2006 Honda 599

This 600-class minimalist sportbike has long been an enthusiast favorite, and now it's better than ever.

2006 Honda 599

Specifications

Make: Array
Model: 2006 Honda 599
Engine/Motor: liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder
Horsepower: 100 HP
Transmission: 6-speed
[do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

The 599 defines what a versatile, fun street bike should be, with distinctive, aggressive good looks, lightweight chassis and exhilarating performance. It all adds up to total riding pleasure in a middleweight package.

If there's one idea every red-blooded American understands, it's hot-rodding. Like both jazz and rock and roll, it started here first, and on a singularly simple premise-the most bang for the buck. And if that meant shoe- horning a fire-breathing engine into granny's sedan, so be it; just stand back and let the fun begin.

That same train of thought lay behind the creation of Honda's original middleweight Hornet, released in 1998 in Europe. Namely, stuff a 100-horsepower inline-four engine into the chassis of one of Honda's most-popular domestic models in the 250 ranks. The result? The best power-to-weight ratio in the class, plus handling so responsive it seemed telepathic.

In concept and execution, Honda's middleweight 599 proved itself so profoundly and magnificently correct that it received only a few substantive change in five years of production.

Engineers made subtle styling changes to double duty. Elsewhere, Honda concentrated on detail changes; small touches that make the difference between a magnificent motorcycle, and one that's merely great.

What hasn't changed, though, is the 599's original mission profile: to be a thoroughgoing hot-rod with a potent engine in a chassis that offers the sort of razor-sharp handling previously exclusive to supersport motorcycles-and with a versatility that supersports could never match. All the changes made to this latest middleweight 599 enhance the bike's fundamental virtues, while still providing that most enduring of American maxims: providing maximum bang for the buck.

Features

New for 2006

New 41mm inverted HMAS fork with a new triple clamp and steering stem for superior handling and stability.

Fully integrated lightweight instrumentation includes asymmetrical analog-style tachometer, LCD speedometer, six-segment fuel gauge, a/b tripmeters with countdown function and clock. A separate LCD built into the tachometer displays engine coolant temperature.

New two-piece mini cowl surrounds instrumentation and features a tinted flyscreen for an aggressive look.

Newly designed front fender improves styling.

Dual texture seat has low-slip material and adds to rider and passenger comfort.

Gold finish on the front and rear brake calipers plus gold anodized front disc carrier add distinctive look.

New silver colored wheels.

New Metallic Black color.

Unique Features

Powerful, aggressively tuned 599cc inline four-cylinder engine features dual ignition maps for smooth, strong performance.

A feathery, 404-pound dry weight makes the 599 the lightest bike in its class.

The comfortable, upright seating position is ideal for commuting, sport riding and long trips.

Flat-slide CV carburetors for precise engine performance and superb throttle response at all engine speeds.

Stylish four-into-two-into-one exhaust system tucks in tightly and exits high on the right side.

Lightweight mono-backbone steel frame provides excellent rigidity while drawing attention to the impressive exterior design of the engine.

41mm inverted front fork, single-shock rear suspension and lightweight cast aluminum three-spoke wheels contribute to exceptional handling.

Brilliant dual-bulb headlight offers superior illumination and longer life.

Engine/Drivetrain

Compact 599cc DOHC liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine is derived from the championship-winning CBR®600F3 powerplant.

Intake ports tuned for smooth and responsive power characteristics.

Sixteen-valve cylinder head with a 12.0:1 compression ratio promotes efficient combustion and high horsepower production.

Direct shim-under-bucket valve actuation system is compact, ensures high-rpm durability and allows 16,000-mile valve maintenance intervals.

34mm flat-slide CV carburetors add extra punch at low- to mid-range rpm for superb real-world street use.

Liquid-cooled oil cooler and a lightweight aluminum radiator keep engine temperatures in check for consistent performance and long engine life.

Spring-loaded scissors-type primary gear and a rubber-mounted, floating clutch-cover help reduce noise.

Weight-saving features include a compact, lightweight one-piece alternator.

Unique stainless steel four-into-two-into-one exhaust system features an aggressively angled design for enhanced engine sound and overall performance.

High-capacity, 340-watt AC generator.

Maintenance-free automatic cam-chain tensioner.

Smooth-shifting six-speed transmission with gear ratios carefully matched to the engine's powerband.

Durable #525 O-ring-sealed drive chain.

Chassis/Suspension

Massive square-tube mono-backbone steel frame utilizes the engine as a stressed frame member, providing an optimal balance of rigidity and tuned flex for superb handling.

A single box-section downtube connects to a unique front engine-mount that incorporates a cross-member to link the frame to the engine's solid front mounts.

Lightweight aluminum swingarm features a large one-piece extruded pivot block and extruded triple-box-section spars.

41mm inverted front fork with 4.7 inches of travel offers unparalleled rigidity for precise action and excellent handling on a variety of road surfaces.

Lightweight aluminum upper triple-clamp adds rigidity for superb steering control.

Single-shock rear suspension features a high-quality damper with seven-position-adjustable spring preload and 5.0 inches of plush wheel travel for excellent suspension control in all riding conditions.

Braking system features two huge, 296mm floating front discs with twin-piston calipers and sintered metal pads, along with a 220mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper and sintered metal pads for exceptional stopping power.

Aluminum-alloy super-light, hollow three-spoke wheels with 3.5 x 17-inch front and 5.5 x 17-inch rear dimensions.

Additional Features

Wide, durable dual texture vinyl-covered seat with thick foam padding provides plush comfort for commuting and two-up day trips.

A stylish hugger-type rear fender closely follows the curve of the rear tire.

Instrumentation includes white-face analog speedometer; tachometer and coolant water temperature; digital odometer/tripmeter; indicator lights for neutral, oil pressure, low fuel, high beam; and digital clock.

4.5-gallon fuel tank is hinged for servicing ease.

Aviation-style fuel cap.

Handlebar-mounted manual choke provides smooth idling speed for cold engine starts.

Brilliant dual-bulb headlight features a polycarbonate lens in front of a die-cast aluminum reflector body. Two single-filament 55w H11 bulbs provide 60 percent better illumination, as well as much longer average life than conventional bulbs.

Maintenance-free battery is lightweight with sufficient starting capacity for all riding seasons.

Rugged plastic chip guards on top of the fork sliders protect the front suspension from flying debris.

Aluminum passenger grabrail.

Convenient ignition switch/fork lock for added security.

Handlebar switches and controls use internationally approved ISO graphic symbols.

Transferable one-year unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.

Ownership includes one-year complimentary membership for an individual in the Honda Rider's Club of America™ (HRCA®). Benefits include: discounts, travel benefits, roadside assistance, one year of Honda Red Rider™ magazine, access to HRCA Clubhouse Web site (www.hrca.honda.com) and access online to Honda Common Service Manual. For HRCA details, call 1-800-847-HRCA. For dealers only, please call (310) 783-3958.

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