I just bought a used Honda 919, and it is a blast to ride. I live in the city, and the power at low rpm is wonderful -- you can dart where you need to be at any point in the rpm range. The bike handles quite well too -- though this may be the result of the rear OLINS suspension which has been installed. I am really looking forward to next summer
yeah, I love these bikes too. You're now privy to one of the secrets of the early/mid 2k's market. The bike is magnificently flexible and brimming with real world useful attributes. Enjoy.
I don't know why everyone is going all gaga over the new CB1100. I'd just get a 919 and be done with it.
Bestest engine ever made. Makes plenty of power up top and I can shift it at the RPM's I shift my car at. Had mine for 3 years now:
https://plus.google.com/photos/1099...81510422450?banner=pwa&authkey=CKWT55TTmKyfHA Here is a photo. The bike is a 2002 and has 3000 miles on it. https://plus.google.com/photos/1099...96935151090?banner=pwa&authkey=CKWT55TTmKyfHA
As mentioned above, the 919 is extremely versatile: you can make power practically anywhere in the rpm range, it likes the city and the twisties but can be used capably in anything other than off road conditions. Also, as mentioned above, it makes more sense to me than the 2013 cb1100. While its styling is less purist, and is more of a nod to the past, its performance clearly exceeds the 1100. New 919's are still for sale, and they are selling for very little money. The best deals seem to be on the slighly used ones (ie. 2000 to 5000 miles) though.
I've currently got around 45k on my 919, which I bought used in 2009, with 8k on the clock... I've crashed (totalled) it and rebuilt it, I've ridden it to each coast and back, and have some great memories. I believe I'll have this bike forever, since I won't ever be able to get my money out of it, due to depreciation the past couple years. I'm also pretty sure this bike will be a cult classic in another 10 years or so...maybe it will begin to appreciate in value one day.
Shadow9er, I have heard that these bikes last a really long time. I saw one up for sale recently with 80k miles, and still going strong. At 45K you should have a long time to go yet. I do like the deep green color. You definately have some money invested....
Both bikes are good machines. They both have specific target markets. :) The 919 is a great machine that makes a lot of people happy. The happy table is big and has room for a lot of bikes and riders.
There are lots of 2006's and 2007's as well. Check craigslist in 5 or 6 major cities -- you will surely find one.
I put many miles on mine a year. I need to get some new pics though, played with it a bit since these were taken.
As most people have stated, provided you get a good specimen, reliability won't be an issue. 2004's got adjustable suspension and a bit softer spring in the rear. But both of those are easily corrected with aftermarket bits.
Every motorcycle from here on out will be compared to my 919. It's not everyday you come across a comfortable, light, torquey, bike that has a 200 mile range. One of the few bikes I bought twice.......
