Share Other's Reactions to Your 599

[Transient]

I intended to make a thread sharing some reactions that I've had from others about the bike - but it's a lot more interesting to see what everyone else has noticed, too, so feel free to chime in.

Work Guy - A fella new to the office came over to me after seeing the bike and commented, "599? Why would you want an engine that small? Why not a 750 or 1000? Those Suzuki's are really cool!"

I tried to explain the many reasons I did not go with a 750 or 1000, then went into the long list of reasons that I love the 599. The man left unphased by my mighty logic.

Work Girl - A blue Ninja 650R parked next to mine and one of the office girls asked, "Is your bike that blue one? I bet 0it's so fast!" When I pointed out it was the yellow one without all of the plastic, she looked disappointed. Though I didn't pull out the old weenie measuring stick right then and there, I went right to my magazine stack to confirm my thought that the 599 packed about 20 more horsepower. Whew.

Oddly enough, of the eight or so bikes I've seen at my workplace, only one has more horsepower than the 599. And that Gixxer's fairing is beat all to hell.

Hayabusa Guy - King Dingaling, master of the triple-digit wheelie, took a look at my bike and felt it necessary to point out, "My bike would smoke yours. But I like the style." Nevermind that his riding antics left him with limited use of his arm. Nevermind that. His bike is huge!

Road Guy - I picked up some overpants today so that I can ride to work whenever I want. On the way back, at a stoplight, a guy to the right of me was grinning and motioning for me to do a wheelie. I'm not about to do it, but it was cool seeing someone lit up like that.

The general reaction is positive, all in all. Most people think the sheer idea of having a motorcycle is remarkable. And most people who do motorcycle seem to be completely unaware of the standard class of bikes - especially the 599. I'm thinking of removing the badge just to confuse folks that much more.

[smitters]

I live in a college town and the bulk of other riders on the road aresport bike types. They have this habit of looking at my bike and kinda shaking there head. It's mildly funny when they ask what it is, I just laugh in my head and say 599. They all seem to know everything about bikes and they imediately know what that is.
Then there are the cruiser guys that laugh at my sitting upright position and buzzy exhaust. I tell my wife they are just jealous of not being as fast and easy to ride. It seems the only people who have any idea what the bike is either have one or are naked freaks, like me. I have met only one other person who has a 919 and he lives in Indy and only came up to visit, but we talked for like 30 minutes about the differences between the two.
Thats about the only communication I have with people in the bike world. I see all these groups riding around either sport bikers or cruisers and none of them ever seem to fit my riding style. They are loud as hell with there cruisers or going way over the speed limit popping wheelies all the time and basically giving us riders all a bad name.

Smitters

[Transient]

I hear ya, Smitty. Lots of Sports or Cruiser groups around here and I really haven't seen any kind of hybrid lineups at all. I think I've only seen one other 599 or 919 on the road down here and other nakeds are few and far between.

[twowheelsonly]

I've heard nothing but good compliments on it, mainly on how it looks. It seems to be able to please everyone. Quite a few inquire since they've never heard about it, and my response is always, it's been a huge seller in Europe for years but it's only been here a couple years now.

[Dave]

One of my friends asked, "What is it, a Nighthawk?" Of course, I had to kill him.

[Transient]

One of my friends asked, "What is it, a Nighthawk?" Of course, I had to kill him.
I was depressed when I found the execution instructions in the manual, too. But hell, if Honda says you need to off a friend so the bike runs better, who am I to question it? I'm no mechanic.

[Super Sneaky Steve]

I get the same comments constantly.

Usually knowledgeable people buy Hornets. Which isn't very many.

[JHenley17]

Every sport bike rider has been like "oh... what's that?" A lot of my friends love it. My sister's friend said "the back looks like a crotch rocket, but the front looks like a regular motorcycle." I much prefer having a naked that nobody knows about. Chicks still want to ride...

[Transient]

Usually knowledgeable people buy Hornets. Which isn't very many.

That's something I've found very surprising - the lack of awareness. Especially from people that, before getting into riding, I figured knew quite a bit.

[Sev]

One of my friends asked, "What is it, a Nighthawk?" Of course, I had to kill him.

Take apart a nighthawk some day. They're essentially the same bike - very similar frames, just a different tank and tail design. As far as I'm concerned the nighthawks are the younger brothers of the 599.

I get the same comments constantly.

Usually knowledgeable people buy Hornets. Which isn't very many.

That seems remarkably elitist. We had a used one for sale at our shop which sold because the lady, "thought it was cute." We're all bikers, and what we ride does not make us better or more knowledgeable than someone who bought something else.

[drew]

The 3 friends of mine that are into bikes, all say the bike is just awesome looking. 2 out of 3 have ridden it, the 2 that currently own bikes themselves, and they both got off with big crazy grins from ear to ear. One owns an '01 FZR1000, and the other presently has 2 Harleys, but had a '98 GSXR750 that he recently sold. He says he'd take the 599 over the gixxer any day! An older gentleman I met (Harley-riding ZZ-Top lookalike) proclaimed that "although that's not my style of bike, I really like it!

One guy at my work told me he really likes the bike (former rider). Another one (older guy) says he can't believe I ride a "murder-cycle". A lady from accounting was outside one day, and as she looked over the eight or so bikes in the lot, said "but there's no Harleys". I explained to her that my co-worker's Buell was essentially a Harley, but she was unimpressed. A couple of guys that were there, who don't even ride, told her the riders at our place are smarter than that, and we probably don't want to deal with oil leaks and vibration-induced incontinence. :lol:

Overall, a very positive response! :D

[Super Sneaky Steve]

That seems remarkably elitist. We had a used one for sale at our shop which sold because the lady, "thought it was cute." We're all bikers, and what we ride does not make us better or more knowledgeable than someone who bought something else.

What makes someone more knowledable than another is the amount of motorcycle related knowledge in their brain.

The quotes above are people who are blisfully ingnorant of motorcycles. Which is fine. They do have a right to buy any bike they want to not buy a bike at all. I'm ignorant about a lot of sports too, but motorcycles is not one of those things.

After reading stacks of Cycle World, a few books, and countless hours on motorcycle related web sites I don't consider myself better than anyone else, but I do have "knowledge", and you don't get it through osmosis. Dispite all that I've only scratched the surface and I hope to keep this passion for a lifetime.

My point was that no one buys a Hornet because it's what everyone else has (think sportbike, Harley or clones). It's unique and provides another kind of motorcycle enjoyment.

[SM]

"what's a standard?"

[Transient]

Drew: The mutual respect that I've noticed between riders is remarkable. In my case, Mr. Hayabusa is the only rider that remarked negatively about my bike, and even then it was only by comparison and still followed up by a compliment.

SM: I've had that discussion a few times, too. Any good responses? I start to drone on and people wander off. :P

[rndthought]

That seems remarkably elitist. We had a used one for sale at our shop which sold because the lady, "thought it was cute." We're all bikers, and what we ride does not make us better or more knowledgeable than someone who bought something else.
Look who’s getting all philosophical on us... :mrgreen:


I’ve never really gotten a negative comment. Most who don’t know anything about bikes ask what it is, those that do know some, they want to know if it is sporty like a sport bike or is it more like a cruiser (I usually say it’s a sporty cruiser) and those that know about bikes either owned or knew someone close that had a CB of some sort…and that is where their perception is…kinda 70/80’s mentality. But at the end of the day, when someone wants to talk to me about my bike or, god forbid, their bike - I get bored really fast. It’s thumbs up and pray the light changes really quick or a quick wave and off I go to the store (pointing at the watch I never wear) – any more would be a waste of both our time... I’m not trying to be rude or elitist, it’s just that if someone focuses on that point for more than a quick clarification, I know the waters are shallow and what I'm after runs a bit deeper.

[yeroC]

The guy who did my state inspection had a smirk on his face when i
first pulled into the bay and commented(jokingly i think..) what are you
doing with that little thing?? He was actually pretty cool and we talked for a few minutes. He said he owned a few bikes but was primarily a Harley
rider. Ironically he was on crutches from a fall. But he ended the convo
by stepping back and looking hard at the Hornet and saying "this is
actually a pretty cool bike!!"
My buddy who rides a Honda 954 constantly jokes that i have a "bitch
bike". He's ridden it once before and actually liked it but is of the mind
set that anything under 750 is a bitch bike. Which i promptly tell him to
smell my finger...
On Saturday in traffic i had two kids in the backseat of a car next to me
give me enthusiastic thumbs up and say "Cool bike!!" and "like your bike
dude". So if kids think it's cool it must be, right? :D
The only negative comment was made while i was at cycle gear one
day looking around and i overheard the salesperson ask some dude
if the yellow bike was his and the guy replied "hell no, that thing has
NO power...!"
Whatever dude...

[Slide]

http://www.slidedesigns.com/files/599_noteLR.jpg

Who's your daddy! 8)

Seriously though... my favorite reactions have been from mechanics. Earlier this year, my bike was in at the dealership I purchased it at. After the service, he took it for a spin to check out everything was OK. Well, the dude came back with a smile on his face... "Man, that thing can go" he exclaimed. Yes. Yes it can.

This past Saturday I was having my tires replaced after a 140 km/h puncture that ripped a chunk out of the back of my hugger. Yes, good times. Well after the shop replaced the tires, one of the owners took it out to make sure everything was cool. Well, don't you know it, he came back with a silly grin as well... and this guy rides a GXR1000. He then proceeded to ask me a myriad of questions... totally interested... even though it was a Suzuki/Kawi dealership.

