2008 Honda Nighthawk 250

Like everybody else says, it needs more power. It has to work too hard on the highway and still barely keeps up with traffic, but thats not what really it's for... It's a nimbal lightweight (300 lbs and some change) starter bike thats perfect for learning to negotiate those low speed short turns ... (the biggest struggle with any bike).

It's larger (in size) then you would expect a 250 to be so you don't feel like you're on a mini-bike in traffic. Most people don't realize it's only a 250 until you tell them it is.

After about 7 months and 8,000 miles I'm ready to upgrade to a slighty larger bike (a 500 cc maybe) then on to the 750 class.

If you are a beginner and want to hone your riding skills with lower risk of spills than a bigger bike (lets face it, we're ALL clumsy starting out and WILL take the occasional beginners dump)...here is where to start. It appears to be the bike than can train you up for more power and weight the quickest.

I have had the nighthawk for about (6) months now, a bang for your buck. Its my first bike but wish it had more power.

Great start bike and good for driven around town, not a freeway bike.

so good! I've had the Nighthawk 250 for 6 months and it's been a very reliable, fun little bike. I've always owned bigger bikes, and thought I might regret purchasing this 250. I was wrong. Although it doesn't have the freeway speed/power of a bigger bike, it still does the job. I've had a few ... small problems, all covered by the warranty.

The bike gets 60-70 MPG, cruises easily at 70 MPH on the freeway... it will go up to 85, but the ride is pretty rough at that speed. If you're in a strong wind or hit a steep hill, you'll be lucky to maintain 65 MPH (this is where the little 250 can't keep up).

All things considered, I recommend this bike. Not only as a starter bike, but also as a commuter vehicle, and just an all around fun and inexpensive form of transportation.

I've had a Nighthawk for a while now, and other than a few issues that were fixed under warranty, its a pretty good bike. It could use more power though, and maybe some better tires. But its a good bike considering the price. I would buy it again.