Nighthawk S Project Bike Build Ride & Review - This Motorcycle Sucks!

Why you shouldn't buy a Honda Nighthawk S and why you shouldn't customize it. 5 reasons why my bike sucks and 5 reasons why its dope. Hating on the Honda today.
I love my bike, but we have to remember no bike is good for everything and its okay talk about it.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

What's more important in a Sport Touring bike? Feeling sporty or ridability? Definitely not an issue for bigger bikes but small engines change things a bit.

[@CorePathway]

Came here to shi!t on your clickbait title. The Nighthawk is unhate-able unless your expectations are whack. That’s all, I’m gone now.

[@tlc8865]

You couldn't be more incorrect, Man! My 84 Nighthawk was one of the best trouble free bikes I've ever owned, and I've owned a lot of motorcycles.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Watch the whole video. I agree. I love these bikes.

[@jensdavidsen4557]

I've owned an '85 for 12yrs...how many times has the charging system left you high and dry? F###ing HATE the charging system on this thing - at idle you're pulling about 10A from the battery - it's not until you're around 2,000rpm until you're putting energy back into the battery.

[@csablock1]

Yes this bike is special Legend

[@squaaaaak3178]

@@jensdavidsen4557 why are you idling? Ride around at redline all the time! Lol

[@jensdavidsen4557]

@@squaaaaak3178 clearly you don't live in Chicago LOL we have stoplights and traffic...by the grace of God I now live in Wisconsin where I don't have a single traffic light on my entire commute LOL

[@scramblerslim5137]

Reasons this bike is awesome: Low maintenance due to the hydraulic lifters and drive shaft. All that time spent removing cams, and replacing valve shims, lubing chains, adjusting chains, and replacing chains-you get to spend riding. Also, adjustable suspension equipped with anti-dive valving and over 6" of travel, and those 80 hp flowing through a 6 speed tranny? These bikes are the sickest. I've done multi-thousand mile trips on bikes with 100 mile tank capacity, after days and weeks on the road, having a regular break is a joy, not a hinderance to touring. If you are looking to travel 2-up, look for a bike that hits peak torque at lower RPM's. This bike is all about the twisties-light, agile, capable, and a low maintenance dream. Enjoy the ride brother.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Sounds like we agree on a lot. I did several multi thousand like trips on her last year. Me and my wife are both smaller so this bike does just fine for me and her. Awesome bikes indeed.

[@caroltenge5147]

Just finished a 250 mile ride to southern kentucky and back 90 degree temperature. My 85 SC is very able on the highway doing 65. Wind dosent bother me at that speed. it will rev up and blast off, but Im not that kind of rider. No vibration, one hand steering on the road, and comfy seat, what more can a girl ask for?

[@jimetheridge2677]

Bought my red CB700S in Colorado Springs brand new in 1984. Gas tank capacity is 4.2 US gallons with a 0.7 US gallon reserve. I consistently got 50+ mpg at legal highway speeds and rode it to California half a dozen times. Always got better gas mileage than my brother's classic BMW R90S and was MUCH faster. The shaft drive eliminated messy chain lube and stretch maintenance. The hydraulic valves never needed adjustment. I changed all the fluids to Mobil 1 full synthetic the week I brought it home. BTW, Honda never marketed it as a "touring bike." Goldwings, ST's and Silverwings did that. Hardbags were available; I put GIVI on mine. The stock exhaust was a beautiful black chrome masterpiece that blended performance, sound and ground clearance. Most aftermarket units were loud, inefficient and made less HP (because NO ONE rejetted the carbs) and more noise than stock. 84hp out of a 700 is insane; the price you pay is less torque. The 6-speed transmission made a great economical and comfortable cross-country ride. I actually wrote the Honda factory and told them to make a 1000cc version with a larger tank and I would be the first to buy one! 17" wheels woulda been nice, too. Shame they never did... A great bike waaayyyy ahead of its time!

[@beecoo66]

I have 2 of them Red and Black 1985and a 1984 Black and Blue..125,000 between the two......great bikes

[@deborahchesser7375]

That bike was built for bopping around town and was great at it and looked good doing it. I had one of these and a 650 Nighthawk, they were both great bikes.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

They are also great for going on big trips too!

[@squaaaaak3178]

@@rulehardgarage9740 Great? That's a bit of an exaggeration don't you think? Lol

[@m.rsteengrei3569]

I would dare to say this bike is "The most beautiful street bike ever ever". I have not ridden it, but, I am sure the riding position is no less than "Perfect".

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Then UJM is quite nice to ride. This bike is no different. I just purchased a new z900rs and it's much the same. I love it

[@dcwebb1]

Honda made a damn good general purpose bike with the Nighthawk. Those Honda engines are legendary and run like swiss watches when tuned properly!

