Well in my search for a good used 599 I came across a 919 in the color I really want, with low miles, for cheaper than any other 599 I've seen yet.

Thoughts on one? How's the maintenance? Any known problems with them?

This one is a 2002 model with low mileage - here's a pic of the 05 model, but they look the same except the color I'm getting is a more flat Asphalt black, not metallic glossy black:



Specs:

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">ENGINE


Engine Type 919cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder

Bore and Stroke 71.0mm x 58.0mm

Compression Ratio 10.8:1

Valve Train DOHC; four valves per cylinder

Carburetion Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) with manual enricher circuit

Ignition Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping


DRIVE TRAIN


Transmission Six-speed

Final Drive #530 O-ring-sealed chain


CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES


Front Suspension 43.0mm cartridge fork with adjustable preload and compression-damping; 4.7 inch travel

Rear Suspension Single shock with seven-position spring-preload adjustability; 5.0-inch travel

Front Brakes Dual full-floating 296.0mm discs with four-piston calipers

Rear Brake Single 240.0mm disc with single-piston caliper

Front Tire 120/70ZR-17 radial

Rear Tire 180/55ZR-17 radial


DIMENSIONS


Rake 25.0 degrees

Trail 98.0mm (3.9 inches)

Wheelbase 57.5 inches

Seat Height 31.5 inches

Dry Weight 427 pounds

Fuel Capacity 5.0 gallons </TD></TR></TABLE>

I had never ridden a motorcycle of any kind until yesterday, when I rode a 1993 Honda 600 F3 (maybe F2?) and I picked it up quickly. I used to race bicycles so the balance isn't an issue.

I was really wanting the 600 version, but all of them cost more than the one I'm looking at, plus it will give me "room to grow" once I do get used to the bike.

Yes it's a shitload of bike for a noob like me, but there are no rules against keeping the throttle less than halfway cracked, are there?

I plan on picking it up ASAP and having a friend ride it home for me, then get my learner's permit, ride it, get my license, etc. etc.

What do you guys think?

 

i like it!

 

Sadly, Ive never heard of it. It looks sick though, I like it a lot

Honda bikes are known for reliability just like the cars, so I doubt they have any serious issues.

Take the msf if you have the time.

Have fun

 

I love the 919's and am 95% sure that is the next bike I'm getting since I need another bike now to commute in. I didn't want another SS.

I just like the styling of the 919. More street fighter then the other three where they look more like SS that are missing the lower fairings. I like the big round headlight, and no fairings at all.

Power wise it's about on with late 90's to early 00's 600cc bikes. Puts down right about 100whp. A guy I ran into on one said his put down 99 stock and 105 after his Sato slip-ons. Ran 11.30's so that should give you a good idea on straight line acceleration.

Handling they feel "slightly" top heavy, because there is no extreme rake to the suspension, it felt like I had to countersteer more with my arms, then using my legs, but just something to get used if you went from a modern SS to this. Me going from an F2 and riding one, hell this thing felt better then mine. Now after riding an '03 ZX-6R and then going to it, well that's another story.

It suits my taste for style and comfort and still has the oomph and handling to have fun. I know I'll track it too. Sato has slip-on's, adjustable rear sets and delrin sliders for it. At least no plastic for me to trash.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B18C5-EH2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I used to race bicycles so the balance isn't an issue.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Says you...

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I was really wanting the 600 version, but all of them cost more than the one I'm looking at, plus it will give me "room to grow" once I do get used to the bike.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I will agree with that, I suppose. IMHO, the 599 is a very overpriced machine. It comes together well in execution from everything I've heard, but it's just too damn expensive.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Yes it's a shitload of bike for a noob like me, but there are no rules against keeping the throttle less than halfway cracked, are there?</TD></TR></TABLE>

No, there aren't. And, like you said, you raced bicycles so the balance should be no problem...LOL.

It's a naked litrebike, so keep that in mind. It's not quite as fast as the litres of today, but it's still a whole lotta bike. Keep in mind insurance will be more as well.

If you can find a used one for what you're willing to pay, and you're really confident that your BMX background has adequately prepared you for 1000cc machines, go for it.

