[Anonymous]

I pretty much want to lick the Honda Nighthawk all over. Is this a good beginning bike for someone who is 5’4 and 120#s? I may need to throw a friend on the back every so often (most of my friends are heavier than me, and frankly, somewhat reluctant, but just in case)… is this bike big enough for that? I’ll be using it to commute (often on highways) in LA. As a side note for those who live nearby: is it unrealistic to think this could be my primary mode of transportation in LA?

Clearly I’m way new to this– the only bikes I’ve been on are huge BMWs but I like the idea of a 250.

Any advice would be super helpful! Thanks in advance!

[ShannonG]

I think wanting to lick a bike all over is a pretty good indicator you’ll be happy with it even if it only starts once a week and leaks oil all over your driveway.

Edited to say: I just looked it up and it is a sexy little bike! I’ll keep my tongue to myself though.

[shaggles]

Nighthawks are cool. They had one in my msf class. I didn’t ride it but it looked a little taller than the other bike (mostly Yamaha Viragos and Suzuki GZ250.) They’re supposed to be pretty light too.

[megaspaz]

All this licking has left me speechless…

—
If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…

[Anonymous]

My first bike was a new Honda Nighthawk 250 and it’s an excellent first bike in my opinion.

I’m 6′ and ~180 lbs and it had no problem carting me around. I’d sometimes ride two up with my Wife on the back (who’s ~125 lbs) and the extra weight didn’t really slow the bike down much at all (which surprised me). Comfy seat too

Although it’s freeway capable and can do ~80 mph flat-out, it’s happier at 60-65. If I were going up hills and/or facing a strong headwind, the bike would slow down pretty quickly and I’d have to drop a gear to bring it back up to 65. So, not an ideal bike if you would be freeway commuting mostly, but a great bike otherwise in all respects. I was really sorry to have to part with mine.

A Suzuki GS500 would be a better first bike if you would be doing a lot of freeway riding (or a 400 c.c. plus scooter).

[Author]

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