[@ar2043]

A buddy of mine had one way back in the day when we were 18 years old. He bought it brand new. I was so freaking jealous. I LOVED that thing!!!

[@glengareau5516]

The 700 S is a factory café racer not a touring bike. The original advertisement had Eddy Spencer on it in a corner. The 700 S is an easy to ride sport bike, it sounds great, is very low maintenance, rides great.. dual font disk, hydraulic clutch, hydraulic valves, shaft drive, looks awesome.. all its missing is a Corbin seat. Loved it in 1986... soo much I bought my second one in 2010 and my third in 2018. Took three to Daytona in 2023...heading to the smokey mountains in May.... Love my Nighthawk 700 S

[@rulehardgarage9740]

They are very fun machines

[@michaelisbill7497]

I have a 92 nighthawk that i bought for 800 bucks and all i had to do was put a front brake on it. Rides like a champ

[@aikidragonpiper71]

I have a retro styled 2003 Kawasaki ZRX1200R . It has similar 80s styling but it does have a large 5.2 gallon tank and around a 200 mile range and yet still plenty of power.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

I had a Z900RS for the last few years. Sort of the successor to the zrx. Fun bike

[@firefly3981]

ZRX has the same kind of fairing and tail cut

[@christophercianci1366]

Absolutely loved my 84 NightHawk S. Honda did not classify it as a sport tourer but I still did plenty of weekend getaways using a tank bag and a bag on the back.

[@Icybones000]

Yep owned one back in the 80's when I was 19, rode that thing exactly like a hooligan, racked up many tickets, that was only when my head wasn't on a swivel and I didn't elude the cops.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

They are super fun bikes! Possibly the best UJM ever ?

[@jeffcraft1456]

Quit CRYING. The nighthawk is a great motorcycle. My friend had one back in the 80s & that bike was solid. No problems ever. The bike is what it is. If you want a great mid touring bike check out the verseys 650.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

It's I better than great. I think it's fantastic. That's why I own one. It's always healthy to identify both sides of the coin. Just because I like the bikes doesn't mean it's the best for everyone. I don't know I would call the verseys a sport touring. Maybe a concourse. I'm a small guy and I don't travel with much so this bike is perfect for me.

[@markedwardspezenosky5814]

I saw him him the throttle and I love it I m an hoolagen😇💪👍👍👍😂😂😂😜😝

[@markedwardspezenosky5814]

It totally reminds me of my kz.650 or kz.750 .my kz.was horrible on gas too.but the fun factor..is out the the park..

[@jeffmiller4832]

Thanks for the memories. I had a 84 Nighthawk S back in 1985 for a few years. It was a fuckin blast. Actually looking to buy another one. Thinking about sort of making a Cafe racer out of it. I had Dennis Kirk slip-on mufflers on mine. Sounded great. Always loved going out for a scream on it.

[@chrisg8680]

Fellow Wisconsinite here, had a 700sc back in 2015 as my first "big" bike paid about $700. Had a fun summer with but ended up lowsiding it at 40 mph, the bike took it better than me. Just got back into riding after a 4 year hiatus but I'll always remember this old girl.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

They are great machines. I live just south of WI.

[@jonathanwade8313]

Just snagged one of these for cheap and have it in the shop for some fixing up and mods (last owner turned it into a Cafe with $2500+ of mods, I want it to be a scrambler) this reminded me to ask for a bigger tank, so thanks!

[@michaelbrinks8089]

My idea for it was a daily commuter/adventure/scrambler bike... Use some military like canvas saddlebags and canvas bag on a rear rack or the rear seat. 3 storage bags and a backpack would give you lots of storage for a camping road trip or trip to the grocery store. When the bags are empty they can be strapped down flat so they're not flapping in the wind or sticking out like bulky hard cases. Add 50/50 tires and bigger windscreen, hand guards,engine guards/crash bars....I have an 85 Yamaha xj700 Maxim that i can add saddle bags to but due to cruiser riding position 16in R/19in F wheel it's only good for a cruiser or bobber and can't do any gravel/dirt country roads. I wouldn't mind trading it for a Nighthawk

[@apxl8r1]

I have owned an 85 Nighthawk s for nearly 20 years. I've ridden it up to Deadhorse Alaska from Southern California and back. Your first reason that you say you hate the bike because of fuel capacity is completely incorrect. According to the factory manual, the bike's gas tank holds 4.2 U S. gallons PLUS a reserve of 2.6 quarts. That is a total of about 4.8 gallons. My gas mileage is in the 40s, depending on many conditions. Even at 40 mpg, your driving range is over 160 miles. My bike has stock carburetors, stock air filter housing with a uni filter and a Jardine header and Muffler. Thats good for over 2 hours of riding before getting gas. Regarding luggage capacity, I have the very rare Factory hondaline hard cases but anyone can throw over some soft side bags for cheap. I also have a rear rack with a large Shad to case. With respect to the peaky torque of the engine, there is a fairly easy fix to it which is to adjust the cam timing. A Google search finds how to do this. I actually kind of like the power surge as it feels like a turbo. Anyhow, interesting video but some information is misplaced. The Nighthawk 700 is an iconic bike by anyone's standards.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

