Considering a bike - asking for help

[triospec]

I've found a pristine 1999 Nighthawk 750 with just over 7K on the clock. The owner inherited it from his father's estate. I've only seen pictures and communicated via email with the owner. He says he put in new plugs, wires, and coils and reports that the bike runs well. It has always been garaged. Obviously it's not seen a lot of use in 25 years.

I'm asking you seasoned Nighthawk owners/riders for tips on critical items I should check out on this 25 year-old bike before making a purchase decision. I have been an owner of multiple bikes over the last 45 years from 650cc to 1300cc. I'm looking for one final ride before I hang up my boots. My first bike in 1980 was a new Kawasaki SR650. I remember the silky smooth power of the in-line four and would like to experience that again.

Thanks for the assist.

 

[brettp]

The honda inline 4 from any bike will last a hell of a long time, with proper maintenence. I can't remember if that bike is water cooled, but you will want to check those hoses for leaks, check the tire dates, look for rust in the tank, and you might want to bring a battery in case the one in it is dead.

 

[Biebs]

Great bike!! Very simple!! Buy it!!

 

[Trot]

I have a 1991 Nighthawk 750, bought in college in 2004. Was fairly rough when I got it, but over the years cleaned it up very nice.

If the one you're looking at has been stored or in a garage or inside with minimal/no obvious bad rusting and runs well, you can't go wrong. Engine is bulletproof, bike's design is simple and easy to work on, plenty of power to be fun to ride without getting yourself in trouble.

It might need a little TLC but for the right price I say go for it!

 

[triospec]

I have a 1991 Nighthawk 750, bought in college in 2004. Was fairly rough when I got it, but over the years cleaned it up very nice.

If the one you're looking at has been stored or in a garage or inside with minimal/no obvious bad rusting and runs well, you can't go wrong. Engine is bulletproof, bike's design is simple and easy to work on, plenty of power to be fun to ride without getting yourself in trouble.

It might need a little TLC but for the right price I say go for it!

Thanks Trot. Any suggestions on where to look for an exhaust muffler for said bike. The right one has a big scrape and rusted area on the outer circumference of the tip end. I doubt it can be repaired and chromed to look good. I've checked eBay and forums with no find anywhere.

 

[Trot]

Thanks Trot. Any suggestions on where to look for an exhaust muffler for said bike. The right one has a big scrape and rusted area on the outer circumference of the tip end. I doubt it can be repaired and chromed to look good. I've checked eBay and forums with no find anywhere.

Haha, yeah both sides of my exhausts have scrapes from the previous owners but I'm afraid to crack the old exhaust off for fear of snapping the hardware!

Either eBay to find stuff off old parts bikes or there are 4-to-1 aftermarket options but I prefer the symmetrical mufflers.

 

[brettp]

Try 4into1.com

 

[triospec]

Haha, yeah both sides of my exhausts have scrapes from the previous owners but I'm afraid to crack the old exhaust off for fear of snapping the hardware!

Either eBay to find stuff off old parts bikes or there are 4-to-1 aftermarket options but I prefer the symmetrical mufflers.

I would prefer symmetrical, too.

 

[slmjim n Z1BEBE]

We bought our CB750 Nighthawks new in '93. They currently have 75,000+ miles on each of them.

Had to replace the valve cover gaskets on both some years ago when they began to weep in the half-moon areas.

No mechanical problems.

Turn signal stalks cracked & broke on both, replaced w/OEM a few years ago.

Two CV diaphragms on slmjim's blue one had holed a couple years ago. Replaced w / OEM diaphragm/slide assys. from a low-mile rack we bough on fleabay.

On both of our bikes, the O-rings on the fuel rails between the carbs began weeping two yrs. ago, as if on cue. OEM parts are still available. A reasonably easy job is one is patient & careful to do document the disassembly process. Hardest part was getting the airbox out of the way.

Only electrical problem was years ago; a start switch on one of ours that began to often fail to reconnect the headlight when the start button was released. A new OEM R-side handlebar switch assy. solved that. The switch itself inside the switch housing could be easily replaced if one could find the switch. We just haven't chased it.

Partial, separate (L-side or R-side) & full OEM exhaust systems in GC are fairly common on fleabay.

The bike you're considering should make a great daily rider for the remainder of one's Ridin' career.

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE