[knighthawk77]

Mine has a similar issue. It always seems to be parked over someone else’s oil leak…….really like the OEM decals, 4-2 stacked pipes, I wish mine were still there. Thanks for the heads up on the NH group.

[knighthawk77]

Welcome Merkurwwu! I’m glad I’m not the only one on an old Honda around here.

[knighthawk77]

The S50 is a nice bike, even though it is a bit big to start on. I wanted to leave the showroom on a black/yellow M50 the other day! Maybe next year. I’ll start making room beside the nighthawk just in case.

[knighthawk77]

Hey Ben, has there been any thought of adding a member profile page or photo gallery feature? Just an idea. It’d be nice to have a central location for pics of our rides, projects/mods and scenic cruises or future meets. Might also help the new riders realize that a race bike is not necessary. I wish I could help..but I’m a Unix/Network guy and not much of a web programmer…… Just an idea, I’m still gonna hang around here with or without.

[knighthawk77]

Our local papers are pretty much the same. I was amazed at how many bikes were listed in my region. I’m not sure if you’ll find much in your area, but its worth keeping an eye on. http://www.kijiji.com/

[knighthawk77]

Dealer’s will always up sell. If you say you want a bike to start on, they’ll show you the 600cc inline beginner death machine. If you’re a big guy like me, they’ll try to sell you a liter bike or a 900 lb 1300cc cruiser. It happened to me a few weeks ago. Keep your eye on that 250R.

Just a hint…..dealers train their salesmen to push the products that they make a higher profit margin on. For example, a Volkswagen dealer has to sell 4 new entry level cars like City Jettas in Canada to get the same profit as one new Rabbit. They’ll show you the Rabbit first. I bet that dealer has a nice markup on ICON helmets! Stick to your guns and shop around, there’s plenty of DOT/Snell approved helmets to choose from.

[knighthawk77]

Thanks Ben. I think the rack was an Honda OEM accessory, backrest slides into the rails. The metallic black is actually a Volkswagen color. Has a graphite look in daylight.

[knighthawk77]

I’m not sure on current resale value of the GN 250, if it checks out mechanically, and you’re REALLY happy with the bike, you might be able to walk away with a decent deal. But $1500 obo does seem like a lot, when I read some of the deals people are seeing on 250cc Ninjas, nighthawks, and rebels (which I know you’ve already looked at – I found the other post)

Keep in mind, its not easy to find parts for an older bike, and you WILL be buying parts. I just bought an 82 Honda Nighthawk 650 for around the same price, but I knew the entire history of the bike (since it left the showroom). I’m buying parts already! I would have left it there if was going to be my only vehicle.

Older bikes mean spinning your own wrenches quite often, and waiting for part orders. If this is going to be your primary mode of transportation, I’d keep saving and hunting for something newer. If you prefer the look of an old naked street bike, and don’t mind working on the bike, you can always look for a Yamaha Maxim 400 or a Honda Nighthawk 450, you might find a better price than the GN 250. I actually saw a Maxim 400 here last week for 600. If you go for the Suzuki, make sure your mechanic friend checks it out and then subtract another 100 from whatever he says its worth.

Just my 2 cents.

P.S.: Bikes values depreciate……bike parts don’t….I’m learning the hard way. My nighthawk and me have a love/hate relationship right now. I love to look at it, and I hate to think about it.

[knighthawk77]

Here’s a pic of the bike, since I finally got it cleaned up. Other than a minor electrical charging issue and upgrading brake lines, It’s ready to roll. Almost 40,000 miles and still going strong.

[knighthawk77]

Thanks Megaspaz. Writing that post got me thinking. I decided to go see my friends father who’s now a little over 60. Looks like there’s a chance I might end up with that same 1982 Nighthawk 650 I learned on! He’s the original owner. There’s quite a few miles on it now, but its still a nice bike. That should keep me busy spinning wrenches until my MSF course. I’m stuck on a waiting list in three nearby cities. It’s an inline four, but it’s also a bike I’ve been trying to weasel out of him for over ten years so I know I’ll take it easy. Not worried about dropping it either, just adds character and leaves you with a story to tell.

I should know for sure in the next couple of days! If it doesn’t work out, I’ll go the 650R route, since local selection is pretty slim.

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