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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| I'm 5'5" tall with a inseam of 26inches.I have sat on this bike in the showroom and I am on my tiptoes.Is there any short riders who own this bike that could tell me if this bike is alright for smaller riders.A dealer let me ride a used one once,I rode it on flat roads and interstate.I did well on it.Just wonder about hills and panic situations!!!!!
shorty |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| don't worry about hills and panic situations: if you can't handle a bike, it doesn't matter how big you are! If you are not used to riding, I would take a motor cycle safety foundation course. I can understand that you were on your tiptoes, but the bike is fairly well balanced. Also, as I wrote to one other person who was short, you can get corbin to build you a custom seat that will be a couple of inches or so lower than the regular one. If you are looking for a new nighthawk, they are not making them for 2003 so you better get in soon! good Luck.
John |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| | I am 5'6" with 28-29 inch inseam. I sat on the 750 Nighthawk at the Honda dealer. I was also on my tiptoes. The only modification the dealer could do was soften the preload, which didn't help. Most sensible riders (and the MSF) agree that you should be flat-footed with your knees slightly bent when seated. A corbin seat may help, but remember that the Nighthawk has a wider (in-line 4) engine, so you will be bow-legged. From one vertically-challenged rider to another, I would look at V-twins or even the Magna, which have better seating positions. |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| I'm 5'3" and just got my motorcycle endorsment three months ago. I started out with a 1977 CB550 which I outgrew in about two weeks. I'm glad I got to learn on a bike that I wouldn't freak out over if I dropped it. Didn't drop it, sold it, and got a Nighthawk 750. I'm on my toes but the bike has to be leaned over pretty far before it's past the balance point. You will be fine as long as you come to a stop smoothly as you put your foot down. That's the only time you may drop the bike. My wife and I go riding on the 750 often and I don't think I'm too short to handle it. Good boots help too. Give me an email if you do buy or already have the bike because I've found a performance upgrade you can do for under $4 that will turn it into a sportbike.
Kevin L |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| I would advise that you to buy one that is used and low priced. My husband and I bought a '92 Nighthawk and this is the bike we learned on. My husband is 5'8 and has a 30" inseam I am 5'4" w/ a 30" inseam and I love the bike but have dropped it twice, due to my height. I have rode a lot since we bought it (we have put over two thousand miles on it in about 2 months)passed the driving test on it well. So I think it's fairly easy to handle. Someone mentioned in there reply back to you that it is well balanced and I will definately back that up. I can come to almost a complete stop before having to put my feet down. To answer your question I have about 4 more inches on my legs and I find it difficult to back it up w/o slipping. My husband simply doesn't like it for the height reason. He has just purchased another bike that only has about a 27" seat height for this reason. I'm not saying that you can't do it I really don't know, but I know I find it a problem at times but I just keep it because I love the bike. It never fails to start, it's a great bike!
Stacey |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| | I have a Honda Nighthawk 750 in red and it is a kick butt bike, I rode a yamaha 650 V Star and traded it in. The nighthawk I enjoy alot for around town and the open rode it is very comfortable ride.Honda for 2004 changed the color back to black which I like a little better and they are still making the Nighthawk for 2004 as far as I know. |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
Posts: -1,167, Visits: 2 |
| A Corbin seat will lower the bike by one inch. If that still puts you on your toes, then the bike is too tall for you. Imagine what will happen if you stop on gravel with only your toes.
Jason Lautar |
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