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We did it! Jakeline and I just bought our first bike!

We recently completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s beginner course and acquired our licenses. Since then, we’ve been keeping our eyes open for a cheap, used bike that would be of suitable size for new riders but in decent enough running condition that we wouldn’t have to spend a fortune making it usable. Well, today we finally ran across a deal we couldn’t resist (in case the link expires, it’s a 1983 Honda Nighthawk 450cc).

The only real issue with the bike is that it needs the rear brakes need work. Otherwise, it rides and runs well, and looks remarkably clean for a 23-year old motorcycle. The fact that it only has 17,000 miles on it probably helps.

We’ll pick up the bike on Saturday morning. Thus officially begins our journey into the riding lifestyle.

Just had to share! :smiley:

Congratulations! Now go out and enjoy your new toy. And don’t forget your gear.

Congrats!

keep the rubber side down, wear your gear, and have fun.

Cool. Now stay off the highway in Southern California! That place is nuts! :smiley:

Congrats! Those older Hondas run forever. That bike should have lots of miles left on it. I have an '86 Honda Shadow. The Odometer stopped at 24,999 miles almost 8 yrs ago(so I don’t know exactly how many miles are on it) and the only thing I’ve done to it is replace the starter.

Interesting you should say that. The guy I bought it from seemed concerned with the idea of taking it on the freeway because it’s only a 450cc. But reviews I read seemed to imply that it has plenty of speed to handle freeway speeds. Anyone else have an opinion on this? I don’t intend to spend much time on the freeways just yet regardless, but I want to know if I should be avoiding freeways altogether (a rather depressing prospect in So. Cal).

Now THAT is what I like to hear! :slight_smile:

It probably has the power, and can go fast enough to keep up with highway traffic, but it’s a rather light bike and so it might therefore be blown about by the wind a bit too much for your comfort (and safety).