Used test: 2010 Honda CB600F Hornet ALWAYS THE BRIDESMAID…

Three years after enduring the significant sales success of Suzuki’s Bandit 600, the bike that effectively invented the budget middleweight class in 1995, Honda jumped on the bandwagon and came up with its own answer, the Hornet 600. Back in 1998, the Honda mimicked Suzuki’s cost-cutting trend, using many key components already featured on other existing models. The 600 was a basic, technically lack-lustre bit of kit, with a detuned CBR600 motor providing the power, and a steel backbone frame forming the basis of its rolling chassis. But though it was thirsty and had a small tank to limit its fuel range further, the Hornet’s racy styling and impressive overall performance helped it to become a hit with buyers. However, it still wasn’t the best bike in the class, and every couple of years or so the Honda was revised to improve it subtly, but appreciably. The last 2007-on incarnation was arguably the best Hornet of the crop. In 2000, a larger 17” front wheel, improved brakes and, most importantly, changes to the engine to give it a little more mid-range power