My first motorcycle was a brand new 1995 Nighthawk 750. Probably the easiest large motorcycle to take the license test on. I was practicing for the test in the parking lot where the actual test was taken. I saw the area where the u Turn test was and got it to where I could easily turn inside the lines. I get to the actual test and when the tester tells me you only have from here to there to make the turn around.....I discover I was doing the turn around test in the area for scooter testing. She was pointing out two lines that were about fifteen feet apart. I was doing my turns in an eight foot area.
@@petev.9357 Yep, Sport bikes are not fun for taking the test because all of the test is done at low speeds. The normal turn around area is large enough for any motorcycle to safely do the test.
I've been a big fan of the 750 Nighthawk, ever since I was in the Air Force and one of my fellow airmen had one. I love the way the engine sounds - silky smooth. The analog gauge cluster looks so proper too.
Thanks again Jon for another review! Glad you also noticed the power improvements, good to know my rear dyno is calibrated. The MMO is a fact. This is a 4 owner bike with 20k miles when I got it. I ran it last year for 4k miles, had done a few compression tests on it. Then this year started the MMO in the gas and noticed the improvement. After a few tanks the compression had gone up 10 to 15 psi in every cylinder. With it's age and low mileage I think the rings were partially seized due to sitting so much.
this is a fantastic bike for everyone who likes to ride. (not pose, which may be most riders in the states) I put 40,000 miles on one in a year when they first came out (1991?) Took it on a couple track days and embarrassed a number of sport bikes, it's a GREAT motorcycle!
I ride a 2003 Honda CB750 Nighthawk. It sounds better with a Delkevic 4 into 1 exhaust. I have had it 2 years this month. I love it. I experimented with conventional oil vs. Synthetic. The acceleration is much quicker with synthetic.
Funny you say that. I also have a 2003 750 Nighthawk (red). I have the 4 into 1 megaphone Delkevic exhaust. Still have the original exhaust too. Just under 5,000 miles. Looks like it just rolled off the dealer floor. With a few cosmetic changes.
@@ccdeweese Good to hear. And it will go 40,000 more! Great all around bike that needs very little maintenance. I have heard that since these bikes have hydraulic lifters, they really like clean oil. Which whatever you're doing, its working lol.
Another great bike! I’m fond of the 84/85 750 Nighthawks. They were 700 I believe in the US due to Harley whining to the government, and the government putting tariffs on Japanese bike over 750cc’s. Anyways they were 750’s in Canada. Great bikes, great Honda quality. It’s on my list of bikes to have in the barn.
I rode a nighthawk 750 back in 2002 . Don't remember the year. It was all black. Great motorcycle 🏍️! Had some great rides & kept up with bigger bikes on the highway.
Excellent review as always. And Honda has beautiful lines. It’s difficult to top Honda quality for that price point. A dirt biking friend has a Nighthawk 650 he purchased new. It runs, rides, and looks like new. If you say MMO works, it’s good for me. Any readers out there used MMO in the fuel?
I just sold my 92 Nighthawk 750 and I want it back. It was my first bike, and it was so easy to ride. Put over 1,000 miles in one month, and it already had over 49,000 miles. They seem to be built to last.
My first bike was a 1993 Honda Nighthawk 750. Best purchase I ever made. I rode it two hours a day and put over 50k miles on it. Only oil and tire changes. Dropped it at least five times and had two minor wrecks. New handle bars and it kept going. It did everything well but was a bit top heavy, I found it kind of boring to ride. Complained I couldn’t come up with a good enough excuse to get rid of it but I eventually got a good deal on a Honda Blackbird and sold it to my coworker.
The Nighthawk series were great appliances from Honda- totally indestructible. I owned them all from the 500cc on up to the 750cc model. I loved my '85 blue/black CB700SC model the best of all but found the 750 lacking- go figure. It had zero sex appeal but could go on forever w/only oil changes and adding air to the tires- the ultimate motorcycle appliance!
