What do the wise think of...

[RxZ]

a 2004 Honda 599 (Hornet for anyone not in the US)? I found one with 1200 miles and the asking price is almost right where it should be. I sat on it for awhile, and it felt extremely comfortable. Gauges were easy to see, levers were easy to grab, handlebar high enough to have just a little weight forward but I am sitting upright, foot pegs in a good spot, etc... My only concern is the lack of miles, or should that even be a concern? It works out to two tanks of gas per year; I am worried that isn't enough use to keep a 4 year old bike in good working order. Also, it looks like it was dropped in the driveway (no mechanical damage that I can see, just some rock chips from where it hit, no sliding or skidding marks).

Anyway, I am just looking for a bit of input. I do not know much about Honda bikes, but I haven't seen anything bad in all the research I have done the past couple of days.

Thanks,

RxZ

[jeffie7]

Wonderful bikes. I'd love one for a beater bike to and from work.

[cheshirecat79]

From what I've heard, it's a very reliable bike. Most people who have them really end up enjoying them. That being said, I don't see very many of them on the road. It almost seems like a niche thing, at least around here.

[bassholic]

It's a Honda

[RxZ]

Originally Posted by cheshirecat79

From what I've heard, it's a very reliable bike. Most people who have them really end up enjoying them. That being said, I don't see very many of them on the road. It almost seems like a niche thing, at least around here.

Yeah, we have a honda bike dealer in town, and I have never seen one! It does look great to me, and like I said, it fit well. All the reviews I have found on it have been glowing... I guess I will start the negotiations! Wish me luck (mainly with my wife )

[cart213]

Don't ask for permission before! Ask for forgiveness after!

[TheBigLebowski4]

Originally Posted by bassholic

It's a Honda

Can't go wrong.

[NIZZMO]

On two wheels Honda is very good , 599 is a nice bike.

[buzzdsm]

I have a 919 and I love it. I wouldn't worry about the miles.

How much?

[RxZ]

Originally Posted by buzzdsm

I have a 919 and I love it. I wouldn't worry about the miles.

How much?

Well, they were asking 5,000, I didn't think I should pay more than about 4200-4300. They didn't budge, and I decided to keep looking. I have found a few other very capable bikes that I am looking at though, and keeping my eyes and ears open. Problem is there are not many used bikes (or any bikes for that matter) in East Texas. I have to search the classifieds for Dallas and Houston. Problem with that is I can not see the bike, or hear it, or anything.

My search is taking awhile, but I do not want to get stuck with a lemmon, so I do not mind waiting. I have found a KLR 650 in Dallas I am trying to get info on. The guy hasn't e-mailed me back though.

[buzzdsm]

Originally Posted by RxZ

Well, they were asking 5,000, I didn't think I should pay more than about 4200-4300. They didn't budge, and I decided to keep looking. I have found a few other very capable bikes that I am looking at though, and keeping my eyes and ears open. Problem is there are not many used bikes (or any bikes for that matter) in East Texas. I have to search the classifieds for Dallas and Houston. Problem with that is I can not see the bike, or hear it, or anything.

My search is taking awhile, but I do not want to get stuck with a lemmon, so I do not mind waiting. I have found a KLR 650 in Dallas I am trying to get info on. The guy hasn't e-mailed me back though.

I just paid $5,000 for a 2004 919 with 2,100 miles. I figured worse case scenario if I don't like I'll be out $500. I've lost more on a car in a matter of minutes. So far I couldn't ask for more. Get's about 40mpg if I beat the hell out of it. Gets 45mpg if I don't. I usually get about 40mpg

[Jason333]

I rode a smaller model in Ireland, and it was a blast!

Everything i have ever read on them says they are rock solid! They had their own race series in EU.

[RxZ]

Originally Posted by buzzdsm

I just paid $5,000 for a 2004 919 with 2,100 miles. I figured worse case scenario if I don't like I'll be out $500. I've lost more on a car in a matter of minutes. So far I couldn't ask for more. Get's about 40mpg if I beat the hell out of it. Gets 45mpg if I don't. I usually get about 40mpg

Yeah, I wouldn't mind paying 5,000 for the 919 in good shape, but not the 599. This will be my first bike also, so I really do not want to get into that high of displacement. My father-in-law has a KLR 250, and that bike is a blast, and is pretty good at commuting around town. I have been riding it for about a year now (probably 100 miles total ) and I can already tell that the 650 would be a better choice for me.

