SD996

Depending on your height / weight and if you have any experience on two wheels, a hawk could be a great first bike. I personally don't recomend getting on ANY street bike until you have at least spent some time in the dirt. You'll learn so much on a dirt bike that will carry over to the street. Basicly, you'll develop your instincts. With that said, a super hawk is a great handling and very reliable bike. It's comfortable too. They have plenty of ***** but nothing like a 4cyl 1000cc bike. The new 600cc 4cyl bikes (CBR, GSXR, R6, etc) are probably faster than a hawk. Don't be intimidated by the 996 tag. The hawk is a super sport which makes it a great street bike. The others I mentioned are track bikes. Good luck and Be safe!

SlowHAWK

Just out of curiousity... do you mean first bike ever... as in no prior riding experience and still learning to ride?

If so, I might think of getting something smaller and less powerful as a first ride. (And that doesn't mean R6 or 600RR) Personally if anyone I'm friends with was gonna start riding I'd suggest an old FZR early 90's, maybe and early model Katana 600 if they had to have a "sportbike" just to get used to riding. Otherwise something with a little less crouched over riding position might be a good choice as well (think old Honda CB's) as you'll learn riding technics a bit easier. Any of those bikes will have plenty of power for a beginner / first time rider... they are cheap, if you dump it, knock it over, it breaks, no biggy... and once your confident with it, you can sell it and get the bike you really want.

Just my opinion...

J.

SuperHawkins

The hawk's got a LOT of low and mid-range torque and useable power, maybe a bit much for a first bike.

If you have a thing for slightly strange bikes and want a great beginner, I'd suggest looking into an SV650/S or a Kawi EX500. I know neither are Hondas but they both have great track records, and the SV is obviously a twin, where the EX500 is a parallel twin. They both have similar powerbands to the superhawk too so it'd be an easier jump over.

I had an EX500 and I can vouch that it's funner than you'd expect for having literally half the power of the hawk (54 hp, 38 ft lbs, 498cc parallel twin) and it's super easy to ride. The SV650 is a step up from there, making like 80-something horsepower and parts for them are EVERYWHERE.

I think 110 bhp and 70 ft lbs is a bit much for a starter bike, even with the hawk's stock anemic sprockets.

cliby

describe what you mean by novice: total and most recent motorcycle experience and we can give you a better idea.

rooster

I got an 05 superhawk as my first bike. The best thing you can do is take a MSC class. My buddy gave me alot of crap about getting a 1000cc bike as a first bike. As long as you respect it it will be good to you. A better fist bike than a 600cc supersport that you have to rev to the sky to stay in its powerband and they can really get away from you. How old are you? I was 31 when I got the fever to start riding.

falcondrvr

My hawk is the first bike I've owned. I took the MSF course first and had a little experience on some old FZRs too, but not much. I think I could have been a little more conservative in my choice of a first bike but 2 years later I have to say that everything worked out well and I've got no regrets at all. If you're a responsible person who thinks about things before acting, I think you'll be fine. The smooth power delivery and stable manners will help a lot.

rooster

I agree with Falcondrvr. And to add to what he said you dont have to shift very much It will pull third from a dead stop ( forgot to shift down).

drew_c14

I think you should buy whatever bike you want to own. If you're just learing it really doesn't matter. People disagree with me, but I think you can learn just as well on a 85hp 500 or a 170hp 1000. It's all the same in the end. Just ride like an adult, take the classes and have fun.

And the people in here will hate me for saying this, but don't be intimidated by the hawk. It's fairly close to the bottom of the power scale as far as bikes made in the last 4-5 years. Sure it's got a fair amount of tourque, but all v-twins do. It's just part of what they are.

endless

Well I am novice in that this is my first bike to own, but I plan on owning it for several seasons. I have had slight experience on a Suzi Katana 600, taking it for a several rides around the block and such, and I have also ridden an older model Ninja ZX-6R. I also drove a Hyosung GT250R. On all three bikes, I did not exceed 50mph or 4th gear (except on the 250R).

Also, I am 21 years old and this bike will be primarily used to city commuting as my university is located in the heart of downtown and I am located in the suburbs.

Thanks to all who have replied --- please continue to provide such great insight on a wonderful machine.

gnapoleone

I have been riding over 25 years and personally I think the SH would be to much. The low grunt is nice but can get you in over your head in a heartbeat. I find myself wacking the throttle and the SH getting to be a handful in a second, she is an animal. But like others said if you ride like an adult then it should not be an issue, unless you have just a slight disrespect for the machine. maybe a VFR or something would be best..

If riding a 100cc bike was easy then why isnt everyone riding one?

SuperHawkins

I'm thinking SV650 would be the best bet. Strong, but not overly powerful...torquey, unique, and parts EVERYWHERE. I always liked em, was going to get one before I came across the hawk.

azhawk1

I now own a 2002 sv 650 naked wich was my first bike and now it has become my wifes first bike(after a motorcycle safety course) . and seriously I think that that is one of the best starter bikes ever! I grew up riding dirt but the sv was my first expierience on a street bike and honestly if I hadnt started there I might be another guy on a gixxer 600

now I have stepped up to the hawk , and yes it is definately is a step up. I have read some posts on the sv forums that the hawk feels like an sv 650 but they are sorely mistaken the hawk is a whole different beast and a great one, but I really would suggest an sv as a starter bike . really gets you used to the power delivery of a v-twin and is a ton of fun . I still enjoy trading the wife for a while, the upright riding on the naked sv's is great and, great handling is always a plus!

and yes she does do very well on the hawk now that she been riding for a while and damn does she look good on it!

johnnyhonda