After thinking, test riding, test sitting, I decided on a 919. I needed something where my lady would be comfortable 2up. My criteria was: her comfort, reliability, power, looks. In that order.

I looked at other bikes - gs650's, sv's/vstroms, Versys. Scratched out the BMW due to my inexperience with them, plus the tools that needed to be purchased for maintenance. I actually liked the little Suzuki vtwin motor a lot. But I could see where the power would lack with a passenger and luggage (I plan on farklin' with a top case and side bags). I noticed immediately that the Suzuki needed wider bars. The lady was comfortable...more so than my sport bikes.
Telling her, "remember how this bike felt", we headed off to see the 919. Off the bat, we knew this was the winner. She had more room in the legs, and was just generally more comfortable overall. I've always like the 919's looks...the tank, dual pipes, the tail section.
I got a great deal on it, stock '04 (adj front suspension), 5k miles, never down, no fork leaks, no valve cover gasket leaks (as I've seen in other 919's), and came with a Givi top case mount and top case.
Brought it home, did a quick oil change, and we went out for a ride. Like my RC51, this bike doesn't feel the passenger onboard, in regards to power. What a fantastic motor. No downshifting needed, this thing has power 3k+. The stock mapping is very crisp and smooth.
I can feel the front end dive (I have it set to stiff dampening and preload), and the brakes are a bit weak. Being naked, I also get tossed at 70+. But those issues can be addressed.

Anyways, if anyone's thinking about buying one for touring, or in general, I'd say it's a pretty nice bike. Never did get to test ride the Versys, I hear they handle kind of like a sumo...but I couldn't pass this deal up. I'm glad she's ok with my apt looking like a bike shop.

 

Are those parked in your living room? >.>

 

I've always loved the naked bikes. I owned a CB250 for awhile and when I was riding that, I drooled over the CB750. I wouldn't mind getting a 599 to run around on. Did you get a good deal?

 

AFAIK, 599 in decent shape and low miles very rarely come around below $3000, better deals can be found in Bandit 600s if you really want a in-line 4.

 

I got a great deal. $3300. Needs tires, was able to get the price down from $3800.

599 was the first bike I ever wanted (settled for a GSF600 that looked the same as my first). 599's are always a consideration for me as a hooligan bike, but being carb'd kind of turns me off.

 

Nice apartment.

 

lol my dwelling is pretty much for sleeping only. don't need much there.

 

Is the motor an offshoot of the CBR F3 or F4?

 

I think I read its more closely related to the 900rr engine without the forged bits and cammed more for midrange.

 

Also just to add, you pretty much have the two bikes I really want, a 919 and a rc51, damn you

 

oops. I thought he got a 599. Yes, the 919 is a redone CBR900RR engine.

 

FZ6 > Bandit.

 

I think I'd rather have a 599 over a Bandit as well.

 

I was going to look at one (when looking for the 919) - '06 599, something like 113 miles (no typo) for $2900 obo. lol.

599 is based off the old F3 I believe, to answer your question. Solid bikes, from what I hear. Italian built, just like the 919.

 

I have never seen 599 or 919 go that low unless they've got over 40-50k mi., title issues or some visible damages.

In the last 4 years, I have bought a 01 Bandit 600 w/10k mi. for $1200,



03 Bandit 1200 w/3k mi. for $2800 and a



01 Bandit 1200 w/10k mi. for $1800.



also a 02 FZ1 for $2800:



When I consider those other options, the used 599 market that usually priced at $3000 seem a bit expensive.

 

Nice looking bikes A. I bought a 2000 GSF1200S brand new and had it for a couple years. If I could find deals like you have found, I would definitely have another one.

I still think the 599 is probably a better bike than a GSF600.

 

I buy used, salvaged, ignored motos a few times a year, most during winter time.
I fix them up, ride them then sell them before the end of riding season.
Always been looking for a 599, but always find them more expensive than others.
Bandit 1200s have always been good buys, people seem to get rid of them without really appreciate their value.

 

I used to have a 919. It was a solid bike. Pretty fast, and really easy to ride fast on. Very predictable machine.

 

Yep, believe I've seen your posts on WT.

 

Right on! This thread is making me miss my Honda:-(