So there you have it.... like a lot of things, you can't judge to you try. Booya.

[Bacdef]

Yup, all positive comments here too.
I have the yellow 2004.

Girls think its cute, guys like the "bare metal" rugged looks, cruiser owners like the big round headlight, shiny forks and chromed bars, sport bike riders recognise the high exhaust, hight tail with the grippy tires and 4 cylinder CB engine, enven harley riders wave from time to time.

I can sincerely say that everyone I have had conversations about the bike with have found at least two or three things they can relate to on the bike. This is rather fantastic as everybody seems to either like it or at least have no trouble acknowledging that it is a good machine.

I ride almost daily with a guy that wants nothing but RRs, and yet he respects the 599 and recognises it as a competent machine (even if he does pull my chain about the choke lever).

There are 15 regular bikers at my place of employment. 50% cruisers (some are incredible with embossed emblems inside the paint job), 30% Sport Touring (cool but expensive), 20% Sport Bikes, and my 599. I'm the only standard on the lot so the hight handlebars and absence of plastics/fairings/saddlebags get noticed by bikers and non-bikers as well.

I got the usual set of questions (what is it? why did you take off the fairings? you know the drill) that I try to dodge by saying that its a standanrd bike and a Euro model that Honda FINALLY imported to North America. I also squeeze in that Honda seems to have built the bike using off-the-shelf parts from other models to keep costs down, that really weirds people out :D.

One omment that I've heard multiple times is that the bike is very quiet. A couple times I've started the bike with friends standing right next to it and have gotten the dropped jaw "its so quiet!". I've had this comment from a US customs agent too this one time I was next in line behind a very noisy cruiser. The fact is you can carry a normal conversation while sitting on the running bike. It IS quiet. And yet it screams at 10k RPM.

The big ol' headlamp gets a lot of positive press too. The 599 kinda looks like what people expect a motorcycle to look like. The big analog red-on-white instruments add to that aspect (love 'em myself) and people seem to respond to that is a generaly positive manner.

So, no negative comment to date. Honda was doing something right with the styling of that machine, thats a given.

[Dave]

Take apart a nighthawk some day. They're essentially the same bike - very similar frames, just a different tank and tail design. As far as I'm concerned the nighthawks are the younger brothers of the 599.

I admit I'm not very knowledgeable about motorcycles. To me, the obvious difference between the 599 and the Nighthawk is the suspension.

[Dave]

If someone asks me what kind of motorcycle I ride (when I'm not with my bike) I find it is almost useless to tell them. Most people, including motorcyclists, don't know what a 599 is. My non-motorcycle friends usually give me a blank look, or they say "So that's a 600?" Telling them it's a naked bike doesn't help.

When I asked the instructors at the MSF class what kind of bikes they ride, they answered: "A black one," and "A red one." Now I understand.

[dabinche]

"what's a standard?"

yeah folks now a day just don't know what one is and even many moto folks don't know either....standards are the BEST.

[Super Sneaky Steve]

Who's your daddy! 8)



Yeah I bet you sleep with that thing! :lol:

I'm jealous. :D

[Slide]

The 599 is not a standard. It's a naked (sports bike).

And the Nighthawk is nothing like a 599... just look up the specs. :lol:

[Slide]

Who's your daddy! 8)



Yeah I bet you sleep with that thing! :lol:

I'm jealous. :D

The handwriting looks a bit young! :shock: Anyway, she'd just be using me for the bike... ah ya!

[Alex]

The 599 is not a standard. It's a naked (sports bike).

Up until very recently, the european honda site categorized it under "Standard"... now they renamed that category as "Traditional" ... whatever the hell that means.

[Skip26]

I agree that trying to tell people what kind of bike I ride is useless. When non riders see it they just assume it's a crotch rocket because of the exhaust not noticing the lack of fairing and clip on's etc.

I personally LOVE the naked look but I am finding the highway speeds difficult and could go for a windscreen, but that's it!

[robotribe]

Maybe it's regional, but here in the L.A. area, I've never gotten a comment about the bike one way or another. In fact, I like it that way.

Maybe it's L.A. In fact, most keep to themselves and avoid sharing opinions with strangers. Maybe it's the powderkeg/lunatic possibility that keeps opinions at bay. Again, I like it that way. :wink:

[02KBGT]

I've had a little of the good and bad.. When I had first bought it and not taken it to work yet, I would describe it and get the "WFT?" looks and comments.. But after I rode it in, everyone understood and liked it... I did get a strange comment once at a gas station.. As I pulled in I saw a group of 3 riders at the pumps. 2 Cruisers and one Gixxer.. The guy on the Gixxer gave me a thimbs up and started asking me about it Immediatly..But one of the others said " Man, that thing looks Evil".. Took me a second to digest that one :? ... But I asked him to explain and he said that when he first saw me comeing in he thought it was a Sport bike, then he noticed no Plastic and couldnt figure it out..Like someone had taken a CBR or something and stripped it...He called it a "Rat Bike".. And with the pipes showing ,position of the rider and overall look he said his first thought was "Here comes trouble" and that it looked evil.. You guys try to figure that one out... He lost me.. :roll:

[Dave]

Who knows what he was thinking. Some people say "evil," "wicked," or "sick" as a compliment. In any case the guy's comment reminds me of the whole streetfighter/hooligan thing.

[dabinche]

The 599 is not a standard. It's a naked (sports bike).

And the Nighthawk is nothing like a 599... just look up the specs. :lol:

It is a standard...just a more modern standard. The nighthawk is a old technology from the 70's standard while the hornet is a 90's technology standard. Look at how sports bikes looked back in the 70's didn't look that much different then a Nighthawk because of technology.

A naked is a sports bike without it's farings, a streetfighter is the same thing but more blinged out. The 599 is a standard, a very sporty standard, but a standard non-the less. Honda designates their standards with CB

You can say that the new 2007 hornets are more naked/streetfigherish.

Standards in America has been a neglected market for over the last decade or more but have been coming back in the last few years.

[twowheelsonly]

I have heard the "those things have no power" comment before...it's just funny because when it happens, it usually comes from guys on huge cruisers, while they have alot of torque, still are left smelling exhaust from the 599 :D

[djamalt]

I get the usual “what is that” line of questioning. Usually get compliments and questions about the mods I’ve made. And yeah, if the bike is not with me, I have to show the picture on the cell phone camera or NOBODY knows what it is… unless they are from overseas.

But the best reaction I got so far was waiting at a red light. A giant Benzo pulls up next to me, two guys in the front seats chattin it up. The driver looks over and decides to inch forward - you know how that goes. I look over and don’t think twice until he inches forward enough that I notice the two guys’ ladies in the back seat. The one closest to me taps the other, and they both stare doe eyed at me for a few seconds. Then the one closest to me licks the corner of her mouth. Good thing I had both feet on the ground, I damn near fell off the bike laughing. The two ladies laughed too, then played it off like nothing happened as their dudes turned around to look at them. Ahhh, good times.

Maybe it's regional, but here in the L.A. area, I've never gotten a comment about the bike one way or another. In fact, I like it that way.
Maybe it's L.A. In fact, most keep to themselves and avoid sharing opinions with strangers. Maybe it's the powderkeg/lunatic possibility that keeps opinions at bay. Again, I like it that way. :wink:
Robo – you gotta come ride with me to the Rock store in Malibu or Newcomb’s up on Angeles Crest. Several times at the Rock Store, I've had people ask me about it, some even knew what the bike was and were curious about the differences between the 919 and the 599, to which I could offer nothing. One time Upraveenk (another member on this forum) and I rolled up to the Rock Store and Leno was there talking to us about the bikes. At Neptune’s Net, I had one old guy waiting next to my bike for me to talk about the Hornet for a good 10 min or so. I have to admit, that was a little weird since I was riding solo and there were nothing but Harleys there that day. All that to say, maybe it's a Pasadena thing. I don't know, but you gotta get out of the valley and check out the west side of town.

I did have one guy at an after work hang out (there were like 11 or 12 bikes there that night) ask if my 599 was the new Nighthawk. As the manual suggest, I had to drop him. Head butt with the Shoei is crazy deadly.

...He called it a "Rat Bike".. And with the pipes showing ,position of the rider and overall look he said his first thought was "Here comes trouble" and that it looked evil.. You guys try to figure that one out... He lost me.. :roll:
I’m thinking evil and wicked in a good way. Kind of like bad. As far as rat bike, I know that some folks call bikes that are scrappy and bad ass, meant to be ridden hard and fast with little faring action and no worry about scratches and dents – rat bikes. I have a feeling that many rat bike pack riders are kind of squidy though. Now that I think about it, maybe he was just afraid of you until you took your helmet off.

[Darth Vrees]

"Is that a Ducati?" LOL Stopped at the lights a guy pulls beside me in his truck and looks down at me and yells that! I pointed to the Honda emblem on the tank and tell him "what do you think?" He laughs and asks "so it's a Monster?" Some people really don't get it at all. I went for a ride with a couple of friends that ride the CBR600F4i and CBR600RR and both were totally surprised that on a spirited run the 599 was breathing down their necks and shot past them in the twisty back roads! They had to try it and got off of it saying "wow, it's the same power as my bike" Alot of people don't really know what to make of it, they are not sure if it's a sportbike or cruiser because of the round light, but they know it's quick. Most everyone likes it, some call it a slow poke and learn the hard way.... cough.....Mark....cough LOL

[Slide]

A naked is a sports bike without it's farings, a streetfighter is the same thing but more blinged out. The 599 is a standard, a very sporty standard, but a standard non-the less. Honda designates their standards with CB

Check out their website under SPORT not STANDARD: http://powersports.honda.com/motorcycles/

I gotta be a jerk on this... it's no standard. :twisted: Remind me what engine the 599 has?

