Owing to the Hornet 900's higher performance specifications and slightly larger proportions and weight compared to the Hornet 600, a sturdy 43mm cartridge-type front fork was selected over the 600's 41mm standard-issue stanchions. Featured on several of Honda's most highly tuned sport bikes, these forks provide excellent feel and response, as well as a comfortable and confident ride over varying road surfaces.

A monoshock rear suspension system features a heavy-duty remote reservoir damper supporting a large aluminium swingarm. The high-performance damper's remote reservoir helps reduce heat build-up while achieving the same effective volume and operating characteristics of a much larger and longer-stroke single-body damper. It also features 7-step adjustable spring preload for tuning to virtually any ride and road conditions.

The Hornet 900's lightweight 3-spoke cast aluminium wheels are stopped by a powerful pair of 4-piston calipers like those used by the '96 FireBlade, providing strong, assured response to all braking inputs. At the rear, a lightweight single-piston caliper stops a large 240mm rotor for effective performance and reduced heat build-up.

The wheels themselves mount the same wide-profile tyres featured on the Hornet 600 (and the FireBlade, as well), and feature new specially designed holes in their hubs and slimmer-profile spokes to realise both reduced unsprung weight and a bit more lateral flex that translates into more responsive feel in the corners. Larger-diameter axles (compared to the Hornet 600) also contribute to the Hornet 900's more aggressive riding control. All combine to ensure the Hornet delivers a superb balance of roll and yaw characteristics leaning deep into corners, and light, responsive handling.

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