A CBR600F2 is a different animal than this bike, so be prepared for some mayhem if you crack the throttle open.

Having said that, I'm sure will at least drop it when you're parking or something, so there are no expensive plastics to repair when you do.

I think a Suzuki SV650 would be a better choice, but I'm a little biased.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mag00n &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Sadly, Ive never heard of it. </TD></TR></TABLE>

What a n00b

 

I've heard they're very over-priced for what they are. But, personally, I've never ridden one, so I can't say I agree or disagree with that. Some suggest the FZ series by Yamaha. Suzuki makes some naked bikes, too, that people seem to recommend over the 599/919's. Good luck with it. I used to race Mtn. bikes also, but motorcycles are a WHOLE new experience. Most bike wrecks aren't because people can't balance themselves on the bike...

 

^ Tisk tisk, all of this coming from someone who doesn't want to take the MSF course? (Ross R) Come on now, hehe.

I would agree that it is a bit much for a noob. Why not check out an SV650 or something. It has a good amount of torque and is supposedly very easy to ride. Good handling too.

Dont jump into anything man, take it easy and try for something a little smaller at first. SV's keep their resale value really well, so if you get a used one, you wont take a big loss at all if you decide to sell it within a year to get something bigger.

 

Ross:

I hopped right on the F2 and rode it and handled it pretty well IMO.

Again I don't intend on snapping my wrist on this 919 - I am very well aware of the limitations I have as a first-time bike owner. It's going to be scary enough being around dumbass drivers in my area, let alone me trying to be a "biker boy" racing around and whatnot.

I get my speed fix in my car - I'm not trying to get this bike for any ego issues, I assure you.

I also do not doubt I'll probably drop it in sub 10mph speeds too, so that's why I want a used one.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by You &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I think a Suzuki SV650 would be a better choice, but I'm a little biased. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes that was actually my first choice, but I've only found new ones and they cost at least $2,000.00 more than I'm paying for the 919, plus (lame reason I know) the SV650 is only in Blue or Yellow - neither are my colors.

 

What kind of price are you getting the 919 for?

 

$4,700.00 - orig. owner, 8,200 miles, and only problem is a small dent is the gas tank where he fell over on a gravel driveway and caught the bike just as a bigger piece of gravel got the tank.

List price on a new tank (not that I care really) is $500.00 - I'm sure I can get one cheaper if I cared enough.

The way I look at it is if it's truly too much bike and I'm actually scared to ride it then I'll sell it to one of you guys who like them.

 

So if you were to get a new tank you would be looking at 5200 bucks. That is for a bike with over 8k on the odometer. Now, take a look at a new SV650, as in '05 from the dealer. It is only 800 bucks more than that without haggling. I am almost positive you can get it for a low to mid 5k price. That is a BRAND NEW BIKE! 0 MILES!

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Pr....aspx

And why not check this one out:

http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/9/2/74186792.htm

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 2.2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So if you were to get a new tank you would be looking at 5200 bucks. That is for a bike with over 8k on the odometer. Now, take a look at a new SV650, as in '05 from the dealer. It is only 800 bucks more than that without haggling. I am almost positive you can get it for a low to mid 5k price. That is a BRAND NEW BIKE! 0 MILES!</TD></TR></TABLE>

But then you have to figure in all the BS costs the dealer is charging. Freight, assembly, etc.

Although, the thread creator is in GA, and bikes sell for much cheaper in the rural areas than they do close to cities. If I'd gone out to W. VA, I'd have gotten my R6 for a full $1K less. I don't think he should have a problem getting an SV for $6K OTD, give or take a little bit.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 2.2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">^ Tisk tisk, all of this coming from someone who doesn't want to take the MSF course? (Ross R) Come on now, hehe.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Haven't been down yet *touches wood*

And as far as the 919 goes, even if you don't plan on disrespecting the throttle, it can still disrespect you. Sh*t happens in a hurry on a litrebike, and they can squirt out from under you at a stoplight if you're not careful. I have a decent amount of confidence in my abilities on a motorcycle, but I wouldn't trust myself with 1000cc between my legs.