I was definitely off on capacity. It's actual capacity to out of gas for me is 4.2 which I learned more recently. Not sure where you're coming up with the larger capacity. My bike gets much worse mileage due to being over jetted slightly and also carrying a passenger almost always. And yes there are ways to mod the engine for more torque but I prefer it peaky. I actually love the bike and I was trying to have an unbiased approach. If it were my opinion I'd say it's perfect.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Mine is 3.5 tank with .7 reserve.

[@apxl8r1]

@@rulehardgarage9740 My numbers for capacity are the Honda Factory Service Manual in the specifications section.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Yeah I have one. I'm fairly certain you're mis reading the capacity. It says 4.2 gallons and 2.8 quarts reserve. The 4.2 is the total capacity. The 2.8 quarts is .65 gallons. I've ran my bike out of fuel not on reserve at 3.5 gallons and gotten gas as I was barely coasting in and filled it to 4.2 gallons.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

In my experience I've never seen a manual that have a capacity without reserve and plus reserve. Just a total capacity and the reserve amount that's within it.

[@shanehorton7651]

Don't listen to this guy. He is the cause of everything negative he is saying about the bike. Don't blame the bike blame the owner

[@thadcraft6415]

I don't care what you say. That bike is a ICON and I would love to have it. Also it's not a touring bike, it's a sport bike. My friend had one in the 80s and we loved it.

[@JP-pp9ke]

I wish I owned a 700! I personally own a 650. The look of the 700 is better, but Nighthawks are awesome.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

The 700 sure is special. Night Hawks rule 👍

[@JP-pp9ke]

@@rulehardgarage9740 I subscribed, I enjoy just watching you take the bike out for a ride. Keep it up 🤙🏾 And maybe increase the volume of your mic.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Yeah we're working on that. Need to get a new one for the helmet.

[@Tavinho502]

I haven't noticed any difference, how about in power.?

[@vinjane3526]

My dad had one when I was a kid and I absolutely loved it! He had a super loud pipe and he had a custom seat and hand grips and that made the bike!! One thing was as a passenger my foot got a lot of vibrations from the pipe! Hated that! And my dad had a love/hate relationship with this bike he thought it didn’t have enough power but liked the corners and how loud it was!! It my childhood favourite bike! Maybe I’ll buy one, has to be red!

[@scotthooper5127]

I may have to dust mine off and get out on the road again. Sometimes life gets in the way of true joy and a quick ride on that bike makes everything seem alright again. I have owned mine for almost 15 years and plan to never get rid of it. Thanks for the first person video, it's almost like being on it again.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Dust her off! They do cause me to feel joy so it's okay to keep forever

[@jnordne2]

Nice video. I just got my endorsement and picked up an 84 700S back in February. Finally getting comfortable with it and I think all 10 points are fairly accurate. However, as you mentioned, because of the lack of storage space, I don't consider this a touring bike at all. The short range (I get 35-40mpg which equals about 100 miles per tank as you said) doesn't lend itself well to touring. But, it has so much power and is so fun to blast through the curves. Once the needle hits 7k on the tach it's like a turbo kicks in and she screams like a banshee. Mine is stock and I paid $1700 for it, and it's probably one of the best classic muscle bikes out there. I love mine, despite the flaws.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Yeah it's definitely not a touring bike. Definitely not a sport bike either. Honda considered it a standard. But I think it makes a well enough sport touring bike for me.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Also congrats on the nighthawk. They are addicting.

[@Same_Team_Farva]

I don't know why you guys are getting only 100 miles a tank i just bought an 86 in june and get 48 mpg going 65 70 down the highway banging gears up the hills and around the corners. Also if you want a great sound see if you can locate a 4 into 1 vance and hines but i warn you its loud as fuck. Lol

[@rulehardgarage9740]

@@Same_Team_Farva I am getting bad MOG because my bikes jetted up and also I've built an exhaust for mine so I won't be installing a aftermarket one any time soon. 👍

[@lindongreen8922]

I used saddlebags and tank bags, toured and also took her camping to the isle of man to this year. She did the lap three time...no records obviously but she is looking forward to the 2024 to. ( i gotta take the wife to scotland next year ).

[@kjay8796]

I can't stop watching this vid because that bike looks so cool. I have an 83 Interceptor but I think I like the Nighthawk more.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

I want a vfr700 to go with this bike. I'd say they are pretty evenly matched. This bike probably has less maintenance.

