Looking For A Nighthawk.

[2SteelHorses]

Hey guys, I have been looking for a good starter bike and the Honda Nighthawk is on my list.  Is there something I should look out for mechanically on a used bike?  I know that these bikes are known for their great mechanics, but every bike hast to have a week point.  I'm currently looking at two local 1983 Honda Nighthawk 650SC and one 2000 Honda Nighthawk CB750.  One of the 83's is going for $1250, the other 83 for $1395, and the 2000 is going for $1900.  I'm favoring the two of the more expensive bikes because of their conditions.  The $1250 bike does have a dent in the tank from a fall so I kind of weary about that one.  Any help or guidance would be appreciated.  Thanks for any help.

[soyavenger]

it depends on what youre looking for, a 2000 750 for less than $2k sounds great to me, but since its a starter bike id suggest something you can drop in the parking lot or at low speed without worrying about the gouge in the crankcase. i got an 82 750 from a friend for $800 and its been a great beginner bike, mostly cause when i drop it, or bend the bars i think, hey i only paid $800 for it and it still runs

but thats me, i hear from people on the board who have never dropped their bike, others have ridden for years and have

i dont mean to confuse you, but a 2000 750 for $1900 sounds too good to be true. how many miles? definitely ride it first, if you can take it, or any of them, to a bike shop and have them checked out. if its in good shape, thats a hard deal to pass up

[skramer360]

The most important thing on any used bike is the mindset of the previous owner/s. Did they take care of them; oil, tires, other regular maintenance? If they did then any of them will be a great bike. You can learn a lot just by talking to them.

[FAITHBIKER]

Hello there,

I don't know where you're located. I'm out of the Grand Rapids MI area and have my 1982 750 for sale. It's a great starter bike. It's due for an oil change right now, but it run's great. It does leak oil very lightly, typical from what I hear of the older bikes. It's not perfect, but let me know if you're interested and I'll let you know everything I know about it. I just picked up another bike, so that's the only reason I'm selling it.

[gammer]

Is there something I should look out for mechanically on a used bike?  I know that these bikes are known for their great mechanics, but every bike hast to have a week point.

I agree with the previous statement about mindset of the previous owner. Of course you have no idea what the mindset would be for any other prior owners.

The one thing these bikes (along with most other bikes from the early 80's era) are known for are weak charging systems. Ask the prev owner if they ever had any electrical issues...or problems with charging the battery.

Of course, with bike that is 25+ years old there will bound to be some things you are going to come across. Obviously its not a new bike.

My recommendation is if you want a starter bike and you want to learn the mechanics, then go with the Nighthawk 550 or 650 tops. You will gain driving experience and mechanical experience.
If you want a starter bike, but are not interested in the technical stuff, then purchase something allot newer with low millage. Like maybe a 2000 Suzuki GS500. One of the best starter bikes IMHO.

Of course money will weigh the heaviest on your decision.

Keep us posted and be sure to post some pics 

[Brittles]

I just picked up another bike, so that's the only reason I'm selling it.

 Sorry,  



What did you get?

[detdrbuzzard]

nither of my '79 750's leak oil, you have a bad gasket but that wouldn't deter me from buying it if i were in the market. the cam cover or either case gasket is an easy fix so don't let something like that deter you 2steelhorses. my '79 750k needed a cam cover gasket when i got it, it took longer to get the gasket ( dealer didn't have one in stock ) than to do the job, and  to NHF

[FAITHBIKER]

Got an '82 Yamaha Maxim 1100. I love the power of the old four cylinders, what can I say? I needed even more power.

[Maxx]

You must be a real Nighthawk lover.

[Zugzug]

Hey Maxx, Ill hold him down and you kick um in the ribs...

[Hangster]

Hey Maxx, Ill hold him down and you kick um in the ribs...

 

[Maxx]

 

[FAITHBIKER]

Alright guys...in my defense. I LOVE the Nighthawk. In fact if I could afford to keep both, I'd do so. But I really NEED more power, and don't know how to get that from a Nighthawk. Ultimately I'd also like to get something newer, but can't afford that right now either. Just did an oil change on the Nighthawk. I think I'm still hangin on a little.  I'll miss you guys, and maybe I'll be back sometime again soon with a newer Nighthawk, who knows.

[Maxx]

Just cuz your getting rid of the NH doesn't mean you have to leave here!!

(I need the punting practice)

[FAITHBIKER]

I suppose you're right...then again, it is the "Nighthawk" Forums

[Hangster]

Faithbiker , i'd miss your casual attitude  if ya left as your new bike is still a stable mate and at the same time a bothern in this thing ...be cool man   and stick around (we 's just bustin on ya lol)

[FAITHBIKER]

Looks like my bike might be staying in my circle of friends, I'll be sure to let them know about the sight, and maybe I'd stick around since I know the guy.

[2SteelHorses]

I'm in NC guys and I'm still looking for a starter bike.  Here are some of the bikes I'm looking at.

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/1276094529.html



http://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/1274878833.html



http://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/1266090625.html



http://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/1277751731.html

[gormanology]

i think the top two have the most style... im sure that you'll love any of em though.  good luck with the decision

[2SteelHorses]

i think the top two have the most style... im sure that you'll love any of em though.  good luck with the decision

Yeah I was gonna talk to the second Nighthawk owner next.  I have talked to the owner of the first one.

[detdrbuzzard]

Alright guys...in my defense. I LOVE the Nighthawk. In fact if I could afford to keep both, I'd do so. But I really NEED more power, and don't know how to get that from a Nighthawk. Ultimately I'd also like to get something newer, but can't afford that right now either. Just did an oil change on the Nighthawk. I think I'm still hangin on a little.  I'll miss you guys, and maybe I'll be back sometime again soon with a newer Nighthawk, who knows.

should have put a 900 or 1100f motor in it

[FAITHBIKER]

Well I would be game for that...what's involved in doing that and do you think I'd be able to find an engine? I think I could do the work, just would need to know what kind of modifications would be required and such.

[FAITHBIKER]

2SteelHorses, sorry for totally jacking your thread  . I look the look of the 3rd bike myself, but that's cause its different.

[86cb700sc]

The 700S is most emphatically NOT a good starter/beginner bike.  Too much power and parts are getting expensive and hard to find for when you will drop it. And you will drop it.

[detdrbuzzard]

Well I would be game for that...what's involved in doing that and do you think I'd be able to find an engine? I think I could do the work, just would need to know what kind of modifications would be required and such.

getting the engine and rear motor mount bolts, 900 motors have rubber mounts in the rear not sure about the 1100 motor and not to completely jack the thread 25steelhorse the first three bikes are up in age and parts can be hard to find from time to time for any one of them. go with the one you like best