Took my first real ride on the Nighthawk today
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From: Funfax
Took my first real ride on the Nighthawk today
Well, I posted about a few weeks back about my roommate's new bike, and today I had some errands to do so I borrowed it.
Most of us know this, but it's a lot more fun to ride a slow bike quickly than it is to ride a fast bike slowly.
Here's some info and a pic:
http://www.bikez.com/motorcycl...6.php
447cc I-2
43hp @ 9,000 rpm
416 lbs
top speed: 110.6 mph
Man, this little thing is a blast. It sounds cool, it's pretty light and nimble, and it cost $750. Made me wonder if spending ten times that amount on a bike is worth it.
I took a girl on it who frequents the back seat of my other bike, and it goes without saying that this was a lot more comfy. No nuts slamming into tanks, no worrying about her flying off.
For you NoVA folks, I hit the GW Parkway, then back around down to 395 all the way to King Street. It was pretty strange, but it made me feel like a motorcyclist. Relaxed seating position, being able to twist the throttle all the way without dying, I could go on and on.
An R6 is a motorcycle, of course, but it's more of a loaded weapon than anything else. You need to use conscious and perpetual restraint to stay within the law, and I found myself being much less concerned about safety on the Nighthawk. I wasn't worried about going down, tipping over while parking, or any of the demons that necessarily plague any sportbike rider with an inclination toward longevity.
It kind of brought me back to why I started riding in the first place. A sense of the absence of restrictions, and the spontaneity a motorcycle can accomodate. I was in a t-shirt, jeans, and driving loafers. No need to go get kitted up. No one chasing you, no cops waiting for you to lift a wheel.
I thought to myself, God, I've made a terrible mistake. I've gone and gotten a bike with the pace of something Alain Prost might have driven. I was quite tempted to go sell the R6 and find another beater bike, and grow a beard or something. But reason quickly prevailed and I just decided that when my roommate is ready for something bigger, I'll buy the Nighthawk from him.
To wrap this up, I'd suggest that any of us who ride purely sporting machines should really seek out a ride on a machine like this to gain some perspective. It was definitely a mind-opening experience, and once back at my house I had to hop on my R6. Needless to say it blew my mind to corner at speeds that the Nighthawk has trouble reaching on an incline.
Sometimes we sportbikers get wrapped up in tenths-of-seconds, or a diff of a few hp here and there. But in general, we're really not motorcyclists. We're pilots of guided missiles. I'd just like to thank God and OPEC that this occupation of luxury is available to us on this brief blip on the curve of human evolution.
Most of us know this, but it's a lot more fun to ride a slow bike quickly than it is to ride a fast bike slowly.
Here's some info and a pic:
http://www.bikez.com/motorcycl...6.php
447cc I-2
43hp @ 9,000 rpm
416 lbs
top speed: 110.6 mph
Man, this little thing is a blast. It sounds cool, it's pretty light and nimble, and it cost $750. Made me wonder if spending ten times that amount on a bike is worth it.
I took a girl on it who frequents the back seat of my other bike, and it goes without saying that this was a lot more comfy. No nuts slamming into tanks, no worrying about her flying off.
For you NoVA folks, I hit the GW Parkway, then back around down to 395 all the way to King Street. It was pretty strange, but it made me feel like a motorcyclist. Relaxed seating position, being able to twist the throttle all the way without dying, I could go on and on.
An R6 is a motorcycle, of course, but it's more of a loaded weapon than anything else. You need to use conscious and perpetual restraint to stay within the law, and I found myself being much less concerned about safety on the Nighthawk. I wasn't worried about going down, tipping over while parking, or any of the demons that necessarily plague any sportbike rider with an inclination toward longevity.
It kind of brought me back to why I started riding in the first place. A sense of the absence of restrictions, and the spontaneity a motorcycle can accomodate. I was in a t-shirt, jeans, and driving loafers. No need to go get kitted up. No one chasing you, no cops waiting for you to lift a wheel.
I thought to myself, God, I've made a terrible mistake. I've gone and gotten a bike with the pace of something Alain Prost might have driven. I was quite tempted to go sell the R6 and find another beater bike, and grow a beard or something. But reason quickly prevailed and I just decided that when my roommate is ready for something bigger, I'll buy the Nighthawk from him.
