Motorcycle Opinions

[ledhedsymbols]

Originally Posted by intakexhaust

Hey Led, if you get it, would you sport matching leathers?

Seriously. Whatever materializes on your two wheel acquisition, I have a near new full set of vintage 80's leathers to match that color scheme. 2 piece zip together or wear separate. I purchased them new in Germany back then. Don't ride much lately and I've surely gained some L-bees... ha.

I think I might be interested. I'm about 5'9" and about 175-180. 34 waist 32 inseam. I don't know my chest size, think chicken chest though. PM me if you think they will fit.

[HardDrive]

What about a Suzuki SV650?

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

What about a Suzuki SV650?

^^^ this

[Tishabet]

Originally Posted by nostatic

^^^ this

+2

[ledhedsymbols]

I really like the SV650 suggestions. Looks like a nice naked bike with an upright seating position. I'll check one out this week. They seem to be a bit above my price range, but maybe I can find a seller willing to deal a little on price. I've got a couple more weeks to look, so I will keep searching before I make a decision on the NightHawk.

[cruisin]

I think the Nighthawk is not a bad choice for a first bike. The one thing I did not see mentioned above though, is the possibility that seals are dried up from the bike being "drained". You could run into seepage issues and finding new seals & gaskets for a bike that old might be a bit of challenge. If I were looking to add a Honda to my (non-riding) collection, that bike would be a nice one to have.

I tend to agree with others though about getting a mid-90s bike for about the same money with slightly more modern technology; better brakes, fuel injection, self cancelling turn signals, better lights, etc.

[javadog]

I'd suggest a Suzuki Bandit 1200. Cheap when new, cheap now. A couple years ago I bought another one for $2800 from the original owner, with 1800 miles on it. Something with more miles would be less money and these things run forever.

I wouldn't buy a bike that's already been down, for a variety of reasons. The mentality of "There are two type of riders; ones that have been down, and ones that will go down" is crap in my opinion. I've been riding around 40 years without any incidents and if I were you, I'd strive to have a mindset that you need to stay out of trouble and never wreck a bike. Not saying you should feel invincible, just approach it like a pilot approaches flying. Mistakes are not an option...

JR

[bisogun35]

Hello, Have fun

[Grog]

I think the nighthawk would be a great 1st bike. One thing I would consider is finding one that is fuel injected, they aren't as much trouble with ethanol gas as the carbureted ones. I think $2100 is not bad for the condition of that bike. Classic good looks and if you like it who cares what anyone thinks. Also don't believe that all riders crash. You went through the course and If I remember right I believe you rode dirt bikes? Take it easy and you will be fine.

[cruisin]

Originally Posted by javadog

I'd suggest a Suzuki Bandit 1200. Cheap when new. . . . .
. . . . I wouldn't buy a bike that's already been down, for a variety of reasons. The mentality of "There are two type of riders; ones that have been down, and ones that will go down" is crap in my opinion. I've been riding around 40 years without any incidents and if I were you, I'd strive to have a mindset that you need to stay out of trouble and never wreck a bike. Not saying you should feel invincible, just approach it like a pilot approaches flying. Mistakes are not an option...

JR

I like this; unfortunately, I did have my one and only accident a few years ago. It was a bonehead mistake on my part. If not for that, I would be accident free since starting in 1968 and nearly 400K miles now. That one happened at 341K. Keep your mind in the game and you have a chance of never crashing.

[epbrown]

I think the Nighthawk's workaday style makes it a solid first bike, and the hydraulic lifters and shaft drive mean less to worry about for a newbie. It's a decent commuter, powerful enough to tour, without pinning the owner to any particular segment of the riding community. Yes, it's in nice shape, but it's not like the curator of the Louvre is looking to add a Nighthawk to their collection or anything - it's about time the bike earned a few scuffs.

