Honda CB 600 F Hornet 2009 — Specifications

Is it still possible to create a sense of novelty with a motorcycle that, since its first version, has already crushed the competition? The 2009 Honda CB 600 F Hornet answers us with a slight facelift, a series of finishes, and a few additional adjustments. After the deep redesign of 2007, where it adopted the heart of the CBR 600 RR and a lighter frame, the Hornet 2009 plays the card of sophistication rather than radical renewal.

The hornet features a painted black frame, revised color schemes, and a slightly modified dashboard. But the real change is hidden in the suspensions. The 41 mm inverted fork gains a compression adjustment, while the mono-shock under the seat adds rebound control to its existing preload. These subtle but valuable adjustments allow for refinement of road behavior on winding roads, making this Hornet even more versatile for the rider seeking to get the most out of its 599 cc.

The engine, still that of the CBR, remains a masterpiece of liveliness. With 102 horsepower delivered at 12,000 rpm and a torque of 62.3 Nm at 10,500 rpm, it offers an explosive but controllable powerband. This inline four-cylinder is the main reason for the success of the CB 600 F Hornet, a mechanical element that makes the machine accessible to motivated beginners, but also capable of satisfying more experienced road riders. Its dry weight of 173 kg and a seat height of 800 mm contribute to this immediate agility, a philosophy that Honda has perfected since the 2006 Hornet.

Facing competitors such as the Yamaha FZ6 or the Suzuki GSX650F, the Hornet 2009 maintains its advantage thanks to this refined chassis and iconic engine. It is not the most radical, but it is probably the most balanced. Its price of 7590 euros for the ABS version, or 6990 euros without, remains competitive for a machine offering this level of finish and this reputation for solidity. It is a motorcycle that has forged its success over time, a safe bet that is easily found on the second-hand market, particularly for the 2011 or 2012 model years.

In short, this Hornet 2009 is a logical evolution. Honda does not upset a formula that works, but refines it with more precise suspension adjustments and an updated look. It remains this ideal urban sportbike, a passport to daily pleasure without the excesses of a purely track machine. For those seeking a balanced specification sheet, a motorcycle capable of everything with a distinct character, the 2009 hornet is still a very attractive proposition.