First Ride: 2004 Honda 599

We encountered some extremely tight roads, and the 599 was perfect for the task. Easier to ride in these conditions than a hard-core sportbike, the Honda was a blast to ride as well. We worried about the back end locking and coming around as we tossed the [motorcycle] into insanely tight corners while downshifting to first gear, but the [motorcycle] showed excellent composure. This composure carried through just about everywhere, and [it] is stable at speed as well. The only time we upset the chassis was when making sudden direction changes while riding very aggressively, or during heavy-handed braking leading into 90 degree turns. Here the rear end chattered under extreme braking as weight was transferred to the front of the [motorcycle]. The 6-speed tranny shifted magically, with or without the clutch, and the strong and quick reacting brakes provided excellent feedback.