I had this exact same model/color bike except it was a 2002my. Loved it and kicking myself for selling it. Only complaints were a hard on the left hand clutch pull, a bit heavy with the weight carried high, and a stiff suspension. Could have fixed the suspension. EFI would have made this bike perfect. This bike was all about the absolutely great engine that only needed oil and external screw on oil filter change for maintenance. Smooth and pulled like a beast. Did I mention I'm still kicking myself for selling it?
jon great review have you ridden like a newish mt-09/ mt-10 naked bikes or newish sport bikes /triumph street triple ect..????? and talk about the improvements in 40 yrs ridding motorcycles ride one viewers/ meetings/or dealerships.. do reviews you have so much experience /you ridden many to compare real well so we out here understand the new bikes have not really changed that much to just have fun.and $$$ ..cheers is buying a new bike really worth it ? thanks
I'll answer, Jon has 2 FJ-09 's on his channel, one mine. As much as I liked the engine in that Yamaha, I didn't like the style or really much else on it. Sold it and got this Nighthawk.
@douglasgrosch228 Yes, I have ridden most of he newer bikes. The newer bikes have many nice features like power modes, ABS brakes, traction control, etc. They need those features with the big power outputs that many are capable of. However, you don't need 200hp and electronic aids to have fun on two wheels. I've never bought a brand new bike, but I am thankful for the folks that do. I hope that helps. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 agree i think no more than 100-130 hp good for street and great torqe /amazing how much hp power there getting out new bikes stock..not even tuned because EPA -no =t like it was in the 1980s
@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 The tariff bikes.im sure you know was Regan saving Harley and it worked,another beutiful tarrif bike was the pearl white VFR 700 oh yeah.
@stefanbernardknauf467 I would love to ride the Zephyr to answer that question. I think the Zephyr had better performance, but it was more expensive and far less popular.
As i said last time, these are a great styling mix of classic UJM and more modern, seeping lines. The valvetrain is a definite plus. How are the carbs to keep synced? Every FB listing near me always seems to mention carb issues needing attention, but maybe that's any old bike.
@thenexthobby That's any old bike. Most carb issues are from old gas that's turned solid in the pilot jets, ports, and bowls - not a synchronization issue. Once tuned, I almost never have to resynch carbs. Cheers!
Mine had 18,000 miles on it when I sold it and it never had any syncing issues. All of the gasoline used in it had ethanol in it and it seemed to have no troubles during the time I had it.
Shame about the dorky carrier on the back. Sounds great at high revs. Like an old school i4. I like naked bikes and how the wind helps take the weight off your arms.
I hate this channel. Every time I watch one of these videos I find myself searching FB marketplace for these bikes. I don't need anymore stuff 🤣. Seriously though 👍 for the bike and video.
i loved the 85 nighthawk S models.it seemed honda built the later 90s models to reach a price point.but thats just my opinnion.either way their very capable bikes for their size.thanks bud.
Correct, exactly that. For 91 Honda had a target of under $4000 to sell this bike. 1 disc, drum rear, 5 speed, not 6, etc. For the record my bike is geared up with 1 tooth larger front sprocket for lower rpm.
I have a shaft drive 1982 CBX 400 that looks like a clone of the Nighthawk. I have learned that under 2000 we produced, none for the North American market,.Would appreciate any information you or anyone else could offer. Thanks
This will probably annoy some people. A friend of mine owns one of these Nighthawks, and it looks way better than it rides. I would say it is bland, with lousy suspension and a terrible seat. While some seem to find it comfortable, just like the seat on my standard CX500 back in the day, for me the seat quickly gives a painful case of butt burn. And the suspension is overly soft, again like the CX500, especially the rear shocks, which are dangerously lacking in damping. The European version of the bike handles much better, is more comfortable and is - subjectively speaking - a lot better looking. Unfortunately, it share the non-exciting engine with the US version. Overall, IMNSHO, the Nighthawk is the two-wheeled equivalent of a Toyota Yaris VVT-i. It will last forever, never fail to start, and only excite when the lacking suspension tries to bounce you off the road around a high speed corner.
