Finally Got My Nighthawk 650!!!

[rcNighthawkCB650SC]

The other issue I have been noticing, is that whatever gear I'm in, at just under and over 3k rpms when I start to open the throttle up, I hear a slight rattling.
I've been wondering what it was and if something was vibrating, but on my way home today I was just thinking about all the parts of this bike, and the cam chain issue popped into my head. Is this sound probably a loose cam chain tensioner?

Am I correct in having been told that it isn't harmful to the bike to ride even though it makes that noise at that engine speed? is it best to avoid cruising at that speed as well? thanks again for the help everyone.   

[Bumblebee]

Depending on the design, if you look underneath at the bottom of the keyswitch, you can see where the pin comes out of the keyswitch hardware to lock the handlebars. If there is a bunch of dirt and gunk on the pin or in that area that can cause it to not lock. Clean and oil the pin.

Of course it could be your new key. Did you try it with the old one?

[rcNighthawkCB650SC]

Depending on the design, if you look underneath at the bottom of the keyswitch, you can see where the pin comes out of the keyswitch hardware to lock the handlebars. If there is a bunch of dirt and gunk on the pin or in that area that can cause it to not lock. Clean and oil the pin.

Of course it could be your new key. Did you try it with the old one?

yea I probably wasn't very clear. In addition to wanting more than 1 key for the bike, I got a new one because when the old one stopped locking the forks and I noticed it was bent I began wondering if the key was the problem. I'll have to check out that pin area tomorrow. thanks

[ExTex]

You often have to wiggle the handlebars when trying to lock or unlock the forks.
The locking pin fits with little excess room, so you have to make sure it is in the right spot.

Ride Safely,

[rcNighthawkCB650SC]

You often have to wiggle the handlebars when trying to lock or unlock the forks.
The locking pin fits with little excess room, so you have to make sure it is in the right spot.

Ride Safely,

yes, that was my problem. I asked my dad about that today and he said the handlebars has to be completely locked sideways for the fork lock to engage. you're both right. But i would've guaranteed two weeks ago when I did it that the handlebars were facing straight forward......oh well. easy fix for that problem. 

[rcNighthawkCB650SC]

btw......did my issue of the rattling/vibrating sound I'm hearing at around 3k rpm's (i think mainly in the higher 3 gears) fit the description of the noise that a loose cam chain would make? or is it something different altogether? if it's a loose cam chain, how bad is that for the bike? 

next thing I'm doing is replacing my tires. I'm pretty sure the Dunlop K491 Elite G/T's that are on there now are pretty close to originals. Badly dry rotted but not low on tread. I'm planning on going with Bridgestone S11 Spitfire Sport Touring Tires; same size as stock.

[Option13]

The rattling is the cam chain. It doesn't hurt the engine and every 650 does it. Nothing to worry about, just try not to be annoyed by it.

[rcNighthawkCB650SC]

k......well i got my tires today........ and I have a feeling that this question I'm about to ask is stupid. but anyways....... everyone always talks about having to "scrub" in a tire when it's new. is this just slang for riding on it? or do you actually have to brush some factor coating of something off of it? Just wondering, cause when I asked my dad he started making jokes about it and I don't think he took me seriously. he said you just ride on it. thanks for the help!   

[Laminar]

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/How_do_I_scrub_in_new_tires%3F

[TimmyJ]

Hey this is all good to know, as I too am putting new shoes on my NH tomorrow.

To the OP: congrats! I like the style and color.

[rcNighthawkCB650SC]

Hey this is all good to know, as I too am putting new shoes on my NH tomorrow.

To the OP: congrats! I like the style and color.

thanks! i still have to put my rear brakes on as well. I did the front ones, but I don't really feel like taking the rear wheel and shaft off multiple times, so I'm waiting a week until I put my new tires on.

[TimmyJ]

Sounds like your restoring it. Defenatly worth it! Just curious, is the color original?

[talespin]

Tried to lock the forks sometime this week and the key wont turn left far enough to lock the forks. starts the bike fine. New key made to code today also will not turn switch far enough left to lock the forks. Does this mean the ignition needs to be taken apart and the tumbler inspected? 

Wiggle the handlebars slightly as you're trying to turn the key. The fork may not be turned to the locking sweet spot. Mine doesn't lock if the forks are against the stop, I have to back it off just a touch.

Some lock lubricant might help too. Some people say locks can be lubed with WD-40, others say it will eventually gum the lock up. I use lock lubricant, available from locksmiths and hardware stores.

[rcNighthawkCB650SC]

Sounds like your restoring it. Defenatly worth it! Just curious, is the color original?

well i wouldnt quite say I'm restoring it........ just trying to get it in better condition so it's safe for me to ride it........ and with those dry-rotted tires........it really isn't. and the color isn't original. the bike is a rebuilt salvage and was pretty much rebuilt by a honda certified mechanic who was the po before the guy i bought it from.

[rcNighthawkCB650SC]

and thanks talespin, i was able to fix that problem by finding that locking sweet spot you talked about. you probably couldn't see that i posted that solution a little farther up the page because it was lost in one of my paragraphs 

[rcNighthawkCB650SC]

hey everyone just experiencing some idling/possibly carb issues. Posted a thread in crisis room and would appreciate any diagnostic help I can get. Thanks for the help