Topic: Even trade?

[Honigsl]

I have a 1974 Honda CB550. I just got my motorcycle license and planned on using this motorcycle as my "starter" bike. I have been told that I should really start with a 250cc bike and came across a guy who has a 1993 Honda Night Hawk 250. I have the option for doing an even trade for this bike and wanted to know anyone else's thoughts on this trade. I feel like the CB550 is a classic and I really love the idea of the bike. However, it is a kick start only bike and I found it difficult to start.
So, my question is...should i just purchase the night hawk for $2000 and keep the 550 or is it smart to just do an even trade?

Hope that all made sense.

thanks for an guidance.

Sam

[69cb750]

CB550 is a small bike that is easy to ride.
A 250 is more appropriate for a teenager.
All CB550 came with electric start

[Stev-o]

Hey Sam... can you post a pic of your bike?   I'm thinking it is worth more than $2K so I would not do the trade.  CB prices have been on the rise lately.

The 250 is a good beginner bike, a lot of riding schools use them, but as you progress, you may find the 250 is underpowered and you may want to move up.

Is your bike a "cafe racer" hence no electric start? Or does it need repair??

[carnivorous chicken]

I'd so no as well -- you'll regret the trade shortly after you make it for the reasons mentioned. And I'd second trying to find out why the elec start doesn't work on the 550 -- and add that they aren't difficult to kick over, it just takes a little technique. If you don't want to learn on the 550, you could always either buya smaller bike with the intention of reselling it, or enroll in a class (most use the 250s).

** I should add -- I'll second that photos -- of both bikes -- would be good. IF the 550 is a pos and the 250 is mint maybe it makes sense!

[Prospect]

Hard no. You'll outgrow the 250 in a short period of time. Plus the CB550 is an appreciating asset whereas the 250 is a depreciating asset. As mentioned before all cb550s came with an electric start.

[RAFster122s]

Keep the 550...if you can afford to pick up a modern 300 sport bike they are often used as starter bikes... The 550 is a keeper, even if kick starting it...
Very bad idea to trade the 550.
Some small displacement bikes are not allowed on freeways in some states...

[Kevnz]

I agree wholeheartedly with the other posters. My first bike was a CB500, basically the same bike; entirely suitable as long as you're not as stupid as I was! In NZ there is a LAMS system (learners restriction) based  on weight and horsepower. Triumph Street Triple 660 qualifies as do some Ducati Monsters and other bikes that are way faster than the CB550. CB 500\550 are nicely balanced and have good linear power delivery and would be ideal as well as at least holding their value. Depending on how good an example it is, of course. PLus you get to learn about m\c maintenance with superb backup from this forum.

[MauiK3]

Do not do the trade, the 550 is or could be worth much more.
Take a course, they use small bikes.

[pjlogue]

I would stick with the 550 for two reasons.  1) It is probably worth more than '93 Night Hawk and 2) you will regret getting rid of the 550 in a short while.   The 550 is a lighter bike as others have said but it is a nice bike and easy to handle.

If you can afford to purchase the Night Hawk then go for it if you want to learn on a smaller bike but hang on to the 550. 

-P.

[Alan F.]

I agree with everyone, keep your 550.

Post your location, it's possible someone local to you is a member here with an appropriate starter bike in good shape to sell you, or maybe we can find you something on Craigslist.

No 250 Nighthawk is worth $2000, I'm not putting them down, they're a Honda. But $2k is too high.

[Shtonecb500]

#$%* that, learn on your 550 bro, you will outgrow it in 500 miles.

[Don R]

 It's difficult to say not having seen the 550, I read a little and it may have a few previous owner induced issues. The 550 can be an awesome machine if it's not poorly modified by a previous mechanic/builder. I like the 550 but I'm old and familiar with rebuilding these things.

[Kelly E]

I agree with everyone, keep your 550.

Post your location, it's possible someone local to you is a member here with an appropriate starter bike in good shape to sell you, or maybe we can find you something on Craigslist.

No 250 Nighthawk is worth $2000, I'm not putting them down, they're a Honda. But $2k is too high.

I also say keep the 550.
Last year we sold a 95' 250 Nighthawk with 16k miles for $2250.

[newday777]

So, my question is...should i just purchase the night hawk for $2000 and keep the 550 or is it smart to just do an even trade?

Hope that all made sense.

thanks for an guidance.

Sam

Welcome aboard Sam
Yes keep the 550 and purchase the 250 to start on if you haven't any time getting used to riding yet, and fix the starter on the 550 if you continue to have a hard time kick starting it(it should kick over fairly easy(I saw on your profile you are a girl so I understand it could be you are petite and don't have enough weight to easily kick it over).

[6adan]

  I am going along with everyone else, keep the 550. I started out on a CB750 in 1970 it was the first bike I had ever owned.

[PeWe]

The old CBs are not any power monster;D
But I remember the thoughts.

I was looking for my first bike to use.

A colleague that was a biker helped me. He yold me that a 500cc bike would be good to start with.
One day at a shop looking for a bike I saw a blue CB750 K6 and I was stuck! Still together since early -79.
I used that for practice driving for a month before the test and license getting the freedom on 2 wheels!!

I saw a Kawasaki 750 2-stroke too. But it was known to be not a beginners bike!!!

[Stev-o]

It's difficult to say not having seen the 550, I read a little and it may have a few previous owner induced issues.

Here's her other thread and shows a pic of the bike.  It has a modified elec system...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,188382.msg2186862.html#msg2186862

[RAFster122s]

Sam, if you don't mind getting your hands dirty, we can help guide you with anything you will need to do on your 550. This time of year bikes sell for less, unless you are in a year round riding area. Offer no more than 1800 for the Nighthawk 250... Start at 1700...
They have to be mint to be worth over 2500 and decent one should sell around 2k in good markets. They just are not ever going to be worth a lot of money. Walk away from the 250 rather than over pay on it. You can do quite a bit with a 2k investment in your 550 though...

[TwoTired]

After seeing your bike (but, not the 250), I'd say if the 250 is stock and in good condition, make the trade.

When learning to ride, a bike you can rely on is worth far more than one that's going to need lots of work to stay reliable and pleasant.

I love the 550, btw.  But, modified bikes can be a real pain to make into a daily street driver, if the mods aren't done well.  Yours looks like it was one done primarily for looks, and a profitable sale, rather than street reliability.   And with no fenders/splash guards, riding in anything other than really nice weather is going to be a miserable experience, unless a full body condom is your style.

Cheers,

[Shtonecb500]

After seeing your bike (but, not the 250), I'd say if the 250 is stock and in good condition, make the trade.

When learning to ride, a bike you can rely on is worth far more than one that's going to need lots of work to stay reliable and pleasant.

I love the 550, btw.  But, modified bikes can be a real pain to make into a daily street driver, if the mods aren't done well.  Yours looks like it was one done primarily for looks, and a profitable sale, rather than street reliability.   And with no fenders/splash guards, riding in anything other than really nice weather is going to be a miserable experience, unless a full body condom is your style.

Cheers,

i agree, learning on that might put u off to riding altogether.