Honda-The Power of Dreams
Honda Announces Launch of Hornet 600 Slim-Profile Naked Sport Model Incorporating a Powerful Liquid-Cooled Inline 4-Cylinder Engine

Tokyo, February 10, 1998 --- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the launch of the new Honda Hornet 600 motorcycle, which will go on sale on March 6. Designed to look like a pared-down road racer, the Hornet 600 has a light, compact frame. Its liquid-cooled 4-cycle inline 4-cylinder 600cc engine provides plenty of power in all gears to give a very smooth ride.

It was first displayed at the 32nd Tokyo Motor Show in 1997, and with its impressive class-beating look, is expected to appeal to sport bike riders. The frame is that of its little brother, the Hornet 250cc, yet even with a 600cc high-performance engine, it still has excellent balance. The engine is a liquid-cooled 4-cycle DOHC inline 4-cylinder 600cc engine, also featured in the CBR600F. Whether riding city streets or cruising the highway, the Hornet 600's power makes it a delight to handle. For the sports user, it will also prove a pleasure to own.

Honda Hornet 600
Honda Hornet 600

Domestic annual sales target: 1,500 units


Main features of the Hornet 600

  • Smooth power shifts through all gears
    Smooth power shifts through all gears thanks to the same highly-reliable liquid-cooled 4-cycle DOHC inline 4-cylinder 600cc engine, the same as found in the CBR600F. Easy to handle, its different intake and exhaust settings give it higher maximum torque than the CBR600F, an increase of 0.2 kgm to 5.3 kgm at 7,500 rpm. The extra Power is especially evident at low and midrange engine speeds.

      Main changes compared with the CBR600F:
      • Carburetor main bore diameter reduced from 36mm to 34mm, increasing torque at low revs
      • Intake tract lengthened by 30mm, improving the air flow and boosting torque at low and medium revs
      • Distance from the exhaust pipe to the muffler inlet lengthened by 360mm, boosting torque at all revs

  • Lightweight and compact, yet looks massive
    Frame is based on the Hornet 250cc mono-backbone frame. Front engine hangar has been adapted for the 600cc engine. While keeping the chassis rigid and well balanced, the bike is very responsive for enhanced safety. The tires are wide radials (front: 130/70ZR16; rear: 180/55ZR17), giving excellent cornering and further increasing its massive appeal.

  • Styled to feel larger than life
    From the fuel tank to the rear fenders, the Hornet features glamorous curves. The muffler is raised higher in the rear to give a larger-than-life feel that is further boosted by a super wide rear tire.

  • Colors:
    Candy Mythos Magenta or Heavy Gray Metallic available.

    Main specifications

    Model Hornet 600
    Type Honda PC34
    Length x width x height (m) 2.040 x 0.740 x 1.055
    Wheelbase (m) 1.430
    Ground clearance (m) 0.135


    Seat height (m) 0.79
    Curb weight/
    dry weight    		 (kg) 195/176
    No. of riders (person) 2
    Fuel economy
    [60 km/h test on flat ground]:    		 (Km/l) 30.2
    Minimum turning radius (m) 2.6
    Engine type PC25E liquid-cooled 4-cycle DOHC inline 4-cylinder
    Displacement (cm3) 599
    Bore/stroke (mm) 65.0 x 45.2
    Compression ratio 12.0
    Maximum power output (PS/rpm) 69/11,500
    Maximum torque (kgm/rpm) 5.3/7,500
    Carburetor type VP49
    Starter self-starter type
    Ignition full-transistor battery ignition
    Lubrication forced pressure and wet sump
    Oil capacity (l) 4.2
    Fuel tank capacity (l) 16
    Clutch coil spring
    Transmission 6-speed return
    Gear ratios 1st gear 2.928
    2nd gear 2.062
    3rd gear 1.647
    4th gear 1.368
    5th gear 1.200
    6th gear 1.086
    Drive ratios (primary/final) 1.863/2.666
    Rake (degrees)/trail (mm) 25o40' /98
    Tire sizes Front 130/70ZR16 (61W)
    Rear 180/55ZR17 (73W)
    Brakes Front hydraulic twin disc
    Rear hydraulic disc
    Suspension Front telescopic
    Rear swingarm (double Pro-Link)
    Frame type diamond (mono-backbone)