New to the forum, new to riding

[jm8881]

Hey everyone, new to the forum and new to riding.  Great forum you got here, I'll deffinitly be spending some time around here.  I just bought my first bike today and will be picking it up tomorrow morning.  I'm really excited to get into the sport.  Anyways, it's a 1982 Honda Nighthawk 750.  Kinda big for a first bike I know but I think I got a great deal on it and I'll be doing a lot of practice around my neighborhood before I take it out on the road.

I know how people love pics so here are some bad...ish cell phone pics I snapped this afternoon.







The only blemish on an otherwise perfect bike.


I got it for $950 and it has new tires and front shocks.  It's also only got 9,800 miles.  The only thing it needs is the alternator rotor.  Other than that it's ready to ride. 

[fishmeister]

Looks good. Got your licence? Don't think that dog likes it tho.....

[jm8881]

Nope, don't have my license yet, gota get some time logged in on my buddies dirtbike and learn how to ride first.  I know I kinda jumped the gun but this is something I've wanted for a long time. 

[fishmeister]

Cool, don't ruin the experience by getting busted without the endorsement.

Are you going to try and fix the electrical?

[jm8881]

Yeah, I'll get it fixed.  I'm pretty good with a multimeter and a wrench, don't think I'll have any problems with that.  As far as getting busted without the endorsement, I don't think you can get pulled over on private land so I should be fine to learn how to handle a bike before I go get my license.

[highwayjamin]

Great looking bike,its a really nice starter bike.  I would really recommend a riding course,and I'am sure everyone would agree.

Becareful out there and practice,practice practice.

Oh yea I almost forgot 

[Burgi]

Don't think that dog likes it tho.....

Fish you might know your cows but obviously not dogs. Look at that dog, it's smiling! They're a color match, why wouldn't the dog like it?

  JM, nice looking Nighthawk!

[fishmeister]

Burgi, I'm suprised that a lady with all your worldly knowledge isn't familiar with the expression......

Never trust a smiling dogExcept maybe Labs, they're my favorite!

[OhCrap]

Nice looking bike, I really love this style of decals on the Hawks. Enjoy & ride save!

[82CB750SC]

Nice grab.  I also have a black 82 750.  They are the best looking nighthawks that i know of...

AND...you have a windscreen...AND the left side cover...AND saddle bags...AND stock exhaust...AND you paid less than me.

Very nice.  Be sure to look into that riding course.  This bike can be very difficult to handle (Like all bikes) unless you have been properly trained.  Don't over do it on the road and take time building your skills. 

Welcome to the forum!

[82CB750SC]

Forgot to ask...Where are you from?

[skramer360]

...AND stock exhaust

Guard that stock exhaust with your life. They are impossible to find, especially in that good shape. BTW jm8881,  to the best place around.

[JB1290]

  JM. Thats a great looking bike for what you paid. You basically stole that thing. 

Take the MSF course and get out on that thing. 

Cute dog too. I have one very similar. Is yours kinda brain dead? Mine is. 

[fishball]

Hi JM and welcome to the group!

[mikem1968]

Welcome to the forums. That bike is definitely in great shape. I'd chime in with the others who mentioned taking a local safety course if you can find one. It's not necessary, but they do get in-depth, and you come out ready to ride (especially if they give you the voucher to bring to your DMV like they do here - which means your course counts as your road test - which means you just go to the DMV and pick up your endorsement - no test required). My coaches were all great and it was nice to be able to talk to some more experienced riders before I got out there myself.

For whatever it's worth, (and when you are ready to ride - legally) you may want to try removing the windshield temporarily to see if there's a big difference in handling. When I got mine last summer, the guy I bought it from gave me a BIG windshield (not anywhere near as new as the one on yours mind you). I originally rode it without it, then tried it with it on and noticed a pretty big difference in handling. For me, there was way too much drag / wind resistance. I still liked the idea of having something there though so finally I ordered a brand new (but much smaller one) for something like 65 bucks off eBay or amazon or someplace. It's just enough for me for when I take her out on the highway, but small enough not to notice much of a difference.

