2006 Honda 599
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The real problem
What's the real question here? Isn't it the differring standards for motorcycles around the world? I mean, if there were no government regulation, we could buy anything available in the rest of the world right here in the good ole USA, right?
Are we ready for global standards for street bikes?
What's the real question here? Isn't it the differring standards for motorcycles around the world? I mean, if there were no government regulation, we could buy anything available in the rest of the world right here in the good ole USA, right?
Are we ready for global standards for street bikes?
Ewww....
Harsh rear suspension, check.
$500-1000 more than the competition, check.
Old carbs rather than "Push and go" EFI, check.
An unadjustable front fork designed for looks (USD), check.
No ABS option (unlike Europe)
Tell me again WHY I should buy this bike over the far cheaper but just as capable SV, Fazer, etc?
WHY should I not get a ZZR-600 for the same price?
Harsh rear suspension, check.
$500-1000 more than the competition, check.
Old carbs rather than "Push and go" EFI, check.
An unadjustable front fork designed for looks (USD), check.
No ABS option (unlike Europe)
Tell me again WHY I should buy this bike over the far cheaper but just as capable SV, Fazer, etc?
WHY should I not get a ZZR-600 for the same price?
Yes, I apparently was one of the few that bought the '04 599 and I have no regrets. It's my first bike, I have 7,000 miles on the odometer, and whenever I'm on it I don't want the ride to end. I paid a discounted-$6,350 new, and it continues to be worth every penny. (I wouldn't be down about it now had I paid the full $7,099 list price then!)
I think Honda isn't charging enough for the bike...
They could really make this a premium bike, up the price $500 and added EFI and higher grade suspension components.
I bet there is a huge aftermarket for these in Europe, I look at this bike and imagine it with a lightweight can, monoposto seat, adjustable rear sets and pro-taper bars.
After having a Buell and now with my Multistrada when I swap bikes on group rides and get on something like a Vstrom or Yamaha FZ I can sure feel the difference a parts-bin low cost suspension makes.
They could really make this a premium bike, up the price $500 and added EFI and higher grade suspension components.
I bet there is a huge aftermarket for these in Europe, I look at this bike and imagine it with a lightweight can, monoposto seat, adjustable rear sets and pro-taper bars.
After having a Buell and now with my Multistrada when I swap bikes on group rides and get on something like a Vstrom or Yamaha FZ I can sure feel the difference a parts-bin low cost suspension makes.
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1,538 Posts
I get your point, but I do believe the Civic is the modern equivelent of the 60's muscle car, in so much as it is the one teenage boys want to buy so they can mod and beat their friends. (I know, FWD, 4cylinder doesn't equal ultimate driving machine, but neither did ladder frames, live axles and tall profile bias ply tires)
-Sean
-Sean
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1,538 Posts
You got a great deal and now own one of the coolest bikes on the planet. The 599's charm isn't oin its spec sheet or it's overall curb appeal. Its charm is in the little details like the charecter lines in the rear fender, the view from the saddle, and the way it actually works in the real world. Now that you're more experienced as a rider, I can only recomend that you keep that 599 and love it for many years. -Sean
i keep waiting for moto mags to "get it," and realize the things that are important to mainstream motorcyclists.
you guys do a great job with sportbikes and a reasonable job with tourers, but when it comes to general purpose standards like the 599, you don't seem to understand the demographics. so, as a potential buy of this kind of bike, i'll help you out be spelling out what's important to me and a lot of others. as a note: all the important stuff revolves around utility and general usefulness.
1) does it have a centerstand? that makes maintenance and general repair much easier.
2) passenger comfort?
3) how are the valves adjusted? shims over buckets put it out of the league of most shade-tree mechanics.
4) bungee hooks for tail bags?
5) will the pipes melt throw-over saddlebags?
6) how easy is it to swap the oil filter?
these are not typical concerns for sport-bike weanies, because they are too busy living fantasy lives to worry about practical matters. but guys who buy bikes like the 599 think about stuff like that.
we already know that standard ergonomics allow you to ride faster and more safely than the racer crouch, which is as about as useful in the real world screen doors on a submarine.
just so's ya know ... and maybe consider including those details in your tests.
you guys do a great job with sportbikes and a reasonable job with tourers, but when it comes to general purpose standards like the 599, you don't seem to understand the demographics. so, as a potential buy of this kind of bike, i'll help you out be spelling out what's important to me and a lot of others. as a note: all the important stuff revolves around utility and general usefulness.
1) does it have a centerstand? that makes maintenance and general repair much easier.
2) passenger comfort?
3) how are the valves adjusted? shims over buckets put it out of the league of most shade-tree mechanics.
4) bungee hooks for tail bags?
5) will the pipes melt throw-over saddlebags?
