I have a 1984 Nighthawk S and love it. Had it since 1988. It’s a very low maintenance bike with shaft drive, hydraulic brakes and clutch, self adjusting valves, 4 valves per cylinder, dual overhead cams etc…definitely ahead of its time. Has an LED gear indicator on dash, small tool pouch with tools, centre and kick stand - just to name a few bonuses. Btw, in Canada here, it’s a CB750SC with 84 HP, plenty of power (as long as you’re under 200lbs) and 470 lbs. As for keeping up with the new modern bikes… it’ll keep up to some but certainly won’t win any races. And the new bikes are $15K - $30K Cdn (or more) up here. Btw.. FYI… I had it parked in garage since 2006 til 2021 (15 years). I changed the gas and battery. It started on the 3rd crank. Gotta love those Honda engines.
A year later i can agree with you, got my license in May and an buddy of mine gave his Nighthawk 750 to me for free (just had to repair the front suspension) ib freaking love the bike!! What a machine! Nice easy Touring and a beast when she needs to.
mine is 38years older now and still runs well. I have a tappet rattle but off the gas, clutch in and idle for a few seconds while coasting, the oil pressures up again and rattle free for half an hour. I took her and rode the isle of man tt this year. Did the lap three times. Shebloved every,second. I have other bikes but " black betty " is family.
The power curve is actually pretty flat and even from 4 to 5000 on. Not to mention it is an old engine. No need to push the limits of it and blow it up. The spirited riding comes in holding the speed through the curves. 50 to 60 mph on these curves is pretty spirited especially on this suspension and small tires.
@@ecttreker9816 Gotta' agree with @Liter Plus here, speed carried not your motors rip'ems or acceleration is what truly makes for spirited riding. Since any bike can be ridden spiritedly, but not all bikes have strong acceleration, I'd say it's more about what you do with that speed once you have it (ie not losing it). I had a KLR250 enduro that would spin up to 12k rpm (kinda' crazy for a single cylinder lump in a dirt oriented bike) but it didn't necessarily go any harder for your efforts, but what was fun about it was just keeping it on the edge of it's envelope (tires were the limiting factor since it had dual sport rubber at both ends) and trying not to lose any speed while charging up tight mountain roads in NM and slipping past all the cruisers.
@@DeepBarney yeah I agree with ya also about the spirited riding thing. I was only stating a fact that at and above 8000 rpm is where that particular bike makes the majority of its power. Almost reminiscent of the 2 stroker CR's. I've worn out a few sets of tires since1982. Loads of makes and models, including an 85 750 version of the Nighthawk S.
I cannot get the original in england so fitted a stainless 4/1 i got from the weeds in the back of a mates garden. He had a 759 and leftover the exhaust there for ten years. Cleaned up and good to go for 20quid.
@Liter Plus Thanks for sharing this. I'm curious your thoughts on the suspension for general use and when riding spiritedly. Not as in, will it hang with a modern sport bike, or XYZ, but in terms of does it ever feel underwhelming, like it's not enough for the weight of the bike or the speed it wants to carry, etc. I ask because I'm considering one of these bikes as a replacement bike for my '07 FZ6 (with 104k miles) as an occasional commuter and weekend getaway bike that offers more sportiness than my main ride an '07 Bonneville.
It rides beautifully and handles very well. The front wants to pogo a little when pushing it. I would put a little heavier oil in them. Or upgrade them if you really want to push it. She has a really nice power curve that you can have fun with. Not sure if it would hang with an FZ6 or not.
@@LiterPlus probably not in terms of acceleration, or braking for that matter. It's a bike that really comes alive above 7k rpm, and positively screams from there up to redline. Below 6-7 it's pretty docile. But the FZ6 isn't running very advanced suspension (damper rod fronts, preload only in the rear), so it could be an interesting comparison. I would think the FZ6 has the stiffer chassis of the two. And likely has the faster turn in, but I could be wrong there.
@@DeepBarney the Nighthawk turns in really nice. The chassis feels great. Way ahead of its time. And it has good power. Better than Ashley's CB500F by lengths and bounds. It may actually surprise you.
Better than the CB500F you say? Interesting as I've been considering that bike or the X model with a 17" wheel swap. I'm not a power junkie, so I'm more interested in handling and comfort. 2022 CB500 models all seem to be getting a nice front suspension and brakes upgrade. If you got more thoughts comparing those bikes I'd like to hear it. What do you think of the bikes wind protection or relative lack of?
@@DeepBarney the small fairing does a lot more than one would think. It definitely has more power than the 21 500f. Handling is pretty comparable. Braking is better. I read the 22 was getting some upgrades in the brakes and front forks. That will be a huge improvement. You can get a nice nighthawk for 2500 to 4500. A 22 500 you are going to pay 7 to 8 thousand. So that is something to think about. You will enjoy both. No matter which you get.
I had a red one. I loved it.
Good ride along. Takes me back
I have a 1984 Nighthawk S and love it. Had it since 1988. It’s a very low maintenance bike with shaft drive, hydraulic brakes and clutch, self adjusting valves, 4 valves per cylinder, dual overhead cams etc…definitely ahead of its time. Has an LED gear indicator on dash, small tool pouch with tools, centre and kick stand - just to name a few bonuses. Btw, in Canada here, it’s a CB750SC with 84 HP, plenty of power (as long as you’re under 200lbs) and 470 lbs. As for keeping up with the new modern bikes… it’ll keep up to some but certainly won’t win any races. And the new bikes are $15K - $30K Cdn (or more) up here.
