Honda Hornet BC600F

~Introduction~

Hi. It's must be obvious now I am an motor bike fan so another bike review now! I am sure you have noticed that motorcycling is on the way up due to the congestion charge on cars!? Living in London England means there are plenty reason to go motorcycling you get around faster and easier and cheaper than any other form of transport even the tube. Motorcycle parking is free as well. A better way to travel around town is not possible. Last year I was lucky to have a Honda Hornet 600 to use for two months. I know you must be wondering why that and not another well thats due to the Kawasaki GT550 being out of production now: its a long story.

The Honda Hornet 600 is a watercooled four cylinder machine the type that the japanese are most famous four. It is a cheap version of the most popular motorcyle of the past few years the Honda CBR600 a machine that Honda made in various versions for years all to great success. It has some interesting features like a full aero dynamic fairing and is not at the most fasionable end of the market more for a experienced rider than for learner new to biking and commuter riders it is a good choice however it is for me a good looking machine. I know when I looked at the Hornet it was also a bike that is an excellent form of transport it is like a CBR without the body work the fairing I am reviewing the Honda Hornet but it is similar to the CBR600 .

~The Look~
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It's has blue plastic and metal bodywork with black controls with black buttons on the handlebars and blue display screen on the instrument panel. I liked that blue light at night especially I could see it very clearly. It's got many buttons on the front of the handle bars on-off switch, stop clutch/brake leavers, speedo, revcounter etc.

The seat is a black with silver inserts with the flexibility of extra features that the machine itself does not have a kick starter. It's also got locking fuel tank, alloy wheels, helmet lock, indicators, rear seat foot pegs very high up so only for short distances. This is if you have added passenger getting free travel. It will be crunch but it is not a good option a put a top box on my rear seat a attached it to my luggage hooks on the side so it was very secure. I have seen yellow ones as well as blue ones around.

~Weight~
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As for the weight it is not going to be a concern for any, It's very light comparable to almost any other companies models and same companies with different products of the same size I have ever seen. The weight comes in as less than 400lbs, and so light anyone can move it around traffic with ease. It could be pushed very easily if needed as I had to often due to the small petrol tank and picked up easily should it fall, which it will do all the time, by most anybody it is not a hefty four cylinder but very light.~Price~
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About the price it is not anything to be concerned about. Now it is readily available on the second hand market. Pricing is something very much dependent on different retailers but it possible to buy them less for a lot less than £3000. That is the price for a perfect like new one is it is quite possible to pay a lot less. Look on ebay or second hand dealers.

~Ease of Use~
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It's has a very pleasent to use feel about it. That's a good point compared to some bikes CX500 is very poor in comparison. It is easy to drive as it is light with a very 6 speed synchronic gear change and plenty of power at a claimed 85hp this all means it is a very pleasent easy machine to use. It has a 4 stroke engine of 600cc with plenty of power it really moves when pushed. It does not use much petrol at 45mpg it is good it will easily do 100mph. The motor is not even trying at 70 mph due to government laws. It has a claimed 85hp @ 11000 revolutions per minute flat out 120 mph is possible.

Another point is the acceleration it is fast and can 60 is 5 seconds and is comfortable for most people. It has a very small petrol tank. Also no center stand is fitted so it fell over a lot when parked on anything but the flattest smoothest road.~Consumable~
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As it's highly economic to buy then that fact is I have used it for with no problems at all it has the most up to date technology. The brakes are excellent. The back tyre is very wide and will be expensive to replace when it needs a service It is the scenario as it has a high watt motor with excellent brakes the tyres will be worn out quickly. I had done 3K miles the expense to me only petrol and replacement parts of £80 due to it being knocked or falling over It does 50 mpg quite easily at legal speeds.

~Durability~
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It's made to be highly durable and I have tested this many times while riding it the chain had no wear in two thousand miles. While others knocked it over or it fell over while it was in a parking bay. Nothing much else has happened that is it is nothing re-markable.~Advantages~
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It is a quality product and features are excellent for my needs a big no 'WOW' factor is the good performance and handling making it feel as if it is a machine that has a big big 'WOW' factor. I can recommend the extra feature of a rear top box on the back seat. It is clear and that this machine is a bright addition to any drive way. To ride and rev it around townon the open road or motorway is a joy. So handy, so useful I can play on it as well as use it as a commuting machine I am not at all able to complain about anything. It's is then highly durable and economic to use. I do know where it is made Japan so it is very good quality.

~Disadvantages~
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As it does not have a restricted motor it is esy to be caught speeding and on camera, it has a small petrol tank and no center stand at all.

~Overall~
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It is good for motorways or long distance riding as it does up to 120mph! Small and light is ok if you are bigger than most and it will be not be at all uncomfortable

120 mph and 50mpg light and reliable a good product to be of interest to commuters and those wanting a machine to go on long journeys. It is excellent at what it does and is recommended by me to all.