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Message started by SuperSavage on 07/12/12 at 22:21:06

Title: Honda Nighthawk 750
Post by SuperSavage on 07/12/12 at 22:21:06

Anyone ever own a Honda Nighthawk 750? I am looking to add a new bike to the family and don't want a sport bike, but really like the look and performance attributes of the bike. Also, Honda reliability isn't too shabby, either. It just looks like a great standard bike with a sporting side.

Title: Re: Honda Nighthawk 750
Post by WD on 07/13/12 at 05:39:44

Front end is a bit over-braked. Other than that never had a problem with them.

Title: Re: Honda Nighthawk 750
Post by Cavi Mike on 07/13/12 at 08:58:55

A single-disc is over-braked? I take it you've never ridden a sport bike before.

Title: Re: Honda Nighthawk 750
Post by 360k+ on 07/13/12 at 09:15:43

0211550 wrote:

Front end is a bit over-braked.

You can do that? Braking is calculated on performance and weight. They could have gone with a dual front disk setup, bit it would have added more cost. I have to admit tho, they are probably at the limit in size for single disk.

Before I buy any bike, I would find a forum on that model and read about any reliability or maintenance quirks it may have. For instance, I have owned bikes where the valves are only adjustable using fixed thickness physical shims. So you have to buy a set of shims and a special valve spring compression tool for valve adjustments. At one time the Honda ST1100 (in-line V4) really appealed to me, but I didn't buy it because of a similar valve maintenance situation.

Title: Re: Honda Nighthawk 750
Post by SuperSavage on 07/13/12 at 10:00:45

Thanks for the replies, guys. From what I've read, the bike is pretty much bullet proof. The single disc and drum set up seems a little light, but most of the bikes I've had have the same system. It's a budget sporting bike. I figure with progressive springs up front and shocks in the rear, the bike will be a nice sweeper. Now to locate one...

Title: Re: Honda Nighthawk 750
Post by Spiff on 07/13/12 at 10:14:13

I own a 750 Nighthawk (1993) and love it.

This page is a good one for specs and repair tips:

http://www.hondanighthawks.net/

And this one is good for tutorials on common mods:

http://www.nighthawk750.com/index.shtml

Title: Re: Honda Nighthawk 750
Post by Gyrobob on 07/13/12 at 20:42:54

1530373131263C3E2B6D6F6E6E5F0 wrote:

That bike would be in my top five list for best standard bike ever. I had a 1983 Suzuki GS850 that in my opinion was the best standard bike ever. The Nighthawk 750, which I have ridden a few times, but not owned, would have to be a close competitor. Buy it.

Title: Re: Honda Nighthawk 750
Post by WD on 07/14/12 at 06:12:58

For what it was, mine was way over-braked. Aftermarket rotor and good EBC pads. If I didn't ease into the front brake it got really slow really quickly... Enough to bottom out the front end and try to lift the rear.

It was fun while it lasted... had an offer I couldn't refuse and sent it to a new home.

Title: Re: Honda Nighthawk 750
Post by 87 savage on 07/14/12 at 19:33:16

Gotta chime in on this one. I just sold a 1992 CB750 Nighthawk. Why? I liked my wifes 2008 S40 more so I bought a Savage. The Nighthawk is air cooled like the Savage but it has an oil cooler. Tough bike and has a rep for being bulletproof. The biggest issues I had with it: Cold blooded! Check out the Nighthawk forum it is very common. I even did the mod that lifts the jet needle. It helped a little but still had to warm the bike up thoroughly or else choke it a little for the first couple of miles. Also the stock handlebars are too low and forward. I put a 4 inch riser on mine and that helped alot. Rear drum like the savage. I was tired of the chain drive, love the belt drive of the Savage. Lastly, being 5'8" I could barely put my feet flat on the ground on the nighthawk which made long redlights very uncomfortable. I must admit it had plenty of balls though. :)
All and all I love the Savage and I'm glad I switched.