| TEST NOTES |
| HONDA 919 |
| + |
Ton o' fun |
| + |
Great city bike |
| + |
Excels in tight canyons |
| - |
Nonadjustable suspension |
| - |
Could use more power |
| - |
Not fun on the freeway |
| x |
For a wheelie good time dial 919 |
Black On Black:
Honda's 919 Takes On Yamaha's Super Standard FZ1
Last year, we were so impressed by the crop of standard bikes that we dubbed them "super standards," with the Yamaha FZ1 coming out on top in our comparison test. (August 2001). Under the guise of determining how the 919 stacks up against the R1-engined Fizzer, we retrieved our test unit from its unsuspecting owner Steve Mikolas, and proceeded to thrash on it some more-all in the name of science, you understand.
The most obvious difference between the two bikes is the FZ1 is faired, the CB900 is not, and this is just one example of each bike's bias. The Yamaha's plusher suspension, more open riding position, and expansive seat (along with the fairing) make it much more suitable for long distances and freeway droning. The Honda is less accommodating in each of those areas, as well as being buzzy at elevated speeds. We will point out that below 60mph, the Honda is quite happy to plod along, whereas the Yamaha surges and has trouble holding a constant speed.
At the fun end of the spectrum, the harder edge of the Honda makes it better suited to sporty riding. Its firmer suspension, solid chassis and peppy engine allow it to leave the Yamaha behind in tighter environs. Both have neutral, quick steering (the Honda's a touch lighter), but the FZ1 moves around on its suspension and feels much more than 30 pounds heavier than the 919. If the road opens up, however, the Yamaha's 20-horsepower advantage shows immediately, and any gap the Honda has eked out can be quickly erased.
Really, it depends what you want out of your standard motorcycle. For general commuting and sport riding, we'd grab the 919 key and have fun. To go places, it's the FZ1 we'd want. For a do-it-all bike, it's hard to fault the big Yamaha though: a fairing, 20 horsepower and adjustable suspension all for $500 more means we'll pass on the extra sportiness the Honda offers. -AT