Honda readies new Hornet

Sources in Japan have revealed that Honda has a new Hornet 600 and big retro muscle bike, probably called the CB1300, ready for launch in early 2003.

Keep clicking back for more updates – we will be bringing you the first pictures of these bikes very soon.

Both bikes will be launched at the Bologna Show in Italy this December.

The revised Hornet will feature a new fuel-injected version of the CBR600 motor and mimic the styling of its bigger brother, the Hornet 900. It will also gain LED rear lights, a sharper tail-piece and tank.

The other machine is similar to the Japan market-only CB1300, but with a 4-2-1 single exhaust rather than the double exhausts of the CB1300. It’s also said to feature Honda’s H-VIX exhaust valve system to boost low-down torque.

It’s aimed squarely at Suzuki’s big-selling GSX1400, but despite giving away 100cc to the Suzuki, Honda’s machine will be 9kg (19.8lb) lighter than its 228kg (502lb) rival. It’s expected to match the Suzuki in horsepower – 100bhp to comply with Japanese, French and German power limits.

Both bikes will go on sale this Spring. The CB1300 priced around £6000 to match the £6149 GSX1400, while the Hornet is likely to be very close to its current list prices of £4299 and £4699 for the unfaired and faired versions.

You can read more about both these bikes in the October 30 issue of MCN.