New, inexperienced rider starting on an old Honda 650?

[jackacid]

I have completed my MSP and was looking into 250 sports bikes (like the look, but don't want the big power/weight to start.)

However, my father's co worker just gave me a Honda Nighthawk 650 that needs roughly $500-$700 worth of work. This is obviously a lot cheaper than buying a new or used bike (in most cases anyway.)

So my concern is that a 650 is bigger than I planned to start with, despite the fact it's obviously the easiest/cheapest choice to start with.

I am in my mid 30s (ie, I'm not interested in being a daredevil) and I'm 6'3", 185 lbs.

Should I be concerned about the engine size as a beginner? I've heard never start on SPORTSBIKE over 600, but as a standard bike, I'm wondering if this can be considered a reasonable exception.

My thinking is if it feels like more than I can handle, I can always sell it and downsize. Any thoughts from experienced folk would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

[jstark47]

CB650 is kind of borderline for a beginner. It really depends on how quickly you can master riding techniques (which has nothing to do with your size, weight, or strength). If you don't have issues with the basics, it will be fine. If you do, it might be a little too much bike. No way to tell without watching you ride. How did you do on the MSF? Did you pass with flying colors, or did you squeak through?

[jackacid]

According to my MSF, my score was "a little above average" for a non-experienced rider. I got knocked for going out of the line on the double figure 8 (made the second one fine) and also for adjusting my speed on a A-frame corner test (which he told me every single rider got dinged for.)

Overall I felt pretty comfortable, never had any close calls or near drops. But I am being smart and being very critical of myself and plan to take my time before riding much with traffic or freeways etc.

I guess I'll invest the money and give myself a month or so to feel out how I'm handling it. If I'm not comfortable after that long, I will likely downsize.

Like the majority of MSFs, I was on a 250 (ironically, also a Nighthawk.)

[BikerRev]

I am a noob on my first bike - 1980 CB650c - and there are times when the power overwhelms me a little. I have friends who are more experienced than I who said that I guy my size (6'1'' and 280 at the time) would feel like I was underpowered with anything small. They were suggesting 450-650cc's. I found this one for a good price and got it running through a local shop who gave it a good go over for me. I have lost control once (in a gravel parking lot at VERY low speed thank goodness) but have grown into over this riding season. A friend and I were out on a day trip (200km) on some back roads that were challenging but gave me the opportunity to practise some conrnering and such. I am going to keep it, but am still wary of getting over my head. I try to ride a couple of hundred km's every couple of weeks to get in some good saddle time.

Whatever you get - go slow and be safe!

My 2 cents worth.

[mogster]

I realise budget might be an issue, but could you consider buying a smaller cheapish bike to get some miles under your belt?

You could then take a little time to fix the 650 & perhaps learn some motorcycle maintenance as well.

Starter bikes are always easy to sell on, so if you can afford it you can get lots of practice safely then progress to bigger bike next season.

Either way welcome to the wonderful world of motorcycling & the forum.

[gsJack]

Been wondering what year that Nighthawk 650 is? The engine in a mid 80's CB650SC is very different from the 80 CB650C that BikerRev has. More responsive to the throttle the 85 CB650SC I had was still quite tame compared to todays 600cc supersports and probably marginal as a first bike. I put about 48k miles on my Nighthawk 650, was my 4th bike.

For what it's worth I started on a 81 CB400T and thought it was a bit underpowered for highway use and traded it on a 82 CB750K 6 months and 6k miles later and still remember the first time I wacked the throttle open on that 750 without thinking I nearly did a back flip. Good thing I still had a newbe grip on the bars. LOL I was 52 years old when I started and still haven't got around to taking that MSF course, just practiced in a parking lot for an hour and hit the road the next morning and never stopped. Not the best way to do it but quite common back then.

[madjak30]

I don't think a 2V 650cc bike will be too much to learn on, but remember the heavier the bike the longer it will take to build the skills that you were taught during your BRC...like Jack said...

the 85 CB650SC I had was still quite tame compared to todays 600cc supersports

The bike you have would qualify as what most people will call a "gray area" bike, but not really...the SV650, Ninja 650R, FZ6R bikes will all have more performance (engine and braking)...yours will be more in line with the Ninja 500 (or EX500)...the real issue with yours is going to be the weight...

Just take your time and be safe!!

Later.

[jackacid]

Hey guys, got it back from the shop today, drove it around for a half hour so. Feels just right. Thanks for the feedback!

[totalmotorcycle]

Hey guys, got it back from the shop today, drove it around for a half hour so. Feels just right. Thanks for the feedback!

Hey, that's awesome! Do you have a photo of it?

Mike

[jackacid]

Hey guys, got it back from the shop today, drove it around for a half hour so. Feels just right. Thanks for the feedback!

Hey, that's awesome! Do you have a photo of it?

Mike

Thanks Mike, sure do. This was right after I picked it up, needed 2 new tires, air filter, cleaned carbs and a battery. I changed the oil myself, so that was one minor expense saved: