04' Honda Cb599

Hi Guys,

I had a VFR and got in an accident last year and have  been looking for another bike. VFR are a rare commodity. 

But I was Hoping if y'all could give your suggestion on the current bike I found on craigslist. I saw a posting for a 2004 Honda CB599 with 10k miles on it. THe price is very reasonable however there are some defects to the bike. Nothing major but defects nonetheless.

How much is it to fix the tail fairing? Did not find a decent place that sells fairings for the CB599?

There is a dent in the pipe? not sure if it needs any fixing

I did inquire about the carburator. What other things I should look at?

Thanks in advance

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The 599 is pretty simple to work on and has no major flaws other than the generally sucky nature of the OEM suspension.  The seat is considerably less comfortable than the VFR unit and there are no aftermarket units with better padding to be had off-the-shelf (custom is always an option).  I know occasionally the vacuum petcock unit has issues (either not shutting off or not opening all the way). 

A brand new OEM "Cowl Set" can be had from partzilla for about $200 (http://www.partzilla...COWL/parts.html), ebay is also an option.

If the pipe dent doesn't bother you, then just leave it.  That is just a cosmetic cover, from what I can remember.  I'd sell you my OEM unit if you wanted, but it is insanely heavy and I would recommend an aftermarket exhaust just for the weight savings.

There are really no specific issues I can think of that relate to the 599, just the same general bike stuff you would look at with any used bike.

If you haven't already, go check out the Honda 599 forums (http://www.honda599.com/forums/) or the British forums (http://www.hondahornet.org.uk/messageboard/),  The 599/Hornet seems a tad more popular over there.

look into a superhawk vt1000

+1 X 100 on the Superhawk.  A much more entertaining bike with more practicality and comfort.  The later ones had a bit more range out of the tanks.  They also are not very expensive on the used market.  I am looking at one now with a clean title, nice upgrades and that has CBR fairings on it (needs paint and headlights) for $1000 cash...

Agreed!  Love the VTR 1K. 

Biggest detractor from the Superhawk is its 100ish mile range. I'm under the belief that the USA never got a larger tanked model. 

If you could get 150 miles or so from the Hawk I might own one. I would hold out for VFR's there are quiet a few for sale just a few hours north of you. There's a yellow one in Concord NC with a high mount 2bros can and sargent seat for only 3300$ (Not mine, just saw it recently) 

-PRB

I had the same bike as MadScientist, and he has pretty much nailed it.  The suspension is REALLY crap on those bikes, but it's an old CBR600F3 motor and will be moderately enjoyable if you take care of the carbs, intake boots, and other fueling-related items.  I don't know about the ATL market, but IMHO 599s are much more rare than a VFR in general around here.

Ditto on the honda599.com forum; you may very well find someone selling/trading parts for a 2004.  Otherwise bikebandit.com is another source if not the cheapest.

The stock exhaust is a boat anchor and I'd replace it on principle alone if you have the funds.  That tail section is probably the first order of business since water can get in places you don't want the way that it is.

I'm 6'1" and 220 and once I got over the increased pressure on my wrists, I fell in love with the VFR after the 599.  The Viffer is just more comfy all around, and has oodles more character.

Since your OP was almost a month ago, I figure you've either snatched the 599 or moved on, but good luck either way.