Even the Ninja fears a Hurricane. Classic advertising from a quarter century ago. The Hurricane was Honda’s answer to the liquid cooled, inline four, middle weight sport bike question. Competing against the ultra-successful Ninja 600R, the CBR600 held its own. While styling was a bit pudgy when compared to the edgy look of the Kawasaki, this is a form that has held up over time. There is no question that this is not a modern bike – yet it has a very classic shape that shows purpose and sporting intent. It looks every bit as good as more modern machinery, and at least in my eye surpasses the current trend of bug-eyed asymetrical organic design. Sure, it is nearly 25 years old, but in the hands of a decent rider this will transport you through canyons quite efficiently. If you have even a hint of nostalgia, read on. This one looks sweet!
1990 Honda Hurricane for sale on eBay
From the seller:
This bike is practically brand new …The miles are original 5123 …not a typo …. It had had been ridden very little …. up until it s last 5 years where it sat idle .. I just had the entire bike gone through… All carburetors , fluids, oils changed, new tires , I have all receipts ..It rides incredible …. And looks brand new …. ! This is a true find …. The only flaw is that the side mirrors are discolored … But I have the paint and will include in the sale …. See photos .. This bike is a gem …..If you love this styling like I do .. You will not be disappointed …
Special thanks to RSBFS reader Erik who not only made us aware of this bike, he penned the title of the article as well. This is indeed a beautiful time capsule. It may not be a rare model, but finding a bike this age in this condition is a rare happening. We *expect* to find Ducati MH900e examples with zero miles, but coming across a gem like this really makes me smile. This one will find a good home in someone’s collection I am sure. The best part: You can buy this one out of the auction for a scant $3,500! The auction still has days to go, so chances are good someone might ride it off for even less. Hmmm, Erik. Maybe you should have called that a Beautiful *bargain* time capsule. Good Luck!!
MI
Basically a slightly smaller sport bike looking touring machine. Comfortable rear seat, full dash, no gaps between the fairing/tank, good windscreen…you could do a couple of hundred miles on one of these and get off fresh as a daisy. Cant say that about more modern bikes (Im looking at youm, Yamaha R6)
Martin
Nice bike and I remember that advertisement – in direct response to 900 Ninja launch that crushed the Interceptor!
Even the Ninja fears a Hurricane – Kawasaki’s official response in an ad of their own: ” The Hurricane is simply a tropical depression that blows hot air.”
Either way I have ridden the Honda 600’s way back and while not as seat of the pants fast as the Ninja counterparts, they really, really handled exceptionally well and overall build quality was great.
Good Luck with the sale!
Marty is right ! I remember at the age of 18 going for some roosts on my 87′ (fav. colors ; red/white) and hanging off (not out !) with the boys going through twisties in Vermont all afternoon and getting home feeling rather “refreshed” . My bike had steel lines and Ferodo pads . I could lock up the front wheel at 70 mph if I wanted too ! Stuck a Kerker slip-on onto my bike and I was in heaven ! Woke the neighbors up every time ! Just kidding . Anyways great memories and still a great bike today .
I agree too with Scott , the handling + fit and finish of the Hondas was top notch and it was a very comfy bike as far as a Sportbike goes .
VERY fond memories of my red white and blue 89′. It could carve canyons and tour all day without breaking a sweat. If I’m not mistaken I think the 90 had 10 more hp.
Don’t forget about the Yamaha FZR 600. Sure it got a little long in the tooth but don’t forget it cleaned up at the tracks in 1989!
Glad to help! It really is a beautiful “bargain” time capsule. I just wish I had the funds and garage space myself to buy it for my own. I always loved the late ’80s 600s, especially the Hurricane/ CBR 600. The red/white/ blue is the first Honda that I fell in love with. Until I saw the RC 30. Those two bikes changed my life you could say.
GLWS! And love the site. It’s like Christmas everyday seeing what pops up out there!!!!
Erik
In 1987 this was the diesel that would give us 2-stroke kids a run for our money. And as has been said – the ‘luxury fit & finish’ of the Hurricane (all Hondas of the period really) compared to the budget feel of the Yamaha and Suzuki’s, always belied the hooligan nature this bike brought out in people 🙂
This bike represents a very cost effective way to travel back to the 80’s.
I don’t understand this. The enclosed fairing CBR 600 appears to be a respected motorcycle. However, the 87- 88 Ducati Paso is usually panned. I’ve ridden both of these bikes, both handle well, have good power, brake well, and have the enclosed fairing styling. Today you can barely give a 750 Paso away while the CBR 600 pulls in some decent money. WTF?!
I seem to recall them being horrible to tune, easily over heated and pretty poor fit and finish. Very much a bike for the die hard Ducati fanatic. 🙂
Nope, not in my experience. Regarding tuning, I put a European spec jet kit in the Weber carb, installed and automotive K&N air filter kit, and put on better flowing (louder) mufflers. It revved smoothly, accelerated strong, had plenty of torque, and no heating problems. Put 55,000 miles on it, change the oil and filter regularly, checked valve clearance and adjusted if necessary at the specified mileage, changed cam drive belts every 12,000 miles, no problems,
It handled well and was very comfortable. A number of times I went into a corner too fast, all I had to do was put in more counter steer and weight the pegs, no muss no fuss. The suspension was very good for its time a Marzochi rear shock and M1 front fork.
All of the body panels fit well but the rubber enclosed nuts were a pain. I replace them with dzus fasteners, problem solved. I may be in the minority but I think the 87- 88 red Paso was good-looking for an enclosed fairing motorcycle.
My biggest problem the last couple years that I owned was getting the correct size tires. Only Parelli and Michelin made them.