If I had to do it all over again (for a first bike), I'd look for an older sportbike (CBR F2 or F3) that I wasn't worried about trashing. Although $5K for a 919 isn't all that bad.

 

Ross, your constant lecturing to newbs is getting old don't ya think?

Do it Tom!

P.S. - Ross I think you may have a vague misconception about this bike.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mr Hammond &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ross, your constant lecturing to newbs is getting old don't ya think?

Do it Tom!

P.S. - Ross I think you may have a vague misconception about this bike.</TD></TR></TABLE>

It's possible, seeing as how I've never ridden one. Are you saying I'm thinking it's faster than it really is?

 

In MY area there are only the ugly SV650 "S" with the half fairings, and not one is RIDE OUT priced anywhere near the $4,700.00 I'm paying for this 919. You cannot judge the price by MSRP because after taxes and fees it's always $6,500.00 or better even if the MSRP is $5,800.00 or so.

I do not plan on getting the tank because I don't care about it.

I really appreciate the help though, and I'm glad you guys are showing me other angles.I've been debating about a bike for a while now, it's just that riding one cinched the deal for me.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

But then you have to figure in all the BS costs the dealer is charging. Freight, assembly, etc.

Although, the thread creator is in GA, and bikes sell for much cheaper in the rural areas than they do close to cities. If I'd gone out to W. VA, I'd have gotten my R6 for a full $1K less. I don't think he should have a problem getting an SV for $6K OTD, give or take a little bit.</TD></TR></TABLE>

That is why you have to learn to haggle. I got my '04 636 for $7659 after tax and tags at a dealership in Dallas. Dont be lazy and you can get a real nice deal.

 

I wouldn't really call this a "liter bike" anyways. It's not race-bred like a CBR is or anything...

BTW I would not call the Atlanta area "rural" or anything.

 

You have to pay taxes on that 919 too you know. That is part of the registratoin process. If you dont know how to haggle with dealers, then get the used one, but you can easily get a new bike for not much more than you will pay for the 919.

Also, while you are right, the 919 is not the same as a "Liter Bike" or an "openclass", it is still very powerful. Especially for someone who just rode for the first time recently.

Trust people who have ridden for a while, get a smaller bike. Believe me, you will be thankful. It isn't just about throttle control, which even though you say you have it on a bike, I doubt you do. It is about a miriad of other things you need to have.

Do yourself a favor and sign up for MSF, it will be one of the best things you can do before you get a bike of your own.

 

I will probably end up signing up for the Honda school here in Alpharetta, GA.

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B18C5-EH2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I wouldn't really call this a "liter bike" anyways. It's not race-bred like a CBR is or anything...

BTW I would not call the Atlanta area "rural" or anything.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

It's still a literbike. Not a super-sport, but still a literbike and damn close in performance, when you consider the rest of the motorcycle spectrum.

I didn't know you were in ATL, my apologies.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 2.2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">That is why you have to learn to haggle. I got my '04 636 for $7659 after tax and tags at a dealership in Dallas. Dont be lazy and you can get a real nice deal. </TD></TR></TABLE>

That's freaking Dallas.

Commercial rent in the DFW area might be high, but it can't be as high as it is around here.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

It's possible, seeing as how I've never ridden one. Are you saying I'm thinking it's faster than it really is?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah. Read what I wrote above.

 

I did, lol.

11.3 isn't blindingly fast, but it ain't slow either.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I did, lol.

11.3 isn't blindingly fast, but it ain't slow either.</TD></TR></TABLE>

No it's not, but then again how fast are modern day 600's? Litre bikes? Those speeds are about spot on what I said a late 90's to early 00 600cc bike would run. Like say an F4. Plus this bike weighs like 427lbs DRY

So now would you tell someone a 99-00 CBR F4 is a bad beginners bike?

Honestly, anything over a 250cc IS enough to get someone in trouble who is unfamiliar with throttle control on a motorcycle, but.....you know how that goes.

 

[QUOTE=B18C5-EH2]In MY area there are only the ugly SV650 "S" with the half fairings, and not one is RIDE OUT

All SV650s are UGLY!!!

Get a Z1000 or Z750

Eric

 

Z1000 is one of the most bad-***-looking bikes out there right now. I love that thing.