Btw.. FYI… I had it parked in garage since 2006 til 2021 (15 years). I changed the gas and battery. It started on the 3rd crank. Gotta love those Honda engines.
A year later i can agree with you, got my license in May and an buddy of mine gave his Nighthawk 750 to me for free (just had to repair the front suspension) ib freaking love the bike!! What a machine! Nice easy Touring and a beast when she needs to.
Shift man, shift! Yer killin me - and the bike...
@MeatsackMiracle just taking it easy on the ole girl.
Best Nighthawk riding video out there! Period. Great sound
great bike i had three of them...the one with the yoshi pipe was the bomb....
mine is 38years older now and still runs well. I have a tappet rattle but off the gas, clutch in and idle for a few seconds while coasting, the oil pressures up again and rattle free for half an hour. I took her and rode the isle of man tt this year. Did the lap three times. Shebloved every,second. I have other bikes but " black betty " is family.
That is a bucket list item for me to ride the Isle and to see the TT race in person.
You’re bike looks like it’s in excellent condition! Keep it up.
Best bike ever.
8-9000 RPM's is where the spirited riding begins on that bike. 😀
The power curve is actually pretty flat and even from 4 to 5000 on. Not to mention it is an old engine. No need to push the limits of it and blow it up. The spirited riding comes in holding the speed through the curves. 50 to 60 mph on these curves is pretty spirited especially on this suspension and small tires.
And that's another opinion.
@@ecttreker9816 Gotta' agree with @Liter Plus here, speed carried not your motors rip'ems or acceleration is what truly makes for spirited riding. Since any bike can be ridden spiritedly, but not all bikes have strong acceleration, I'd say it's more about what you do with that speed once you have it (ie not losing it).
I had a KLR250 enduro that would spin up to 12k rpm (kinda' crazy for a single cylinder lump in a dirt oriented bike) but it didn't necessarily go any harder for your efforts, but what was fun about it was just keeping it on the edge of it's envelope (tires were the limiting factor since it had dual sport rubber at both ends) and trying not to lose any speed while charging up tight mountain roads in NM and slipping past all the cruisers.
@@DeepBarney yeah I agree with ya also about the spirited riding thing. I was only stating a fact that at and above 8000 rpm is where that particular bike makes the majority of its power. Almost reminiscent of the 2 stroker CR's.
I've worn out a few sets of tires since1982. Loads of makes and models, including an 85 750 version of the Nighthawk S.
I am wondering if your Nighthawk is running stock exhaust or if it's modified in anyway? Sounds so good!
Stock exhaust. The 1970s and 80s Honda inline 4s with dual outlet exhaust have a very distinct, awesome sound.
I cannot get the original in england so fitted a stainless 4/1 i got from the weeds in the back of a mates garden. He had a 759 and leftover the exhaust there for ten years. Cleaned up and good to go for 20quid.
How about another one🖖
Getting ready to start another build soon.
@Liter Plus Thanks for sharing this. I'm curious your thoughts on the suspension for general use and when riding spiritedly. Not as in, will it hang with a modern sport bike, or XYZ, but in terms of does it ever feel underwhelming, like it's not enough for the weight of the bike or the speed it wants to carry, etc. I ask because I'm considering one of these bikes as a replacement bike for my '07 FZ6 (with 104k miles) as an occasional commuter and weekend getaway bike that offers more sportiness than my main ride an '07 Bonneville.
It rides beautifully and handles very well. The front wants to pogo a little when pushing it. I would put a little heavier oil in them. Or upgrade them if you really want to push it. She has a really nice power curve that you can have fun with. Not sure if it would hang with an FZ6 or not.
@@LiterPlus probably not in terms of acceleration, or braking for that matter. It's a bike that really comes alive above 7k rpm, and positively screams from there up to redline. Below 6-7 it's pretty docile. But the FZ6 isn't running very advanced suspension (damper rod fronts, preload only in the rear), so it could be an interesting comparison. I would think the FZ6 has the stiffer chassis of the two. And likely has the faster turn in, but I could be wrong there.
@@DeepBarney the Nighthawk turns in really nice. The chassis feels great. Way ahead of its time. And it has good power. Better than Ashley's CB500F by lengths and bounds. It may actually surprise you.
Better than the CB500F you say? Interesting as I've been considering that bike or the X model with a 17" wheel swap. I'm not a power junkie, so I'm more interested in handling and comfort. 2022 CB500 models all seem to be getting a nice front suspension and brakes upgrade. If you got more thoughts comparing those bikes I'd like to hear it.
What do you think of the bikes wind protection or relative lack of?
@@DeepBarney the small fairing does a lot more than one would think. It definitely has more power than the 21 500f. Handling is pretty comparable. Braking is better. I read the 22 was getting some upgrades in the brakes and front forks. That will be a huge improvement. You can get a nice nighthawk for 2500 to 4500. A 22 500 you are going to pay 7 to 8 thousand. So that is something to think about. You will enjoy both. No matter which you get.
Cult bike