6) how easy is it to swap the oil filter?
these are not typical concerns for sport-bike weanies, because they are too busy living fantasy lives to worry about practical matters. but guys who buy bikes like the 599 think about stuff like that.
we already know that standard ergonomics allow you to ride faster and more safely than the racer crouch, which is as about as useful in the real world screen doors on a submarine.
just so's ya know ... and maybe consider including those details in your tests.
Very good points.
thanks. However, this was a new model intro, not a full test. I only had a few hours to ride it. We're expecting a test unit within a month, and we can spend more time with these practical details.
The F3 motor does use DOHCs and shims (under buckets, though) , so a valve adjustment is an all-day job, although it rarely needs adjustments. A competent shade-tree mechanic can certainly check clearances. The oil filter is right underneath the engine and is easy to get off. You don't have to remove the headers.
I think there's fold-out bungee hooks (actually a pair of cloth loops) but I'm not sure. And the muffler has a heat shield that should keep bungees from burning.
I'll try to pay more attention to practical details in the future!
thanks. However, this was a new model intro, not a full test. I only had a few hours to ride it. We're expecting a test unit within a month, and we can spend more time with these practical details.
The F3 motor does use DOHCs and shims (under buckets, though) , so a valve adjustment is an all-day job, although it rarely needs adjustments. A competent shade-tree mechanic can certainly check clearances. The oil filter is right underneath the engine and is easy to get off. You don't have to remove the headers.
I think there's fold-out bungee hooks (actually a pair of cloth loops) but I'm not sure. And the muffler has a heat shield that should keep bungees from burning.
I'll try to pay more attention to practical details in the future!
My best friend got a 599 last year and has been riding it everyday since, rain or shine. He loves it, and believes the quality of the bike far exceeds other manufacturers, justifying the high price--but I believe he got a real good deal on it (something in the 6's after tax, setup, freight, and license).
I haven't ridden it yet, but I know I like it because the seating position feels so perfect.
I haven't ridden it yet, but I know I like it because the seating position feels so perfect.
I like the Candy Apple Red option of the 919 better,although its got about 519 more ccs than I need. Candy Apple reds a color from the late sixties Japanese bikes, e.g., the Bridgestone 180. Those are the bikes i miss, from the days when a 450 was a monster.
I think theres a market for "standards" in the 200 to 450 cc range, plenty fast for most aging baby boomers. Its hell trying to hang on without a windshield above 80 anyway.
Just make them light, reliable, and and zippy up to 60 mph.
I think theres a market for "standards" in the 200 to 450 cc range, plenty fast for most aging baby boomers. Its hell trying to hang on without a windshield above 80 anyway.
Just make them light, reliable, and and zippy up to 60 mph.
Sad but true. Bandit12 and Zrex are too of the biggest bang o bucks bikes ever made but due to the above they are gone. What ever happende to just buying something good for the fun of riding it instead of see my bikes shinier than yours or heah mine is .01 second quicker than yours? I say who cares!
Re: 2006 Honda 599...Honda has lost it's way.
"My ZRX1200R gets yawns from my sportbike buddies"
I love the looks of the ZRX. To me it seems like the perfect bike. Fast enough. Big enough, comfortable enough and cheap enough. I am sorry that they didn't bring it back. Now I will have to look for a good used one.
"My ZRX1200R gets yawns from my sportbike buddies"
I love the looks of the ZRX. To me it seems like the perfect bike. Fast enough. Big enough, comfortable enough and cheap enough. I am sorry that they didn't bring it back. Now I will have to look for a good used one.
Re: 2006 Honda 599...Honda has lost it's way.
Yes I saw the zook.Betcha we won,t get it though.Interesting side thought ,though.When the big four show commercials here in the states ,all they really show are their cruisers,no mention of any of there other bikes,just briefly,if at all.
Yes I saw the zook.Betcha we won,t get it though.Interesting side thought ,though.When the big four show commercials here in the states ,all they really show are their cruisers,no mention of any of there other bikes,just briefly,if at all.
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337 Posts
The 599 is a great $6200 bike. It is an OK $6800 bike and a ridiculous $7400 bike. I paid $7200 out the door for my Z1000. I'd love to recommend it to a first time buyer, but unless the dealer will chop a G note off the price, I can't.
The 599 and Z suffer similar showroom problems. I would never have paid $8500 for my Z, and few people do. If K had priced it at $7500, they'd sell quite a few more. They sell ZZR600's for that and until recently, they sold ZX6Rs for that. So, the argument that these standards cost a lot is BS.
I keep wondering if anyone will ever put up a competitor for the SV650. As a longtime NT650 Hawk owner, I keep hoping the Red guys will do it.
The 599 and Z suffer similar showroom problems. I would never have paid $8500 for my Z, and few people do. If K had priced it at $7500, they'd sell quite a few more. They sell ZZR600's for that and until recently, they sold ZX6Rs for that. So, the argument that these standards cost a lot is BS.
I keep wondering if anyone will ever put up a competitor for the SV650. As a longtime NT650 Hawk owner, I keep hoping the Red guys will do it.
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