Okay, so, I’ve been messing around with this Honda 900 Hornet for a while now, and I gotta say, it’s been a journey. I started by getting my hands on this used bike. It wasn’t in the best shape, but I saw potential, you know?
First thing I did was give it a good once-over. Checked the engine, the brakes, the whole nine yards. It’s a 919cc engine, so it’s got some kick. They say it can do up to 93 horsepower, which is pretty sweet. And it’s got this six-speed transmission, which I thought was cool. Chain drive, too, like most bikes, I guess. Anyway, the previous owner said they hit 146 mph on it. Not sure I believe that, but it sounded fun.
I took it for a spin around the block a few times, just to get a feel for it. It’s definitely lighter than my old Gsxr-w and way less top-heavy. The power delivery is smooth, not jerky like some other bikes I’ve ridden. I can see why people like these Hornets, they’re easy to handle. I started getting some ideas of what I wanted to do with it.
Tuning and Tweaking
- Engine Tuning: I messed around with the fuel injection a bit, trying to get a little more oomph out of it. It’s DOHC, so I figured there was some room to play. I don’t have fancy equipment, just some basic tools and a lot of trial and error.
- Exhaust: The stock exhaust was kinda lame, so I swapped it out for an aftermarket one. It sounds meaner now, and I think it might have added a few horses, but who knows. I definitely feel faster.
- Suspension: This was a big one. The stock suspension was okay, but I wanted something a bit more responsive. I ended up getting some adjustable shocks, and man, what a difference. It handles corners like a dream now.
After all that, I took it out on the highway for a real test. This thing really moves! It’s not just about top speed, either. It accelerates like a rocket, and it’s so much fun to ride. I even tried to see how fast it could go. I didn’t get anywhere near 146 mph, but I definitely got it up there, maybe 8500 rpm. It was a rush, let me tell you.
I’ve been riding this Hornet for a few months now, and I’m still loving it. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine, and I’ve put a lot of work into it. It’s a great bike for cruising around town or hitting the open road. If you’re looking for a fun, reliable bike, you should definitely check out the Honda 900 Hornet. Just be prepared to get your hands dirty, because you’re gonna want to make it your own.
