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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| I'm torn between purchasing a Honda Shadow 600 or a Honda Nighthawk 250, big difference. Im a new rider and currently doing the MSF Rider course. Im 5'8 and fit perfectly on the 250 and feel like I can totally control it, but the 600 is what I really want, but feel like its too heavy to begin on. I've been told I'll quickly regret not getting the 600. I'd hate to spend 4k on a bike I may regret. I've looked at some other small bikes and they're too small for my height. Id like to get more opinions. Thanks.
Tricia |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| My first bike was a Yamaha 400special back in 1981. I had never ridden a motorcycle before in my life, and when I started out on that 400, it seemed a little ungainly at first. I dropped it a couple of times (braking on wet pine needles; a friend heavier than I was riding on the back - we were going slow- he leaned one way and I the other...)since you are taking the Rider course, maybe things won't be as new for you as they were for me. Next bike was a Honda 650 Nighthawk. Kept that for 12 years. I would consider that size a bit too much for a beginner. I bought it from a girl that thought it was too much for her. I would say that until you get some miles under your belt, there is nothing wrong with the smaller bike and you will gain valuable experience. After a couple of years, you can sell it to another new rider. I have been living in Germany for the last couple of years, and after touring around europe a bit, I was surprised at how many 50cc - 250cc bikes and scooters there are around here. For around town riding, that is all you need. Good MPG too. By the way, I didn't know Honda had a Shadow 600, and you shouldn't pay more than $3300 for the 250.
Kevin |
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Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| Why not buy a used 250 and ride it for a year, honing your riding skills, and then move up later? You'll take less of a depreciation hit.
I was told the same thing - that I'd outgrow it in a week. That was two years ago. Much has to do with your personality. If you need to go 0-60 in under 10 seconds, pref. under 5, then the 250 isn't for you. If you want to go 90 mph, then the 250 isn't for you. If you want to enjoy riding at 75-80 mph and under, and don't care if you accelerate no faster than a Camry, then the 250s are fine and fun. I've even toured on my CB250.
cspan |
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Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| I suppose it would depend on the way you plan to ride. For instance i just completed the MSF safety course, and i'm 5'7 but only weigh about 140lbs. i too found the nighthawk very comfortable but i don't think i'm ready for a crotch rocket just yet ya know so i'm gonna go for something in between like the ninja 500R. Because i'd hate to lay down a brand new cbr 600f4 or a GSX-R600 and ruin all the bodywork or ruin myself for that matter. why not ride the 250 for a while until your skills are honed and then get rid of it and buy that honda shadow....it will still be there...
delvin |
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Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| go with the bigger nighthawk its light and you will enjoy it even after you learn to ride i have a 650 night hawk and a superhawk i ride the night hawk alot more and it is just as snappy as the 650
hope i helped dustinpollo@yahoo.com
Dustin |
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Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| Any reason your stuck on Honda? You'll totally regret the 250. If you're not in love with the Honda 600, you will regret spending the money. But you'll definetely going to regret spending the money on the 250. Trust me. Try looking at the Kawasaki Vulcan 500, or the Suzuki Savage 650.
Stephen Stockinger |
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Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| My first bike was a 83 Honda Shadow 750. It took a week or two to get used to it. But I would have been upset later if i got a weak little 250cc. I do a LOT of riding.. as I only own a motorcycle (no car). If you are just doing casual riding.. and own a car for most transporation.. get a lil 250 to toy around with first.
Brian |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| Welcome to the wolrd of bikes and decisions, I'm 6' and 160 pounds. I purchased an 84 Yamaha Maxim 400cc about six years ago for $900.00 in great shape, low milage and never dropped. I rode that bike for 4-1/2 years, put on good tires (my choice) replaced the battery, chain and sprockets once and the starter button once, that's it. I rode the shit out of that bike and everytime I started her it her reply was always the same... where are we going today?. At no point did that bike ever toss anything at me that I was not able to control and I loved it. But after a while I wished it was just a tiny bit bigger. I did 90-95% city riding and it was great for that. But the odd time I did take it on the highway it was a liitle small. not in the power but in the weight. I read and hear peoples complaints about lack of power on the higway with 600cc plus bikes, What???. I can honestly say that on the highway at 100 km/h drop a gear and rotate your wrist you idiots! my little 400 never gave me grief in the passing department. It would pop up to 140 km/h plenty quick enough (remember it's not a car the redline is up around 9000 rpm plus). In a car you would probably shift down to pass right??? a bike is no different. So in answer to your question, your a new rider and naturally a bigger bike is going to scare you a little. 600cc is not that big and you obviously have a head on your shoulders, your taking the training course (I wish more people would). Quickly enough you will feel very comfy on the 600. It's not too big for city use and not too small for highway use. That free feeling that you get riding on the highway (though you may not do it much) will not be an enjoyable experience on a 250cc. It's too small. You will pass an oncomming truck once... you'll start out on the left hand side of your lane and end up on the right hand side and probably never go on the highwat again. Not a fun experience especially when you are just starting out. Do something a little larger than the 250cc. This is my opinion and I started out riding 18 years ago. I have no desire to get into huge bikes (they cost too much for insurance for one thing, and scrap ay fuel economy), I am looking for another in the 600cc to 750cc range. Not too big and not too small. Just the right size for all around riding enjoyment!
Bikers do it on two wheels!
Wyatt |
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