And as far as the Brits, they term them naked sport bikes. Pick up any mag.

[Slide]

At the end of the day, it's all semantics.... :wink:

[Sev]

Take apart a nighthawk some day. They're essentially the same bike - very similar frames, just a different tank and tail design. As far as I'm concerned the nighthawks are the younger brothers of the 599.

I admit I'm not very knowledgeable about motorcycles. To me, the obvious difference between the 599 and the Nighthawk is the suspension.

What I'm getting at here is that the Nighthawk was the precursor... I should have said ancestor to the 599. If you pull both bikes apart you'll see just how similar they actually are... The design of the nighthawk (and other CB's) has strongly influenced the design direction of the 599. And no, I'm not saying they look the same. I'm saying they're built around the same basic model.



A naked is a sports bike without it's farings, a streetfighter is the same thing but more blinged out. The 599 is a standard, a very sporty standard, but a standard non-the less. Honda designates their standards with CB

Yeah... no... a street fighter doesn't mean bling. Over here in North America street fighter means "anything you can do to get it to ride." While some of the larger builders have started to go the way of the cruiser custom with chrome and custom paint the heart of the streetfighter remains in the design and creation of utility. Everything you need, and nothing you don't.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/93ludensi/Untitled-1copy.jpg
This is a Yazukati. He shoehorned an 1100 engine into a 600 frame, attached a Ducati tail, and I believe the front end off a Yamaha R1. No extras, no bling, no chrome.

http://members.shaw.ca/joe.d/joesgixer1.jpg
My friend Britjoe built this one. Gixxer 600 frame with the 1100 motor, and 750 swingarm. Everything is brushed metal.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p189/endo71/2.jpg
I helped build this one out of a 94 ZX6E.

[Sachi]

It's a STANDARD. It is itis itis it is!!!! You have to agree with me or I'll hold my breath an' turn blue!

[Slide]

Not according to Honda... what do they know? :roll:

[rndthought]

Honda Italy lists it as a "Strada - Naked" or Street - Naked...

Interestingly...both models are still for sale...
2006 Hornet 600 - 7,490Euros ($10,260!! man the USD is getting hammered :( )
In the verbage discription it says "naked streetfighter"

2007 Hornet 600 - 7,590Euros (+600 if ABS)
In the verbage discription it says "Streetfighter" è tornata!" (Streetfighter has returned)

Something tells me the new one ain't selling all that well...

[Bacdef]

The government's 2c about the whole naked vs standard situation.

Over here in Canada the provincial government is reponsible for automotive registration. In Québec (where I live) there is a licensing reform for motorcyclists pending.

To make a long story short annual fees to get your license plate/renew it are going to climb gradually starting in 2008 through 2010 and just how much you get hit depends of your bike's class.

Here is a quick and dirty breakdown of the hurt :

Standard bikes with less than 400cc : no change planned (yet).
Sport bikes with less than 400cc : to be annouced
Standard bikes with 401cc or more : 363$/year to 779$/year
Sport bikes with 401cc or more : 363$/year to 1562$/year

As you can see it hurts to be a sports bike.
Our good government has published a list of criteria they have used to determine just what is a spots bike.

• carénage profilé pour en améliorer l'aérodynamique, couvrant les côtés du moteur, avec pare-brise bas,
• position de conduite penchée vers l'avant,
• guidon court et bas,
• repose-pied placés haut vers l'arrière,
• silencieux placés à l'arrière et orientés vers le haut,
• deux freins à disque à l'avant et frein à disque à l'arrière,
• roue arrière entraînée par une chaîne,
• rapport poids/puissance supérieur à 0,50 cv/kg,
• absence de béquille centrale,
• cadre surdimensionné.

So according to the nice people at the govt a sports bike has :

Profiled fairings for better aerodynamics, wrapping around the engine and a low windshield.
A forward riding position
Short and low handlebars
High and backwards footpegs
High and backwards exhaust(s)
Dual discs in front and disc in back
A chain drive
A power-to-weight ratio greater than .5HP/kg
No central stand
An oversized frame

Can you hear the sport touring crowd grinding their teeth ?

For now the 599 is considered a STANDARD bike, but that may change before jan 2008 comes along. The 919 did qualify as a sports bike in january, so he 599 cant be far behind unless they have "hidden" criteria such as "all liter bikes a sports bikes".

What to make of all this ?
a) The 599 is a standard bike
b) The 919 is a naked sports bike

The people have spoken (what with this being a democracy and all, this HAS to be something the people want, no ? )

If you guys want to see what the government considers a sports bike the list is here http://www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/contributions_assurance/documentation/liste_moto.pdf

The 2004 Honda CB600F is NOT on the list and the latest list ( June ) no longer includes the 919........check with the VIN just to be sure.....I dont pretend to understand the govt. and maybe it'll come back.

[femaletrouble3]

I’m thinking evil and wicked in a good way. Kind of like bad. As far as rat bike, I know that some folks call bikes that are scrappy and bad ass, meant to be ridden hard and fast with little faring action and no worry about scratches and dents – rat bikes.

Here are some pics of MY rat:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/226/446332816_4af42f5cc4.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/232/506747828_ed4171363a.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/225/453021902_25c661e362.jpg
Note: Antique plates in VA mean No state Safety inspection, which can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you look at it :lol:

LOVE the way you can see the engine from the rear

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Q & A Section:

Q: Doesn't that 4-into-1 melt and burn your saddlebag?
A: Yes

[Slide]

Love it. What are the details of that bike? Year... model... etc.

[Bacdef]

Get a Broil King emblem to go with the BBQ paint looks.

[femaletrouble3]

Love it. What are the details of that bike? Year... model... etc.

It's a '81 Yamaha SECA XJ750R, that I "fixed up" (painted matte black with Rustoleum Black Camo) earlier this year.

That pipe is LOUD. You can generally hear this one coming WAY before you see it.

BTW, there are some great rat galleries here: http://ratbike.org/

-FT3

[femaletrouble3]

Get a Broil King emblem to go with the BBQ paint looks.

:lol:

I thought about putting some yellow and black 'Radioactive' stickers on it--would fit in well with post-apocolyptic look. HOWEVER, I was looking for some really good all weather, durable stickers and came across some info that said DON'T DO IT NO MATTER WHAT: If you are in crash and the responders see the radioactive symbols in the wreckage, they may stop in their tracks, back up, and call HAZMAT. Not want you want to have happen.

Sorry all, didn't mean to hijack this thread!

-FT3

[02KBGT]

Now thats what I think of when someone says "Rat Bike"..I love'em..
About the guy at the station.. He deffinatly intended it as a compliment by his tone and reaction.. I just had never thought of the 599 quite that way.. But if you really look at a black hornet, and see somebody wearing all black riding it, I can see where he was coming from. I can have that vibe to it.

I’m thinking evil and wicked in a good way. Kind of like bad. As far as rat bike, I know that some folks call bikes that are scrappy and bad ass, meant to be ridden hard and fast with little faring action and no worry about scratches and dents – rat bikes. I have a feeling that many rat bike pack riders are kind of squidy though. Now that I think about it, maybe he was just afraid of you until you took your helmet off.

Thats exactly how I took waht he was trying to say.. And your right about the helmet thing. They all just looked at me with a blank face until I took off my Lid.. then I got the thumbs up and all the comments. :lol:

[SID]

I was sitting at a red light here in vegas when the window of the truck next to me rolled down "great....another idiot I have to speak to" i think.
Out pops an old white guys head ..... " Did you build that yourself?!?" ....my responce "Honda" and I rode off.

Another light.... this time honda civic, young black kid...
"That a ducati or a buell (though he pronounced it Booo-el" ... "What?" I say .. he repeats.... I just left.

[Alex]

"That a ducati or a buell?"

:wtf Is that Honda logo that invisible?

[JHenley17]

It would almost be fun to put a Toyota badge on it and really play with some people's heads...

[Bacdef]

It would almost be fun to put a Toyota badge on it and really play with some people's heads...

Good idea, but how about Toro or Cub Cadet ?

[dabinche]

cb600 is a standard....Honda America puts it under sports cause they pretty much eliminated all theirs standards here so to make it easy on themselves they did what they did.

Just cause the engine block is the same as their sport bike sibling doesn't make it a sport....you can look at Honda cars and many models in different classes uses the same 2.4L inline 4 engine block, hell even more of those motors are the same as each other then the cb600 and cbr600

the nighthawk 250 or 750 is the best example of a standard but it is old technology while the cb600 is more modern but still a standard.

A standard doesn't mean you have to make it look like it came out of the 70's (i.e. nighthawk) hence the cb600 a modern standard

I don't like that canadian guide of what a standard or sports bike is cause half of that could be present on a cruiser as well.

A sports bike is a street legal race bike, plan and simple.

With technological advances a modern day standard like the cb600 will out perform a race/sports bike of the past. Put up a 600cc race bike from the 70's against the cb600 and the cb600 will win hands down. Cause of the increase in performance due to technology it is easy to mistaken the cb600 as a sports bike.

