Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I've picked up the latest Cycle Trader and I found some bikes that were around $1000 and I was wondering if these were good beginner bikes?

1986 Honda Nighthawk $1,295
1986 Honda Shadow $1,600

Hopefully, these will keep me entertained for a while and prevent me in getting a 600cc bike.

how many cc's are we talking?

I think both the shadow and nighthawk had a few different engine choices in '86.

The smaller ones like the nighthawk 450 or shadow 500 would be good choices for a first bike.

Ian522 wrote:how many cc's are we talking?

I think both the shadow and nighthawk had a few different engine choices in '86.

The smaller ones like the nighthawk 450 or shadow 500 would be good choices for a first bike.

Ditto

The displacement for the Nighthawk is 450cc and the one for the Shadow's 1100cc. I found another bike and I was wondering if this was also a beginner bike? It's the Kawasaki KZ650 from 1977.

The nighthawk 450 would make a perfect size for a first bike...assuming its in good condition. Lightweight, good on gas, not big on power but enough to keep a beginner interested.

The shadow 1100 is a pretty heavy bike for a beginner, probably not a good idea.

The KZ650 is an inline 4 with around 60hp or so. In my opinion its a bit hot for a beginner bike, but if you take it super easy while you are learning you might be ok.

Id definately recommend the nighthawk though.

I agree with Ian. Of the three, the Nighthawk 450 is the best of the bunch for a first bike.

The other two are a toss up. The Shadow is heavy, but has a fairly low center of gravity. The KZ is a bit lighter, but carries its weight higher up (more difficult low speed manuevering).

I've been checking out the Kawasaki ZZR600 and I want to know if that's a beginner bike? I know that from sources from this site as well as the Motorcyclist annual bike review magazine that the Kawasaki Ninja 650 is a beginner bike as well. If not, I'll just go for the Nighthawk instead.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R wrote:I've been checking out the Kawasaki ZZR600 and I want to know if that's a beginner bike?

Not in the slightest

You want a beginner bike with a sport bike look and feel to it? Check out the Suzuki GS500F, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R and the Kawasaki Ninja 500R. If you're lucky enough to live in Canada, try Honda's CBR125R.

Yes, the Ninjas look old. Yes the GS500 kinda looks like a toy. Yes the Honda is really under powered (but it's a pretty sweet looking bike). Your first bike is not going to be your dream bike

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R wrote:I've been checking out the Kawasaki ZZR600 and I want to know if that's a beginner bike? I know that from sources from this site as well as the Motorcyclist annual bike review magazine that the Kawasaki Ninja 650 is a beginner bike as well. If not, I'll just go for the Nighthawk instead.

Not a beginner bike, small as far as sport bikes are concerned, but way faster than lets say a cb750 nighthawk. It is designed to perform.
I really should not say not a good beginner bike, every beginner is going to be different, maturity and common sense plays a big part and also awareness, always be aware of your surroundings. I personally would go with something a little more tame though.
Good luck with whatever you decide and just be carefull.

tortus wrote:

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R wrote:I've been checking out the Kawasaki ZZR600 and I want to know if that's a beginner bike?

Not in the slightest

You want a beginner bike with a sport bike look and feel to it? Check out the Suzuki GS500F, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R and the Kawasaki Ninja 500R.

I'm more than likely to get the 250R if I decided to get one. So, is the 650 a beginner bike as I've heard from magazines and other sites?