Best Japanese motorcycle maker

 

I am a new rider, and I definately want to go Japanese for a bike. But
what is everyone’s opinion as far as the best Bike maker ( As far as
motor, reliabilty, and quality ) style is not as important as the
rest. I’m leaning towards Honda, but only cause I have only driven
Honda vehicles. Most likely a sport bike I will buy not a cruiser.

 



I had a '90 Honda Civic SI hatchback in my 30s.  Nice.  If I babied it,
I'd get 40 MPG.  On the other side, I ran it up to 120 MPH once before I
realized that if someone changed lanes I was going to hit them.

I've gone through two Yamaha V-Stars without any major problems.  I
currently own a Kawasaki cruiser, also no problems.  I recently bought a
rather old (1992) Honda Nighthawk, simply because I've always wanted one.  
Best purchase ever, so far, inasmuch as the only maintenance required is
an oil change every 3K, and a chain lube/cleaning every weekend (I
commute 80 miles per day on it).  The valves are self-adjusting.  As far
as the way the Nighthawk runs, it reminds me dearly of my old Civic SI,
and I'm happy to have it back.

I can't say which Honda bike you might like, and they don't make the
Nighthawk 750 any more (so you have to buy them used), but the maker is
indeed a star in my eyes.  Good luck!

--
Uncle Vic
04 Kawasaki Nomad 1500
92 Honda Nighthawk 750

 



Hmmmm...I keep seeing old Nighthawks at the dealers around
here, although most examples have been real dogs, at least
cosmetically.  But you've reminded me that I always HAVE
been attracted to those, for some reason.

Mebbe I need to start looking again...before they ALL get too
old.  Or I do, one or the other...;-)

Bob M.

 


Er...  chain lube and cleaning every weekend is low maintenance?  You
gotta be kidding!  


I (or should I say, my wife) used to have an '83 Nighthawk and it ran
like a clock, except the charging system was very anemic.  I'd agree
they are low maintenance bikes if shaft-driven.  Didn't like the
hydraulic clutch (on hers, at least).  Very nice-looking bikes if in
good condition.

 

Road Glidin' Don wrote:


It's optional.  I ride for years with a home brewed automatic chain oiler.
Chain is lubed and fairly clean too, if anybody cares.  I don't and I
rarely clean my bike too.
 
[...]
--
Andrzej Rosa