the saga continues... Nighthawk no longer considered.

[barmy_carmy]

Hi V4, Yes its the baby brother of the VMax, but a lot lighter and very nippy.I think they started early to mid eighties, like the Genesis. They are still making them in Japan. Ours is a 1997 version, 5 speed gearbox. I think the US version and europe versions are 6 speed. We have put new exhaust on ours and de-restricted it too. We can get 0 - 100mph in second gear in a few seconds, so the power is there if you want it. But like I said its a good all rounder, and I think its a handsome bike,Definately the best bike I've been on.

[High_Side]

Yep, it was here from '85 to '87.

[ZooTech]

Zootech... stick with the 80's models. Conceptually, the new bike meets the needs as we discussed before, but if the 80's versions were not built to a price point then they are better and the 90's are, as you said, a step backwards.

Yeah, I loved my '84 700SC. It had features on it that I don't even see on bikes today.

If your wife fit okay on the NightHawk 750 with a seat height of 30.9", maybe she would feel at home on a Moto Guzzi Breva 750 with a seat height of just 29".

CLICK ME

Just check out the reviews at the bottom of that link. There's a chick who's only 5'1" that gives the bike a great review.

[scan]

I've also heard praises of shorter legged women about the Guzzi. Just seems it would be hard to find a dealer and service.

[ZooTech]

I've also heard praises of shorter legged women about the Guzzi. Just seems it would be hard to find a dealer and service.

I thought so, too, but turns out there's a dealer right over in Mt. Vernon of all places. That's about the last place I'd expect to find an Italian anything!

[oldnslo]

You guys ever heard of the Ridley Motorcycle Co.? Oklahoma City factory. Back in 2003, they made a full-sized cruiser, weighing just 410 pounds, with automatic transmission and a 24 inch seat height. It also has a 5-gallon tank, 38 horsepower, 700cc Vtwin engine. www.ridleymotorcycle.com
They still make that bike, and much more, now. With Harley engines available on some models, even. Still 24 inch seat height, though.

[ZooTech]

Yeah, I know all about them because I looked at 'em for a female friend of mine. I would have recommended one but I think they're outta his price range (not one model under $10,000.00).