Honda 919 (CB900F) reviews

I have had basically everything from a cbr, vfr, FZ1, ZRX, gsxr, etc...and as I get older I have finally realized that the flashiest, fastest, and most expensive is not always the most enjoyable or most fun. That leaves me with this bike. It does everything well. It is very comfortable, has plenty of power, and should be as reliable as an anvil. The motor feels almost electric it responds so quickly. If you like to ride but don't want to do a handstand and want something with more go than your typical 650lbs cruiser then you should try this bike. I think you will like it. Show less

Okay so I went purchased a CRF 230L 8/1/09 and felt like I was riding an off-road scooter. I am 33 and it was just not for me so I traded it in and LAWWWWDDDEEEE have mercy. This bike is fast. It is my 1st 900+cc bike and it is all I could ask for in its class. I cannot find anything wrong with this bike, it's all there; -Speed!!! -Handling at low speed (parking lots) is amazing as is the handling at 125mph ;^) -Price is less than a CBR900RR starts and it looks better. IT is a unique bike and for you guys out there that need neon to be noticed; it's not for you but, it is more comfortable than any SB and what a power plant. Straight through, no gaps, no bursts; just a steady power band through 10K. I drive a 2008 Civic SI and it is nice to see that honda is not lost in VTEC world everywhere. Best looking bike outside of the customs I see and gets your respect from the cruisers and the rockets. Peace going riding. Show less

If you don't feel like reading the whole review there is a brief summary at the bottom. First I would like to say I love this motorcycle. I've bought two, since the first one got totalled in a wreck. I would like to say a few things about this bike. Let me say this first, anyone that has ridden one of these, and complains about the wind should probably not be breeding. It's a naked bike; you're going to get some wind. That being said, don't be dumb. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck... Moving on, I also can't figure out why people are saying the seat is too hard, I'd rather sit on concrete. I bought the 2nd 919 on December 1, 2007. Since that time I've accumulated over 21k miles on the bike as of April 9, 2009. I've had several 500+ days in the saddle, including a 1000 miles in 24 hours Iron Butt Challenge. This is by far the most comfortable bike I've ridden, short of my dad's Goldwing which I'm sure we can all openly agree is more comfortable than the 919. So as far as the comfort level goes, for a sport bike this will near the top of the list in comfort. Next I'll address the suspension. I've never had the bike wallow around on me in the corners. I'll admit I'm no speed demon, but I've never hit a corner the bike couldn't handle. Anyone who says, the springs are too soft, unless you're bike is an 02 or 03, just turn up the preload. The 919 from '04 to '07 has adjustable preload and damping front and rear. So, unless you're trying to race this on a track again full blown sport bikes, the springs are fine. The bike rides just as I expected sport bike would. If I carry a passenger, I just turn up the rear spring and the bike soaks up the bumps. As far as the engine goes, I have no complaints in that department either. The engine has been tuned for low and midrange power. This makes the bike great for riding around town. Between the 3500 and 4000 rpm mark the bike even growls at you. I personally love it. All this being said my only complaint with the bike has nothing to do with the bike really. Tires wear out too quickly. And thanks to a couple companies realizing that more and more people are riding sport bikes as daily rides, they are making tires meant for such riding. Like the Dunlop roadsmart, which is what I've started using and so far, I love the tire. So to sum up the bike, good all around power, plenty comfortable for everyday use. Honda's excellent reliability. I wouldn't 2nd guess to take this machine cross country. Just don't complain about the wind. After all, it's a naked bike. If you get a chance to ride one. Jump on it, you won't be disappointed. Show less

This bike is everything a true motorcycle should be. This bike has the comfort of the classic cruiser and the head turning looks of a sport bike. It is also perfectly balanced for hugging the corners at cruising speed or slowly taking a corner in the city. The throttle is responsive and there when you need it. Once you break it in (as is for any new bike), getting through the gears is smooth and predictable. I am easily getting between 48-52 mpg depending on riding conditions. If you don't want to ride with your rear end on the ground and feet stretched out in front of you on a cruiser, or slumped over the gas tank on a sport bike, the 919 is the perfect bike for you. I love my 919 and plan to keep it for many years to come. I hope Honda brings it back when I'm ready for a new one, but that won't be for a long time. Show less