[dabinche]

also check out a market that still has standards (or traditional as they call it), cruisers, sports tourer, adventure, etc...the U.K. is a great example of product diversity for honda motos compared to the U.S. market cause fact is most Americans only know sports bikes, cruisers, and dirt bikes everything else is completely alien to them. I ride around on my scooter all the time and folks give the most blank and confused stares, even motorcycle folks give that stare and ask: "What is it!?"

check out this link of standards that we will never see on these shores:
http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/DispatcherServlet?hidActionDetail=viewproductlist&hidAction=Lookup&hidMSGID=10&hidMSGCode=TRADITIONAL&hidMSGName=Traditional
and what do they all have in common? The CB designation, what Honda uses for standard/traditional motorcycles

[Ken]

Not according to Honda... what do they know? :roll:
It's not what they know, it's about how they try to market it. They are obviously not going to lump a 599 or a 919 in with the cruiser segment on their web site where you find 'standards'.

Historically, a standard motorcycle features pegs under the rider and an upright riding position. This describes the 599 and the 919. Progressive and Allstate agree - they classify the 919 as a standard, not sport.

Pay no attention to the Honda man behind the curtain. He's in marketing.

[Slide]

I know....

How about a Standard, Naked, Streetfighter, Sport bike?

[EgoThreat]

Hmmmm Standard or Naked Sport? Does riding position enter into the equation. If so, then a girl has to ask...
Upright position for the taller guys, the 599 is a standard
Forward position for the little ladies... the 599 is a naked sport :lol:

I vote naked sport!

Drove it to work for the first time on July ride your bike to work day. I got lots of great comments and surprised looks. Out of all of 30 bikes there, my 599 and another lady coworker's F4i were the only two sport bikes there, funny :? Guess its a cruising type of crowd where I work.

C-

[599hornet]

sister's friend said "the back looks like a crotch rocket, but the front looks like a regular motorcycle."

:lol: Kind of like a mullet, business in the front party in the back!

[rndthought]

sister's friend said "the back looks like a crotch rocket, but the front looks like a regular motorcycle."
:lol: Kind of like a mullet, business in the front party in the back!
HA! I straddle a Mullet! :D Sweet!

[BoundiAV]

Some A-Hole who rides a gixxer came up to me one day and said: "When are you gonna dump that and buy a real bike?
needless to say he lost the little respect i had for him...
Otherwise i get a LOT of compliments. I gave it to my mechanic a while ago and everyone there and the mechanic were all praising it. nothing but compliments for half an hour. and when i went back to pick it up, he told me about more people stopping by the bike and saying nothing but good things. Yep i left a very happy man that day! 8)
Just yesterday this guy in a car rolled down his window and gave me a huge thumbs up accompanied with a huge smile :D

[jmd]

Yup...there's always the 'guy on the gixxer'. They're great bikes...too bad that whenever i see one i automatically think the rider must be an a-hole.

Not to hijack the thread, but it's funny how there's such a difference between the people who ride different brands of sportbikes. The Gixxers are the stupid stunters/squids (with an occasional cool, real trackday kinda guy every now and then), the CBRs are the 'normal' people who are just kinda nice and responsible (for the most part)....not sure about the Kawi people. Not as many of them around as Suzuki and Hondas...

[LeatherWings]

Some A-Hole who rides a gixxer came up to me one day and said: "When are you gonna dump that and buy a real bike?

:wtf
although it's usually best to avoid low-lives and their slimy tentacles, you shoulda punched him in his face.

[antihero]

....not sure about the Kawi people. Not as many of them around as Suzuki and Hondas...

We are the coolest. 8)

[rndthought]

....not sure about the Kawi people...
They are green with envy... :shock: Like butter baby, I'm on a roll! :lol:

What is all this bike snob us/them crap anyway... :crazy Don't be a tool.

[TONY MK4]

Yup...there's always the 'guy on the gixxer'. They're great bikes...too bad that whenever i see one i automatically think the rider must be an a-hole.

Not to hijack the thread, but it's funny how there's such a difference between the people who ride different brands of sportbikes. The Gixxers are the stupid stunters/squids (with an occasional cool, real trackday kinda guy every now and then), the CBRs are the 'normal' people who are just kinda nice and responsible (for the most part)....not sure about the Kawi people. Not as many of them around as Suzuki and Hondas...

Guy on a gixxer just died in my city on his bike.
I was on my way home and rode past all the mess - must have been right after the ambulance left because there were still tons of cops just getting there blocking off traffic.
It was in the paper, there were no intersections before or after for at least 150 yards. the speed limit is 35 but it's a slight down hill so the flow of traffic there is usually between 40 and 45. the motorcycle was a GSX-R 750 and they were coming up speeding from behind, lost control apparently and slammed into the back of an SUV. I guess the SUV was the only thing on the road.

The kid was 20 and known for speeding and reckless crap. At least 10 speeding tickets - 3 for 20 over or more, and at least 3 no seatbelt tickets so it's a safe bet no helmet.



Sorry to jack the thread. I've got nothing but good things said about the bike.

[Alex]

I've got nothing but good things said about the bike.
No one's saying anything bad about the bike, just the riders.



With so many speeding tickets, how did this kid not have his license suspended? And I'm sorry, if he was my kid and I knew he got a speeding ticket after speeding ticket, that bike would be sold before he killed himself! Shmuck!



Oh yeah, thread highjack over.

[Transient]

New fella. Lets call him, "Rickety Ass 92 Concours Rider."

Mr. Rickety is under the impression that one must have a large engine to be manly. Thus, every time I see him, he finds it necessary to comment how much smaller the 599 is than the hand-me-down Concours. How much less power it has. The man's proud of his hunk of crap and that's cool with me, I never bother to point out the numbers to him. (Like the nearly 200lb weight difference, yet similar horsepower...)

Today, Captain Clunker spends a fair part of his lunch break bragging about how big and fast his bike is. He even goes into a story about how a guy in a "little sportbike just like (mine)" shot by him at about 110 on the highway. So, he dropped two gears and shot right past the kid at 130 - the kid couldn't catch him. Despite how phenomenally asinine the situation was - both that he's proud to be going 130 in traffic and second that he thinks his jalopy could outrace any sportbike beyond a Ninja 250 - almost ten people sat around the table congratulating the guy.

What a day.

[Slide]

Hilarious!!! :lol:

[jfeagin]

I like the riders at the college where I work. One guy has a seriously tricked out Harley, including wood grips! :? Another in the same dept. has a shiny, new Vulcan 1500 he just got.

Another guy has a mid-70's BMW with a sidehack. Works in the same building with a guy who's got tons of ancient stuff plus a Burgman 650.

Then we have a guy on a CBR600RR ('03, I think) and several dirt bikes, a guy (works for me) who rides an old Honda cruiser (no visible model designation), a woman (also works for me) who rides a '96 Suzuki Savage.

So it's a real mixed bag. Sometimes we all get together to talk bikes, favorite rides, etc. Compliments all around. It's a friendly group with no snobbery. Only rule is, "Two wheels, it's all good."

Can't say what the others hear, but I get lots of comments from students. Some who ride, others who want to get into it. Hey, it's higher education! 8)

[robkb]

I was parked on the sidewalk today at Wal-Mart, sitting by my bike, and texting a buddy. A couple walked by and the guy was eye-balling the 599. His girl said, "If you get a bike like that, don't even think about asking me to ride on it." Some folks just can't handle the COOL!

[VooDooYouDo]

I have had quite a few compliments since I got my bike. Most people are just unaware of this style of bike. Plus, I like having something no one else has, not to be snobby, but just to be a little exotic.

My roommates all love it. Considering the difference in their rides I'd say that's a good thing (1975 CB360, 1999 R6, 1989 Virago). Could be because it's the only bike in our garage from this century but hey.

The only slightly negative response I've receieved is about the stock pipe (looks, lack of dBs) and the lack of fuel injection.

[robkb]

I took my seventh grade students to the library today. After we finished with our lesson on the Shang dynasty, I asked a few of them if they wanted to see something cool. I Googled images of the 2006 Honda 599 on one of the computers. Man, their mouths dropped open. I kept hearing the words "tight" and "fresh". I know they meant it because, believe me, they're not shy when it comes to telling me something about me that sucks... or is not "tight" and "fresh".

[JHenley17]

Awesome... time to get me some junior high chicks :twisted:

wait... no...

I've got no idea how people feel about my bike. I know my Gixxer-riding roommate has started to like it a lot more than he did at first, another of my friends likes to go on rides (though I keep them short, all she has is a helmet), but I don't know if she really likes the bike, and one of the guys at the dealer knew more about it than I did at the time I bought it (telling me it was the most popular bike in Italy, telling me to come out to a track day when I get comfortable), and that's about it.

[Skip26]

I went for a ride to my buddies dads place in the country (so to speak). His dad's a long time Honda Shadow rider. He seemed very impressed with my bike when I pulled up. He stood there smiling and said "beautiful, look at this machine".

My buddies younger brothers (23,25) and their friend stood around the bike pointing and talking (while I watched from inside) also seeming impressed. As we were saying good bye his brother asked me to sell him my bike because he loved it.

8)

[vthoky]

I rode in to work last Saturday, and cruised in through the back door. When I passed by my machinists and toolmakers, they gave me a whole lot of "hey, we didn't hear you come in! No rumble-rumble-rumble."

My quick and dirty explanation was that I'm riding four cylinders (I'm one of only three non-VTwin guys there) and doing so with stock pipes.

