What Would You Do?`

[oxbow1]

It's my second year riding,did the course last year,shopped for a bike, found one I liked and started riding, PLP, backroads 25-40 MPH.

I'm thinking I bought a bike that is too big (93 Nighthawk 750) it seems really heavy to me (5' 10" 240lbs) and I am thinking mabey I should trade it in and get a smaller bike (250 dual sport).

here is the nut....I really like the Nighthawk it is in beautiful shape and I got it for a good price.I don't know if I should just suck it up and get used to it or do I get rid of this great bike for a smaller one and by the end of the season wish I had my old bike?

[Fast Eddy B]

If you think it's too big, then it probably is. You could try a standard type bike. They weight less, for one thing.

[mgdavis]

A Nighthawk is about as standard as it gets. It is a heavy bike, but it shouldn't totally overwhelm a new rider. Some time spent in parking lots might help you become more comfortable on the bike. For what it's worth, I'm a tall skinny guy (6' 150lb) and my first bike was an old '79 CB750. Give it some more time before you move to a smaller bike.

My .02

[Dragonhawk]

It's my second year riding,did the course last year,shopped for a bike, found one I liked and started riding, PLP, backroads 25-40 MPH.

I'm thinking I bought a bike that is too big (93 Nighthawk 750) it seems really heavy to me (5' 10" 240lbs) and I am thinking mabey I should trade it in and get a smaller bike (250 dual sport).

If you've been riding for a year and you STILL feel uncomfortable and you think the bike is too big, then I'd say yes, the bike is definitely too big.

Get something smaller. Gain some confidence and skill. Then get a larger bike once you are sure of yourself.

[IcyHound]

The bike may also be a poor fit for you physically. That will make you feel awkward and uncomfortable.

[Fast Eddy B]

A Nighthawk is about as standard as it gets.

Oh the NIIIIGHT-hawk 750.

[TorontoBoy]

The CB750 Nighthawkis around 475lb, 75HP. If you're doing a lot of highway it'll be a whole lot more comfy. If you still like riding in your second season but the weight is an issue you should switch. There's a high probability you'll learn faster and have more fun on a lighter bike if you don't need so much power.

A smaller bike like a 250 is so much easier to ride in terms of weight. A 250 weighs in at 320lb, a 500 will weight around 400lb. If you're riding mostly city roads or 50mph/80kph speed limits a smaller bike will make the riding experience easier: easier parking, easier at traffic lights, easier u-turns, more flickable in corners, easier backing up, harder to drop (much lighter), you'll worry much less about dropping your bike, if you drop it it's easier to pick up, much better gas mileage (A 250 will get 75mpg), cheaper initial purchase price, cheaper insurance.

On the downside the 250 is lighter and is more affected by crosswinds, has a weaker electrical system (don't expect to plug in the heated vest, gloves, driving lights, microwave at the same time), and will, of course, have less giddyap when you open her up. It's a tradeoff.

How about getting to a Kawi Stealership and set your butt on a Kawi Vulcan 500 and see what you think. The Vulcan 500 has a very standard riding position similar to your Nighthawk. At the same time try the Ninja 250 and 500. Unfortunately Honda doesn't have anything that I'd recommend in the under 500cc category with a similar riding position.

Different strokes for different folks.

[blues2cruise]

How many miles have you actually ridden? You could be in your tenth year of riding, but if you've only ridden a few thousand miles, you're still learning.
My bike is 500 pounds and I found it heavy at first.

The bottom line though is how you actually feel on it and with it. If you decide to sell it, you will probably be able to get what you paid for it.

[oxbow1]

Thanks for the input everyone,I talked to a few experianced guys and they talked me into keeping the bike and are going to take me on some long rides 2-6 hrs and work with me on the PLP.
They said I need to really feel the bike out and get to know it and I'm not going to do that riding 45 min to an hour at a time,I really need some saddle time.They said by the fall I'll be wanting an 1100.

[Bubba]

OK! OK!

I'm sorry if I hurt anyones feelings. I thought the being we are all mature people here, that a little critsizm would be taken in a mature manner.
But I still stand by my statement. You have to be in shape in order to ride a motorcycle. If you are not in good enough shape to handle a 750 cc motorcycle, maybe you should look for something smaller.

Once again, I'm sorry if I hurt anyones feelings.