Personally, I'd spend a grand on a slightly older UJM with a twin like a CB, Yamaha XS, Kawasaki KZ, and start saving for the next bike, chosen when you have a better idea how you want to ride (sportbike, cruiser, tourer, dirt, vintage, retro, or just something sensible for commuting).

Heck, I'm still trying to decide myself. I sold the CBR600RR last month and the Hawk GT yesterday. Keep the CB400 and add a new CB500F? Sell it and get a retro bike like a Sportster, W650 or Bonneville? Wait for the CB650F? It never ends...

[javadog]

The problem with something like that Nighthawk is that it will have a lot of deferred maintenance. It won't n=be obvious at first but there will be a lot of things that need attention. Yeah, you can ride it as-is and be blissfully ignorant of the issues, but they are there. After 25-30 years, the forks, shocks, suspension bearings and seals, brakes, etc. will be in less than stellar condition. That's why I suggest something newer.

That, and even basic bikes are better than they were in 1985. Things have moved on quite a bit.

JR

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

What about a Suzuki SV650?

Has good low down torque. They also come in full difference style's of dress. (ie. naked, or full fairing).

Fuel Injection Vs. Carburetors should be your priority IMHO, then price.

[HardDrive]

I also don't like the 'you will drop your first bike' idea. I'm 44 and I've never dropped a street bike. Not once. If you are getting into motorcycling, get something you love. If you wreck it, so what? Fix it and move on. Thats life.

Bandit would be another good option. I like the SV better because its a V twin. Put some pipes on it and it will sound like a small block Ducati.


(At the end of the day, my suggestion of the SV is simply a 'gateway drug' to get you hooked on V twins so that you will end up lusting after Ducati's )

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by javadog

I've been riding around 40 years without any incidents and if I were you, I'd strive to have a mindset that you need to stay out of trouble and never wreck a bike.

That's all good and dandy, it's not bad to have that mindset. I had it when I started riding street. Then crazy **** like a car hit you.

Maybe it's a phoenix thing...

[nostatic]

I would buy the newest and most modern bike I could, and ABS can be a really good thing. A 30 year old Honda that is a garage queen? That will require some work to make sure it is up to snuff. It ain't like a 30 year old car - if the bike breaks you're in a world of hurt.

Also, your budget should include full real gear - proper motorcycle boots, armored pants, jacket, gloves, and of course helmet. Yes, there are people on the board who don't believe in AGATT, but I'm not one of them. I also am not a fan of riding "cool" older bikes in traffic. In LA it is basically a death match of motorcycle vs the world. I'll take my upright riding position, plenty of torque, and ABS, thank you. Ymmv.

[nota]

spend a bit more
get modern tec
FI ABS lite weight
get new tyres chain plugs fluids and filters

I would not want a novice on a older bike
DO NOT GET NEAR ANY THING MADE IN CHINA

I started riding in 65 on a 60cc C-Z then a 90 bridgestone then a 175 bridgestone
then 250 yamahas with HD ''K'' NSU gelaria benellie honda ect later

but the good simple little bikes are rare today
and I don't get collector priced older common bikes
sure there are rare bikes that are worth real money
but common hondas built for the mass markets are not it
it is like collecting older 4 door mercury's and buick's

[Nostril Cheese]

Nighthawks are great bikes, but like others said, SV650.

Buy full gear.

[ledhedsymbols]

I'll keep looking for other options, but my budget is pretty much at 2k. That leaves me with plenty left over for a full set of good quality gear.

I also have to see if my wife feels OK on an SV650 too. I didn't really mention it, but she will also be riding it a bit. She's quite short, and the Nighthawk was very comfortable for her.

Whether I find something else or choose the Nighthawk, I really do appreciate all the points of view and inputs from all the experienced gearheads and motorcyclists on this forum. I knew I would get some good honest input from you folks.

[creaturecat]

maybe you should get a smallish dual purpose bike.
learn to ride off road.
maybe a dr 650 Suzuki. Sherpa Kawasaki etc.
maybe even an XL Honda of some sort.