Coworker has had a Nighthawk 450 for a while now, and only rode it once last year. He just mentioned to me he's planning on getting it out, cleaning it up, and putting it up for sale. Am I correct in assuming this is the same small frame as the 250, just with a bigger engine? If so, I may be interested, though I have no idea what he's going to ask, or if I'd even fit on it comfortably (I'm 6' tall, with a 32" inseam).
Whats the collective know about these? I know they are fairly rare. Is the 450 as boringly reliable as the 250? If it is the same frame size, are there any other upgrades from the 250? If I bought it, it'd mostly be for getting on the highway, or if I wanted to do some light touring. The scooters already fulfill around town duties just fine.
minimac
SuperDork
4/15/13 8:02 p.m.
I had one I bought new in "84.It was a decent ride at the time. It's a bigger frame than the 250 but not as big as the 650. You sit sort of high on it, but the ergo suited me well. (5-11, 32' inseam). Power was more than adequate and it would run 80 on the highway, but was more comfortable at 65-70. I had a big windshield/fairing thingy on mine. If I were to do it again, I'd go with a smaller cafe style fairing.
Okay, so a bigger frame, sound like it'll fit better than I thought it would. Was it still smaller than the shaft-drive Nighthawks? Does that mean it had a disc brake up front instead of the drum like on the 250?
One other item to note, I haven't ridden a motorcycle since my MSF class in 2009, so something mild like this (or a smallish dual sport) seems like a pretty good choice for something with enough power toi get out of its own way, but not kill me...
skierd
Dork
4/16/13 12:53 p.m.
Mines a 750 and while quick it's the definition of mild. Steering is easy, weight is manageable, power is decent and linear. Great bikes.
minimac
SuperDork
4/16/13 7:55 p.m.
It had a disc in front and drum in the rear.The bike was easy to handle, and although the power wouldn't knock your socks off, it had enough to get into trouble if you didn't pay attention. All in all, It was a very decent bike for a manly beginner, and provided adequate fun for an experienced rider. If you decide to pass, let me know what he's asking....I may be very interested..
I'll let you know. Since its not "exactly" what I'm looking for, I'll probably pass if the price isn't awesome. I'm kind of hoping its sub-$1000, but I doubt he'll be going that low.
