Questions about a Honda 599

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Posthumane · #1 Post by **Posthumane** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 4:16 am

Hey all,

After racking up about 17000kms on my little suzuki 425 over the last year or so, I've decided it's time to get something a little bit more highway capable (the old suzuki doesn't do that well in headwinds). Anyway, I'm looking at getting a middleweight standard, probably semi-naked. A guy at my work is selling a 2004 Honda 599, black, with about 6000km on the clock. I test rode the bike around town and it fit me perfectly in terms of ergonomics, and was very smooth and comfortable to ride. My only complaints were the heat off the radiator on my legs, and a slightly touchy throttle. Originally he was asking $7000 cdn for it, but he dropped it to 6500. Does this seem like a good deal? The bike was dropped atleast once by its first owner (some lady that only put 300km on it) and therefore has a few scratches.

So, now for you 599 owners (Sev?)... How are the highway manners of the bike? I only got to test ride it around town at semi legal speeds. The bike has a flyscreen / bikini fairing thingy on it, so I imagine wind blast isn't too much of a problem, dunno about buffeting with that one. Also, how is the bike on dirt roads? I don't take them too often, but once in a blue moon I do have to take a non-paved route. Is the sporty-ish suspension alright on bumpy roads?

I think I'd like to go for this bike if I could get it down to 6000. I would definitely appreciate any input on it though, as 6000 is a lot of money for me (student).

Jacob

Sev · #2 Post by **Sev** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 2:16 pm

I'm not really sure what you're asking here. As everything you just asked is relative.

I don't mind the windblast, I recently did Edmonton to Jasper, to Sylvan and back in just over 24 hours and was okay afterwards. I've taken it through god awful gravel and survived, and I've hit huge bumps and not come off the bike.

But all of those are relative quesions based upon your personal preferences, and ability to ride.

All in all it's a great bike, but like any bike it has some limitations, windblast for me becomes uncomfortable above 140kmh, the seat is hard as a rock, and I sometimes wish the bars were a little lower.

Posthumane · #3 Post by **Posthumane** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 2:21 pm

That's true, they are rather relative questions. I guess what I'm really asking is how do you like the bike compared to other bikes that you've been on? What are it's pros and cons? And in your opinion, is it worth 6k?

Also, just out of curiosity, what kind of fuel consumption / range do you get out of it? it would be nice if I could do Calgary - Medicine Hat without filling up (300km).

Sev · #4 Post by **Sev** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 2:31 pm

On the highway I get about 20-22 km a liter, which with a 17 liter total tank gives a theoretical range of 340km... but I've never totally emptied the tank. I usually fill up about 200km when the idiot light comes on.

Compared to my old bike an LS650 Savage, I found it to be more comfortable in terms of ergos. It also gets slightly better mileage.

It's a great bike, and I love mine, but ultimately you gotta decide for yourself.

I paid $9000 out the door for mine brand new so $6000 doesn't sound bad at all, especially with that few miles. I've put 15000km on mine so far.

Posthumane · #5 Post by **Posthumane** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 2:50 pm

Sweet. I'm really tempted to go for this one, I think I'm gonna call the guy and see if he'll let it go for 6. Ever carry a passenger on yours? how about luggage?

Jacob

Sev · #6 Post by **Sev** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 3:07 pm

Yeah, she's had a little luggage on her. You can fit paniers fairly easily so long as you make sure they only touch the heatshield, and not the exhaust itself. Tank bag is a tank bag, and the seat has these nifty hooks that snap out from under the seat to allow you attach bungees.

Taking a passenger can be somewhat arduous, the seat slopes towards you so they end up in the lower section. And having someone back there moves the center of gravity way up and back which can throw off the handling pretty substantially. Though with practise I'm sure it gets easier. Honestly I don't like to do it, but it's not nearly an impossible proposition. Especially with a passenger who knows what they're doing.

Posthumane · #7 Post by **Posthumane** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 3:56 pm

I've been reading your blog about it a bit, shoulda done that sooner before i asked...

I've taken a passenger many a time on my suzuki 425, so I don't imagine the CG shifting thing will bother me too much. The 599 felt much lighter than my suzuki surprisingly.