration and sharper, smoother
handling that any rider can easily enjoy.
With detailed modifications to the new 600RR’s engine producing distinctive
power characteristics and strong midrange punch, the Hornet’s development team also
set out to achieve sharper, more responsive handling through the pursuit of lighter
weight—everywhere. From its engine (fully five kilograms lighter than before) to its
all-new frame and chassis, weight was trimmed and by extension the Hornet’s overall
power-to-weight ratio maximised.
Attention was also focused on giving the new Hornet quicker and more easily
manageable handling. This was achieved not only through reductions in weight, but also
by carefully calculating precisely where that weight should be trimmed, or moved, to
gain the most responsive, easiest-handling riding control. Here, the all-important
concept of ‘mass centralisation’ played the key role in making the new Hornet the
hottest performing and quickest handling middleweight Performance Naked on the
streets of Europe.
The new CB600F Hornet’s shortlist of hard-hitting new features includes:
* A stunning new streetfighter look, with slimmer lines and lighter, more aggressive
form.
* Mass-centralised construction that locates heavier components closer to the
Hornet’s central turning axes for sharper, smoother and more confident handling.
* A lighter, more compact and higher-revving new fuel-injected engine developed
alongside the all-new 2007 CBR600RR Super Sport.
* A new low-slung exhaust system for enhanced mass centralisation and sharper
handling.
* A newly developed gravity die-cast (GDC) aluminium Mono-Backbone frame for
lighter weight and sharper handling.
* A tapered dual-box-section aluminium swingarm.
* A 41mm inverted cartridge-type front fork.
* Lightweight, newly designed five-spoke aluminium alloy wheels.
* A new over/under dual multi-reflector headlight and slim LED taillight.
* A Combined-ABS version for the ultimate in braking control.
* HISS immobiliser security system.
* And more…
For those who’ll settle for nothing less than the most aggressive streetfighter they can
throw a leg over, the new Hornet delivers up the goods with lighter construction, a
hotter power-to-weight ratio, quicker, more responsive handling and a defiant look of
pure ferocity. Honda’s original streetfighter stands poised to reclaim the streets.

Styling
First impressions are often the most important, and this was never more true than
with the impressive styling of the original Hornet. Now, nine years on, the new 2007
CB600F Hornet explodes onto the scene with a stunning new look that turns heads like
never before. Since streetfighters like the Hornet are by design focused on the raw
fundamentals of performance, the new Hornet’s boldly aggressive styling personifies its
exhilarating function with eye-popping form.
Designed based on the styling theme of ‘Edged Armour Form,’ the new Hornet’s
more muscular and aggressive lines stream back from its piercing nose and through the
curves of its larger-capacity new 19-litre fuel tank to narrow down to one of the
slimmest and lightest weight seat and tail cowls in the Naked class. Seemingly hovering
in space over Hornet’s fat rear tyre, this slippery form terminates into a sharp tail that
incorporates a brilliant LED taillight into its curves. Every line accentuates the Hornet’s
feeling of movement, from nose to tail and even as far as the design of its new fivespoke
aluminium alloy wheels.
The fundamental styling cues of the new Hornet’s hard edges and curves are
based on the elaborate suits of armour once worn by the medieval knights of olde. Even
its integrated front headlight and minicowl strongly suggest the pointed mask of an
ancient knight’s helmet brought up to date with aggressive downward tapering lines that
thrust forward with each burst of the Hornet’s breathtaking acceleration. Even the
engine’s exterior form has been thoroughly restyled from the base CBR600RR’s version
to project a more aggressive look of high performance.
Dynamically Styled Lights and Instruments
The new Hornet’s uniquely styled new dual-bulb headlight features low beam and high
beam positioned one over the other behind a protruding polycarbonate lens that
accentuates this dynamic riding machine’s overall sense of excitement. Above this eyecatching
headlight and its surrounding minicowl is mounted a slim, fully electronic
instrument panel behind a compact, aerodynamic front cowl that features a hard-edged
mechanical look derived directly from the CBR1000RR Fireblade. This lightweight, fully
electronic unit features a big, racy-looking centrally positioned analogue rev counter and
a large digital LCD readout of vehicle speed, dual trip gauges, multi-segment fuel gauge
and a clock.

Colouring Concept
The new CB600F Hornet arrives on the streets of Europe in four dynamic colour
variations that provide distinctive accents on its sharp blend of performance, style and
high-impact riding enjoyment. A deeply shimmering pearlescent black exudes the
sharp-eyed sense of ever-present danger prowling the night streets of the big city. A
warm pearlescent yellow complements the metallic greys of the engine and frame to
provide sporty, high-revving look of wide-eyed excitement, while electric candy blue
calms the Hornet’s raging spirit with the icy tones of impenetrable cool. Finally, a rich
pearlescent red gives the new Hornet a bright and aggressive impression of shorttempered
impulsiveness that can’t wait to lay the rubber down.
The new engine and wheels share the same Matted Axis Grey Metallic finish for a
burly mechanical look that provides a striking counterpoint to the richly finished
colours gracing the new Hornet’s bodywork. Streetfighting performance countered with
stylish elegance for an attractive visage that travels well with the Hornet’s corner
carving assaults and broadly satisfying riding capabilities.
Colours
* Pearl Night Star Black
* Pearl Amber Yellow
* Candy Xenon Blue
* Pearl Siena Red