[@kjay8796]

@@rulehardgarage9740 I got inspired since I wrote the first post and went and changed the front tire and drained the oil and im cleaning the air filter and now im just waiting for a starter to come from ebay because mine kind of evaporated. I see an 85 Nighthawk for 1900 cdn on the internet on the island. I live in bc. I want it

[@rulehardgarage9740]

That's not too bad. Hopefully in decent condition. They are so much fun and would make a good pair to your interceptor. Can never have enough Honda's. Glad to hear you're out there keeping her fresh.

[@combatengineer894]

Had 1985 model. 6in stretch. 6in stretch on shaft. Did mods to fit 1100cc. Lowered all from drag bars from harley dealer. Faring drop to match tank. 13 degree rake up front. 25lb nitrous i was to scared to use. Bike was 2in off ground terrible turning radius. License plate said "N2O2GO. old boys at the rock store were confused . Jay leno gave a huge thumbs up. Mods to all lighting, and exhaust . 2nd gear on was all power band spin it to11000 rpm. 9second allday long surely 8 secs easy was in military 10yrs all in california. Seabees

[@rulehardgarage9740]

That's awesome 👍 try to dig up some pictures!

[@combatengineer894]

Funny . Wife and I are in basement looking thru photo albums . Divorced 1st wife in 1998 kept alot of mil pics and drag bikes and cars from 1987 on

[@mikel5571]

My first street bike was a 84 Nighthawk S. Put a lot of miles on that thing. Minimal maintenance, loved that bike. My bike for the last 15 years have been the R1 (4 of them now) is a bit faster but that was the perfect intro to street bikes

[@robwessels6899]

Nighthawk S is a great all around bike. Valves that never need adjustment. Fuel range is about the same as an MT07 or FTR S. My old bike had the Yoshimura 4 into 1. Nice little weight savings. Such a dependable ride. I rode from Oregon to Edward’s AFB and did a tour to Yellowstone National Park on mine. Wish I still had it :)

[@rulehardgarage9740]

I also miss mine. I replaced it with a z900rs out about 13k on that. Both great bikes

[@csablock1]

This bike is Legendary. It's so sick A CB motor n block, tuned to the nuts - and Shaft driven - wtf!!! Back when the 750 block ruled. Also, mind you - when HD lobbied US congress to stamp out the Japanese imports One of Hondas best bikes ever. Besides the Magna The CBx The CBR 900rr And the RC51 sp2 OG streetfighter

[@csablock1]

Also. You sir - understand this motorcycle. "It makes you ride like a hooligan." Yes... yes it does.

[@garyjoliphant9546]

This guy complains about the exhaust and then says he built it so basically there is no point what-so-ever listening to this guy. He's simply a complainer

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Thanks for the comment.

[@bryanhines1789]

You need to pick you up a Honda magna ,of the same eras/years .they are liquid cooled in a 700, and the V65 1100 magna is a freak! 750 in the ladder years.. they are made more for saddle bags and luggage, has a sissy bar for luggage too.

[@woodscrafter1971]

I kinda guessed where this vid was going right from the start...Rode one of these back in the early 90's and thought about it ever since. Just picked up an '85 for $1200 and don't regret it for a second. Too bad more people didn't watch til the end, they're just fun. Really fun.

[@emiliodelia5300]

I rode a 84 700sc from New Jersey to California in 1999. Loved the bike for it's reliability but it was pretty uncomfortable riding it all day. I don't remember low fuel capacity being a problem but it was my first bike and I didn't have much experience or frame of reference.

[@barrylong8468]

Great fun and memories on this bike...

[@paxwallacejazz]

My old Nighthawk was Bullitt proof. I named her Trusty I lived on her for 10yrs.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

They are truly the perfect machine in my eyes.

[@marcmaz21]

You can’t knock the exhaust. It sounds fine with the stock exhaust. Noise doesn’t equal speed. Also it’s not meant to be a 2 up sport tourer. It’s a blast to have fun around town and back roads My 84 was one of my favorites. It’s a Honda so no worries. Just pretty much gas and oil. Definitely a peaky motor, but she’ll walk away from a Harley around the city. Maybe not roll on, but once you get about 7000 rpm, say goodbye to Mr Harley

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Definitely a Harley killer 👌. It did sound pretty good stock but given my history building bikes I can hardly leave anything alone. This bikes serves me and my wife well as a 2 up sport router but we're both shorter smaller people. Maybe 250-270 lbs combined.

[@anthonyarmstrong9508]

That is not at tour bike, it's a sport bike and I love that thing, it's one of those special bikes that is fun and lasts better than modern bikes.

[@bradelliot1027]

it was a great ride..i had three back in the day...one had a yoshi full exhaust...sounded like a demon going thru those gears...i always coveted a red white and blue 1986...

