Official Nighthawk thread

[drdubb]

Originally Posted by DOD

I'm a new Nighthawk owner more by accident than choice. A friend of a friend is moving and asked me to haul away his old bike. Here it is, a 1983 Nighthawk 550.

So, now what? Is this thing worth restoring? I know very little about these bikes. I'm more comfortable on orange bikes with knobbies.







This could be a fun project.


-dod

Check out nighthawk-forums.com. Some good wrenchers over there. Also a guy named bullcity might have a donor bike for some parts. Several 550's. The nighthawk is a good bike, easy to work on. The 550 was only made one or two years, so parts might be difficult, thus the donor bike.

[DOD]

Thanks. I'll check it out.



-dod

[CLINTIRD]

Originally Posted by RABBIT170

Link to the bars?

Here ya go sir:

http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/...2DBLACK&CartID=

[moma417]

I bought a '95 Nighthawk 250 a few months ago and I'm beginning to see that it needs help. I asked for help within my regional thread, and they sent me over here with mention of rocker arms or cam chain. I've been looking up videos and manuals becauseI would like to learn how to fix the bike myself, but as someone with extremely minimal experience, should I take it to a shop?

Below is what I posted for them:
"Three weeks ago week my brother had been riding my bike when he heard a difference in the engine. He stopped and listened, and sure enough, on the left side there is a sound as if something is loose inside the upper part of the engine.
When I got home from work, he showed it to me and I have no idea what it is. As this is my first bike, I obviously don't have enough experience in these areas. Anybody have any ideas? Or a thread I should post this question? I could try to get a video so the extra rattle can be heard."

Here's the thread:
http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...=654007&page=9

Thoughts? Advice? Warnings?

[njpaddler]

Originally Posted by moma417

I bought a '95 Nighthawk 250 a few months ago and I'm beginning to see that it needs help. I asked for help within my regional thread, and they sent me over here with mention of rocker arms or cam chain. I've been looking up videos and manuals becauseI would like to learn how to fix the bike myself, but as someone with extremely minimal experience, should I take it to a shop?

Below is what I posted for them:
"Three weeks ago week my brother had been riding my bike when he heard a difference in the engine. He stopped and listened, and sure enough, on the left side there is a sound as if something is loose inside the upper part of the engine.
When I got home from work, he showed it to me and I have no idea what it is. As this is my first bike, I obviously don't have enough experience in these areas. Anybody have any ideas? Or a thread I should post this question? I could try to get a video so the extra rattle can be heard."

Here's the thread:
http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...=654007&page=9

Thoughts? Advice? Warnings?

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/honda_nighthawk/ and also http://www.nighthawk-forums.com

[GAwoody83]

Will a center stand from a 86 nighthawk fit my 96? Will aftermarket exhaust work with a center stand?

[ExTex]

Originally Posted by GAwoody83

Will a center stand from a 86 nighthawk fit my 96? Will aftermarket exhaust work with a center stand?

No, The center stand won't likely fit. I think Honda still sells center stands for the modern 750 Nighthawk.
Called a Main Stand.

STAND SET, MAIN 50600-MW3-810

Retail:

$161.27

HB Price:$110.88

at http://www.hbhonda.com/fiche_section_detail.asp

Or a bit higher at :
http://shop.richardshondayamaha.com/...MW3MMW34Y0100A


Ask someone else about exhausts, except to say, no performance reason to change from the stock.

Ride safely,

[dangerjoe]

Originally Posted by CLINTIRD

...swapped the bars with Protaper SE ATV High bars...AMAZING!!!...

I have seen this mod mentioned a few times now. Could someone describe the benefits for me?

[GAwoody83]

Originally Posted by dangerjoe

I have seen this mod mentioned a few times now. Could someone describe the benefits for me?

It completely changes the character of the bike, its more of a sport bike feel compared to the cruiser type of feel with the stock bars. More upright to forward body position.

Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk

[CLINTIRD]

Originally Posted by dangerjoe

I have seen this mod mentioned a few times now. Could someone describe the benefits for me?

Widens the bars quite a bit. Not lower or at least not much if any...way more comforable though. Yes changes the feel of the bike, but all for the better IMHO.

[RABBIT170]

This past winter this is what i have done to both my bikes, it's been a productive winter.

250- Removal of cable style choke and install of plunger style choke, LED's install in gauge and brake light, Starter switch cleaned and fixed, New 32T rear sprocket, and install of luggage rack.

750- New LED's installed in both gauges, tach. mount stud fixed, and install of in-line resistors and mounting bracket.

[See-Three]

Here are a couple photos of my Nighthawk 700s

Enjoy


Uploaded with ImageShack.us



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[Pez]

Heres my Wee Hawk, bought it weekend before last? Already about to have 700 miles on it since then. Don't care what anyone says. This is a great bike! Light weight, cheap parts, great on gas and dependable. All of which make it a winner in my book. Yeah it can't go on the super slab but who cares? It gets me to and from work and down fourwheeler trails when I want to. To anyone fine with crusing at 55 all day and happy with 60mpg. Get a NightHawk 250



All thats coming from a guy who has owned and ridden 3 or 4 1000cc+ bikes over the past decade.

[drdubb]

Its not the size of the ship,but the motion of the ocean.
happy and safe riding.

[truck6driver]

If it has 2 wheels and runs then it is worth riding. I still want a TW200. 50 less cc's than your Hawk but great fun to ride.


Dale,

I see in your avatar you have the 350 up and running. How is it progressing?

Ray