Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi,
I'm just getting into motorcycling. I'm taking a begining Motorcycling class and am getting ready to purchase my first bike. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on a first timers bike. Ive been looking at a 1986 Honda Nighthawk in my area for $900. Does anybody have different ideas for me to consider? I appriciate any feedback you might have. Thank You.

As long as the Nighthawk is in decent shape and safe (or can be made that way reasonable easy) I think you are on the right track. That bike should do fine to learn on.

Thank you for the info.
Today I went to a dealer and they had a 1991 Nighthawk 250 for $1995.
It was in great condition, but I wonder if I will out grow the 250 prettyfast. I also thought that price might be a little high for a 14 year old 250. Any suggestions?

James 250 is way to small to start out that Honda nighthawk is a great begginer bike but stick to 650 and up.

James - wait until the class. Usually on the last riding day they have several different bikes to try on for size.

I went and bought the Buell Blast as my training bike because it is the same model they use in the class. Then, 365 days later my wife has agreed that I can move up to a new bike, if I want to.

That is good advice, thank you.
Yea, after a little more research I figured after the class I would be ready for somthing larger than a 250.

cisco wrote:James 250 is way to small to start out that Honda nighthawk is a great begginer bike but stick to 650 and up.

There's absolutely nothing wrong woth starting on a 250. In fact, 650 and up is poor advice for most beginners. If you're a big guy, and plan to ride on freeways a lot, then I can see a 250 being a bit small. Other than that, they are perfect beginner bikes.

The good advice would certainly be to wait until you take the course. Then you'll understand first hand what you personally are looking for. The next step, when looking to buy a bike, do your research. asking here is always a good idear, also kbb.com and nada.com will give you some indication, but I like to look at ebay, and the want ads to see what stuff is really selling for. For instance, just a simple glance at my nifty want ad, which I picked up at the gas station for $2.50 revealed that I could buy a 91 nighthawk 750 for 1900. which is significantly larger than your 250, so I'd think it should be significantly more expensive. Just an example but be sure to do you research before you buy.

Happy Hunting.

Shawn