Good first bike or too much? 86 Nighthawk 650

[Monkey]

Finding 250cc is pretty hard to do right now. I understand many say its okay to get for a first bike a cruiser with a 500-700cc engine. How do you feel about a nighthawk 650? is it too fast? WOuld you not reccomend it to a recent MSF grad?

Im not sure about the difference since this is a standard bike and not a cruiser.

[matthew5656]

I started with an '83 CB650 and found no problems with it. Those bikes were some of the fastest of it's class back in the 80's, but they're far from comparable to the 600cc sportbikes made today. I'd be more concerned with the weight of the bike instead of it's power, as they are on the heavier side. Much heavier than a little 250, but light compared to a cruiser or sport tourer.

If you've passed the BRC than I say go for it! You won't regret it!

[TorontoBoy]

You're in the grey zone. The 650 Nighthawk weighs in at 430lb with 72HP. I also found 250cc learner bikes were more expensive than 500-650cc bikes.

The I4 has more power than an I2 or a V2.

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/buyersgu ... hthawk.htm
http://www.motorera.com/honda/h0650/nig ... ghthaw.htm

[mgdavis]

An old 650 like that should be fine for a beginner. I wouldn't hesitate, if it were me.

[Gunslinger]

An old 650 like that should be fine for a beginner. I wouldn't hesitate, if it were me.

+1 on that. Just because more speed/power is available to you doesn't mean you are going to use it. I think it would be fine. 430 lbs is heavier than a 250 Ninja but only by a hundred pounds or so.

[Monkey]

sweet...how reliable is this bike? any complaints? anything to look for in particular?


im looking at a extremely well kept nighthawk tomorrow and i might come back with it

[Gunslinger]

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html
Everything you need to know about buying a used bike, and then some.
Some obvious things that I look for are oil leaks, tire wear, excessive mileage, and make sure all controls work as they should (brakes, lights, turn signals, speedometer). If it's an old bike be aware that alot of shops won't even look at a bike if it's more than 15 years old.

My number one rule is I will not buy a bike that isn't running. If the seller says "Aw it just needs a flux capacitor and it will fire right up" well then you call me when it's fixed and we'll go from there. What year is this bike and how much does he want for it?