@64faffi The Toyota-ness of the Nighthawk is what makes it a great first forray into the classic bike realm. An original CB750 Honda (which everyone seems to like) is far worse in every practical way as a real-world motorcycle. I agree that for the jaded enthusiast (myself included), there are more interesting choices than the Nighthawk. The good news is that with a few upgrades, the Nighthawk can be significantly improved. If it were mine, longer rear shocks and a front-end setup like this one would be ideal for handling and ride. A Delkevic 4-into-1 would give it a great sound, and a stainless front brake line would improve the braking. These are all simple upgrades to perform, and all can be done for around $1000. I'm sure you can find a nice, used Corbin seat as well. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I agree with what you say, and your suggestions would greatly enhance the Nighthawk, whether you go fast or slow. Although the engine is in such a tune as to never getting exciting, unless you do something internally. Not a bad thing in itself, but the Zephyr 750 is the opposite; decent chassis, eager engine, strong brakes, great looks. And just as practical, apart from lacking the automatic valve adjustment of the Honda. Yet there is nothing fundamentally wrong with the CB750. Oh, as to the brakes; Cycle world managed to stop the Nighthawk test bike in just 99 ft from 60 mph. That is an outstanding figure.
@64faffi I would love to ride the Zephyr, but I have never found a nice one. In comparison, the Nighthawks are plentiful locally. And you're correct about the Nighthawk brakes. They work very well for what they are. Cheers!
@@petev.9357 Having ridden both, there is no comparison in how the engine works. The Zephyr is eager and grunts like a liter bike, the Honda is soft and lazy. There is not a ton of difference in a 1/4-mile, but try top gear roll on from 40 mph in top, and the Honda is left for dead.
A quick check gave me google AI's summary which included "and the foot pegs were welded to the frame instead of being interchangeable." Surely the pegs fold.... There's one on craigslist in blue for $2800, 18K miles, centerstand. It seems like these have been priced in the $3K range forever. Should I have them hold it for you? 🙂
The pegs do fold. I paid $1900 for mine, asking was $2500. There's one out there looking for $4200. Asking and getting are 2 seperate things. Best part about these that I love is maint. free valves. Should be put in WAY more bikes.
@liberals_destroy_everythin2497 Right on. You're correct about used prices hovering around the $3k mark pretty much since new. If someone wants a nice classic, they are currently still affordable. Cheers!
Good morning ☕️. Although I've never ridden one, I've always really appreciated the styling of the Nighthawk. I enjoyed the video.
Eric
@@user-sh5dy5tr9d Right on! Thanks, Eric.
Especially the older models.
@@Poppinwheeeeellllllieeeeez Right on!
My first motorcycle was a brand new 1995 Nighthawk 750. Probably the easiest large motorcycle to take the license test on. I was practicing for the test in the parking lot where the actual test was taken. I saw the area where the u Turn test was and got it to where I could easily turn inside the lines. I get to the actual test and when the tester tells me you only have from here to there to make the turn around.....I discover I was doing the turn around test in the area for scooter testing. She was pointing out two lines that were about fifteen feet apart. I was doing my turns in an eight foot area.
@@lancenorton1117 That's a great story, Lance! Thanks for sharing the memories!
What do they do with a sport bike that has very little steering lock?
@@petev.9357 Yep, Sport bikes are not fun for taking the test because all of the test is done at low speeds. The normal turn around area is large enough for any motorcycle to safely do the test.
I've been a big fan of the 750 Nighthawk, ever since I was in the Air Force and one of my fellow airmen had one. I love the way the engine sounds - silky smooth. The analog gauge cluster looks so proper too.
@@danielreigada1542 Right on! They are super-smooth. Cheers!
Thanks again Jon for another review! Glad you also noticed the power improvements, good to know my rear dyno is calibrated. The MMO is a fact. This is a 4 owner bike with 20k miles when I got it. I ran it last year for 4k miles, had done a few compression tests on it. Then this year started the MMO in the gas and noticed the improvement. After a few tanks the compression had gone up 10 to 15 psi in every cylinder. With it's age and low mileage I think the rings were partially seized due to sitting so much.
@@petev.9357 Right on! I'm looking forward to running some in my bikes now. Cheers!
