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Honda 599 vs Suzuki's SV650S

I'm going to backtrack a bit and say that while the prices you mentioned for the 599 are high, that's kind of the going rate in the Bay Area, unfortunately. They're getting harder to find these days and you never see leftovers in the dealers anymore. I payed $3500 for my '04, but it's such a solid, well-built motorcycle (there really it's something special about Honda's that you can't show in tech specs) that I would still be happy if I payed 4K.

I also have to admit that strangers will all of a sudden want to ask you about the 599 and if it's "one of those new retro Hondas". :wtf :laughing

I also looked a little at 919's because they can be had for the same price as a 599, but in the end I just wasn't interested in the differences in the two bikes. I really don't need more weight and anything over 100hp. As Happy Hornet said, the smaller Hornet is all-around awesome and will definitely fly.
 
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crick said:
I cannot believe there is NO love for the Speed Triple?!?!?!

It's the best of both worlds between an twin and inline 4!!! come-on people???
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Yes yes OMFG Yes! There's a reason why just about every moto mag out there refused to do a naked comparo of this bike with the 599/FZ6/SV650- it would be a 1 sentence article of "the Triumph rules- all others suck in comparison".

If it's a matter of price, you can always go for the Speed 4 (complete with rocket launchers off the frame). The speed 4 is a fairer comparison to the Japanese nakeds.
 
I wouldn't compare a speed triple to an SV or 599. My God you'll poke your eye out with that thing.
Stock 599s put out somewhere in the high 80 hp a little tweak here and there and you got a real sleeper.
as for the pricing a clean low milage 206 599 still brings over 5 in the Bay area. Moto Java has/had a 2006 for around $4500.
The thing about a 599 is it is a great newbie bike provided it stays below 5K RPM open it up and you'll lose the front wheel in a turn as the little scoot love a power wheelie.

Comparing the 599 to the 919 is something left for those that have never ridden both bikes. Different handling all together. While the 919 is a bulletproof trust worthy steed the 599 has a black hearted pony buried down deep in it's little cross bread Kamakazi Wop soul. Watch out.

I don't see our stable ever without a 599 and funny thing. Even with the BMW sitting in the shop we both usually pull out the 599 regardless of length or purpose of the trip. It's like our family dog, it's the bike we load in the truck fr any trip.
 
Just to be clear, that's a Street Triple. Yes, of the bikes mentioned in this post, the Street Triple has much, much more of everything; including price.

If the Street Triple is in the OP's budget, he should definitely take a look. The Street Triple is a FANTASTIC bike that leaves the SV and 599 for dead in every objective way. But they are NOT cheap.

I'm going to guess given that the thread is about the SV650 versus the 599 that the price of a Street Triple is too high.

Now, there are several Speed Triples for sale on CL that are a real steal in terms of price. The Speed Triple may be a bit heavy and tall for a city bike, but they are damn fun!!

crick said:
I cannot believe there is NO love for the Speed Triple?!?!?!

It's the best of both worlds between an twin and inline 4!!! come-on people???

i dunst know who this is, but she's a beaut.

ST_S1B_11.jpg


There's also the DuC Monster. but... if it were me, the triple all the way. friend found a nice used one for 5500 :)
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Ooops I wrote speed Triple but like Squidly says the Street Triple is in an entire different league and I wouldn't compare to either with respect to bike performance or price.
 
Squidly McSmearstain said:
Just to be clear, that's a Street Triple. Yes, of the bikes mentioned in this post, the Street Triple has much, much more of everything; including price.

If the Street Triple is in the OP's budget, he should definitely take a look. The Street Triple is a FANTASTIC bike that leaves the SV and 599 for dead in every objective way. But they are NOT cheap.
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They sure aren't cheap, but such a wonderful bike to ride. When I had my SV I test rode a Striple. My first thought was "OMG this bike is SICK". I got back on the SV and knew right then that I needed one.
 
Agree the Hornet is drop dead sexy!!! compared to any of the other bikes.
You cannot argue with the Italians when it comes to styling.
 
OP if your in SF stop by sfmoto and talk to Tony, he has 599 and can tell you about the bike.
the only issue I see for the 599 is getting fork springs, apparently not much after market for the bike here, but if you're not over 150lbs stock springs might work for you.
 
phrills said:
I'm looking at the 599 and SV only because the place I'm looking at has both. I'm not a fan of the sitting position of the FZ,
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What don't you like about it? I've had the SVN and FZ, and test-rode a 599 when looking at the latter, and the seating positions didn't feel massively different on any of the three; they're all upright standards.

