I ran across this review (http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/it-aint-the-tool-revisited-3754.html) that I had never seen before, so I thought I'd post it. I guess it's actually a shoot-out between the 599, the R6, and the 650 V-Strom, but the bulk of the 599 info is on the first page.

It's not the most complimentary review I've read, but the criticisms are probably fair enough. Interesting read.

the review seems pretty accurate. one thing that wasn't mentioned was how sweet looking the 599 is. i think that has to be a factor!

Glad it's not actually a 4.1 gallon tank... I put 4.35 in last week... :shock: ... and Honda's not that cheap, the heat shield is stainless...

I don't think the wind is as bad as they make it out to be, but my experience with fairings is pretty limited. Everything else seems to be pretty fair, though. I'm starting to realize how soft the suspension is, but it makes for a very easy, as they say is cliche, confidence-inspiring ride. And I really do find myself wishing I had fuel injection, especially as the temperatures start to drop and I get some rough, jerky stuff below 3000 sometimes.

Want to make it feel even smaller? Take off those disgusting stock mirrors and get some bar-end mirrors...

It's a good review...and I thought I read them all!!!!

Of course this was why I bought it.
Still the motor is good enough, and that theme carries over in around-town performance and rider comfort.
Oh dear, I have to squeeze my breaks a little harder..I'll worry more about that when the arthritis kicks in!!!

wow I bought a great bike...hmmm maybe why I bought it!!!
Paul liked the bike enough to vote it first place, and Pete said it "shines...in rider accessibility". Gabe would have picked it but for its too-high sticker price: "this is a great $6,000 motorcycle, but at $7,399 there are too many better choices."

I agree with the price issues as well, but the SV650 and Ninja 650 (ER650?) seemed so far behind, it was worth spending extra. Not sure about the FZ6, though, but it's ugly, so I don't care...