Also, be certain to get yourself a Clymer's repair manual for your model and year. You'll save a bundle in the long run when you can perform most (if not all) of your own repairs / routine maintenance. Unless you know for a FACT that the person you purchased it from has done it recently, I'd definitely change the oil & filter, air filter, plugs, check / change the fluids, check / change the battery, etc., etc. It's definitely helpful to keep some basic but universal tools on your bike at all times and to know some simple repairs just in case. That book is like the holy bible for me.

Most of all enjoy and ride safe!!!

Mike



 

[jspringator]

I think the 650-750 cc inline 4 is an OK learner bike.  The power is in the upper RPM ranges. It is there when you need it; it isn't when you don't. You aren't likely to need more bike immediately.  I'd get new tires and new brake friction material and SS brake lines.  Get the basic operation of clutch, throttle, leaning, etc. down on a dirt bike and you shouldn't have any trouble.  I learned on a dirt bike 35 years ago, and did a refresher year on a scooter.

It kills me when I see a new rider on a brand new Honda Rebel. He/she will be satisfied with it for 2 years at most, then will take a huge depriciation hit. Take the MSF class.  I plan on taking the advanced class this year.

[hppants]

  to the group.  You got a steal.  She's a real beauty.  What's that with wire wheels in the garage?

Ride safe friend.  Get the gear.  Get the gear Get the gear.

[jm8881]

Thanks for the warm welcome all.  I'll try to cover as many bases as I can.

The dog isn't mine, but his name is Rider.  He's the previous owners dog.
I'm going to take the riders saftey class, sounds like the best idea.  How long is the class?
The stock exhaust is staying on the bike, but I think I'm going to remove the windscreen and bags and use them on longer trips.
Already looking to get a clymers, I'm going up to the local shop tomorrow and ordering one.
The pictures were taken at the previous owners house the day before I picked it up.  The wire wheel in the garage is the previous owners suzuki boulevard 750, don't know the year but it looked brand spankin new.

Thanks again!

[ariwhiteboy]

  to the forum!  You really got a great deal on that bike, can't believ how good it looks and you gotta love those 4 into 4 exhausts!  +1 on riding a dirt bike for a while then taking the MSF course.  They should let you learn on a 250cc street bike and I think you even get a lower insurance premium out of the deal.  Ride safe and keep us updated. 

[detdrbuzzard]

hello and  to NHFjm8881

[luckylindy]

  Great looking bike.

[hap]

 Welcome aboard. Nice bike. I started out with a 750 for my first road bike (91 NH) last year. It was buy suggestion from by brother in that I wouldn't "out grow" it any time soon. He's right. 750cc is all the muscle power I need.
 Dido on the MFS course. I took the ERC this month and my wife took the MSF course and she is now a licensed rider. I'm so proud.
 After reading the material from her course, it would have benefited me to take that course as well. I currently am in my second season of riding and still learning. I am telling you this to encourage you regarding the course. Riding (for me anyway) seems to be an incurable addiction. Safe riding can only extend this addiction. I mean hey, if theres no cure, well just may as well as enjoy it as long as possible.
 And in closing here, regarding these Honda's, regular maintenance seems to be to only requirement for longevity. By the looks of your machine, the previous owner(s) took very good care of it.
 Again, welcome, be safe and most importantly - HAVE FUN   
   

[geemann]

  to the forum!  You got a beauty!  The exhaust looks real sharp, wish those had come on mine...

[jm8881]

Thanks again all!

I'm looking into the the course right now, gota get over to my buddies first, been working a lot lately.  Tomorrow is a good day for it I'm thinking though.   

I went to macomb power sports and picked up a nice riding jacket with back and elbow armor.  Looked at a lot of helmets and I think I'm going to get a Shoei Rf-1100.  It's kinda pricey, $500, but I think I have a $500 head.  Got some prices on stuff to fix the alternator and also ordered a Clymer manual.

Were gettin close!

[fishmeister]

Wait! There's a lot less expensive places and products!

I can refer you to an honest Honda dealership/service/parts and other retailers of less expensive gear locally.