Motorcycle Opinions

[ledhedsymbols]

As some of you may remember, I took the motorcycle safety course and got my endorsement a few months ago. I've been looking around for something to ride before the summer and it seems that everyone around here wants ridiculous money for their laid-down POS that "ran when I parked it."

I received a referral from a friend at work, who has a good friend with a bike he is willing to sell. It's a red and black 1985 Honda Nighthawk 700sc. He is asking top dollar for it, but it is cosmetically perfect with about 7500 miles on it. It's been drained and stored for the last few years. He got married, and his wife is terrified of them.

From what I have been able to learn, they are regarded as a great bike with super low maintenance requirements. They have a shaft drive and hydraulic valve adjustment.

I'm trying to work out a deal with him, which includes the bike tuned up and running with new rubber on it. It looks like this and is absolutely immaculately clean.


Any thoughts? Anyone ever owned one?

[winders]

I owned a blue NightHawk S back in the mid 80's and I loved it. Great bike for its time.

[BeyGon]

the picture looks good, new tires would be a very good idea.

[Gogar]

I think that would be a great bike if you're just getting comfortable.

[ledhedsymbols]

New shoes for sure! I'll not be riding it without new rubber.

[HardDrive]

Excellent first bike. A 700 is nothing to sniff at, I'm sure it will get up just fine if you goose it. Good looking as well.

I don't prefer shaft drive bikes, but that shouldn't have any bearing on your purchase. Just know that the drive train will have a little 'clunk' in it when you are on/off throttle. I had it on my Moto Guzzi, and after a week I didn't even notice.

[hardflex]

I had an 84 that was only in fair condition. Got it for a song not running. Needed a $30 ebay ignitor I think. I used to love to hear it wind up felt great as it came on the cam. it was addicting. I think it's a great bike. I got a nice offer on it and took the profit.

Disclaimer; For some reason I've owned lot's of Hondas and not much else except one Yamaha, so my opinion may be over a narrow experience.

[Arizona_928]

Yes, buy something that has been down before. Their two type of riders; ones that have been down, and ones that will go down. Difference is how hard you hit, or get hit...

And Honda's are extremely good bikes old to new.

[creaturecat]

Still a good looking machine.
Many years later.

[Dan J]

It looks very nice but I think you can a much newer bike for the same money
Personally I would much rather have a bike with fuel injection
I have been down on a bike, spent a week flirting with ICU nurses as a result,
But I don't think everyone will go down or should buy a bike that's been damaged
for that reason

[Racerbvd]

[on2wheels52]

Bikes have come a long way in 30 years. Unless you've been lusting for that model Nighthawk I don't see why you would pay a premium for one to 'learn' (the first 10k miles) on.
Jim

[futuresoptions]

Originally Posted by on2wheels52

Bikes have come a long way in 30 years. Unless you've been lusting for that model Nighthawk I don't see why you would pay a premium for one to 'learn' (the first 10k miles) on.
Jim

Exactly, if I was going to purchase that old or older, it would be for something that I would want to put into my collection (Think Triumph, BSA, BMW), not something that I would choose for a DD.

[ledhedsymbols]

Some good thoughts folks. I appreciate the inputs. Just to be clear, when I say "top of the market" for this 30 year old Honda I'm talking about $2100. KBBs website shows it at $1900 from a dealer in good condition for what it's worth.

I do understand why some of you folks are advising me to get something that has been down before. Looking for the last few weeks, I have perused many an ad and have been to see about a dozen different bikes in my "no more than $2000" budget. Pretty much everything that I have seen is not much less in price, but has either been on its side or needs mechanical work.

Regarding the advice that I look for something newer, unless it's basically scrap I haven't found much that is newer. Maybe it's just the market here. I should have been looking in November.

[Schumi]

I don't see the attraction of such an old, 'beige' model of bike anymore. There are modern bikes in the same price range that will have better reliability, better parts availability if something does go wrong, better handling, weigh less, get better fuel mileage, have better brakes, better ride, etc etc.

For a daily ride, I'd suggest a Honda a bit newer that that, but something that has some rash maybe (nothing wrong with that). You could save money and have a better bike in the long run.

edit: I see you're in the $2k range. Look for old F3's, or if you want the upright riding position a Hawk GT. Both far better bikes. There are also the 1990's Kawasaki Ninja / ZX6/ZX7's that just don't command lots of money anymore but are still great rides. There were some more 'touring' models made that are especially affordable since they don't look like a crotch rocket and thus high school kids don't want them, but they have the same or slightly detuned engines in them and thus great smooth power.

[Schumi]

here's an example of the touring Kawi I'm thinking of- they go cheap and if maintained will run forever, still can get parts for them, have modern brakes and modern carburetors
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcd/4365673859.html

[intakexhaust]

Originally Posted by winders

I owned a blue NightHawk S back in the mid 80's and I loved it. Great bike for its time.

I remember them. Brilliant metalflake blue with the some chrome applique on the tank / side covers.

[lendaddy]

Originally Posted by Schumi

I don't see the attraction of such an old, 'beige' model of bike anymore. There are modern bikes in the same price range that will have better reliability, better parts availability if something does go wrong, better handling, weigh less, get better fuel mileage, have better brakes, better ride, etc etc.

For a daily ride, I'd suggest a Honda a bit newer that that, but something that has some rash maybe (nothing wrong with that). You could save money and have a better bike in the long run.

edit: I see you're in the $2k range. Look for old F3's, or if you want the upright riding position a Hawk GT. Both far better bikes. There are also the 1990's Kawasaki Ninja / ZX6/ZX7's that just don't command lots of money anymore but are still great rides. There were some more 'touring' models made that are especially affordable since they don't look like a crotch rocket and thus high school kids don't want them, but they have the same or slightly detuned engines in them and thus great smooth power.

Agree, I look at that bike and see the Monte Carlo SS of motorcycles. You can do much better for $2k.

[intakexhaust]

Hey Led, if you get it, would you sport matching leathers?

Seriously. Whatever materializes on your two wheel acquisition, I have a near new full set of vintage 80's leathers to match that color scheme. 2 piece zip together or wear separate. I purchased them new in Germany back then. Don't ride much lately and I've surely gained some L-bees... ha.

[ledhedsymbols]

Originally Posted by Schumi

For a daily ride, I'd suggest a Honda a bit newer that that, but something that has some rash maybe (nothing wrong with that). You could save money and have a better bike in the long run.

edit: I see you're in the $2k range. Look for old F3's, or if you want the upright riding position a Hawk GT. Both far better bikes. There are also the 1990's Kawasaki Ninja / ZX6/ZX7's that just don't command lots of money anymore but are still great rides. There were some more 'touring' models made that are especially affordable since they don't look like a crotch rocket and thus high school kids don't want them, but they have the same or slightly detuned engines in them and thus great smooth power.

An excellent thought. I'll keep my eyes open for a Hawk GT. I do like the upright "standard" riding position, and am not opposed to something newer. As to the touring models you talked about, I just don't like the look of them. I suppose it won't matter too much if it isn't something I am going to keep long term.

As to the comments about it's looks.... What can I say, I didn't care for it much at first. When I saw it in person it started to grow on me. I absolutely understand the joke about the Mont Carlo SS of motorcycles.