Couple of questions from a new rider.

[allstresdout]

So I have my 01 Nighthawk 750 and this is the first time I have ever owned a motorcycle so I had some possibly very silly questions. I searched the forum and couldn't find so sorry if this is a repost.

I have heard that these can be kind of cold natured bikes but when I start up I have trouble with certain positions of the clutch making the engine nearly stall out. I was thinking maybe the carbs were gummed up? Maybe need to use some of this sea foam I hear so much about?

Also when checking the engine oil how should I have the bike standing? Straight up? On a level surface w/ the side stand out?

Finally and silliest of all, motorcycles come with manuals like a car right? When I bought it I didn't think to ask and I think it would be a great resource if they exist. I have heard of a type of manual for it in the threads (the name escapes me) but the context I saw them in makes me think they are something you specifically buy that don't normally come with the bike.

[talespin]

First,  You'll find the NH to be a great bike and this forum to be a great source for lots of things.

I don't understand the clutch problem from your description, so I'll leave that to others. My 2003 NH isn't particularly cold-blooded, but I think they're all a little different. The carbs certainly could be gummed up on a 10-year-old bike, and it definitely wouldn't hurt to add some Seafoam to the tank - maybe even two or three tanks in a row. It works well, doesn't cost a lot, is available at most auto parts stores, and can possibly solve some problems you're not even aware of yet.

Bikes come with owner manuals when new, and it seems like they almost never come with manuals after the initial sale. I got my manual from http://www.helminc.com.

[NHPep]

Also when checking the engine oil how should I have the bike standing? Straight up? On a level surface w/ the side stand out?

Get one of those little plastic bubble string levels.  Undo the oil cap, but leave in place.  Get on your bike, bring to perfectly upright (plastic level on fuel tank).  Reach down and grab the oil cap/gauge, wipe off, reinsert but do not screw in, remove again, and read level on stick.

[LOKi]

  to the forum.....now put up some pictures.   

Do you have a center stand? If not do as NHPep said. Although I would probably skip the leveler part and just guesstimate. It's not going to make that big of a difference if the bike is 2 or 3 % off plumb.

If you have a center stand put it up on the center stand to check it. Do not thread the oil cap in to check. It is measured by placing in the hole but not screwed in.

[LOKi]

Oh yea. Get the gear. Take the MSF class.

Gear=
Full face helmet
Jacket (armored)
gloves (armored)
boots (armored)
riding paints (armored or at least Kevlar lined)

The MSF class will teach you how to operate the bike safely.

[bajakirch]

I'm afraid I can't help you with the clutch issue either. You might want to start a separate topic on that (in the appropriate section, or risk the wrath of Hondo, God of NHF ).

Good suggestions on checking the oil level; I don't have much to add other than this:  If you're going to lean down to check the oil while you're on the bike, for god's sake make sure your kickstand is down in the event you lose your balance. My 550 has a centerstand and it's the only bike I've ever owned. I don't know that I would get one without a centerstand now. It makes life SOOOOO much easier.

You can get the replacement Operator's Manual through Honda direct, through the link posted above or possibly on ebay. But you'll also want a good repair/maintenance manual. The actual Honda shop technical guide will probably be kind of spendy, but you can get them on http://www.repairmanual.com/. They tend to be a little better than the third-party products, but sometimes it'll specify special tools or assume you have more knowledge than you do. For most stuff, a Clymer's manual will serve you just fine. I have both for my 550, and I rarely find differences between the 2.

Welcome onboard.

[drdubb]

The directions for checking oil are to do it upright, not on the center stand. Centerstands are not stock items.
Do not thread the cap. You can find owners manuals, shop manuals and clymers manuals on ebay. I found a new owners manual for my 83 on ebay. My 750 still had the original. Have you looked under the seat to see if the tool kit and manual are there?

[allstresdout]

Thanks everyone for the help! I realized I posted this in the wrong spot, then I couldn't delete it.