Hornet 600 invented the modern mid-naked
Template setter
In 1998 Honda took the CBR600F engine, stripped the fairings and added upright bars. Created the modern mid-naked template that everyone now follows. Yamaha FZ6 (2004), Suzuki Bandit 650 (2007), Kawasaki Z750 (2007) all copied the formula. The Hornet 600 was first.
Why it ended
Move to 650cc, 2014
Honda killed Hornet 600 in 2013 to launch the CB650F in 2014 — same role but with the larger 649cc inline-four engine. The 650cc class became the new mid-naked standard for A2-licence-friendly bikes (60-67bhp restricted). CB650R replaced CB650F in 2018 with sharper styling. CB750 Hornet (2023+) is a different bike — 755cc parallel-twin.
Real cost trajectory
−2% real
£5,099 Hornet 600 in 2006 (£8,600 today) → £8,499 CB650R in 2026. Roughly flat in real terms. Modern CB650R has more rider aids (cornering ABS, traction control, full LCD), bigger engine, sharper styling. Used market in 2026: Gen-1 carb Hornet 600 £1-2k, Gen-2 FI Hornet 600 £1.8-3k for clean low-mile.
Rider aids count (1998 → 2026)
0 → 6
Hornet 600 had nothing in 1998 — analogue dials, carb-fed, no electronics. 2007 redesign added FI but no ABS until 2010. 2026 CB650R has ABS, FI, traction control, cornering ABS, ride modes, full LCD. The mid-naked class has shifted from minimum-viable to full-electronics.
Cheapest way in
£1k
A clean Hornet 600 from 1998-2002 (carb era). 95-100bhp inline-four, naked styling, comfortable upright ergos, plentiful and dirt-cheap on UK used market. The Honda dealer network is strong for older bikes. Pay attention to fuel pump (2007+ FI) or carb sync (1998-2006), reg/rec, fork seals.
vs CB650R in 2026
Better engine, more tech
Hornet 600: 599cc/102bhp/176kg dry. CB650R: 649cc/95bhp/202kg wet. Modern bike is heavier (Euro 5+ ABS adds), but with more rider aids, sharper handling, smartphone connect. Same role, evolved package. Hornet 600 wins on simplicity and price; CB650R wins on safety net.
vs MT-07 in 2026
Different engine character
MT-07 (689cc parallel-twin) is the modern alternative to Hornet 600. 73bhp/67Nm/188kg wet, much more torque-focused than the 600cc inline-four Hornet. Different engine character entirely — twin punch vs four-cylinder revs. Both A2-friendly with restrictor. MT-07 is £8,510 vs CB650R £8,499 — same money.
