The Honda 919: Or How Learned To Live With A Simple Bike For 2 Years

"Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura" (sundowne36) 04/10/2015 at 13:41 • Filed to: Blast from the Past, Reviews, Honda 919

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I never guessed I'd be holding onto this bike for more than 1-2 years compared to the last bike I owned (a Suzuki Burgman 400.) During those two years, I learned a bit more about the bike and other tidbits than I should have.

( Full Disclosure: Honda of America wanted me to ride their 919 Hornet so badly they required a $5,000 deposit. Strange how they haven't asked for it back 2 years later.)

Okay, so I learned the bike was made to be "simple." How simple, you ask?

You don't get a fuel gauge (just an idiot light)

You don't get a button to flash highbeams (gotta rely on the switch)

California models don't get a center stand to make room for emission control units (I have none of these, weirdly)

The ability to install spools would be nice

The engine is a detuned 919cc powerplant from the (you guessed it) CBR900 relying on cast iron internals for mid-range torque, making 100 HP / 64 lb.ft at the crank. God only knows how much it makes at the wheel.

You don't get a nice fairing (of course! On a streetfighter, no less!)

ABS....

It's a parts-bin bike. Most of these parts came from other bikes.

But looking on its bright points, it's actually simple to fix as well as being one of the few bikes I've enjoyed. And because it's simple, it's simply beautiful to look at.

And because of its manageable mid-range torque, it's actually easy and forgiving to ride. It's not a bike that will get you in trouble nor will it not bore you a few weeks later. Heck, the clutch is actually a bit easy to use.

Now, I should probably say this was made presumably before or after Honda went with the Mass Centralization you see in bikes made after 2007-08 or so, starting with its successor, the CB1000R; the idea being that most of the weight is kept low and centered on the machine as possible for handling stability. (I've ridden a CB1000R before and thought it was nice.)

Imagine my amusement when the 919 still felt nice to corner compared to the 1000R.

In the end, it's a simple, no-nonsense, down to earth bike you could probably have. It might invoke a different skill or two, but you actually learn to live with the simplicity at the same time as it gives you an interesting riding experience that's not too uncomfortable (unless you hate planning the occasional fuel stop.)

bob and john > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 04/10/2015 at 13:44

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'burgman 400'
"bike"

just pulling your leg :P

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 04/10/2015 at 14:19

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I had a Honda Hawk GT 650, which was a honda naked parts-bin bike LONG before 919/599/Hornet.

The only truly sad thing about the Hornet bikes (599/919 model names in the US market) was that they were so expensive when new for what you didn't get.

If they had been bargain bikes, on the price tag, as they were on the spec-sheet, they would be great.

Now that they are cheap as used bikes, but rare, because they barely sold when new (like the Hawk GT was, also)

They can make good blank-canvas bikes... Imagine an aluminum CBR engine with a 919 cylinder head, tuned for torque.

Imagine a full USD front end swap, and an aluminum rear swing arm... or better yet, a VFR single-sider...

There is some custom potential... kind of like all of the old standard CB bikes, and their Nighthawk successors being turned into cafe racers now. However, the 599/919 as stock, they are basically a bargain bike, that unfortunately wasn't a bargain to pay for when new... so nobody bought them, which was kind of sad.

Another case of taking a great premise, and missing the point entirely with the execution... and then having it not succeed, and get cancelled, as if it were a bad idea.

I do really like the updated european tank shape, though.

Hammerdown > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 04/10/2015 at 16:35

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good to see bike people around here. Everybody drools about a Corvette 0-60 time and this 5000 motorcycle (that isn't a full out crazy performance bike) could hang with it or beat it. Forget low buck nitrous systems, if you want cheap performance, buy a bike and learn to ride (responsibly).

With that said, I have a VTX 1800 I'm off to ride.

bob and john > Hammerdown 04/11/2015 at 15:58

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That hurts....Almost all of my bigger posts have been motorcycle oriented :D.

We are a few here and there. Me, yamahog, desertdog and a few others. You just have to keep an eye out for us