To wrap this up, I'd suggest that any of us who ride purely sporting machines should really seek out a ride on a machine like this to gain some perspective. It was definitely a mind-opening experience, and once back at my house I had to hop on my R6. Needless to say it blew my mind to corner at speeds that the Nighthawk has trouble reaching on an incline.
Sometimes we sportbikers get wrapped up in tenths-of-seconds, or a diff of a few hp here and there. But in general, we're really not motorcyclists. We're pilots of guided missiles. I'd just like to thank God and OPEC that this occupation of luxury is available to us on this brief blip on the curve of human evolution.
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From: Paradise
Re: Took my first real ride on the Nighthawk today (Ross R)
good read 
I think that the same logic applies to cars aswell but, most people are continually fixated on having the best and fastest never really appreciating what they have.
I think that the same logic applies to cars aswell but, most people are continually fixated on having the best and fastest never really appreciating what they have.
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We worry ourselves about the cosmetics of our bikes to the point where it just is not fun anymore. After tossing the rashed body on my 600rr; I had a lot more fun. The real fun begins once you can get over worrying about a mint bike and using it as an extension of yourself.
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From: OC, CA, USA
Re: (.Ash)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .Ash »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">We worry ourselves about the cosmetics of our bikes to the point where it just is not fun anymore. After tossing the rashed body on my 600rr; I had a lot more fun. The real fun begins once you can get over worrying about a mint bike and using it as an extension of yourself. </TD></TR></TABLE>
i'm already starting to get that feeling whenever i look at my trashed bike. once it's up and running, i won't care much about the cosmetics of it and can ride more carefree.
i'm already starting to get that feeling whenever i look at my trashed bike. once it's up and running, i won't care much about the cosmetics of it and can ride more carefree.
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From: Rochster, NY, Grubby Nettles
Re: Took my first real ride on the Nighthawk today (Ross R)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross R »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Most of us know this, but it's a lot more fun to ride a slow bike quickly than it is to ride a fast bike slowly.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Good thought. Thats kind of what i was thinking while thrashing my buddy's ninja 250
I like your review
Most of us know this, but it's a lot more fun to ride a slow bike quickly than it is to ride a fast bike slowly.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Good thought. Thats kind of what i was thinking while thrashing my buddy's ninja 250
I like your review
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: The Spot, CA
Re: Took my first real ride on the Nighthawk today (optikal_blitz)
I have a very similar experience when borrowing my brothers bike. I have an '05 R6, while he pimps a 1974 Honda CB360T. (No, the T is not for turbo) This bike made 34hp... at the crank... in 1974. Needless to say it's a speed demon.
Coincidentally, this was the first bike I ever rode, and I remember when it seemed fast and scary.
Riding that bike around is a humbling experience when you're used to being stared at by most people, however I think anyone who can't ride something like this and enjoy it shouldn't be riding at all.
I "almost" wish motorcyling was much more expensive, as it would weed out a lot of people who shouldn't be anywhere near bikes. However it would also weed out people like my brother, who hasn't even spent close to $1k total package on his ride, and enjoys every second as much as I do on mine.
I'll definitely second the notion that everyone should ride around on something like this when given the opportunity. For an extremely humbling ride, go out in your full color matched leathers with replica helmet, on a bike that cost less than one of your pant legs.
Coincidentally, this was the first bike I ever rode, and I remember when it seemed fast and scary.
Riding that bike around is a humbling experience when you're used to being stared at by most people, however I think anyone who can't ride something like this and enjoy it shouldn't be riding at all.
I "almost" wish motorcyling was much more expensive, as it would weed out a lot of people who shouldn't be anywhere near bikes. However it would also weed out people like my brother, who hasn't even spent close to $1k total package on his ride, and enjoys every second as much as I do on mine.
I'll definitely second the notion that everyone should ride around on something like this when given the opportunity. For an extremely humbling ride, go out in your full color matched leathers with replica helmet, on a bike that cost less than one of your pant legs.
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From: Funfax
Re: (snowman95)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by snowman95 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I learn't on something very similar to that, NEVER AGAIN!
j/k cruisy, but not much fun</TD></TR></TABLE>
I dunno man. I had a real blast yesterday on this little thing. It was the essence of fun, actually.
j/k cruisy, but not much fun</TD></TR></TABLE>
I dunno man. I had a real blast yesterday on this little thing. It was the essence of fun, actually.
