2007–2010 · Naked Bike · Buyer's Guide
Reliable Revver, Light Hands
The PC 41 Hornet runs a 599 cc inline-four derived from the CBR600RR and retuned for the street: 102 hp at 12,000 rpm and 47 lb-ft, with some peak power traded away and the torque left untouched. Honda hangs that engine in an aluminum backbone frame with an upside-down fork and brings the package in at 381 lb (173 kg) wet. That low weight defines the bike. Electronics? ABS was an option, and that's the entire list. No traction control, no ride modes, nothing between your right hand and the rear tire. Among middleweight nakeds, this is the light, friendly, sporty one. Honest stuff!
On the road it's forgiving and playful at once. Riders stepping up to a first big bike get handling that never bites, and experienced hands still find enough engine and lean clearance to stay entertained on a twisty road. It ages the Honda way: reliability is rock solid, running costs stay low and the aftermarket is huge. The weak spots are small and age-related, like steering head bearings going notchy on high-mileage commuters that have seen poor roads. The honest caveat is distance: no wind protection, no long-haul comfort. Think weekend toy that also commutes!
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 102 hp (75 kW) @ 12,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 47 lb-ft (64 Nm) @ 10,500 rpm |
| Displacement | 599 cc |
| Engine | Inline-four |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front brake | 296 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 180/55-17 |
| Seat height | 31.5 in (800 mm) |
| Wet weight | 381 lb (173 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 5.0 gal (19 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Safety
For years I've listened to what Hornet owners tell me: in the paddock, at club nights, and in the emails and messages riders send me. For the PC 41 the pattern is clear. Riders praise the engine and the room on board, and they keep coming back to two gripes: the fork and the brakes.
The most consistent praise goes to the inline-four. Owners describe it as lively and eager to rev, with smooth, linear power and a strong rush at the top, yet still pulling cleanly from low rpm. The seating comes up nearly as often: an upright position, a well-padded seat and neutral pegs that riders of different sizes feel at home on. Riders also call the chassis composed and stable, and many remember the Hornet as a lot of motorcycle for the money. Happy owners!
The complaints start when the pace goes up. Riders regularly report a fork tuned for comfort that turns wallowy and short on feedback when pushed hard, especially under braking. The brakes draw the same criticism: owners call them underpowered for spirited riding, and many fit sintered pads for more bite. It's a common fix.
Head bearing wear on high-mileage commuters
Bikes subjected to poor roads and high mileage can develop a notchy steering head feel, requiring bearing replacement.
Occasional regulator/rectifier failure
Some owners report the reg/rec unit failing, leading to charging system problems. This is a common age-related fault on many Honda models.
Fastener and finish corrosion
Budget fasteners and some engine cases are prone to surface corrosion, especially when ridden in wet or salty conditions.
Where this Honda CB600F Hornet pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the CB600F Hornet is actually built for.
On tight canyon roads the light chassis and generous lean clearance pay off, and 102 hp keeps you busy. Be aware: the fork has no adjustment and there's no traction control to lean on.
Made for Angeles Crest Highway · Coronado Trail / US 191 · Highway 1 / Big Sur
If you chase clean technique rather than speed, this is your tool: 381 lb (173 kg), forgiving and easy to place, corner after corner. The ride there is breezy, so keep the approach short.
Made for Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
For sporty weekend loops it's a reliable, cheap-to-run partner with a 5.0 gal (19 L) tank. Turn the weekend into a real road trip and the missing wind protection and luggage start to cost you.
Made for Austin / Texas Hill Country · Twisted Sisters · Austin / Handbuilt Motorcycle Show
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2006
Reliable Revver, Light Handler
Compare to the previous model →If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Competitor · 2007–2012
Triple Soul, Razor Handling
Competitor · 2007–2018
Italian Twin, Forgiving Soul
Competitor · 2007–2013
Reliable Fun, No Frills
Competitor · 2006–2010
The Six-Hundred That Screams
Competitor · 2006–2008
Real Ducati, Real Accessible
Competitor · 2009–2014
BMW Competence With a Twin Soul