There are several bikes I am looking at now that this one fell through. Ninja 500 or 650r, SV650, KLR 650, and pretty much any other standard bike. I like the Versys, but it just came out, so it will be impossible to get one for what I am wanting to pay for a first bike.

Does anyone else have any ideas. I am basically looking for a great bike for a newb, good for commuting (read: not too much lean), cheap maintenance, cheap insurance, etc... I figure in a few years of riding I may get a supersport for running around town and taking to the track, but I want this first bike to be something fairly tame that I can hang on to for a good while as a commuter.

[RxZ]

ok i went and talked to the dealership again, and they are going to throw in a helmet and jacket if I buy the 599. I still think that 4,999 is still too much before taxes. My question though is what is a good price to pay, ODT?

Sorry for all the question guys, but I am so new to bikes I almost wouldn't know one if it hit me. So I want to be as educated as is possible before buying a bike.

Thanks again!

[jeffie7]

www.kbb.com look up the bikes value.

I'd have to do some research, but if you felt 5000 was a fair price to ask, and they're willing to throw in legit gear, then it might not be a bad price.

I'd show up with cash in hand and tell them you'll take the bike, gear, tax, tags, OTD for 5000 and you'll give them the cash right then and there.

[jeffie7]

2004 Honda CB600F 599 Value

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August 5, 2008
4-Cylinder
4-Stroke
599cc
Suggested Retail Value
$4620
The Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value is representative of dealers' asking prices and is the starting point for negotiation between a consumer and a dealer. This Suggested Retail Value assumes that the unit has been fully reconditioned and is in excellent condition. Mileage/condition and additional equipment may have a substantial impact on the value shown above. This value also takes into account the dealers' profit, costs for advertising, sales commissions and other costs of doing business. The final sale price will likely be less depending on the unit's actual condition, popularity, type of warranty offered and local market conditions.

5K OTD with some gear should be doable.

[RxZ]

Thanks for the quick reply

KBB says 4600 retail price. So, throw in helmet and jacket anyway, and taxes, and 5000 ODT may not be too bad. I am just looking for affordable, and all of Albert's talk of a SV650 for less than 4,000 really has me thinking. SV is a better bike (according to reviews anyway, I really don't know), and if I could get one that cheap, even having to buy a jacket and helmet I would come out ahead.

[jeffie7]

Originally Posted by RxZ

Thanks for the quick reply

KBB says 4600 retail price. So, throw in helmet and jacket anyway, and taxes, and 5000 ODT may not be too bad. I am just looking for affordable, and all of Albert's talk of a SV650 for less than 4,000 really has me thinking. SV is a better bike (according to reviews anyway, I really don't know), and if I could get one that cheap, even having to buy a jacket and helmet I would come out ahead.

SV would be a much more enjoyable bike. however Berts bike was not a fully clean bike, it did have a good bit of small damage.

Another reason why noobs need to start on cheap bikes. damage = great buys for other people

=)

[RxZ]

That's what I am thinking, used is the way to go (unless I get an unbelievable deal on a new bike [I had an offer for 5,000 flat for a new 2007 Ninja 650r, but the dealership sold it before I could do anything about it]). I do not mind a small bit of damage, cosmetics hardly concern me as long as plastic is not dragging behind me while riding.

I guess I will keep looking after all. I just do not want to spend 5,000 on the first bike.

Thanks Jeff and everyone else for the advice... I am sure I will ask again in the future!

RxZ (dreams of Z1000 in a few years)

[jeffie7]

Originally Posted by RxZ

That's what I am thinking, used is the way to go (unless I get an unbelievable deal on a new bike [I had an offer for 5,000 flat for a new 2007 Ninja 650r, but the dealership sold it before I could do anything about it]). I do not mind a small bit of damage, cosmetics hardly concern me as long as plastic is not dragging behind me while riding.

I guess I will keep looking after all. I just do not want to spend 5,000 on the first bike.

Thanks Jeff and everyone else for the advice... I am sure I will ask again in the future!

RxZ (dreams of Z1000 in a few years)

I wouldn't spend over 3K for a first bike. I picked up a used bandit 600 for 2800 rode it for a year and sold it for 2800.

It was a wrecked bike (put back 100% to stock specs before I bought it) thankfully once the prices drop on wrecked bikes, they tend to stay around the same area.

=)