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From: Orange County, Ca, USA
Re: Took my first real ride on the Nighthawk today (Ross R)
That's how I felt about kids and cars these days. A lot of kids these days don't even think twice about a car unless it's an EVO or an STi or some **** like that.
I'm sitting there thinking, "God I hope they don't go out and kill themselves." See.. in a car, you get a false sense of security and start moving around at extremely high speeds when a bit excited.
I remember flying down the freeways on the way to some streetraces at like 140mph.. in my Integra LS. Many a times, I've spun out and almost killed myself at high freeway speeds. Imagine if I owned an EVO back then. And when I say EVO, I don't mean a stock one.. because what kid is going to leave their EVO stock? No one without high speed track experience deserves such a race machine in their hands.
That brings me to motorcycles.. I think it's thoughts like that, that has us saying to noobs, "Don't start on a liter bike." But oh well, if the power's there, every wannabe racer is gonna go find it.
I don't think of the typical riced out car anymore when I call them a ricer. I look at the kid in his 400+hp STi and call him a ricer.. because he'll never know how to use that power except in a straight line. It's like seeing a ***** with his new Porsche stalling at every light.
Yea.. I woke up this morning and took a swig of my Hatorade.
I'm sitting there thinking, "God I hope they don't go out and kill themselves." See.. in a car, you get a false sense of security and start moving around at extremely high speeds when a bit excited.
I remember flying down the freeways on the way to some streetraces at like 140mph.. in my Integra LS. Many a times, I've spun out and almost killed myself at high freeway speeds. Imagine if I owned an EVO back then. And when I say EVO, I don't mean a stock one.. because what kid is going to leave their EVO stock? No one without high speed track experience deserves such a race machine in their hands.
That brings me to motorcycles.. I think it's thoughts like that, that has us saying to noobs, "Don't start on a liter bike." But oh well, if the power's there, every wannabe racer is gonna go find it.
I don't think of the typical riced out car anymore when I call them a ricer. I look at the kid in his 400+hp STi and call him a ricer.. because he'll never know how to use that power except in a straight line. It's like seeing a ***** with his new Porsche stalling at every light.
Yea.. I woke up this morning and took a swig of my Hatorade.
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From: Uncharted Regions of the Midwest
Re: Took my first real ride on the Nighthawk today (Ross R)
That's great. I have always had the same sentiments growing up with all kinds of things with two wheels and an engine. It's amazing how much time you can kill with a 70cc honda scooter and a speedometer. That was pretty much one of the slowest vehicles I have ever owned, but it was a blast to try and beat someones top speed in a half mile run.
I started off on a 1981 650 Maxim I got for $750 and it only had 6000mi on it! It got thrashed by a tornado, but the spirit of that bikes fun lives on in my family. Now (approx. 6 years later) the bike is in my dad's pole barn (for parts) along with a 1981 Midnight Special, a 1985 Maxim 700, and a 1982 Seca 750.
My family is addicted to mid 80's aircooled bikes, go figure. My brother is looking for a late 80's VFR 700 though, and I have my ZX6R.
I talked a good friend into getting a Ninja 500 for his first bike and that thing is a hoot! I love the narrowness and lightness of the bike.
The joys in the first post still ring true though. Anything with two wheels still kicks *** to ride, and you have to appriciate the commonalities of just being out in the open, and being connected with the bike.
Here is a pic of my bike right after I got done painting it and fixing it up a bit:
I started off on a 1981 650 Maxim I got for $750 and it only had 6000mi on it! It got thrashed by a tornado, but the spirit of that bikes fun lives on in my family. Now (approx. 6 years later) the bike is in my dad's pole barn (for parts) along with a 1981 Midnight Special, a 1985 Maxim 700, and a 1982 Seca 750.
My family is addicted to mid 80's aircooled bikes, go figure. My brother is looking for a late 80's VFR 700 though, and I have my ZX6R.
I talked a good friend into getting a Ninja 500 for his first bike and that thing is a hoot! I love the narrowness and lightness of the bike.
The joys in the first post still ring true though. Anything with two wheels still kicks *** to ride, and you have to appriciate the commonalities of just being out in the open, and being connected with the bike.
Here is a pic of my bike right after I got done painting it and fixing it up a bit:
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From: woonsocket, RI, USA
Re: Took my first real ride on the Nighthawk today (Ross R)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross R »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Relaxed seating position, being able to twist the throttle all the way without dying, I could go on and on.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I know what you're saying. I feel the same in my civic. I mean, I can push the pedal all of the way down, still get better gas mileage than a Mustang cruising, and I won't have to worry about getting into any trouble since the car is so slow.
