Can't seem to find a bike I like

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kabob983 · #11 Unread post by **kabob983** » Mon May 01, 2006 1:25 pm

Check out the Suzuki V-Strom and SV650. Really nice bikes (on the upper end of beginner power though).

p4tz · #12 Unread post by **p4tz** » Mon May 01, 2006 2:56 pm

Thanks for the tips, I really like the V-strom and SV650. I know a guy that has an SV650 and loves it, so I'm definitely considering that now. Tomorrow I get out of class at 10 and plan to go to Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki dealerships. Hopefully that will help clear some things up as far as comfort, bike size, etc.

I really wish there was a bike that looked like the Honda Nighthawk but wasn't just 250cc. I love the way that bike looks.

jmillheiser · Mon May 01, 2006 6:10 pm

there is. its called the nighthawk 750. great bike but can be hard to find someone willing to part with theirs.

the v-strom would probably work nicely for you. same engine as the SV650 but with a more upright riding position and some wind protection, its marketed as an adventure tourer. Only issue with the v-strom could be the height, it is a tall bike, but the riding position is very upright and definately well suited to long distance riding.

The SV650 has a semi-aggressive riding position that has you leaned forward a bit and the pegs are a little higher and more rearset than the typical standard. make sure you look at the naked SV650 and not the S model which has the fully tucked in sportbike riding position.

roscowgo · Mon May 01, 2006 11:37 pm

Do they still make the 750 version of the nighthawk? wouldnt mind having one of those

that might be what you are looking for, and there should be at least a couple of used ones hanging around.

and i give up on the link. they call it the boulevard s40 these days.

kabob983 · Tue May 02, 2006 12:41 am

There's also a Nighthawk 650, although it's even harder to find than the 750. Also, check out the Honda Hawk GT (or NT650). They only made them for a few years between 88 and 92 or so, but they're great bikes! A little sportier than your desired Nighthawk.

DivideOverflow · Tue May 02, 2006 12:57 am

You'll be fine with the vulcan 500 if it is comfortable for you. It is a good beginner bike that will still do highway without any fuss.

flynrider · Tue May 02, 2006 1:03 pm

roscowgo wrote:Do they still make the 750 version of the nighthawk? wouldnt mind having one of those.

They made the lastest version of the Nighthawk 750 from '91 to '03 (skipping '94). A little patience will usually turn up a good used example. The nice part is that the Nighthawk 750s from the entire 12 year run are mechanically identical. Nothing but minor paint changes over the years. That means a '92 version won't be any better than an '03 version.