Are These Good Beginner Bikes?

Message
Author
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
Rookie
Rookie
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu May 17, 2007 12:22 pm

Are These Good Beginner Bikes?

#1 Unread post by Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R »

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.
My dream bike, the Ducati 1098.
User avatar
Ian522
Legendary 300
Legendary 300
Posts: 451
Joined: Mon Sep 11, 2006 3:47 pm
Sex: Male
Location: Jersey

#2 Unread post by Ian522 »

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.
User avatar
flw
Site Supporter - Silver
Site Supporter - Silver
Posts: 899
Joined: Fri Jul 07, 2006 4:16 pm
Sex: Male
Years Riding: 8
My Motorcycle: '98 Honda Goldwing GL1500se
Location: Rockford, Illinois U.S.

#3 Unread post by flw »

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 :D
Goldwing 1500se '98
VN500 LTD '07 Sold
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
Rookie
Rookie
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu May 17, 2007 12:22 pm

#4 Unread post by Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R »

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.
My dream bike, the Ducati 1098.
User avatar
Ian522
Legendary 300
Legendary 300
Posts: 451
Joined: Mon Sep 11, 2006 3:47 pm
Sex: Male
Location: Jersey

#5 Unread post by Ian522 »

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.
User avatar
flynrider
Site Supporter - Platinum
Site Supporter - Platinum
Posts: 2391
Joined: Thu Jul 21, 2005 1:36 pm
Sex: Male
Years Riding: 30
My Motorcycle: '93 Honda Nighthawk 750
Location: Phoenix, AZ

#6 Unread post by flynrider »

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).
Bikin' John
'93 Honda CB750 Nighthawk
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
Rookie
Rookie
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu May 17, 2007 12:22 pm

#7 Unread post by Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R »

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.
My dream bike, the Ducati 1098.
User avatar
tortus
Elite
Elite
Posts: 233
Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2007 7:29 am
Sex: Male
Location: Morgantown, WV

#8 Unread post by tortus »

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 :)
User avatar
Bored
Veteran
Veteran
Posts: 61
Joined: Wed May 30, 2007 5:10 pm
Sex: Male
Location: Dirty Jersey

#9 Unread post by Bored »

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.
When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car!
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
Rookie
Rookie
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu May 17, 2007 12:22 pm

#10 Unread post by Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R »

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?
My dream bike, the Ducati 1098.
Post Reply