I booked the cbs version of this bike on 19th december 2015 and the bike was delivered on 23rd december 2015. The price difference between the standard version and cbs version is only of Rs4500. For this 4500, you get a rear disc brake and the famous cbs technology of honda. So that extra money is worth it and that is why I prefered the cbs version. I use this bike mainly for daily commuting( 60kms) to college and back. I wish to share my experience with all bike enthusiasts out there.
The most amazing aspect about this bike is its stunning design ofcourse. It looks good from every angle. But it is the rear that is going to take your breath away. It even feels like a bigger capacity machine from the rear. The build quality is just amazing. Now about the performance. I have seen many reviews saying that this bike is only a paper tiger comparing to suzuki gixxer. It not is not true. I test rode suzuki gixxer and yamaha fz v2 before settling on the hornet. Hornet is superior to fz in every aspects.
Now comparing gixxer and hornet, I would say that they are entirely different. Gixxer is all and only about performance. The power kicks in at very low rpms and is distributed uniformly throughout the entire rev range. So it is a good city ride, but suffers in highways. And i’m sure that you are not going to get the large figure of mileage that the company is claiming or anywhere near it. The hornet is very silent and is like an obedient baby hanging to our fingers till 5000rpm( or 65kmph in 5th gear) . The bike just floats through the road. But after 5000rpm, this little baby turns into a beast and persuades us to turn the throttle more and more. It is a very good highway performer and also a good commuter bike. You have to ride the bike to understand what I am saying. So if you ride it near this 5000rpm you will get good mileage. And if you want performence, just turn the throttle and you gets it. I can say it for sure because I am getting 52kmpl. The braking is just superb. The suspension was stiff before. I asked the mechanic at service centre, when I took the bike for 1st service, to adjust it and it is soft now. The gear box is smooth and there is no any sound while shifting gears. The bike does well in corners and have great straight line stability. The digital display shows all essential informations. The only thing I missed was a gear indicator. I saw a lot of reviews saying that it doesn’t have good switch gear. It sure does miss an engine kill switch. But all other switches are there and are well positioned and user friendly. If you are so desperate for an engine kill switch, go to a good mechanic and fix it. You can fit it as an accessory from local mechanics and I think that the one in pulser will suit it. I don’t reccomend it. But if you want it so badly, it is the only way as of now. The seat doesn’t fitt well in its position. I think it is somekind of design defect. The seat is little stiff and makes your bum sore in long journeys. So I gave it to a local upholstery shop and cushioned the seat again. Now it is more comfortable. The plastic cladding helps to avoid the tank from getting scratched. But over time, it gets scratched and you have to polish it now and then. The headlight is nice and provides good light. The pilot lamps are good and looks attractive when lit. Honda’s service is very nice. The service persons treats you very nicely. This is my experience with this bike and I am very satisfied with it. Honda is HONDA!