 Naked
bikes have grown in popularity in recent years which has seen all the
manufacturers produce new bikes to try and grab a share of this demand.
Honda's latest entry is the 2002 Honda Hornet 900.The roots of the new Hornet extend back to Japan and a look pioneered by the 1996 domestic model Hornet 250. This was soon followed in 1998 by the instantly popular Hornet 600. Built on essentially the same chassis configuration as the 250, but powered by a slightly modified version of the engine that drove the CBR600F to fame. But the market demands even larger-displacement machines and Honda has responded by slotting a Fireblade engine into a new naked chassis. At 194kg, the Hornet is a relative lightweight in this class, and with a powerplant based on the 1998 Fireblade engine it should perform very well indeed. Most of the changes from the original FireBlade engine are in the cylinder head. Efforts were especially focused on minimising any dips or hesitations in its power and torque response, especially when the throttle is first opened. Although the 1998 FireBlade on which the Hornet's engine is based was fed by flat-slide CV carburettors, Honda's latest digitally programmed PGM-FI fuel injection system was adapted to provide both strong, precise throttle response and lower emissions.  The
system features 36mm throttle bodies with 4-hole injectors that ensure
stable fuel atomisation for the most efficient combustion. Intake port
shapes and diameters were revised, and the fuel injection system's
throttle bodies were positioned closer to the engine for sharper, smoother
and more linear response, as well as a stronger rush of low-to-midrange
power, especially at the instant the throttle is opened. Cam lift and
valve timing were also modified to emphasize this low-end boost in
response, and compression was reduced from the FireBlade's 11.1:1 to
10.8:1. Honda claims that these changes have improved the engine's
low-to-midrange torque and power delivery combine to realise fully 30%
stronger roll-on performance and quicker standing start acceleration
through this range than the full-power FireBlade.The Hornet's 6-speed transmission is essentially the same as that used in the FireBlade, though its final ratio was lowered to emphasize its low-to-midrange torque delivery. |
