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New to street riding, bike seems so heavy!

by Ruby
(Oregon)

honda nighthawk 450

hello, I am just learning to ride on the street, after riding dirt bikes most of my life. I had a yz250 that I rode in the woods. If I layed it over it was no big deal I was able to get it back up. this was 7 years ago. Now I am very excited to learn on on my recently 85 honda nighthawk 450, but the one I have has dropped cafe style bars. I'm a little intimidated. It also feels very heavy to me compared with light dirt bikes. The past owner said it weighs about 440 lbs. I can pretty much sit flat footed on it with boots. I am just worried about laying it over when cornering. it feels so top heavy and the handlebars seem akward. How to get past this fear? I am 5'6" and 170 lbs so I should be able to do this right? I feel like I'm talking myself out of something I was very excited about and not sure what to do. Help!

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Aug 28, 2015
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Change the Bars!
by: Gypsy Spirit

Hi Ruby ...

Change those bars! ... especially since you said they feel awkward to you. Some people really like the low drag bars, but I find the mini-apes, or buckhorns to be more forgiving in handling, plus give added leverage when picking the bike up (even if just off the kickstand!).

I'm not sure how the riser set up is on the NightHawks, you may be able to keep the actual handlebars and just add height with different risers.

I ride a Sportster with buckhorns and went from the stock 1 inch risers to 2 inch pullbacks which was a big plus in comfort. When I added a King Tank I went to 4 inch pull backs and love it!

By contrast, a friend of mine had a Sportster with drag bars. I couldn't even lift it off the stand due to the lack of leverage!

It's all about setting the bike up for YOU. Hope this helps you find your joy!

Aug 28, 2015
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450 nighthawk
by: Anonymous

Geeeeee........I don't know what to say except that street bikes are heavier than dirt bikes. All the street bikes I know weigh about the same as the one pictured. You will get used to the extra weight as you ride and remember that you ride the and don't carry it. Check with the dealer you will see that dirt bikes are lighter in weight. Don't fret the whe weight, I'm 74 and ride a much bigger bike an heavier too. Good luck and good riding to you..

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