Just got back from a 10PM "gee, I'm bored and it's nice and cool out" ride on the Nighthawk
First impressions:
I'm almost 5' 11" tall and 190 lbs and I "sit" better on the Hawk than I do on the Savage. The forward controls will fix that eventually.
It isnt much smaller than the savage...just standing back and looking at the side by side, but it is a LOT lighter. Tires are thinner and smaller. It feels smaller in ways like..the handlebars and grips. Definitely going to go for a larger diameter grip for my big monkey paws.
It rides a bit like an enduro or dirt bike with street tires on it. Extremely nimble and handles like a bicycle at low speeds. It's no wonder a lot of schools use these for MSC training. I could do cones slower than a walking pace without putting my feet down. Really, a 14 yr old could easily and safely ride this bike.
5 speed tranny and shifts very clean. Chain drive is super smooth. Gets to 45-50 in a hurry...after that, it's a bit more work. Wide open in 5th she does 70 on a flat road. Hunch over the tank and pull your knees in, shell get to 75-76 mph. You can lock the throttle wide open and drive like that for hours at a time...the motor seems happy as a clam. I drove a 5 mile stretch of twisting country road last night in 5th at full throttle and never had to throttle down. She leans really easily and the tires bite very nicely for such a light bike.
The bike never sounds like it is "working". The little twin just hums along. Jumping on the throttle in 4th gear doesnt do much. Passing a cager at 35 is easy...at 55? It takes a bit of forethought and planning.
All in all the bike is completely pleasant to drive. It will not challenge anyone with it's power or speed, but I find that driving a slow bike fast...is more fun than driving a fast bike slow
It will never be competition for the Savage, but it is doing exactly what I bought it for. Just jump on, no choke or warm up, and go. Comfortable enough to drive around town or even for 1-2 hour drive's...as long as you arent on the freeway. Seat and sitting position are very much like the standard bikes of old...the Kawi 350, honda CB series, etc.
I've been on a rebel and to me...the Hawk is much more comfortable and stable platform. Cant say anything about the Nighthawk 450 or 750 models, but I am curious as to whether or not they have the same comfortable feel.
That better J_o_G?