Then they started talking trash about a former employee who had a "screeching buzzard" (Harley / Screaming Eagle). We got a good laugh out of it all. :)

[JHenley17]

I rode it to tailgating today... I got a lot of compliments, people saying it's a really nice bike. Some people were trying to ask me what it was while I was riding past in slow traffic, but it would have been too much effort to even start on the explanation...

[Charleegirl]

Yup...there's always the 'guy on the gixxer'. They're great bikes...too bad that whenever i see one i automatically think the rider must be an a-hole.

Not to hijack the thread, but it's funny how there's such a difference between the people who ride different brands of sportbikes. The Gixxers are the stupid stunters/squids (with an occasional cool, real trackday kinda guy every now and then), the CBRs are the 'normal' people who are just kinda nice and responsible (for the most part)....not sure about the Kawi people. Not as many of them around as Suzuki and Hondas...

Just to say my hubby rides a GSXR 750, he bought it March 06 with no miles, he now has close to 20,000 on it, never dropped, even hit a small dog at night and kept it up, he is a little show off sometimes but for the most part he just enjoys riding his "DREAM" bike, try not to stereotype some much, we are all so different and thank goodness for that!! He loves my Honda and rides it all the time!!

[rndthought]

...He loves my Honda and rides it all the time!!

Did you realize you just made a pop culture euphemism? Nice 8)

[Sir Mix-a-Lot]
So your girlfriend rolls a Honda, playin' workout tapes by Fonda
But Fonda ain't got a motor in the back of her Honda
My anaconda don't want none
Unless you've got buns, hun...

[LeatherWings]

...He loves my Honda and rides it all the time!!

Did you realize you just made a pop culture euphemism? Nice 8)

[Sir Mix-a-Lot]
So your girlfriend rolls a Honda, playin' workout tapes by Fonda
But Fonda ain't got a motor in the back of her Honda
My anaconda don't want none
Unless you've got buns, hun...

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Seetrout]

When asked "What do you ride?"
600 Honda.
A CBR?
No. a 599.
What's that?
OK. Picture a CBR 600 without any plastic.
OK.
Add real handlebars and a classic pie plate headlight.
OK.
that's it.
Ohhhhh.
?

[BoundiAV]

I like how you described that seatrout. I'm gonna have to borrow that if you don't mind.

[Alex]

I just show 'em a picture on my phone. :wink:

[rndthought]

Geek. :wink:

[ukkev]

It's on my phone too :oops: :)

[rndthought]

Geeks. :P

[02KBGT]

lmao

[robkb]

I mentioned to a colleague of mine (a cool female, by the way) that I was thinking about riding my motorcycle to the basketball game tonight. She beamed and asked, "You've got a motorcycle?"
I said, "Yes. Haven't you noticed those pictures of that bike on my wall in my classroom?"
She hasn't. When she does, I'll share with you her reaction.

[GuyD]

Robk, next thing you know she'll be riding on the back! Nothing like a bike to get the ladies interested, LOL.

[robkb]

She's cool as hell, but has a "butter face". Everything's good... But her face! :shock: I wouldn't take her to a dog fight 'cause I'm afraid she would win.

[VooDooYouDo]

ouch. That won't buff out.

[MitchAnstey]

Today I went to a San Francisco motorcycle shop with my buddy to check out some of their bikes. I was sitting on one when a woman came up to see if I needed help. I told her I already had a bike, and that my buddy was the one who could use some assistance. She asked what I rode, and I said "Honda 599." She responded positively, saying something like, "oh, that's nice." Then, after about 15 more minutes of talking, she said, "I'm sorry, I really don't know what a 599 is. Is that like the CBR600?" I had to quickly check the manual to see if the Nighthawk rule applied to people confusing the CBR600 with the 599, but no such luck. I set her straight, and the world is right again.

[JBarx]

ouch. That won't buff out.
LOL.

I had to quickly check the manual to see if the Nighthawk rule applied to people confusing the CBR600 with the 599
By "rule" do you mean the CB750/Nighthawk interchangable terminology? I used to swap them all the time.


I went out for a healthy ride today and every time I stopped somewhere public, at least one person asked about the bike, and nearly all the conversations went like:

"What year is that Honda?"
2004

"Um... what IS it?"
It's a 599.

"Never seen one."
You probably haven't. They were only imported in '04 and '06. They're big in Europe though.

"Hmm."
It's a CBR600 F3 without the plastic bullshit.

"Oh. I get it. It's nice"
Yeah, thanks.


The first few times you have that conversation it's kind of exciting... but eventually it just gets strange because of the overwhelming sense of deja-vu. These bikes do get a lot of props, though. I guess you can't go wrong with that.

[MitchAnstey]

This is the very important rule that I'm referring to. Luckily for the lady, the manual had no mention of silly mistake.

One of my friends asked, "What is it, a Nighthawk?" Of course, I had to kill him.

[pillowpants]

"What year is that Honda?"
2004

"Um... what IS it?"
It's a 599.

"Never seen one."
You probably haven't. They were only imported in '04 and '06. They're big in Europe though.

"Hmm."
It's a CBR600 F3 without the plastic bullshit.

"Oh. I get it. It's nice"
Yeah, thanks.


This is the same exact conversation I have every time. My local Honda store even has a Parts Manager who's British and he's not sure what I'm talking about. Guess that's the price you pay for having such a unique bike.

[JBarx]

This is the very important rule that I'm referring to. Luckily for the lady, the manual had no mention of silly mistake.

One of my friends asked, "What is it, a Nighthawk?" Of course, I had to kill him.
Ohhhh....

I used to have a Nighthawk 750... and when I sent a friend pictures of the 599 he said: "So you got the Nighthawk fixed?"

:shock:

I didn't even know what to say. Although, I have to cut the dude some slack. He doesn't know a thing about bikes, and the two motorcycles in question are black nakeds. We look at these things all the time so difference is huge, but if you don't ever pay attention they all probably look the same.

That said, rules ARE rules.

I flew to California and slit his throat.

:twisted:

[robkb]

I always add, "It's made in Italy." Because it is, of course. And because it sounds so cool.

[Billy from Philly]

599 with the stickers removed.

Question: What is it ?

Answer: EURO bike made in Atessa Italy. Honda engine everything else is Ducati.

Reaction: WOW, Gotta get me one. Where can I get it.

Answer: you can't

[JHenley17]

As I was walking to my bike today after class, I saw some chick pull up on a moped and look at my bike (she was actually on the back, her friend was driving). She wasn't looking at it in an admiring way, though... she was up close, like she was looking at something. I don't know what to think of it. She backed away when she got to my helmet, though (which was on the wire loop). Maybe because it was obvious that I was about to mount it, maybe she needed a helmet?

[Billy from Philly]

JHenley17

Or maybe she just needed something strong and powerful between her legs.

[JHenley17]

That's what I was thinking as she was walking to it, but unless she really knew what she was looking at and wanted to see something, that's really not the feel I got from the situation... being on the pillion seat of a Schwinn moped, maybe she really did have a longing for something bigger, though...

[Easyenough]

599 with the stickers removed.
Question: What is it ?
Answer: EURO bike made in Atessa Italy. Honda engine everything else is Ducati.
Reaction: WOW, Gotta get me one. Where can I get it.
Answer: you can't

Just got a clean matte black tank off of ebay without stickers (to replace my dinged up tank). I'll be using your script everyday from here on out.

Parking Security: What is that?
Me: Honda
PS: I can see that, but I know every Honda, and I've never seen that.
Me: its a 599
PS: I can see that too.
Me: guess so.

[twm1010]

The fella I'm passing in this picture spent 10 minutes telling me why I needed a different bike and that the 599 was not adequate for the track. He high-sided on the next lap and broke his leg.

Uh huh... yep.

http://mcnicholas.smugmug.com/photos/53511397-M.jpg

[Easyenough]

Ha! Not only did you take him on the inside, you can roll right off the track and head straight to the party. Thanks for representing the 599 so well.

[rndthought]

twm :clap
Yeah, that's why I'm amazed when people think they need more HP and more bike to be faster (esp. on the road)... Majority of effort should be spent on technique.

[JBarx]

Effing sweet. That gets me pumped for my first time at the track coming up this spring. Granted I won't be allowed to make moves like that but I'll get there eventually. Nice pic... it's a perfect "what to do vs. what NOT to do" situation... body position, head position, lean, all superior with twm on the 599. Keith Code would give you a no-no on that outside arm because it looks a little stiff. But who cares? You can see the guy on the Suzuki is actually shaded to the outside of the bike's centerline in that turn. Yikes. However... this is all shit I know but can't actually do yet, so technically I'm full of it.

Is that a GS getting the lumber laid to it?

Ha! Not only did you take him on the inside, you can roll right off the track and head straight to the party.
:lol:

[VooDooYouDo]

JHenley17

Or maybe she just needed something strong and powerful between her legs.