Since most of your bikes are 1100's, should REALLY wake them up!
@petev.9357 🤞 that would be awesome!
I've always wanted one of those. I had a 450 Nighthawk back in the mid 80's.
@@mr1bienvenu1 Very cool!
this is a fantastic bike for everyone who likes to ride. (not pose, which may be most riders in the states) I put 40,000 miles on one in a year when they first came out (1991?) Took it on a couple track days and embarrassed a number of sport bikes, it's a GREAT motorcycle!
@VailJohnson Right on! Thanks for sharing your experiences with the Nighthawk. Cheers!
I ride a 2003 Honda CB750 Nighthawk. It sounds better with a Delkevic 4 into 1 exhaust. I have had it 2 years this month. I love it. I experimented with conventional oil vs. Synthetic. The acceleration is much quicker with synthetic.
Funny you say that. I also have a 2003 750 Nighthawk (red). I have the 4 into 1 megaphone Delkevic exhaust. Still have the original exhaust too. Just under 5,000 miles. Looks like it just rolled off the dealer floor. With a few cosmetic changes.
@@1vincej1 great bike! Mine has almost 40,000 miles and runs great. I have a new clutch too.
@@ccdeweese Good to hear. And it will go 40,000 more! Great all around bike that needs very little maintenance. I have heard that since these bikes have hydraulic lifters, they really like clean oil. Which whatever you're doing, its working lol.
The type of oil you use does NOT effect the acceleration. the oil will not effect anything but the life of the motor
@@ccdeweese Very cool!
You make these bikes look Great!
@@TrailThug My friend, Pete, is meticulous with his motorcycles. Cheers!
Another great bike!
I’m fond of the 84/85 750 Nighthawks.
They were 700 I believe in the US due to Harley whining to the government, and the government putting tariffs on Japanese bike over 750cc’s.
Anyways they were 750’s in Canada.
Great bikes, great Honda quality.
It’s on my list of bikes to have in the barn.
@@andrewnewman6510 Right on, mine too!
I rode a nighthawk 750 back in 2002 . Don't remember the year. It was all black. Great motorcycle 🏍️! Had some great rides & kept up with bigger bikes on the highway.
@@jamesfrancismchalejr7944 Right on! Thanks for sharing your experiences with the Nighthawk. Cheers!
Excellent review as always. And Honda has beautiful lines. It’s difficult to top Honda quality for that price point. A dirt biking friend has a Nighthawk 650 he purchased new. It runs, rides, and looks like new.
If you say MMO works, it’s good for me. Any readers out there used MMO in the fuel?
@@Exitwoundstudio Thanks!
I’ve always liked the look of the night hawk, a great all around bike, great review
@@indiancreek1570 Right on, thank you!
I just sold my 92 Nighthawk 750 and I want it back. It was my first bike, and it was so easy to ride. Put over 1,000 miles in one month, and it already had over 49,000 miles. They seem to be built to last.
@@creativ.vision Right on! Thanks for sharing your experiences with the Nighthawk. Cheers!
My first bike was a 1993 Honda Nighthawk 750. Best purchase I ever made. I rode it two hours a day and put over 50k miles on it. Only oil and tire changes. Dropped it at least five times and had two minor wrecks. New handle bars and it kept going. It did everything well but was a bit top heavy, I found it kind of boring to ride. Complained I couldn’t come up with a good enough excuse to get rid of it but I eventually got a good deal on a Honda Blackbird and sold it to my coworker.
@@ridge9066 Very cool 😎! Thanks for sharing your experiences with the Nighthawk. You touched on many great points. Cheers!
Good morning Jon. Funny you did this Nighthawk review. I just took mine out last weekend. Still doesn't have 5,000 on it, lol.
@1vincej1 That's a low-mileage bike for sure!
The Nighthawk series were great appliances from Honda- totally indestructible. I owned them all from the 500cc on up to the 750cc model. I loved my '85 blue/black CB700SC model the best of all but found the 750 lacking- go figure. It had zero sex appeal but could go on forever w/only oil changes and adding air to the tires- the ultimate motorcycle appliance!