[@karljay7473]

This was my first bike, I moved on to a Honda 919. I get about 100~120 miles on the 919 between fill ups. I really miss not having to deal with a chain, that shaft setup is a dream. Too bad the selection to 16" tires is so limited. The black chrome looks awesome when new, but didn't hold up after 30 years, SS would have been a better choice. Carbs are damn hard to get on and off. She does really well in the twisties, very forgiving.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

You nailed it on the head! The shaft is so nice. Just the other day I seen my buddies dusty chain and thought "oh no I need to check my chain" pffft no I don't haha.

[@hodgeshotwheelsanddiecast5192]

I just got a blue/ black 700 nighthawk s . Best $800 bucks ive ever spent! Plus it looks cool

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Definitely worth the 800 bucks 👍. I paid 1200 for mine

[@hodgeshotwheelsanddiecast5192]

@@rulehardgarage9740 ive had alot of bikes over the years, and this is the most fun bike ive owned. Plus it sounds great

[@rulehardgarage9740]

@@hodgeshotwheelsanddiecast5192 sounds even better with a 4-1 😎

[@Bushwacker0079]

Nah It's not the bike that sucks, it's what youre trying to accomplish with it that isn't meshing well. This is a street legend and a damn near indestructible one, not a touring bike.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

I think that's pretty obvious 👍

[@sparramore]

Most of your comments up front are incorrect or misleading...first it's not a touring bike...its a sport bike it's right in the name moron. Your exhaust makes the bike worse...which is your fault...and shifting does not require clutch if you know what your doing when you get on it...anyway your opinion is yours but for me it's great...have had mine for 20 years ride it every week

[@ckatchison420]

I absolutely love my 85 cb700sc. No regrets at all.

[@RH-qk5lt]

Everything you said is correct. But I think you're expecting or trying to make one of the most loved and well built bikes of all time into something it was never intended to be. It's not a touring bike and certainly not ever meant to be a comfortable or efficient 2 up touring bike. There are many that are and would fit your wants mutch better. IMO the BMW 1150RT is one of if not the best touring bikes ever made. And they're actually affordable today if ya look around and wait for the right one. On a totally separate note, have you ever ridden a Honda CBX 1000 super sport? Truly an incredible bike that every rider should ride and hear at least once.

[@CowBoyChris21]

I have an 85 and think I’m having driveshaft problems. Any ideas 💡 on where I can find a manual? Love the video. Lot of good points. I love mine for bombing around town. Hate taking it on long rides. And I ride on top of the tach. So I fill it up twice a day😒

[@rulehardgarage9740]

I have a PDF version of the manual actually.

[@CowBoyChris21]

Rule Hard Garage is there any way I can get a copy emailed?

[@scottblackwell5789]

Rednekazfuk21 DaGamer it’s not a long distance cruiser for sure.

[@JonDoe-ll2fn]

I toured on one of these in 2011 for several months haha. I built a rack for it with two BMW hardbags on it, a magnetic tank bag, and more stuff tied down on a rear rack. Most comfortable seat ever even if it's kinda ugly. Never got saddle sores on that bike, can't say the same for anything since.

[@9unslin9er]

As a guy scared of motorcycles, I think this is the best looking bike ever made.

[@markturgeon4181]

Just bought one 1984 750s as a project cant wait to hit the road with it...

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Nice, you must be in non U.S territory

[@williambartholomew5680]

Fellow Wisconsinite checking it! Your first 4 points aren't quite valid, it's not a touring bike - by any means. It's a street-fighter, it's to totally rip from stop light to stop light and tear up the twisty county roads on your way home. The gearing, powerband, and fuel capacity are all centered around that street-fighter: 4.11 rear end, redline power, and fairly light weight with a cool appearance to match. Your 5th point reenforces this :) haha You missed all the actual bad parts of these bikes: Tendency to eat starter chains Tendency to throw rods Carbs/airbox/battery-box all SUCK to remove & install

[@rulehardgarage9740]

You're 100% right. Although I believe any Moto can be a touring bike if the pilot uses it as such. That's what I was trying to communicate here. And yeah the air box setup is a nightmare haha.

[@thomaswilliams8167]

1986 nighthawk 700 6speed dgital read out.Inline A motor.Nice midsize muscle bike.

[@jadesystem]

Nice video. What size main and/or pilot jets were used. In addition, was the needle raised ? Are you using the stock air box and filter ? Thanks in advance.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

I'll have to get back to you on the jets but the airbox is stock with the filter snorkel trimmed down. Filter is UNI.

[@firefly3981]

Are there no paved roads where you live? Can't live without my RWB 86.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

All of our paved roads are giant farm grids

[@marktibbetts3799]

I owned a nighthawk. Best damn bike EVER. Trouble free,great handling bike.