I love using that line with the woman. :D

[robkb]

I like to walk around my 599 and wish it was the first time I'd ever seen one. Man, it looks so good. I love everything about it. I already know other's reactions to my 599.
They check the tail and see the numbers 599. "Wow! What's that? Five-nine-nine..."
They see the Honda logo on the shiny black tank. "Oh, Honda. That's cool as sh!t."
They look closer at the gauges. "15,000 RPM... " They imagine what the panel looks like all lit up with its information.
They dig the two headlight bulbs and lens. "This bike is nice!"
Maybe, they understand the coolness of the inverted fork; maybe they don't. They just know this bike looks tough. "Man! Look at that engine. This thing is BAD!"
The high muffler says high velocity. The rear shock and fat tire leave no one fooled by the machine's cool, tame facade. "I bet this bike will GO!"
They read Rizoma Racing Components on the sliders. "Shoot... This thing is RIGHT!"
And the Givi. Because they're checking out the instrument panel again. "Man! They've got a little windshield on there. Dang! 599."
:disco :disco

[leemardo]

I took mine to my dad's house last weekend. He's an old school bike guy. His last bike was an '81 yamaha xs1100 special, it was the badass bike of it's day but when I look at pictures of it now it's about the goofiest looking bike I could imagine (I would'nt tell him that of course). I figured he'd be OK with the 599 but he actually loved it. I have'nt seen a twinkle in his eyes like that since the neighbor lady went to her mailbox in a tube top. When I told him the f3 motor put out as many horsepower as his old yamaha he giddily picked up the phone to schedule a drag race with my brothers kawasaki cruiser (my dad hates harleys and all harley wannabe's). I have a feeling the next family dinner is really gonna suck for my brother.

[n2citrus]

I had one of the best reactions to date while I was on the highway over the weekend. This guy in a pickup is passing me slowly in the fast lane, and as he is going by he nearly breaks his neck looking over his shoulder admiring the bike(or perhaps trying to figure out what it is). He spent a little too much time staring and actually drove off the road! He did a quick correction, punched the gas and drove off. I nearly fell off the bike I was laughing so hard! Yes its true...the bike is so pretty, its a hazard!

[rndthought]

...the bike is so pretty, its a hazard!
Kinda like Steve.

[MitchAnstey]

Either I haven't been around long enough, or RND + Steve are really starting to get into the swing of man-love. Maybe they're just not afraid to show it now.

[robkb]

Yeah, rnd... What's IN that glass you're holding?

[sbrow247]

Hornets or "599's" as they are called in your country are more common over here in England.
Still, the majority of bikes you see are super sports and super motos so seing a hornet is a refreshing change!
All the kids love my bike and old men... a very dubious honour.
Have you guys got the new 07 hornet yet? have you seen the new super hornet the cb1000R yet?

[Super Sneaky Steve]

...the bike is so pretty, its a hazard!
Kinda like Steve.

It really is. It's hard to ride a motorcycle with women throwing underware at me all the time.

Ahh the things i put up with! :P

[Billy from Philly]

NEW SUPER HORNET CB1000R

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/1377/cb1000rje5.jpg

Honda UK site for Super Hornet

http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/2008/CB1000R/360/index.html

[motorico]

Hornets or "599's" as they are called in your country are more common over here in England.
Still, the majority of bikes you see are super sports and super motos so seing a hornet is a refreshing change!
All the kids love my bike and old men... a very dubious honour.
Have you guys got the new 07 hornet yet? have you seen the new super hornet the cb1000R yet?

Not sure we are getting them over here. I hope that naked sport bikes continue to capture market share but most seem to prefer plastic wrapped racers or chrome barges.

[rndthought]

Yeah, rnd... What's IN that glass you're holding?
I believe that evening I was the company of a luscious 18 year old Glenmorangie... but can't be certain, as I'm sure you can understand by the picture :wink:

[sbrow247]

Hornets or "599's" as they are called in your country are more common over here in England.
Still, the majority of bikes you see are super sports and super motos so seing a hornet is a refreshing change!
All the kids love my bike and old men... a very dubious honour.
Have you guys got the new 07 hornet yet? have you seen the new super hornet the cb1000R yet?

Not sure we are getting them over here. I hope that naked sport bikes continue to capture market share but most seem to prefer plastic wrapped racers or chrome barges.

In the uk the new bike(s) to have are what they call "super nakeds"

We're talkin MV agusta brutalle, z-1000, moto morini corsero, speed triple.

You guys would love em.
In the Uk its so difficult to obtain your full motorcycle licence everybody seems to want to buy superbikes which as we all know look like soap dishes :lol:

[Billy from Philly]

sbrow247In the Uk its so difficult to obtain your full motorcycle licence

Just wondered what the steps are to obtain a FULL MC license in UK ? In the US just take a free course or a test and your in.

[SwordandScales]

I just got an '02 919, and although it is not a 599, they are like brothers haha. I'm waiting to take the MSF course, but I get my pass to ride Thursday. The only comment I've gotten about the bike is from my buddy who rode it on base for me. The moment he got off at Pass & ID after about 30 minutes on the highway, he said: "Yeah...that will definitley do a wheelie." Which of course he never did, and I have no plans to, but I'm glad to hear it has good highway power at least. I love these bikes.

[JHenley17]

Two of my friends saw it sitting in the garage when we pulled up and immediately walked up to inspect it. "Nate, is that your bike? It's Josh's? That's so bad ass! I love it! You have to show it to me!" At that point, I'd had a few, so all I did for him was some neutral revving... which I know is a bad idea, but at least I didn't hop on and try to show off while buzzed... "That just made my f*cking night." I'm so cool...

[robkb]

I just got an '02 919, and although it is not a 599, they are like brothers haha.
Yeah. The 599 is the younger brother, in his leather jacket or colors, rebelling against everything. The 919 is the older brother. He's a little more laid back, mature, bigger.

[yeroC]

cb1000 is pure sex! carb fiber wheels, singleside swing, looks like a
Hornet that someone pissed off. I'd have to go asphalt black or blood.

[robkb]

At a stop light in town, a dude on a Yamaha FZ-1 asked me how long I've had my bike.
I said, "Since '06." And then he became real small in my left mirror.

[robkb]

Sometimes you just KNOW others' reactions to your 599.
I'm sitting here, looking at pictures of my 599 from Day 1 (11-30-07) when it was still in the crate, and reminiscing...
Others' Reactions: Man, I bet when those dudes were putting together my 599, they were thinking, "This is one bad-ass motorcycle!" Know what I mean?
I remember the day I walked in there and told them I wanted them to get me a Honda 599. They didn't even know what I was talking about! That's pretty cool, I think. I showed them a picture of one and they e-mailed their warehouse, and sh!t I haven't dropped it yet. That's good. I love my 599.
I wish I could post the pictures of it still in the crate, but all I have are actual 4x6 photographs - nothing on an SD card or anything!

[belligerent]

About a month ago, I was parked at a Huck's NOW, drinking a Red Bull I had just purchased, when this lady and her two kids (or somebody's two kids, or somebody's one kid and another somebody's one kid) walked past me to where they were parked. The kids (a boy and a girl, around 10 years old) both were all WHOA about it and said to each other (but not to me. I guess I'm scary) that it was the coolest motorcycle in the universe.

Who says kids these days aren't smart?!?!

[robkb]

Dude, you're every kid's hero when you're on a motorcycle!

[carlitos_92]

One of the first times I rode to work last spring, one young co-worker asked me if I took all the bodywork off the sides "because I wrecked it."

*Sigh*

[dabinche]

Up until very recently, the european honda site categorized it under "Standard"... now they renamed that category as "Traditional" ... whatever the hell that means.

same difference

[dabinche]

Every sport bike rider has been like "oh... what's that?" A lot of my friends love it. My sister's friend said "the back looks like a crotch rocket, but the front looks like a regular motorcycle." I much prefer having a naked that nobody knows about. Chicks still want to ride...

the back looking like a crotch rocket is the only thing I don't like about the cb600f...wish it was more like the old standard bikes where the bitch seat is level with the pilot seat, by the way is what the cbf600 looks like

[yeroC]

As i was gearing up about to leave the barbershop, one of the idle barbers who i
know rides, was standing outside smokin' a stoge looking at my bike. He asks,
"where's all the fairings?"
i say "that plastic shit? Naw man this is a naked."
"...you want it like that?" he replies. (with this look of sentiment:crazy)

vvvrrrrrrrroooooommmmmmmm!!:ride

[MitchAnstey]

"...you want it like that?" he replies. (with this look of sentiment:crazy)

There are all kinds of people in the world. I bet sooner or later the naked look will begin to out weight the fairing look. Style is always changing. But then again, maybe the naked look is really holding strong in the custom cruiser group. Since europeans don't get cruisers, they just go for the naked sportbikes. Sound about right?

[zim]

I stopped to gas up, went inside to pay for it and the cashier asks me, "what kind of bike is that ?", I reply a honda, his response....." a honda ? it sure is purdy, I thought it was of those Italian jobs". I just laughed....

[yeroC]

Sounds about right. But if Triumph keeps coming out with those huge tanks they're
calling cruisers...

[91_4x4runner]

Sounds about right. But if Triumph keeps coming out with those huge tanks they're
calling cruisers...

Oh, they consider those motorcycles? I thought Triumph was getting into the car business....

[somwone]

i was showing my bike to my friends the other day, they really liked it

but they asked me about the passanger pegs "is that where u put ur feet when you want to lay down and go faster?"

two of them asked that

it cracked me up inside

[motorico]

i was showing my bike to my friends the other day, they really liked it

but they asked me about the passanger pegs "is that where u put ur feet when you want to lay down and go faster?"

two of them asked that

it cracked me up inside

That's a valid question. Lots of riders on bikes with less sporting riding positions do that for long hauls.

I could see it working for straightline riding but I need my legs under me to shift my weight in turns.

[GuyD]

tell them those are the pegs you use when you are riding a wheelie. That ought to get a rise out of them!