@leviefrauim1425 Right on! The simplicity of the 750 contributes to its reliability. The 700S is also the one I would want to own, personally. Cheers!
I had this exact same model/color bike except it was a 2002my. Loved it and kicking myself for selling it. Only complaints were a hard on the left hand clutch pull, a bit heavy with the weight carried high, and a stiff suspension. Could have fixed the suspension. EFI would have made this bike perfect. This bike was all about the absolutely great engine that only needed oil and external screw on oil filter change for maintenance. Smooth and pulled like a beast. Did I mention I'm still kicking myself for selling it?
@@doughoffman9463 Right on, Doug! Thanks for sharing your experiences with the Nighthawk!
jon great review have you ridden like a newish mt-09/ mt-10 naked bikes or newish sport bikes /triumph street triple ect..????? and talk about the improvements in 40 yrs ridding motorcycles ride one viewers/ meetings/or dealerships.. do reviews you have so much experience /you ridden many to compare real well so we out here understand the new bikes have not really changed that much to just have fun.and $$$ ..cheers is buying a new bike really worth it ? thanks
I'll answer, Jon has 2 FJ-09 's on his channel, one mine. As much as I liked the engine in that Yamaha, I didn't like the style or really much else on it. Sold it and got this Nighthawk.
@douglasgrosch228 Yes, I have ridden most of he newer bikes. The newer bikes have many nice features like power modes, ABS brakes, traction control, etc. They need those features with the big power outputs that many are capable of. However, you don't need 200hp and electronic aids to have fun on two wheels. I've never bought a brand new bike, but I am thankful for the folks that do. I hope that helps. Cheers!
@@petev.9357 Thanks, Pete!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 agree i think no more than 100-130 hp good for street and great torqe /amazing how much hp power there getting out new bikes stock..not even tuned because EPA -no =t like it was in the 1980s
Handsome bike ,my favorite is the 84nighthawk s700 tariff bike the blue black with coffin type tank ,so gorgeous.
@paulscountry456 Mine, too! Though, I like the blue/white/red color combo. Cheers!
@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 The tariff bikes.im sure you know was Regan saving Harley and it worked,another beutiful tarrif bike was the pearl white VFR 700 oh yeah.
@@paulscountry456Right on!
nice...the nighthawk s with yoshi pipe favorite bike ever..:)
@@bradelliot1027 I rode one years ago. I would still like to own a Nighthawk 700S someday. Cheers!
Nice video, thanks! How doed it compare to a Zephyr 750?
Can't compare. Never rode one.
@stefanbernardknauf467 I would love to ride the Zephyr to answer that question. I think the Zephyr had better performance, but it was more expensive and far less popular.
As i said last time, these are a great styling mix of classic UJM and more modern, seeping lines. The valvetrain is a definite plus. How are the carbs to keep synced? Every FB listing near me always seems to mention carb issues needing attention, but maybe that's any old bike.
When I got mine the carbs came out, split, cleaned, jetted richer, and then synced. Hasn't been synced since. Should remain unchanged a long time.
@thenexthobby That's any old bike. Most carb issues are from old gas that's turned solid in the pilot jets, ports, and bowls - not a synchronization issue. Once tuned, I almost never have to resynch carbs. Cheers!
Mine had 18,000 miles on it when I sold it and it never had any syncing issues. All of the gasoline used in it had ethanol in it and it seemed to have no troubles during the time I had it.
Shame about the dorky carrier on the back. Sounds great at high revs. Like an old school i4. I like naked bikes and how the wind helps take the weight off your arms.
🤷 It is great to be able carry stuff. Does lose style points though.
@@petev.9357 Yep.
@@Poppinwheeeeellllllieeeeez It does sound nice!
I hate this channel. Every time I watch one of these videos I find myself searching FB marketplace for these bikes. I don't need anymore stuff 🤣. Seriously though 👍 for the bike and video.
@@thebeez9487 Thanks for the great comment! I'm glad the videos are inspiring. Cheers!
i loved the 85 nighthawk S models.it seemed honda built the later 90s models to reach a price point.but thats just my opinnion.either way their very capable bikes for their size.thanks bud.
