Harley Sportster or Honda "Hornet" CB 599?

Question

I'm going to buy a motorcycle, and having a hard time deciding between these two bikes. I like the styling of both. One important thing is how the Hornet is classified. Is it a Cruiser or Sport bike? That will affect my insurance right? I have a friend that works at a Harley dealer, so I am sure I could get a discount there. Please give me your opinion on which you would choose and why - considering all aspects, but most of all price.

i thought it would be high dollar too. but its not. i'm a new rider (I'm learning to ride this weekend). like i said, price is key - so i was surprised when i saw the HD & Honda were about the same price. The HD may be cheaper because i know someone at the dealer ship. But once again, if the Honda is considered a Sport bike, that will raise my insurance, so the HD would be the obvious way to go.

Answer 1

I have had so many bikes I can't remember them all.

Had an '01 Sportster that had an oil leak from the valve cover at 1,500 miles.
Had an '00 Buell Blast that ate the cam, gears,
tappets, etc at 18,000 miles.

Have a 95 CBR 600 with 26,000 miles that just needs the valves adjusted.

What brand do I recommend? If you want to ride instead of learning to fix bikes
HONDA.

Answer 2

Honda Hornet 599

Answer 3

If given the choice between these two bikes, it would be an easy decision for me. I'd go with the Harley over the Honda. Over the years I have ridden both Jap bikes and Harleys. Once I rode the Harley, I was hooked. The whole riding experience was raised several notches. Harleys cost more than Hondas, but if you have connections at a Harley dealer and can get a good deal, go with the Harley. Even if you don't get a good deal, go with the Harley.

Answer 4

Honda makes a fine bike, I've had many, but it will never be a Harley. Even the 883 is a solid, dependable , versatile bike to be proud of.
There are lots of aftermarket goodies ,so you'll never get bored with it.
As a few of the others recommend , the 1200 is a good idea, within a year or so you'll be "jonesing" for more power.

One of the other cool things about Harleys is there is kind of a cultural thing around them.

Bike nights , poker runs , bike shows etc.Not that they are a make or break kind of thing, just an added bonus.

Answer 5

I can't believe you acctually have to ask that. Ok so the bikes cost about the same. They are both fairly comfortable with the edge going to the honda for it's seating's better weight distribution. Handling? Honda by a HUGE margin. Speed 95hp for the Honda compared to about 50 for the Harley and the Harley is a good 100 pounds heavier too and weight is the enemy of all things good when it comes to any vehicle. The Honda's transmission acctually works like it's supposed to and has an extra gear over the Harley. And the Honda also has FAR superior fit and finish. In fact it has some of the best fit and finish of any bike due it being assemble in italy. The honda is smoother as well. And sound... forget it Harley's amplified blub blub or Honda's ferrari like scream. And don't worry about resale value because if you buy the honda you'll be having to much fun to even think about selling it whereas most 883 sportsters are traded in less than a year after purchase. You also get 2 bikes in one with the Honda with it's tremendous 13,000 rpm rev range. Under 6000 rpm you have a calm smooth cruiser which is the perfect place for a begginer to learn then as you improve you can dive deeper into the rev range and as you go over 6000 rpm it starts getting sporty and once you 9000 it starts to rocket foward like a true sportbike straight until it's 13,000 rpm limit. You choose exactly what kind of power and how much of it you want when you want it. Not so on the Harley

Answer 6

You'll have to pick for yourself. I'm not familiar with the CB599.
Personally, I couldn't pick one until I had ridden both. They both make a quality product. I rode Hondas for years before getting a Harley.
Sport or Cruiser should not make a difference. Besides, a Sportster is the "Sport" version, hence the name. When I insured the 1450cc Superglide, I got exactly the same price quoted for the CB750K. (liability only, full would have been more for the new HD)

"You pay your dollar, you take your pick" another ancient saying.

Answer 7

just my 2 cents worth, ( and two points, lol) the sporty will retain more of it's value than the honda over the next year or two, and your trade value will be higher when you decide to go up in cc's. Hondas are fine bikes, but if you can purchase a harley with more cc for less than the smaller honda, which will drop about half its value in the next two years, i'd have to look to the future. eventually, you will want more bike than either of the two you have listed.

Answer 8

3 months ago, I bought a 883L, (got the L cause I'm short) It is a good starter bike. If you plan to keep it a while I would, look into the 1200. If you can't afford it, the 883 is still a good bike. Yes your insurance will be higher for a sport bike. Also since you are just learning to ride, look into taking the MSF course, some states, it is free. Some insurance company's give you a discount for taking the course. Happy riding!

Answer 9

Are u a nice person? Remember u meet the nicest people on a Honda: ) lol. Na man i ride jap Honda's are good bikes but theres no replacement for displacement go with the sporty u can up grade it from 883 to 1200 easily when you are ready with the Honda u would have to buy another bike to upgrade for more power.

Answer 10

Go with the Sportster.It is a much better bike. If you sit on both bikes you will feel the difference.You will also find that you can get a lot more accessories for it. I've been riding Harleys for over 30 years with other Harley owners and have never heard anyone say you get more for your money with a Honda.This first guy is delusional or something.Buy the Harley you won't regret it.