Hey, Hornet...

[Shaman]

...there's a new Hornet this year.  Or at least, a revamped one.  It looks hot in a Z1000-agressive sort of way, I was impressed with the looks.

[Hornet]

Actually, nothing really changed, the adjustable front forks have been added since 2003 which is the only noteworthy change. Here are the changes for 2005:

Features & Benefits
New for 2005

Exciting new Metallic Black color.
New Black colored valve, ignition, and clutch covers.
Gold colored front and rear brake calipers.

Personally I think the "New Black colored valve, ignition, and clutch covers" look rather ugly. A noteworthy change would have been some inverted forks for the front just like they gave the baby-hornet (600cc) Ohh well, I can hardly wait for riding season, I made so many changes to my Hornet you will hardly recognize it. I will post some upgrade/modification pictures shortly 

[Shaman]

The mag I just picked up has a picture and specs for the new Hornet which does have inverted forks and a new look.  Maybe Honda is playing a fast one here?

[Hornet]

 
I think they may have showed you a picture of the 600cc baby-hornet, that one did get the inverted forks and a fairly modern mini fairing over the headlamp.

[Shaman]

You're correct, it is the 600 that I was looking at.

[Betty Boop]

The new 600 looks rather neat.  Cool colour, similar to the Mean Streak a year or two ago.
Hey Hornet... you still a one bike man or have you expanded the fleet by now?

[Hornet]

I decided to stay with my Hornet.  I would have had to sell it in order to buy the new R1 but in the long run was not able to part with my "street fighter". Instead I pumped quite a bit of money into it for hop-ups and cosmetic parts. I will post pictures shortly. I want (would - like) thats what I teach my kids to say
both motorcycles.

P.S. either both or nothing (I want, I want, I want) 

[Shaman]

I really want three motorcycles.  Make that four.  No, five. 

(KTM SuperDuke, 05 Speed Triple, Yamaha FJR 1300, 05 GSX-R 1000, DRZ 400)

[Hornet]

Now, now Steve....its NOT "I WANT"... how many times do I have to tell you its "I would like"
if you be a good boy and save your money plus wear your wife down over the next few month...maybe and only maybe then will you get what you WANT 

[Shaman]

OK then.  I really would like a Ducati 999R and a Moto Guzzi Breva too.  And a NSR 250. 

[Hornet]

The 999R is a great choice, even the 2005 regular  (non "R") version now has the same specs as the 2004 R version (Bigger wet sump, massaged engine=140HP) and at a mere US$ 22.000 is quite a bargain.

Here is a picture of the one I own (did I forget to mention 1:6 scale)