[@MegaBruceC]

Just found this, I was looking because I just bought a 1983 Nighthawk 650 for $200 Canadian and was curious about what people thought of it.

[@yourejustintim]

Mine came with oem honda luggage rack. Looks pretty good actually.

[@PMaynard-22]

For me any way this bike loves to be ridden wide open hard all the time its just so easy, so I agree with that. Looks are kiiler what they are best for is thrashing on it. I have good roads nearby. I take it out hour or so thrash the crap out of it and come back exhausted. plan on getting off every hour or so for butt rest,That is fine though you get to look at it more. I am 240 never even feel the rear suspension so smooth. Very quick steering so be careful. explosive 8k rpm powerband which you get addicted to. between me and my GF she is heavy near 480 lbs both of us and powerband jump at 8K is still very noticeable. Problem on all of them 1st gear will not be rushed horrible cold marginal when hot. You wont be thrashing 1st gear from a dead stop in a race. be very nice to 1st gear and you will not be taking bike apart to replace shift fork (NOT FUN) This can be found on bikes with low miles. If you have experience on a bunch of other bikes your first ride or two it will be obvious that 1st likes one way and one way only it way dont force it and all will be well for you.

[@mattys9801]

Don't believe your tats dude😂 That engine was the bomb. Im 57 years old and owned an 84NHawk S it wasnt the fastest but trouble free and built to run FOREVER. I own a victory boardwalk for 10 years. Its got a 106cub and just like the N Hawk S all i did is change oil. I have no tats like u so im prob. Not as smart as u😢😢

[@rulehardgarage9740]

You don't BELIEVE my tattoos? What does that even mean?

[@matthijs_dekoning]

Nice review man, I appreciate the review. I was wondering what mirrors you got on yours, I am looking for something similar. Thanks!

[@rulehardgarage9740]

These are OEM American 700s mirrors

[@Marvelicon]

Picked up this bike for 500 bones ,Also picked up a92 nighthawk 750 ,for 800.Ive been lucky with the hawk ,And now I just sit back and let the odometer roll.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

That's what I'm doing. I've always wanted to take one of the 750s and use the bottom end with the 700 too end and make a chain drive version. Upgrade the suspension and such.

[@SurlyMechanicTX]

Sometimes you just gotta ride it anyway. 😎🏁 I have a 73 CB 750 I am currently reviving, same story. Crap mileage and no cargo room, but it's got two wheels and the cool factor. Nice video. Good content.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Ohhh you know we love her. Just shaking things up is all 👍

[@SurlyMechanicTX]

@@rulehardgarage9740 when you insult your own bike, it helps to accommodate the opinion from others. I have a near 20 year old VFR and I do it all the time. Keeps you grounded. 😂😎🏁

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Haha, exactly. I love VFRs 🥰 I want a 700 to be garage buddies with my VB700

[@ConsortiumBlaster]

Electronic ignition, hydraulic lifters, Drive shaft, change the oil, put some gas in it and ride. Is why I still have the 1986 700SC I bought new. 19k miles. Yeah I don't ride it much 14 sec 1/4 mile with my fat 200 lb on it.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

They are awesome bikes! This is my second. Selling the first was a mistake.

[@lisabreitigam4858]

My 700s ran 12.97 at Norwalk, bone stock, there was at least 4 other 700s all with pipes and one was lowered, my 700 was the fastest.

[@Mogman150]

Well, the tank is actually 4.2 gallons with .7 reserve. I don't think Honda ever marketed this as a ST bike. That would be more the Sabre, or later VFR/ST1100 of the day. Also, a short stroke 700 can't compare to a 1200cc + or 900cc bike. I enjoyed your bike. I have an '86 and a '98 VFR. Had a ST1100 and regret selling that...

[@rulehardgarage9740]

I also enjoyed the bike. I aware of all the points you made. The bike was actually a great sport touring bike for me. Just depends on what you want.

[@matthewryan2325]

I saw a nighthawk that mostly everything was broke and it still ran just fine

[@rulehardgarage9740]

They are pretty good bikes 👍

[@714integra]

How many miles on the bike? It sounds so good! There's an 86 red and black 700s for sale in my area for $900 but it has 54,000 miles. Is that too many?

