2004 Honda reviews

I am 49 years old and I have owned the bike for about 1 month now. It has around 1600 miles on it. I previously owned a Shadow Spirit 750. I really enjoy the bike especially the performance. The riding position is great as I do not have to lean too far forward. However at high speeds (135-140 mph)the more upright position will give you a beating but it is manageable. The seat is a little hard but hey it is more a sport bike than a cruiser. It is not built for comfort. Do not miss my Shadow but it was an excellent bike. Previous to the Shadow I owned a Rebel. All three are great bikes. My wife has upgraded the life insurance as she feel this gives her better odds than the lottery. Show less

I have enjoyed getting back into the bike riding world since the gas prices did what they did in '07 and '08. Even with some relief at the pump, I still wouldn't give away my VTX 1300. It is a real pleasure to ride and very reliable. It has plenty of power for me to move ahead of anyone I need to and do it with class. Many people remark what a real looker it is. Show less

I've owned this bike for three years and it's been amazing. I added the Corbin saddle to an already comfortable bike and long trips are a blast. The only thing I might otherwise add are a set of handlebar risers and a cheap cruise for a break every once in a while, because with the large tank you don't have to stop very often. I've never had any problems other than those that were operator induced (dropping it in the garage!). My wife loves it as well and is fairly comfortable on the back; only thing more comfy would be a Gold Wing or similar on long trips, but they can't do what this will in any other situation. Last year I put 18,500 miles on it because of a long commute and I couldn't be happier with the low maintenance that this bike requires, even being chain driven. I use Royal Purple oil and have found that to work best overall in extreme highs and lows (Corpus Christi, TX and Amarillo, TX -100+ to 20 degrees - far too cold to be riding). I get about 42 miles a gallon on average and about 45-48 if it's all highway. I could see how this bike could get uncomfortable for the legs of a taller person. This bike will truly do it all and everyone who has ridden mine definitely agrees that this bike is an awesome ride. Downside: insurance companies classify it as a sport bike. Show less

Very nice bike. Handles great in the turns. Gets you in and out. I have a little over 100 hours with the stock valves and the bike runs %100. It's a really nice bike if you maintain it well. If not, you should stick with a 2 stroke cause these things get expensive. In my opinion, I like the Honda the best out of all the other 250fs. I've ridden all and this is a great bike. If you're looking to buy one now, make sure it has new valves etc. Show less

I was a bit rusty before I hopped on, within the first 5 min it was as if I never stepped off. The power is great on this bike. My only problem with the bike is the shaft final drive; it makes curves a little different. I addapted to it quickly. All and all this is a great bike, even if your short like I am. Show less

I purchased this bike on 7/25/09. This was the first time I have ever rode a motorcycle. It handles very well, it is comfortable and easy to manuever. I would recommend this bike to any one who is thinking about purchasing a bike, but thinks it is too complicated to ride. Show less

I used to own this bike, GREAT BIKE, loved it, runs great, drives great, would recommend this bike to anyone, only reason I got rid of it, it was time to move up to a larger bike, if not for that I would not have traded it in. Show less

I have had this bike since new and I absolutely love it. It has a load of power and reliability is awesome. I have had it up to the handlebars in water and it still ran great. This bike will go up any hill you want it to. It will also follow big quads on long rides!! It is unbelievable in the mud too. All round this bike is amazing and is great for anyone. Show less

2004-599, my second bike. Purchased new in 2005. Now with 45,000km. Used for everyday commuting, never a problem, just the usual wear items changed (brakes, tires, chain) and regular oil changes, otherwise all original. You cannot beat Honda reliabilty. I've been riding for 0ver 20 years (first bike was an '83 Honda CM450E, retired in 2005, still ran, but I wanted an upgrade, tired of front drum brakes!) I prefer standard naked street bikes! Hate cruisers and not a big fan of super-sport bikes. The 599 is a great bike, period. Show less

From when I first started it, I knew I loved the bike. I clicked it into 1st and was overwhelmed with the power. This bike's power is really ridiculous. The bottom hit is crazy and in 2nd and 3rd the wheel comes up. The bike is just way too much for me, I can accelerate so hard it's unbelievable. It still pulls through the top and really strong, even more than my CR125! Whoever says 250s don't have much useable power is a liar. This rips so hard. The suspension is stiff but plush at the same time, soaks up the roughest. And it turns on a dime, point and ride. When I bought it, I was scared because I thought it would have been too heavy but was I wrong. It's so light and flickable it's unreal. No specific starting method; just kick, rev and ride. I love this bike. I am gonna have it for a loooooong time. Show less