bought my first motorcycle from Omaha Nebraska

[jackel44]

I am new to motorcycles period.  My co-worker has a Nighthawk, and I did some looking and I just fell in love with the way they look.  I immediately went to Craigslist and sure enough I found one that was in good shape.  It is a 84 650.  It needed the carbs rebuilt and a few odds and ends, but I think it looks nice.  Have to paint it still , but here is a picture. 

[Tryvelcro]

   to the addiction!  I love those 650's.

The carbs may just need cleaned, you will find a ton of information around here.

Do you have your motorcycle endorsement?  If you haven't, you should really take the msf course.  Also, don't forget to budget for gear!

[jackel44]

  to the addiction!  I love those 650's.

The carbs may just need cleaned, you will find a ton of information around here.

Do you have your motorcycle endorsement?  If you haven't, you should really take the msf course.  Also, don't forget to budget for gear!

I do not have an endorsment I want to get it running, so I can go ridding with my co-worker with my learners permit of course.  I am unaware of any classes are around here.

I dont know what they need yet all I know is that they guy was tinkering with them.  I plan on taking them all apart anyway.  When I get it apart I will judge if the parts need replaced. 

[Tryvelcro]

Get a manual, it will be invaluable.

Take the course and get the gear while you are getting the bike going.  I got my permit and started riding with experienced friends before I took the course.  I wish I would have done it the other way around, I learned a lot but also had bad habits to unlearn.

[jackel44]

Get a manual, it will be invaluable.

Take the course and get the gear while you are getting the bike going.  I got my permit and started riding with experienced friends before I took the course.  I wish I would have done it the other way around, I learned a lot but also had bad habits to unlearn.

What you are saying makes sense.  I have enough bad habits just looking at the picture.

Who makes the best manual for them?  and were is the best place to get one at?  Can you download them?

[Tryvelcro]

There is the official Honda manual, and the clymers.  The "best" depends on who you ask.  For my 750, I use the clymers.  You can find them on eBay, online bookstores, probably the Honda stealership.  Get one, though.... you will need it, if you are going to do your own wrenching.

[genespleen]

http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses.aspx?state=NE

Manuals: Clymer is okay--well-suited for most uses.  A full Honda factory manual is better, but then good luck finding one.  In any case, get one or the other--you will learn much about your bike by reading, reading, reading.

http://www.clymer.com/Book.aspx?bid=514&title=Honda+CB550+and+650+Nighthawk+Repair+Manual%2C+1983-1985

You do not want to download a manual.  You want a full book, that you can flip through, keep in the garage, get greasy, write and tuck notes in.

Be aware the there are many useful subforums at this site (engine, suspension, braking, etc.): http://nighthawk-forums.com/index.php#4  <--This is simply the parent forum to the one we're on now.

Above all else, make sure that you have good tires.  How old are the ones currently on the bike?  If they're older than 4 years, you should replace them.  Tire rubber dries over time, losing elasticity and grip.  You do not want to test this.

David Hough's Proficient Motorcycling is an invaluable book, and a classic:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/books/proficient-motorcycling.htm

[hppants]

Welcome to the group - Ride safe.

What color are you considering for paint?

The red inside of the exhaust tips is a different touch.  I have not seen that before.

Good luck.

[ExTex]

Welcome to the Forum and to Nighthawks.
If you bought your bike in Omaha, I presume you are from that area,
but you may want to add your city & your Bike model to your signature so that it is available to all
in future entries.

To find a safety training course, go to: http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses.aspx
and put in your location.

ABATE of Iowa also has safety courses: http://www.abateiowa.org/education.html
ABATE of Nebraska's site is less informative: http://www.abateofne.com/

Ride Safely,  Use your safety gear.