[@rulehardgarage9740]

That is a bit of miles but being it's an 86 I would grab it for that price. The 86 has different colors and was IMO the best looking. They are hard to find. Sounds like it's black red and orange. Cool bikes. Mine has 29k and I ride the hell out of it

[@howardjohny]

Mine has 66k on it. It's a Honda. change the oil, and it will run forever. BUY THAT BIKE

[@bricklayerlzdp9825]

42k on my 86 running just fine

[@RobOTraveler]

You're complaining about things this bike wasn't designed for. It wasn't designed as a touring bike (although there was a side luggage option offered and a rear rack too, for those people who wanted that). It was the second fastest 700-750 bike from Honda when introduced, with a 12 second quarter mile only slightly slower that the 750 Interceptor. It was a sport bike, not a tourer. If you want some luggage, easy enough to bungee on a tailbag. I love this motorcycle - bullet proof, shaft drive, hydraulic lifters, and will run forever with no repairs need for decades. Fun to ride, easy to handle - I just bought my second one, and rebuilding the carbs and installing new tires - will be ready to ride soon.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

✈️🎯

[@denneyllorente5199]

I gota '93 750 nighthawk. GREAT BIKE man!

[@TerryMasri]

You are one conflicted individual dude! When was the last time you took your meds?

[@rulehardgarage9740]

It's been a while

[@TerryMasri]

@@rulehardgarage9740 😂

[@sprint2938]

Man it just looks fun to run through the gears. I know he likes it

[@evanspader6762]

After watching this video, i just bought a cb 700 nighthawk for 1700 dollars! I had to ride it 320 miles home and after 2 hours of riding i know what you mean when it comes to long term riding comfortably

[@rulehardgarage9740]

They are great bikes! I'd have one forever if I could. Mines actually for sale.

[@CMCustom112]

Real talk on the Fuel Capacity. I have made a few multi State trips and having to stop often to refuel SUCKS. I thought maybe there was something wrong with my bike, so I kept messing with it trying to make the fuel mix leaner. Glad Im not the only one. They originally came with a Luggage Bag and extended rack option when the first came out, so I cant agree on that point.

[@squaaaaak3178]

It's very bad for your body to go much longer than that without a rest and a little exercise. Wait until you have blood clots or a stroke when you're older. Geez

[@papatorr3669]

I just recently picked up a poorly running Nighthawk S in otherwise good condition. The S is not quite an all around bike, it's a good "sporty" bike. I like my CB750 Nighthawk better as a do it all but off road bike. Since I found a Super Tech motorcycle mechanic a few months ago, and I now live next to twisty mountain roads. I'm going to have Jermaine bring this S to top condition and give the S a second chance. It's going to have to beat out another project bike in the twisties: a Yamaha Radian 600. Sport bikes with near clip on handle bars and rear set pegs are NOT for me. So we shall see how the shootout turns out.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

I tend to lean more towards sportier functional bikes. That's why I bought the new z900rs

[@northerntruckerman]

Why does everybody fuck with the exhaust on these bikes? They legit perform best with stock exhaust...i mean, what do those Honda engineers know anyways?

[@rulehardgarage9740]

I know right.... What an idiot.

[@timkis64]

i have an 84 magna, would love to add a 84 85 nighthawk to the garage.

[@davecorcoran3874]

Dude you have no clue.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Dang... Really? The thing is I really thought I had a clue, I even sang the blue's clues song and everything. This changes my entire life... Thanks for letting me know.

[@icandsc]

did Honda market this as a Sport Touring bike? I have the 83 cb1000 custom, and i know it along with the cb900c was designated as a sport touring. Ive always thought of the Nighthawk more as the Interceptor Lite than a just a sportier version of the Custom series. Nighthawks are lighter and narrower than the cb900/1000s, and trust me - the bigger bikes are only flickable if you want a full body workout....

[@robwessels6899]

Watching this reminds me of my 85 700s. I had a Yoshimura 4into1 exhaust. Sounded like NASCAR going through the Portland tunnel. lol I got a bit better fuel economy around 135-140 per tank. It handled great though. Love hearing this sound again. They used to make soft corduroy bags that fit perfectly with a matching tank bag. Top speed read 145mph but I think know there was speedometer error so it was probably about 135ish. Plenty for me at the time. I’d buy another on in a heartbeat.

[@PatrickF9]

What a nice bike, im looking for one right now! 😍 How tall are you? Good review✌✌✌

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Hey man I appreciate that 👍. I'm 5'7" and weigh about 155-160. Me and my wife ride it two up often which is fine for us considering we're smaller people.

[@PatrickF9]

@@rulehardgarage9740 im 6'1 so i hope the bike isnt to small for me, its hard to find this bike were i live , so if i find one im gonna try!

[@rulehardgarage9740]

At 6' 1 I'm not sure it'll be too much different than other bikes. I'd love to hear what you think about it. I'm working on a front end swap in mine right now

[@PatrickF9]

@@rulehardgarage9740 oke😄👍 i'll let you know if i found one, good luck with the frond end swap! i really like this channel , keep up the good work✌

[@_.xxloganplaysxx._6675]

I think personally that this bike would be classified as a sport cruiser

[@Tonka710]

I see what you did there ;) Theres one for sale near where I live but the dude said its been sitting there for years, should I buy it?