[motorico]

I went to get my saftey inspection this weekend. The owner of the shop comes to me and says

[paraphasing]
Nice bike. We have to charge the battery because we left the light on while we were doing the inspection.
[/paraphrasing]

I guess they got distracted.

[w21irving]

...but they asked me about the passanger pegs "is that where u put ur feet when you want to lay down and go faster?"...


I have a couple of times on long boring straights of the interstate, to get a feel for being more streamlined.... i stoppped because, for some reason, i feel like a turkey, ready to be carved up....:crazy

[DH919]

the funniest coversation I've ever had about my bike went something like this...

idiot~ who did the repair work on your bike?

me~ excuse me?

idiot~ the repair work on your bike, who did it?

me~ What do you mean? there hasn't been any repair work

idiot~ well why'd you take off the fairing and put that round head light on it?

me~ it came that way, it's call a naked sport bike, Honda made it, it's a 919.

idiot~ 919? You sure you didn't take the fairing off a 929?

me~ look it up, it's called a Honda 919.

idiot~ honda didn't make a naked bike...

me~ whatever... (as I walk away)

[robotribe]

me~ look it up, it's called a Honda 919.

idiot~ honda didn't make a naked bike...

me~ whatever... (as I walk away)

Y'know, guys like this are the same type who talk to themselves in the mirror while flexing their imaginary muscles and sucking in their very real beer gut.:crazy

[SLC599er]

My bike is wintering in my brother's garage, and I go out to visit every few weeks. He's not a bike guy (although as the proud owner of a '76 Lancia Scorpion, he is an Italian-design and carburetor guy) and he'll hang out with me in the garage while I get the bike fired up. And he'll look at the bike, and he'll say, "You know, I'm not a bike guy, but that's a sweet bike." And it makes me feel good.

I should probably teach him how to ride it one of these days.

[DH919]

Y'know, guys like this are the same type who talk to themselves in the mirror while flexing their imaginary muscles and sucking in their very real beer gut.:crazy


:lol2:nice!

[panagiotis]

was on my way home ysday and some guy screamed 'Cool bike dude!' at me..

at least thats i hope he said .... :shock:

also on a seperate occasion i was next to a bus, and some kids were looking at me. One of the waved , so i waved back and he did a 'YES/RESULT' movement with his arm!! :thumbsup

was smiling all the way to work :mrgreen:

[djamalt]

You know, I appreciate it most when kids get excited about my bike - not in a creepy ped kind of way. It's just that they are so critical about what's cool, that to impress them kind of means more than a head nod from the dude in the Benz next to me at the light. Oh well. Just my 2¢, or two pence as the case may be.

[somwone]

ridin in aracadia waitin on a left turn, some guy in a small old european lookin car with european plates passes by going perpendicular to me, glances over and gives me a thumbs up

[Pyxlwyz]

...some dude on a beat up Ducati Supersport pulls up next to me at a stoplight and says "What happened to your sides? Did you crash it?" He then proceeds to show me how he crashed his & the plastics were all cracked up.

[Billy from Philly]

...some dude on a beat up Ducati Supersport pulls up next to me at a stoplight and says "What happened to your sides? Did you crash it?" He then proceeds to show me how he crashed his & the plastics were all cracked up.

Ducati: Pride of ownership.

[somwone]

was sittin waitin for a left turn, some guy in a late model corvette pulled up next to me, i saw him checkin out the bike, then after a while he started to roll down his window then shouted out 'how much was you're bike?', but by the time he started to roll down the window, the light had already turned green, i didn't wanna hold up traffic behind me, so i just pointed at the light and rolled off

[2legit2quit]

I had my bike at a shop last week and when I went to go pick it up, the mechanic said he "fell in love" with my bike. Another guy standing by asked if I had it imported.:lol2:

[Transient]

I had my bike at a shop last week and when I went to go pick it up, the mechanic said he "fell in love" with my bike. Another guy standing by asked if I had it imported.:lol2:
Exact same experience here last week. Several shop workers came out to praise the heck out of it.

[unwashedmass]

When I got mine to the shop after the crash, the service manager asks "Did you buy this from Bob?" I answered no, I got it from a broker and had no idea who Bob was.

Bob evidently bought the bike in '05 and quit making payments as it was sourced from a repo auction! :D Sorry Bob, your bad luck = my good. I'll be sure to make it pretty as I put her back together!!

The service manager wanted to give me $2000 for the salvage, but I like the thing too much. Even a little bent up she's a hot little number!!

[Cassie]

Guy in the CVS parking lot: What kind of bike is that?
Me: It's a Honda 599.
Guy: How many cc's is that?
Me: 599.
Guy: How come you didn't just get a 600?
Me: (sarcastially) Oh, 600 would have been way too much for me to handle!

Guy in the gym parking lot: What kind of bike is that?
Me: It's a Honda 599.
Guy: Is that the new Honda with the automatic transmission?
Me: Ummm...no. (I point at my shift lever.)
Guy: Oh. Well, I have a (insert the name of a bike I've never heard of).
Me: Nice...(didn't know what else to say so I put my helmet back on)

[motorico]

Gassing up:

Guy in BMW X (2N + 1): How many ccs is that?
Me: 599
Guy: I bet it screams
Me: It can

He goes on about his distaste for race replicas.

Guy (paraphrasing): I like your bike, it's 'normal'
Me: Thanks
Guy: Be careful
Me: I will.

[599hornet]

had an older gent (prob late 70's) stop me in dairy queen this weekend and asked about the bike, said it looked like it flys, asked about cc's etc. then told me all about how he used to race back in the day! When he left he walked out into the parking lot and checked out the bike for a few minutes. i should have went out and talked to him but it was 90+ that day and i needed to cool off, when he left he got into a shiny red Z06...

[robotribe]

Guy in the CVS parking lot: What kind of bike is that?
Me: It's a Honda 599.
Guy: How many cc's is that?
Me: 599.
Guy: How come you didn't just get a 600?
Me: (sarcastially) Oh, 600 would have been way too much for me to handle!

Guy in the gym parking lot: What kind of bike is that?
Me: It's a Honda 599.
Guy: Is that the new Honda with the automatic transmission?
Me: Ummm...no. (I point at my shift lever.)
Guy: Oh. Well, I have a (insert the name of a bike I've never heard of).
Me: Nice...(didn't know what else to say so I put my helmet back on)

What's with all the "how many cc's" questions, anyway? I'd swear for as much as I get that question from people curious about my bike, you'd think that male motorcycle riders either have the smallest dicks in town or got kicked around a lot as kids. What a bunch of insecure morons.

[troyohchatter]

I have had three responses of note.

Harley Rider at work...believes that a 600 is slower than any Harley as it's bigger. Thinks the bike is entirely too quiet and is unsafe as loud pipes save lives.

Hayabusa owner...told me he'd wax my butt with his bike. I told him that as long as we stay below 120MPH and throws in just one curve he doesn't have a chance.

Mechanic at the Honda Shop. He didn't know a whole lot about the 599. I told him the engine is an F3 mil with smaller carbs and a restricted airbox. He said "I'll tell you what..I owned an F3 and that damn thing (pointing at the 599) would eat my F3 for lunch." Obviously, he was amazed with the midrange power.

[robotribe]

I have had three responses of note.

Harley Rider at work...believes that a 600 is slower than any Harley as it's bigger. Thinks the bike is entirely too quiet and is unsafe as loud pipes save lives.

Hayabusa owner...told me he'd wax my butt with his bike. I told him that as long as we stay below 120MPH and throws in just one curve he doesn't have a chance.

Mechanic at the Honda Shop. He didn't know a whole lot about the 599. I told him the engine is an F3 mil with smaller carbs and a restricted airbox. He said "I'll tell you what..I owned an F3 and that damn thing (pointing at the 599) would eat my F3 for lunch." Obviously, he was amazed with the midrange power.

There you go. The INFORMED response vs. the ignorant others.

[JWAJack]

At the gas station a while back, filling up with riding suit and helmet on, car pulls up on the other side of the island, with a 7 or so year old kid in back, window open. Mom steps out to fill up car.

Kid: Mom, is he a super-hero?

Mom: [undoubtedly chagrined] No, he's a motorcyclist.

Me: [ego boost all day].

[SLC599er]

At the gas station a while back, filling up with riding suit and helmet on, car pulls up on the other side of the island, with a 7 or so year old kid in back, window open. Mom steps out to fill up car.

Kid: Mom, is he a super-hero?

Mom: [undoubtedly chagrined] No, he's a motorcyclist.

Me: [ego boost all day].

All motorcycles should come with a 7-year-old boy that worships them!

My latest experience was with the local shop that I took the 599 for an oil change. On the phone, and in person, the guy kept wanting to know if it was a "GTX." I was like, "Nope, it's just a 599." They were all smiles once they got to working on it, though.

[rosetowner]

Just last weekend I was out riding with my family and we rolled through a town that was having a parade so people were all along the sides of the street. Some little dude yelled "Sweet Bike!" as I went by him. Kids are funny.

[splootch]

I get a lot of reactions to the old 599 (including "what's that?" "A honda 599" "How many CC's is it"

But recently I can't go anywhere without them complementing my new Dainese jacket. Guess it was worth the price! It's also super comfy, but could use more than one inner pocket.