Correct, exactly that. For 91 Honda had a target of under $4000 to sell this bike. 1 disc, drum rear, 5 speed, not 6, etc. For the record my bike is geared up with 1 tooth larger front sprocket for lower rpm.
@@timkis64 Right on!
I have a shaft drive 1982 CBX 400 that looks like a clone of the Nighthawk. I have learned that under 2000 we produced, none for the North American market,.Would appreciate any information you or anyone else could offer. Thanks
Wow, what market was that in? Never heard of it.
@@lancerbiker5263 I haven't heard of that model either.
I had a chance to buy a 550 NightHawk, but it was too rough for the money.
@@wdhewson Better to walk away at that point.
Love those bikes,the rear shocks are terrible. Cheap fix though
@@jered2177 Right on!
This will probably annoy some people. A friend of mine owns one of these Nighthawks, and it looks way better than it rides. I would say it is bland, with lousy suspension and a terrible seat. While some seem to find it comfortable, just like the seat on my standard CX500 back in the day, for me the seat quickly gives a painful case of butt burn. And the suspension is overly soft, again like the CX500, especially the rear shocks, which are dangerously lacking in damping. The European version of the bike handles much better, is more comfortable and is - subjectively speaking - a lot better looking. Unfortunately, it share the non-exciting engine with the US version. Overall, IMNSHO, the Nighthawk is the two-wheeled equivalent of a Toyota Yaris VVT-i. It will last forever, never fail to start, and only excite when the lacking suspension tries to bounce you off the road around a high speed corner.
@64faffi The Toyota-ness of the Nighthawk is what makes it a great first forray into the classic bike realm. An original CB750 Honda (which everyone seems to like) is far worse in every practical way as a real-world motorcycle. I agree that for the jaded enthusiast (myself included), there are more interesting choices than the Nighthawk. The good news is that with a few upgrades, the Nighthawk can be significantly improved. If it were mine, longer rear shocks and a front-end setup like this one would be ideal for handling and ride. A Delkevic 4-into-1 would give it a great sound, and a stainless front brake line would improve the braking. These are all simple upgrades to perform, and all can be done for around $1000. I'm sure you can find a nice, used Corbin seat as well. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I agree with what you say, and your suggestions would greatly enhance the Nighthawk, whether you go fast or slow. Although the engine is in such a tune as to never getting exciting, unless you do something internally. Not a bad thing in itself, but the Zephyr 750 is the opposite; decent chassis, eager engine, strong brakes, great looks. And just as practical, apart from lacking the automatic valve adjustment of the Honda. Yet there is nothing fundamentally wrong with the CB750. Oh, as to the brakes; Cycle world managed to stop the Nighthawk test bike in just 99 ft from 60 mph. That is an outstanding figure.
@64faffi I would love to ride the Zephyr, but I have never found a nice one. In comparison, the Nighthawks are plentiful locally. And you're correct about the Nighthawk brakes. They work very well for what they are. Cheers!
Just looked up the 750 Zeph. Exact same HP, torque, weight, etc. AND only a 2 valve head. Geuss it has better brakes...Maybe.🤷
@@petev.9357 Having ridden both, there is no comparison in how the engine works. The Zephyr is eager and grunts like a liter bike, the Honda is soft and lazy. There is not a ton of difference in a 1/4-mile, but try top gear roll on from 40 mph in top, and the Honda is left for dead.
A quick check gave me google AI's summary which included "and the foot pegs were welded to the frame instead of being interchangeable." Surely the pegs fold.... There's one on craigslist in blue for $2800, 18K miles, centerstand. It seems like these have been priced in the $3K range forever. Should I have them hold it for you? 🙂
The pegs do fold. I paid $1900 for mine, asking was $2500. There's one out there looking for $4200. Asking and getting are 2 seperate things. Best part about these that I love is maint. free valves. Should be put in WAY more bikes.
@liberals_destroy_everythin2497 Right on. You're correct about used prices hovering around the $3k mark pretty much since new. If someone wants a nice classic, they are currently still affordable. Cheers!