With all of that aside, your bike could wreck my civic.
Edit: I have to agree with what everone is saying. I have little experience on a bike, and yet it would be so easy for me to pick up a nice used GSXR 1000 for under $6000 and automatically be faster than just about any car on the street. At the same time, restricting the purchasing/riding of faster bikes would hurt the more responsible people.
I know what you're saying. I feel the same in my civic. I mean, I can push the pedal all of the way down, still get better gas mileage than a Mustang cruising, and I won't have to worry about getting into any trouble since the car is so slow.
With all of that aside, your bike could wreck my civic.
Edit: I have to agree with what everone is saying. I have little experience on a bike, and yet it would be so easy for me to pick up a nice used GSXR 1000 for under $6000 and automatically be faster than just about any car on the street. At the same time, restricting the purchasing/riding of faster bikes would hurt the more responsible people.
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From: Classified
Re: Took my first real ride on the Nighthawk today (dxasaurus)
What a great writeup you made Ross, back in July '05.
I found this thread in a search (yes, I search!!) to find more peoples opinions and contribution regarding the Honda Nighthawk. I am looking for one to buy.
I have already read books on motorcycle safety and plan on taking the MFD or whatever course. From what I gather, it seems like moto safety is all about being aware.
Anyway, thanks for writing about this bike and letting people realize there is more to riding than just 1/4 mi times.
I found this thread in a search (yes, I search!!) to find more peoples opinions and contribution regarding the Honda Nighthawk. I am looking for one to buy.
I have already read books on motorcycle safety and plan on taking the MFD or whatever course. From what I gather, it seems like moto safety is all about being aware.
Anyway, thanks for writing about this bike and letting people realize there is more to riding than just 1/4 mi times.
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From: Funfax
Re: Took my first real ride on the Nighthawk today (EVIL ELMO)
LOL...thanks. Hope you find the bike that's right for you.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a bike like this to a beginner.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a bike like this to a beginner.
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From: USA
Re: Took my first real ride on the Nighthawk today (Ross R)
I know this is old, but it is exactly what i wanted to hear. I am looking for a beginner bike, and my friend who works at a honda/yamaha/ducati shop has got a nighthawk 250 lined up for me. I just want to feel the freedom feeling of a bike, not trying to go fast as hell, i just want the pleasure that can't be experienced with a car. Good read.
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From: MD
Re: Took my first real ride on the Nighthawk today (rjay8604)
I learned on the nighthawk 550. bought it from a friend of a friend for $300 with 5000 miles on it. Fixed it up and put new tires on and had an absolute blast on it. I sold it for $950 for a decent profit
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From: Seattle, WA, USA
I've seriously contemplated buying an old cafe racer and fixing it up simply for the joy of having a fun, relatively slow bike that I don't have to worry about wheelieing when I take off to catch up to my friend. In fact, I think I'll make a new thread about it......
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From: Redondo Beach, CA, USA
Re: (taek)
I have the same bike.. the Nighthawk 450 and man do I have a totally different experiance while riding it, i feel way safer on my 600RR. The Nighthawk only has 12k original miles and it feels like a fatass, handles like crap(could use some new tires though) and looks ugly(imo)... and the seat feels slippery too. It runs like a top though, no problems at all, and all the plastics and tank are in great condition and it was great to learn on... pretty nice feeling not worrying about flying off the bike if you twist the throttle too much or downshift too fast. I've never seen anyone else who had one so it's nice to hear that someone actually enjoys riding it, I guess I'm not the cruiser bike kind of guy, it was my dads old bike anyways I'm gonna wait until it gets a little more sunny and then sell it for like 800
I'm gonna wait until it gets a little more sunny and then sell it for like 800
Re: (RedHatchBlack)
thats great... those little bikes are the most fun. my old roomate got his starter bike last year... much like that one... i owned a Ninja 900 at the time... his little bike was just fun to ride. its a much more relaxed feel. once i'm done building the street fighter i need to get a cruiser a little old one...
the only big issue is they dont make parts for the good ol' back to your roots motorcycles anymore. if you break it... have fun searching on Ebay.
a little old one... the only big issue is they dont make parts for the good ol' back to your roots motorcycles anymore. if you break it... have fun searching on Ebay.
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