1) http://sandiego.craigslist.org/mcy/117247760.html

2) http://sandiego.craigslist.org/mcy/117270474.html

What do you guys think?? Which would be likely to be more reliable? Which is the better buy? They are both 3k...

Thanks for the input! I'm a noob!

 

I didn't vote, as you didnt include a "none of the above."

The first bike is pricey for an '88, due to the bike's cult status. Not really a starter bike IMO unless you have a fondness for that particular model.

The second bike isn't wonderful, either. Falcongsr had one (I am pretty sure) and his new Yamaha boat handles better.

For $3K I'd look for an SV or lowball someone on an F4i. It's that time of year.

 

Well, being partial I like the Hawk better, but it is rather high priced. I got mine for 2.3k. I'm willing to bet the Kwak might also be more reliable in the long run. The Hawk is a decent starter bike with a low seat height and not too much power on tap. Don't know about the Kawasaki though.

 

Cult bikes rock. Get the hawk.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">For $3K I'd look for an SV or lowball someone on an F4i. It's that time of year.</TD></TR></TABLE>

+1

 

A hawk would be nice but it is that time of year where you can get a decent bike, better to start on for the same price or cheaper if you look hard enough. I got my bike for $2k in the dead middle of summer just cuz I knew the guy.

 

thanks for the replies so far!

 

I wouldnt recommend any of those bikes, you'll be sick of them in a week, get an F4I. it will last a little longer

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sup gurl &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

+1 </TD></TR></TABLE>


+2

 

I've had a Hawk GT and currently have an F4i. All my bikes have been Hondas (except for a YSR) so I can't speak on the Kwak.

The Hawk's a nice bike and I think if you're just riding it on the street as a commuter, you'd be happy with it. It's fast (enough), low, super maneuverable, and narrow (if you plan on doing any lane-splitting). Cult-status or not though, I wouldn't pay more than $2500 for a clean one. If you're set on spending more than $3000, I would drop another $1000-$1500 on a clean F4i, which has all the characteristics I've listed for the Hawk, plus better range.

 

What kind of bike are you looking for? Sport tourer? Beginning bike to learn how to canyon carve? Only commuting?

 

I think my bike would be a great starter bike

http://www.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/117688873.html

 

That's way too much $$ for the NT650.

 

I have also owned a hawk(when they were new)... I would LOVE to own one again for a bang around bike, powers not awesome, but handling is pretty darn good. Everything you have heard about it is true, but tops for this bike should be $2500 or less... Funny back in the late eighties and early ninties I bought one used for $2500... I rode it around for a couple years and resold it for $2500
Schu

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Etylorcen &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What kind of bike are you looking for? Sport tourer? Beginning bike to learn how to canyon carve? Only commuting? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Commuting, but with enough power to go out and ride should a SoCal Group Ride take place during a timeframe I could join in. Enough power to ride around the freeways, and something reliable. I prefer naked streetbikes in looks, and riding position.

Thanks for the input fellas! I go check them out tomorrow!

edit: big pete, you're tryin to kill me. I won't forget this....

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PECO &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Commuting, but with enough power to go out and ride should a SoCal Group Ride take place during a timeframe I could join in. Enough power to ride around the freeways, and something reliable. I prefer naked streetbikes in looks, and riding position.

Thanks for the input fellas! I go check them out tomorrow!

edit: big pete, you're tryin to kill me. I won't forget this.... </TD></TR></TABLE>
haha...cant blame a boy for trying.

Good luck on your bike search

 

true enough...hehe. Thanks man! I'll let you guys know the results!

 

I went and saw both of these today. They were both in fantastic shape, but I am leaning toward the Kawasaki at this point. It's got more power, more weight, and it is bigger, so I fit on it better....it felt better to sit on. The hawk was kinda small for me I think, being 6'3''....and it felt real light!! I'll know more later.