Engine
The all-new CB600F Hornet delivers exceptionally strong acceleration coupled
with instant response and a powerful, torque-filled drive out of the corners. Its new
state-of-the-art 600cc fuel-injected engine was developed in parallel with the race-ready
mill now powering the all-new CBR600RR. One of the shortest, lightest and most
compact 600cc powerplants ever in its class, this new engine makes a major
contribution to the new Hornet’s 5kg reduction in overall weight relative to its previous
configuration. This weight reduction also translates into big improvements in both the
Hornet’s acceleration and handling.
All-New Lighter and More Compact 600cc Engine
Based on and developed together with the innovative engine now powering the
2007 CBR600RR, the CB600F Hornet’s new powerplant is one of the shortest and more
compact engines in its class. Its smaller size and lighter weight also afford greater
positioning freedom within the frame for an ideal balance of weight leading to quicker,
more responsive handling.
New PGM-FI Fuel Injection
The new Hornet’s engine also features Honda’s most advanced PGM-FI
electronic fuel injection system for more instantly responsive surges of power, more
precise throttle control and smoother, more predictable changes in speed. It also
combines with Honda’s oxygen-sensing catalytic converter system to reduce harmful
exhaust emissions to well within EURO-3 emissions standards while still maintaining
exhilarating top performance.
Specially Tuned Performance
The Hornet’s engine was developed alongside the CBR600RR’s mill and shares
most of its component parts. However the focus of its performance is fundamentally
different and the changes made to achieve it add up to stronger overall Hornet
performance, with increases in midrange power and torque that extend far higher and
smoother into the upper reaches of the new engine’s rev range than the engine it
replaces. Combining strong midrange torque for faster acceleration out of the corners
with a higher-revving top end, this new engine was specially tuned for exhilarating
streetfighter riding excitement and more of the sheer Naked performance that put the
Hornet at the top of its class in the first place.
New Low-Slung Exhaust System
One of the Hornet’s signature design features since its first debut has been the
impressive exhaust silencer underlining the right side of its seat cowl. For 2007 this
characteristic design element has been totally changed. To minimise weight near
machine’s extremities that can slow handling with inertial mass, all traces of the exhaust
system have been removed from the vicinity of the seat cowl, leaving a much lighter
and sleeker form that makes a major contribution to the new Hornet’s swift banking and
turning capability.
Now, with the goal of achieving optimised mass centralisation for quicker, more
neutral handling, the entire exhaust system has been moved directly underneath the
engine. The Hornet’s exhaust headers now reach straight down from the engine’s
exhaust ports to join together at the front corner of the engine, where a single exhaust
pipe enters the large primary muffler secreted under the engine. The exhaust then exits
out a right-side secondary muffler, just below and behind the swingarm pivot, through a
uniquely styled tailpipe.
The positioning of this new low-slung exhaust compactly integrates its weight and
mass into the centralised package created by the engine and major chassis internals to
lower the machine’s overall centre of gravity and concentrates its mass much closer to
its turning axes. This results in significantly quicker response to steering inputs,
especially felt when leaning quickly over for tightly executed turns, or side-to-side
through a series of tight esses.

Chassis
The new 2007 Hornet features a totally upgraded chassis based on its wellestablished
Mono-Backbone frame configuration, which reaches from steering head to
rear engine mount and swingarm pivot in one long stretch of large-section rectangular
tubing. One of the primary concepts behind this design is to provide a simple and solid
‘diamond’ configuration that incorporates the engine as its central stressed member for
an excellent balance of rigidity and light weight. This design also allows the engine to
be prominently seen, with no large frame sections interfering with its sleek, simple and
aggressively mechanical design.
All-New Aluminium Die-Cast Mono-Backbone Frame
The new 2007 Hornet maintains essentially the same basic Mono-Backbone frame
configuration. However, instead of being constructed of welded steel tubing, its newly
developed frame features lightweight gravity die-cast (GDC) aluminium construction.
The frame’s three cast sections (front head pipe, backbone and swingarm pivot) are
welded together for lighter weight compared to the older steel tube design. Besides
being lighter, this new cast aluminium frame provides significant increases in strength
and rigidity for sharper yet smoother handling and instantaneous response to changes of
direction.
Centralised Mass
In order to achieve sharper, more responsive handling in its new design, the
Hornet also underwent a well-proven regimen of mass centralisation that positions the
its heavier components, notably its new engine and exhaust system, as close as possible
to the machine’s rolling centre of mass while lightening those sections positioned
farther away from its centre. The Hornet’s slimmer and lighter seat and tail cowl
combine with reduced weight at the front end to reduce inertial mass at the machine’s
extremities, which translates into lighter and sharper handling everywhere. The result is
a look of uncompromising performance backed up with crisp, highly responsive
cornering control that handles rapid changes in direction with calmly assured control.

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.

END

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