This bike is very comfortable. It is compact yet substantial. It's a thrilling accelerator; it has a very responsive throttle made even better with a power commander. It has a throaty growl between 2000 and 3000 rpm. The bike is faster than most folks will need, or want, to go (140+MPH). It really wakes up at 4000+ RPM and can complete rocket-like passing. It is not uncomfortable on the highway in spite of the lack of fairing. You can start and go - no warm up needed. Your legs tuck in nicely under the flared out fuel tank. It is easy to service. I love the bulletproof liquid-cooled electronic fuel injected engine. This is a unique mix of classic/modern/cruiser/sportbike style lines. It has rebound damping front forks but the factory setting is perfect for all-around - a great feel for every nook and cranny, but soft around the edges at the same time. It is very well balanced and that makes it easy to keep up if you need to panic brake (just keep your wits about you). There are not a lot of them on the road and that attracts attention. Show less

I bought this bike today 3/19/2008 after a 12 year break from motorcycling. She was new in the crate had 1 mile on the odometer when I picked her up. I rode the bike from Oakland, California to my home in Palo Alto. My initial impressions were: - Strong low level torque (still in break-in)
- Intuitive control placement
- Comfortable riding position
- Beautiful but simple lines with no plastic
- Great price out the door This bike is discontinued in 2008. I guess it does not have the appeal of some of the newer and flashier models. But if you love to ride, want a classic standard look, and want to keep some of your money, find and buy this bike. Show less

This bike does it all and does it well. I get in Manhattan in less than 15 minutes and squeak through traffic out in around 40. (1 1/2 hrs by car) Never had a problem starting it. I ride it all year round, just bundle up for winter. I've had an '84 Honda Magna and then an '03 Shadow Spirit 750. The Shadows look was nice but the 919 overall can't be touched. It's fast, loud, and looks mean. The speed of a sportbike but with a cruisers feel. Wind in your face, seated more upright and no plastics to hide the bikes guts. I highly recommend it if you don't want a sportbike but want the speed & ability to zip through traffic. This is literally an all-purpose motorcycle. Show less

My 919 is a great combination of light weight and lots of torque. It is excellent for wheelies, stoppies and burnouts, as well as a comfortable bike to ride everyday. The 919 is a really good deal for the performance you get. Honda got it right with this one. I have ridden other more expensive sport bikes and I honestly think the 919 is one of the best out there. Show less

Traded in my Kawasaki ZR7S for the 2007 Honda 919 two days ago, this bike is my daily driver to work and for fun. The 919 has the torque and HP to get you up to speed (or in trouble with the law) very quickly. The fuel injection takes a bit getting used to; there is instantaneous throttle response both in acceleration and deceleration where carbureted bikes tend to coast a lot more on deceleration. The 919 feels very nimble, curves very well, it seems to beg to be ridden on the Tail of the Dragon. It also does the interstate very well. I haven't had a naked bike since the early 80s and forgot how nice and smooth the wind actually feels, there is no buffeting compared to bikes with small fairing type windscreens however the faster you move the more the wind pressure pushes you back. That being said I will still look at maybe getting some type of protection for cold weather driving. The seat is very comfortable; seating for me is strait up with my legs down and very little to the back. I only felt a need to get off when my low gas light illuminated. By the way first full tank gas mileage was 48 mpg U.S. for mixed driving. Future Accessorizing; I plan on buying a Givi top case assembly engine guards foot pegs for long distance riding. Show less

I have used one of these as my daily commuter and weekend rider since I started riding. It is a comfortable bike for the big guy that wants to go fast and feel nimble on it. I am yet to see another bike that provides the performance and comfort at the same time. Show less