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2009 Honda CB600F Hornet Unveiled At EICMA Milan Bike Show

Since it first shook up the streetfighter scene in 1998, the CB600F Hornet has become one of the decade’s most influential middleweight Naked motorcycles. A close blood relative of the race-winning CBR600RR, the first CB600F presented an unprecedented package of sporty performance and light, user-friendly handling. With its versatile power, comfort and convenience, it quickly became a firm favourite among riders of all levels of experience who want a motorcycle that’s both practical and enjoyable to ride. Its timeless Naked styling has a neat, contemporary edge which lends itself easily to any environment, ensuring its popularity in fashion-conscious circles. The Hornet is also both affordable and easy to own. Its build quality is flawless, its reliability is well on the way to becoming legendary and its fuel consumption is as lean and mean as its distinctive styling lines.

More Hi-Res images in the 2009 Honda CB600F Hornet gallery

Impressive as the 1998 debut was, owner feedback indicated two possibilities for improvement. In 2000, Honda responded with a larger 17-inch front wheel, and in 2003 the size of the fuel tank was increased to 17 litres, both innovations adding to the bike’s impressive versatility.

These updates were the only major changes to the CB600F in the first nine years of its production, but in 2007 Honda decided the bike’s many fans deserved a totally new model. The 07YM CB600F underwent a complete makeover. Brimming with Honda’s newest developments in technology, safety and environmental protection, it was restyled to reflect its prestigious position at the forefront of the mid-displacement Performance Naked class. The resulting sharp, sporty and hugely popular model reaffirmed the Hornet’s popularity among a vast and loyal following all over Europe. It also set new standards for its Performance Naked competitors in a growing midrange motorcycle class.

Without straying too far from the basic elements that built its remarkable popularity, the 2009 CB600F improves even further on the 2007 model’s ride comfort, performance, controllability and ownership pleasure. Again, Honda has been guided by rider and customer feedback and made changes only where necessary, in order to maintain the motorcycle’s near-perfect balance of power, build quality and value for money. The carefully chosen improvements include new adjustable suspension, chic styling updates including black metallic parts, a new meter panel and a brand new and exciting colour range to reflect its ever-widening appeal.

Development Concept

With fuel prices rocketing and city arteries congested with cars, a motorcycle like the CB600F Hornet takes on new relevance. Its speed and versatility, plus the pure pleasure to be gained from just owning and riding such a desirable machine, mean that it has huge potential for enhancing a wide range of lifestyles. It has already proven its value as a reliable commuter and swift way of getting around town. Its fun factor, both in the city and on the open road, is also renowned. This means that, for the steadily growing number of people who are looking for a cheaper, more reliable and more enjoyable way of getting around on their weekday business, and a stylish and exciting bike to play with at the weekends, the CB600F is a natural choice.
The 2009 CB600F Hornet is Honda’s response to this growing section of the motorcycling public and is aimed at improving the precise characteristics that are so appreciated by these riders. The styling updates are designed to appeal to discerning and fashion-conscious riders of all ages, who will enjoy the prestige of classic Naked styling brought right up to date with stunningly contemporary colours and features. The chassis updates add to its sporty appeal, matching the engine’s impressive performance with slick and confident handling that’s a perfect complement.
In the 2009 CB600F, the original streetfighter is back – strong, sultry and seductive as ever, still master of its territory, and more ready than ever to conquer new ones.

Styling

When seeking direction for the CB600F’s chic new look, Honda’s R&D department took their cues from the finest of Italian design, in everything from furniture to sports clothing. The result is a stunning response to contemporary trends which is guaranteed to turn heads in any setting. True to the fundamentals of streetfighter performance, it’s lean and sharp with an aggressive predatory edge that advertises its sporting tendencies. The message is clear. Step up, or get left behind!
The aerodynamic lines of the distinctively muscular bodywork flow back to integrate the bulging fuel tank and converge in a sharp, tapered tail that’s set off by a brilliant LED tail-light. Up front, a dual bulb multi-reflector headlight adds to the bike’s dynamic appeal as well as offering superior visibility. Eye-catching low and high beams behind a protruding polycarbonate lens adorn the sharp, focused lines of the minicowl, augmenting the overall sense of movement and integrating beautifully with the bike’s sleek but basic image.
In front of the tank nestles the compact and attractive instrument panel which has been graphically redesigned in keeping with the bike’s ultramodern styling and clean, functional ethos. Lightweight and fully electronic, it features a large, race-inspired analogue rev counter in central position, surrounded by a digital LCD speedometer, dual trip gauges, a multi-segment fuel gauge and a clock.

Colouring Concept

The new CB600F’s distinctively European styling is accentuated by five stunning colour choices. The most daring is a striking pearlescent Acid Yellow that stresses the bike’s sporty performance characteristics and muscular profile, creating a vibrant impression of fast-moving vitality. It’s a youthful and dynamic choice that’s right at the forefront of street fashion.
The shimmering Pearl Night Star Black also creates a look that’s at home on the streets, emphasising the prowling streetfighter image and creating a menacing presence that asserts its ownership of urban territory.
The Pearl Siena Red is chic and sporty, making the sharp lines of the bike’s bodywork even more vibrant and creating an acutely memorable impression.
The Pearl Cool White and Quasar Silver Metallic shine with a classic and understated sophistication, emphasised by the addition of new contrasting stripes on the sides of the headlight, tank and seat. It’s a subtle but striking feature that cleverly expresses the bike’s superior design and attention to detail.
The rich finishing of all colours presents a striking contrast to the solid, mechanical look of the CB600F’s Axis Grey Metallic wheels and prominently displayed engine. Meticulously chosen and stunningly executed, the new colours bring the Hornet’s image right up the minute without straying away from the understated power, capable functionality and classic undertones that have made it a Naked icon.

Available colours

• Pearl Acid Yellow
• Pearl Night Star Black
• Pearl Siena Red
• Pearl Cool White (with stripes)
• Quasar Silver Metallic (with stripes)

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