Which would you choose??

[moosehead28]

So in the search for the gs's replacment, I think Ive decided on a honda hornet, there are 2 versions available, a 599 and a 919, of these 2 possible choices, which one do you think is a better bike, both are roughly the same price, and from the pics, look to be in the same shape, I haven't actually seen them in person, just browsing the classifieds
Thanks,

Dave


the 919(yes he does have the title wrong 998)
http://halifax.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-motorcycles-sport-bikes-2002-Honda-Hornet-998-W0QQAdIdZ270650805

the 599
http://halifax.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-motorcycles-sport-bikes-2004-Honda-CB-W0QQAdIdZ283293300

[ryott52]

Mileage on both are pretty much the same, and assuming they're in the same mechanical shape you're basically just looking at what size engine you want... Do you have much experience on 4 cylinder bikes? They're a bit of a jump from the GS, if this will be your first bigger bike I'd say go for the 599.

[jacob_ns]

Offtopic; I'm in Dartmouth! We should go for a ride sometime.

[moosehead28]

we should, if the sun ever comes out

[tt_four]

Well, there's not really a debate between 'better bike', especially for the same price. The 919 would definitely be the bike to go with. As far as a GS replacement, the 599 would still be a great bike and probably a better choice coming from the gs. Plenty of power and suspension to be a good upgrade, but if you think you've got the experience the 919 would be the way to go. Mister has a 919 and never has anything but good things to say about it.

[mister]

As TT said, I have a 919 and have nothing bad to say about it. You can read my write ups about it on this site

Here http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52805.msg619587#msg619587
and Here a more thorough review http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52805.msg620464#msg620464

If you have good throttle control on the GS and are riding correctly - loose on the bars - you'll be fine with the 919's throttle. If you are tight on the grips you'll find the 919's throttle jerky. It is far more responsive than the GS and... well, read my reviews for more a indepth take.

While I have not ridden the naked 600 Hornet I have ridden the Sport version pictured below. I did NOT like it at all. In fact, I couldn't wait to get back on my GS. I felt it was hot (the heat on my legs was too much) and loud (not from the exhaust just from the engine running) and the noise started to really annoy me. And it seems reluctant to corner (well, everything is compared to the GS, but this was different somehow). Granted, I could have been on a bad representation of the bike. Regardless, I preferred the GS500 over the 600 Hornet Sport



[Note, I did not like the SV650 sport either and prefer the riding position of the Naked SV650]

Back to the 919, it is nice to be able to leave the bike in whatever gear it is in as the speed slows or increases and let the bike's torque and large speed range in the gear, reduce the number of times you Need to change gears. Meaning, you don't need to go up and down the box as much when riding.

Anyway. If you have any questions about the 919, just ask.

Michael

[moosehead28]

I am leaning towards the 599 right now

Ive checked with my insurance today, the 599 is only 20 dollars a year more than the GS(330), whereas the 919 is 540,
neither of which is really that bad

I'm just waiting for GS to sell before I can move onto another bike

I will have some questions for you mister, after I check them out, and test ride


thanks.
Dave

[SAFE-T]

The 919's motor is from the old CBR900RR, which was very well-sorted and had a reputation for being very smooth. In comparison, the 599 uses the CBR600F4/F4i motor, which always had a reputation for coarse vibration.

Both bikes have 'high mileage', which means nothing in terms of the overall longevity of a modern Japanese motorcycle, but will make it almost impossible to sell later. I'd use this as leverage in making an offer on the 919.

[SecretAgent]

919 IMO

Let us know how the test drive was

[burning1]

If you have any questions at all about your ability to control a throttle, you don't belong on a big bike IMO. Judgment is the issue, not control. A modern 600 is capable of a 12 second quarter mile, yet stops no faster than the GS500.

[moosehead28]

I have no worrys about throttle control, or judgment, Im only asking to see if there are pros and cons to each bike

Hopefully the gs sells soon, had a few that seemed interested, well see if it leads to anything

heres the gs add, what do ya think, would you buy this   

http://halifax.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-motorcycles-sport-bikes-2003-Suzuki-GS-500-W0QQAdIdZ286109975

[Twisted]

Only way to tell is to test ride both if you can. There any reasonably priced Street Triples in your area? Or maybe also consider the Kawasaki z750. All good bikes.

[moosehead28]

I'd love a street triple, it's my bike to buy if the wife let's me buy a brand new one someday
The only used ones around are like 7 grand, bikes seem to hold there value around here more than anywhere else
Thanks
Dave

[burning1]

For street riding, I tend to prefer large displacement motorcycles. A little extra weight isn't a huge issue on the road unless you're very small, and the broad powerband on a near literbike is much more enjoyable than the peaky power made by a 600.