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Yeah, I always thought the Nighthawk 750 was a pretty bike. I've heard that some builders of customs favor its engine because it has such nice lines. That bike would be great for a beginner, and he or she wouldn't soon outgrow it, if ever.
Location: On the "Left Coast", somewhere in "the Land of Fruits & Nuts"
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The Nighthawk sounds like a good idea, and pretty much anything over 600cc should be plenty powerful anyway. But would also suggest you compare the seating/handlebar/footpeg position for some different bikes and notice how that feels.
Regardless of displacement, some bikes are going to have you either sitting more upright or else somewhat crouched over, with more of your weight on your wrists and forearms. And also notice where your feet and legs rest... do you feel like your knees are too high on some bikes, and can you easily plant your feet on the ground? Aside from the power and weight issues, you'll want to make sure the riding position is a good fit for you, so you'll always feel comfortable (and more in control).
So glad I found this thread! I am also considering getting into riding. The safety course offered at our local community college has a very good reputation. But I didn't realize they might provide a bike to learn on - great info to have! Thanks to all who posted & to the OP for putting the question out there.
assuming you're a 'normal' size, the standard beginner bike list usually looks like the following:
1) Kawasaki Ninja 250
2) Kawasaki Ninja 500
3) Honda Rebel 250
4) Honda Nighthawk 250 or 750
5) Buell Blast
6) Any assortment of dual-sport bikes (street-legal dirtbikes)
7) Suzuki GS500
8) if you like 'classic bikes', a lot of the Japanese manufacturers had 400cc bikes from the early 80s that may be up your alley
the list can go on and on, but here are a few things to remember:
1) a good/popular beginner bike ALWAYS has a market. if the bike is in good shape when you buy it and still in good shape when you sell it, you will hardly lose any money on the whole deal. heck, even if you do down it, many will still buy it since the logic is they'll do the same thing.
2) stick with a lower HP bike, but don't fall victim to the notion that they're not as dangerous as their high-HP counterparts.
3) buy GOOD gear and take the Motorcycle Safety Course!
4) while you may like a bike with a certain 'look' the more important thing is how you feel on the bike, especially while learning. you want something that puts you in a comfortable, relaxed position. ideally, something with a nice upright riding position that does NOT put your feet out in front of you (a la cruiser-style) will inevitably instill the greatest feeling of control and confidence. you can always get that 'look' bike later on once you feel more comfortable. i honestly think the bike i ride now is kinda ugly (Honda VFR800), but it fits me like a glove and does what i want, so i love it.
Mike
My first bike was a Honda Nighthawk 750, and I really miss it a lot. It's not the most stylish bike, but it's easy to ride, and it was very reliable. Unfortunately, Honda no longer carries this bike. They only make the Nighthhawk 250.
They quite making the Nighthawk 250 last year.
There are plenty of old Nighthawks around if you don't mind riding an older bike (might not be a bad idea for a beginner anyway)
I just got a old Nighthawk 650 this weekend. The thing is fantastic. The seating position is nice and upright which is very comfortable for me.
Mine is a shaft drive, 6 spd, self adjusting valves, full gauges (including gas and gear indicator), front dual disc brakes and a center stand. I don't see anything new at the entry level that can offer me near what this bike has.
So I have to plan on dumping the bike at least once, huh? Is that why everyone wears leathers? I always thought it just looked cool....
Don't plan on it, but don't be surprised or upset if you do.
Leathers shmeathers. Chicks dig scars, and nothing is more fun that picking gravel out of road rash. Great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Next time you think that it's not a big deal to not wear gear, when you're riding shotgun in a car and going through a school zone (about 20), get out. Now, think about how often you're going far faster than 20, and what that will do to you.
If the OP is into vintage bikes, can get an actual vintage 350 to 500 bike from back in the day - how about a Honda 450 DOHC - a historic and vintage bike, user friendly, take good care of it and it will take good care of you.
You don't want to buy a good one and then drop it, though, you will be hunting vintage parts for a while.
I have to agree the Rebel 450 is another good beginner's bike.
If you are a big guy and strong, you could start out with an 883 Sporty. Costs more than most beginner bikes, but holds it's value, you may just decide to keep it even if you buy something bigger later on.
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