Check it out at http://www.dainese.com/ca_en/motorbike/g-tattoo-ykz-pelle.html

[skrogg]

I had a Harley guy behind me at the gas station say "Sup rocket!" .I ignored him because of his tone .. he said it again SUP ROCKET! I turn and face him and I see a 5ft nothing red neck in a wife beater and a very bad sun burn..
So after I told him Joe Rocket makes jackets and it wasn't a club or my name .. I rode over and looked at his bike ..
As I was riding off I told him if he was going to be out drinking and riding he should gear up a little :)

[Commence8]

Parked on the sidewalk in front of the Phillies ballpark this weekend. A couple kids, probably about 12 years old stop me as I'm walking by.

Kid: Nice helmet
Me: Thanks
Kid: Is that a Ducati Monster?
Me: No, that's a Honda 599
Kid: So is that a ninja or a motorcycle?
Me: (Trying not to look confused) It's a motorcycle...(and that's where I walked away and the conversation ended)

[Technologic]

I have gotten the "cool bike" at the stop lights. I have even come out of walmart twice now to find guys standing there stairing at it. I love the look of these bikes. I can't think of another bike I would rather have. They remind me of the speed triple I fell in love with in Mission Impossible II but with a better looking tail. I would liken these bikes to an old chevy coupe fitted with coil over suspension and stuffed with a Corvette ZR-1 motor. Looks kinda of cool old school but you know it hauls a$$. I think guys appreciated the naked look way more than chicks. My dad and fiancee thought a 600 was kinda small till I showed the article out of an 04 cycleworld. Thats right. 0-60 in 3.2 and a Buckthirtysix. Now they want me to wear full body armor.http://www.honda599.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=28&pictureid=191

[zim]

I had a Harley guy behind me at the gas station say "Sup rocket!" .I ignored him because of his tone .. he said it again SUP ROCKET! I turn and face him and I see a 5ft nothing red neck in a wife beater and a very bad sun burn..
So after I told him Joe Rocket makes jackets and it wasn't a club or my name .. I rode over and looked at his bike ..
As I was riding off I told him if he was going to be out drinking and riding he should gear up a little :)

I've had a bizzare week. twice this week I've been asked, is that a buell ? then a hardley dude say's to me " you should dump the rice burner and get a real bike like a harley" so I looked him in the eye and said " I have one, but the piece of shit would'nt start so I had to ride this. and it's never failed me yet" shut his ass right up.

[robkb]

Well, I got some lip. That's a good reaction.
http://www.honda599.com/forums/showthread.php?p=113642#post113642

[somwone]

bump from the dead!

the other day, i was ridin to a KFC to have lunch with my friend

some homeless guy sittin at the bus stop near the entrance gave me a thumbs up when i was pulling in, it made my day

[91_4x4runner]

I suppose I can update my latest interactions.

I've had a few girls on campus tell me I had a cool bike when I pulled up.

Also, I've had 2 people who thought they could smoke me in their cars.

1) Early 90's Mustang, pretty souped up. Sounded supercharged. The light turned green and the damn thing just about wheelied (his 'Stang). I was still neck and neck with him until I backed off after 60mph. We both gave thumbs up and went our separate ways.

2) Today, some college frat guy in Daddy's Dodge Charger SRT-8. We pull up to a light with a long stretch of road in front of us. I'm a car guy just as much as I am a motorcycle guy and I love hearing them all spin up. The light turns green and this guy gives it the juice. Without even thinking, I twisted my wrist and took off. This car was pretty fast, though I could've easily taken him (I just stayed neck and neck). We weren't but a few hundred yards from the light when I looked down and saw 110 on my speedometer. Ohhh boy, I didn't even realize with the adrenaline rush. Needless to say, reality sank in and I was off the throttle ASAP and back down to the 50mph zone I was supposed to be in. When we got to the next light (about a mile away), I just gave him a thumbs up and kept on goin'. Even people who have to buy popularity need an upper from time to time.

[JHenley17]

I looked out the window at work one night to see a group of high school girls kneeling by my "RIDE NAKED" sticker for a picture. I was getting mad until I realized what they were doing.

[91_4x4runner]

I looked out the window at work one night to see a group of high school girls kneeling by my "RIDE NAKED" sticker for a picture. I was getting mad until I realized what they were doing.

LOL! I wonder if they understood what it actually meant...?

[somwone]

I have gotten the "cool bike" at the stop lights. I have even come out of walmart twice now to find guys standing there stairing at it. I love the look of these bikes. I can't think of another bike I would rather have. They remind me of the speed triple I fell in love with in Mission Impossible II but with a better looking tail. I would liken these bikes to an old chevy coupe fitted with coil over suspension and stuffed with a Corvette ZR-1 motor. Looks kinda of cool old school but you know it hauls a$$. I think guys appreciated the naked look way more than chicks. My dad and fiancee thought a 600 was kinda small till I showed the article out of an 04 cycleworld. Thats right. 0-60 in 3.2 and a Buckthirtysix. Now they want me to wear full body armor.http://www.honda599.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=28&pictureid=191

heh, everytime i read that, i always wonder why 'no fairing?' is on the down side... i like it with no fairing :D

[joeyvdb]

I also have never had a negative reaction to my bike, but then I don't really care what other people think of it. I personally dislike all the heavy fairings and the tank leaning position of most sport bikes. I like everything about my 599 and that is all that matters to me.

As far as people asking me what it is, in order to not have to tell them an hour long story about the bike and why they don't see many of them around, etc etc. I have found that the simplest explanation is that it is basically a CBR600RR without all the fairings.

[quadracer]

I usually hear "i didnt know honda made such a thing. Are you sure it isnt a cbr?"

[DH919]

I usually hear "i didnt know honda made such a thing. Are you sure it isnt a cbr?"


I love that, like I didn't know what I bought. people kill me sometimes.

[DH919]

What's with all the "how many cc's" questions, anyway? I'd swear for as much as I get that question from people curious about my bike, you'd think that male motorcycle riders either have the smallest dicks in town or got kicked around a lot as kids. What a bunch of insecure morons.


So what are you trying to say? I bought a 919 instead of a 599??? saying I'm insecure? or have a small pe... I'm just playing, :wink: I've gotten much the same. I get all the time my cbr is faster, i usually just respond with, cool...

Although made one guy mad the other day, pulls in next to me at a gas station on a cbr100rr, a few years old, not a new one. He goes on to tell about how he had it at 198mph on i-140. I asked him what mods he had done, he said none, the bike was stock, my response was, "so 198 huh?" you know the zx-14 and Busa are limited to 186. I could be wrong, but I'm sure they are faster than your stock cbr." He just looked at me funny and took off like I just killed his puppy. I love calling people on their BS... HA!

[Asphalt_in_SF]

I pulled into a gas station a few weeks back with this hot Latina pumping gas. I saw her give my bike a quick look. I normally don't pop off my helmet at gas stops but I did this time and she looks again. Then she walked over, gave my bike a hard stare and says "nice bike, wanna give me a ride?" Just like that. I said yes but my girlfriend wouldn't approve. She walked away impressed and disgusted at the same time. Mostly disgusted. I spent the ride home trying to convince myself that loyalty will not lower my testosterone level and cause testicle medical issues.:wtf

[DH919]

I spent the ride home trying to convince myself that loyalty will not lower my testosterone level and cause testicles medical issues.:wtf

I see no reason to turn in your mancard, or even lose any manpoints. Being loyal to one's significant other is an admirable attribute. One many people these days not seem to have. So for that I say rock on! :clap

[Asphalt_in_SF]

Thanks bro! My lady is a fine Latina herself and I've learned long ago (the hard way) that I can only handle one at a time. I can't even juggle oranges.:mrgreen: Now, I just got in from this happening women in real-estate party with an open bar and a couple of bands so don't mind me. I have to admit, I don't think my bike gets much attention because I have the stock exhaust. Even with my a-star riding boots, not much looks. But recently I scored a KILLER deal ($20) on some frankenstein boots from cyclegear. Speed and strength chopper deals. I didn't think they would fit on the 599 but it ends up they shift and ride just fine. The meaty soles also give me an edge on balance at my stellar 5'8" (5'11" drunk). Anyway, the ladies seem to love these boots. I now get long looks at stoplights checking the boots. Oohh, side zippers. I'm digging these boots. And open bars.

[Iowa599]

I looked out the window at work one night to see a group of high school girls kneeling by my "RIDE NAKED" sticker for a picture. I was getting mad until I realized what they were doing.

Should have asked them for a copy ;)

[DH919]

I looked out the window at work one night to see a group of high school girls kneeling by my "RIDE NAKED" sticker for a picture. I was getting mad until I realized what they were doing.


Maybe they should have posed for a picture...

[somwone]

riding home last night from my friend's house at 6AM, its cold, it kinda rained a bit before, so there's some damp patches on the road...

anyways, riding along, and i see this silver bmw starting to pace me, i can see his fender and part of his tire out of the corner of my helmet, he does this for about a minute, then drops back... then speeds up and gets ahead of me, and has his window rolled down, and starts to wave at me, so i wave back, and he drops back again, and i can see him laughing in his car... dude was wearing a pumpkin colored dress shirt too...

weird

[Super Sneaky Steve]

riding home last night from my friend's house at 6AM, its cold, it kinda rained a bit before, so there's some damp patches on the road...

anyways, riding along, and i see this silver bmw starting to pace me, i can see his fender and part of his tire out of the corner of my helmet, he does this for about a minute, then drops back... then speeds up and gets ahead of me, and has his window rolled down, and starts to wave at me, so i wave back, and he drops back again, and i can see him laughing in his car... dude was wearing a pumpkin colored dress shirt too...

weird

I think he was hitting on you.

[somwone]

I think he was hitting on you.

oh god, not again