Honda Nighthawk

The engine in this motorcycle has been around since 1978 in it's first incarnation as the CM185 TwinStar. The displacement was increased to 200cc and finally 250cc with the name briefly changing to the 250 Custom. It now powers the cruiser-styled Rebel and this bike. For some reason this sportier version has drum brakes while the laid-back Rebel gets a front disc. My mother used to have a 200 TwinStar. The Rebel and Nighthawk are favorites of Motorcycle Safety Course programs, but their limited power is quickly outgrown by most riders.

Honda XR650L

I've always liked Honda motorcycles. My first bike was a Honda. Unfortunately, the only dual-sport Honda sees fit to import to the US is their towering XR650L with it's 37" seat height and tiny fuel tank. Wish they'd bring back the XR400 and XR250F and slap-on street-legal lights, mufflers and an L-suffix. Oh, yeah...and bring back round headlights!

Honda Shadow Sprit 750

Honda put this bike together with riders like me in mind: middle-aged men getting back into the sport after a long hiatus. A friend at work wants to get a bike like this (being vertically challenged he really appreciates the low seat height). Personally, I think I'll save a couple grand and stick with the DR650.

Safety first

Here's an interesting helmet design. The face shield flips up with or without the visor being attached. Both are removeable (it is not recommended to wear the visor at highway speeds).