[@rulehardgarage9740]

If it were me and the price was right I'd definitely buy it. Anything can be fixed but you have enough skill and money. At the end of the day it's about what type of skill level you have and how determined you are to have one. They are awesome machines.

[@Speedytrip]

They don't make great sounding bikes like that anymore...

[@jensdavidsen4557]

Touring aspect...can work. I road-tripped from Chicago suburbs to salt lake City, Utah and back...just don't ask me about how it handled elevation over 4,500ft...

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Definitely can work. Definitely works well with the right pilot too. We don't carry much so it works well for us

[@googoo-gjoob]

i emphatically disagree..... i _loved_ my '84 *S.* i always went 150+ between fill-ups. the exhaust was sweet.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

I also loved mine. Had to get people to click somehow

[@bigwilliestyle1088]

It sounds really good 👍

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Hell yeah it does 👏

[@hecklerboy]

Nowhere have I ever seen a 700S being designated as a sport tourer. It was marketed as a California Hot Rod.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

That's because no one ever has. That's the point of the video.

[@kubla777]

You can fix the peakiness with the cam timing mod and a dynojet kit. It really helps. These are great bikes.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

I have added a jet kit along with the exhaust. I'd rather keep the engine as is than modify the cam timing. This is how Honda intended her to make power ♥️

[@eaglemachineworks1490]

Hey nice video, I appreciate the content. I’m actually rebuilding the exact same bike right now 75% done, never ridden it before.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Awesome man, they are a ton of fun. Very happy with mine.

[@montylacey4618]

This bike is not classified as a sport touring bike as you refer to it in your video it is a standard model ‼️

[@rulehardgarage9740]

I'm fully aware it is a standard motorcycle. Thanks for your input.

[@rafaelalmo]

Hate love relationship! Lmao... I like nighthawks... they're awesome...

[@Miamisvintagecycles]

What’s the exhaust you got I want mine to sound like that that thing is just a bad a bike

[@mudbrats]

I am gonna buy one 😉

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Do it! They are very fun and practical machines.

[@mudbrats]

@@rulehardgarage9740 when u said it makes you do stupid ass shit…. im like…..peeeeeerfect 😎

[@mudbrats]

@@rulehardgarage9740 I love how you get it to wheelie and ride it off road so much! Really shows how versatile this thing is

[@jbeezy1101]

What are you talkin about Willis ? Nighthawks are unstoppable.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

They are great bikes

[@papatorr3669]

Ya kinda need some twisty roads to enjoy this bike. I bought one in the mid nineties, had one for about a week. I had always wanted one, still like it. But I had a V65 Sabre at the time and it did everything better. It weighed almost seventy pounds more, but it made 50% more peak horsepower, but more importantly, it made way more than that from idle through midrange, felt like double. And where the S feels a little twitchy, the V65 had light feeling balanced handling. The S is still an outstanding motorcycle on paper, lots of features; but on the road it came up short of the hype. I'm cheating, but my 2007 Kawasaki Ninja 650R was better in every way. Sorry fans, I still want to like it, but there were better bikes then, way better bikes now. I don't just mean on paper.

[@rulehardgarage9740]

And there will always be better bikes 👍. It's all about what makes YOU happy at the end of the day. I love my S and I'll hang on to it forbad long as possible.

[@papatorr3669]

@@rulehardgarage9740 well that's keeping it positive. I watched the video because I was thinking of buying one locally. Guy claims it's a 750 from the factory!

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Haha. Only if you are from Canada or Japan. I would definitely recommend one to anyone who can appreciate it's minor flaws and live it's good bits

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Btw I like the V type lone from Honda. If I get a cruiser type I really like the magna.

[@papatorr3669]

@@rulehardgarage9740 Maybe he has a Canadian bike!?

[@MGMan37]

The only reason this bike sucks...The goddamn gauge cluster needles are always broken

[@DEarls-ye9tz]

"ThIS bIkE sUCkS" 😡 *lovingly modifies the bike to suit his needs better so he can ride it longer and slower and more often* 😇 Hate always comes from a place of love 😂

[@malcolmlee5499]

Hey, what clutch and brake levers are those?

[@stevenleal-ef1os]

I got a question so I just bought one from someone & they told me it’s not to be driven in the rain cause it messes with electrical stuff is that true ?

[@rulehardgarage9740]

I put many many miles on mine in the rain so no. They are wrong.

[@forgedabouted]

How tall are you ? I'm looking to get this exact bike!

[@rulehardgarage9740]

5' 7"

[@forgedabouted]

@@rulehardgarage9740 thanks dude

[@scottblackwell5789]

I’m 6’1 and fit fine on one.

[@cafe100mph6]

nothings wrong, its a perfect bike!

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Yes they are