With these bikes (reliable and durable), there's no reason not to go to CL and get a used one from a private party. I wouldn't restrict yourself to what MotoJava has on hand.

I'd love a Street Triple, but it's definitely a substantial leap upwards in price. The 599s kind of bridge the gap between the more plentiful standards (650R, FZ, SV) and the Street price-wise. :p That's why I didn't get one - it seemed a lot of moola for what you're getting.
 
SD Hornet said:
Marlowe, the last two years of import into the US for the 599 was 2004 and 2006. For the 919 it was 2007. It was common in 2008 and 2009 to find a leftover 2007 919 on the dealer floor.
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EDIT:

Changed my mind again.

Sorry, misspoke (that's what I get for posting at 2am) but I just don't see the argument that parts won't be available for a 599, so he should buy a 919 as very compelling.
 
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I was looking for a 599 but found them to be overpriced. Anyway, how does 600RR compare with 599?
 
sportsluvr said:
I was looking for a 599 but found them to be overpriced. Anyway, how does 600RR compare with 599?
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Two different bikes with respect to geometry. The 599 is flickable and geared for urban riding. The CBR is a sweeper machine and the ergos are not designed for city riding it is a sport bike while the 599 is more of a standard.

Snaf one day let's trade. You really can't compare an I4 to a twin they are just different animals.
 
hey OP, the 599 is a great bike as the SV650 is gay but have you thought about other bikes?



you said you are planning to do a lot of city riding and need a torque bike how so about an FJR?

FJR-bags.jpg




another similar bike would be the honda fury

honda-fury.jpg




how about adding some functionality with a sachs madass?

madass125-011.jpg




ya i know,theyre too similar to the choices you laid out in your original post. maybe people will chime in and recommend something other than the choises you posted?
 
599 is the F3/F4???? motor carbureted
SV650 is a twin
CBR600RR is injected I4 GP full on sport bike
 
I might suggest that the SV650 and Honda 599 are in the same league, albeit one a twin, the other a four cyl.

As a guy who likes big engines, my '03 SV650 is the most fun I've had on two wheels in a long time. Nobody looks at it like they did my Bonneville, it's not a classic like my Guzzi V50 was, and certainly not as sexy looking as my Yamaha Vision was in black & gold (I hated that bike!)..... But the SV650 is a fully capable canyon carver!!!

In similar fashion, the very cool, understated, low key, unappreciated 599 is the result of Italian craftsmanship married to Japanese technology. And like the SV, change out the pogos on the Honda then go ripping through your favorite canyons with razor edge sharpness.

SV650's are a dime a dozen, just try to find an affordable 599 though..... Seriously, the 599 is Italian exotica without the quirkey electrics and maintanance intervals. Not a bad looking bike either!
 
FickleBiker said:
I might suggest that the SV650 and Honda 599 are in the same league, albeit one a twin, the other a four cyl.

As a guy who likes big engines, my '03 SV650 is the most fun I've had on two wheels in a long time. Nobody looks at it like they did my Bonneville, it's not a classic like my Guzzi V50 was, and certainly not as sexy looking as my Yamaha Vision was in black & gold (I hated that bike!)..... But the SV650 is a fully capable canyon carver!!!

In similar fashion, the very cool, understated, low key, unappreciated 599 is the result of Italian craftsmanship married to Japanese technology. And like the SV, change out the pogos on the Honda then go ripping through your favorite canyons with razor edge sharpness.

SV650's are a dime a dozen, just try to find an affordable 599 though..... Seriously, the 599 is Italian exotica without the quirkey electrics and maintanance intervals. Not a bad looking bike either!
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/thread 'nuff said
both bikes will deliver extreme joy!!! The SV will do this at a lower cost. I have to add, there is a reason the 599 rarely shows up on the used market. Everytime I think I'll sell mine the other half reminds me how much we both love this little bike.

One note though, the suspension on a 599 sucks. 2004 and 2005 you can swap out an F4i front end. 2006 you need to be more creative. I am getting up the nerve to put the $$$ into the suspension after this season.
 
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