How I Start a 1970s Honda Motorcycle - 1978 Honda Hawk

[@WildBill1120]

I bought that same exact Honda Hawk 400 in 1978 when I was in college. My high school bike was a Honda 125 Scrambler. Loved both bikes. Took my girlfriend riding on the Hawk. She must have liked it because she married me! Celebrating 41 years today! 😎👍🏼👍🏼

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thats awesome! Happy Anniversary, Bill!

[@saucytoon3452]

Sweet!

[@whommee]

Brings back good memories, I love that Hawk exhaust note. Bought a brand new one in high-school worked all summer to pay for it in the tenth grade! Loved that bike, most dependable bike I ever had. Wish I had kept her ! She was cold natured and had to keep her chocked for a few minutes after starting her up. Thanks for posting this video!

[@marcusbrown7817]

I got one for sale 1978 Honda Hawk

[@garydunn3037]

These bikes were set to run lean, to beat US exhaust emmisions. and so needed a little choke on cold start up.

[@garydunn3037]

I had the 250 version of this bike in 78 known here as the "Dream" and physically it was the same as the 400 version, but with sleeved down barrels to make it a 250. It felt like a big bike, and I loved the sound from the exhaust. It was silky smooth to ride, and I went on to buy the Super Dream version, and the US Custom version. All Great bikes. Best days of my life. I'm 65 now.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

That is awesome, Gary! I have some fond memories myself driving this bike with my wife.

[@garydunn3037]

@@OldSchoolMillennial Here in the UK the Bike was known as "Dream" rather than "Hawk" I think, on reflection the bike sounded better as "Hawk" But that's another story. As I said in my previous comment, the 250 version was basically a sleeved down 400. And if felt like a Big Bike, me being just over 6 feet tall, it suited me well, even two up it pulled really strong, thanks to the 360 degree crank, where both pistons were pulling in unison. Thanks to a chain driven counter balance system. Which, incidentally needs to be adjusted regularly, or the chain tends to slacken, and the engine begins to sound noisy. Later models, like SuperHawk, had a screw out plug just forward of the kickstart lever, and all was needed was to take this plug out, gently slacken the nut inside, and then tighten it up. The automatic adjuster then took up any slack in the chain. I did this routinely, when I did an oil change every 1000 miles. The same with the cam chain, with engine off, located behind the cylinders in the center of the engine. If you do these simple jobs, then the engine will run smooth and quiet for years. Oh, and don't forget to change the oil filter every oil change.

[@kiplindsay8413]

I had the same Hawk as my first bike back in the ‘70’s. Fun little bike.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

That is so cool! These bikes are a lot of fun.

[@wisdom9644]

My dude..... pull the choke all the way is step #1 for a cold start. (not after trying to crank it ~10 times). Awesome bike collection!

[@EscapeVelo]

This is what Im looking for. A 70s (or early 80s) CB350 or CB400 Twin.

[@rodneysweetnam8653]

Hi Glen - it's Big Rodders in Ireland. Over here the Honda 250 was called the Dream and was a top seller in the 70s until driver licensing laws changed and beginners were restricted to 125cc. I bought a CB250 new in 1972 and enjoyed it though in hindsight it was heavy for its capacity as the original design was for a 400cc I believe. A few suggestions for you - I always drain carbs when laying up engines, particularly now with ethanol gas, and trickle charge my battery every month. A mate used to heat up the crankcase of his CX500 with an electric fan heater for an hour before starting the engine after a long lay off and the warm thinned oil took less effort to fire it up.

[@adventurerhoades]

Cool old bike. I'm a harley guy but I've had Triumph, kawasaki. Love my long hauls on motorcycle harley touring. Stay safe

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks!

[@tombenson5957]

I went on a 3 month camping trip with a buddy with dual Honda Hawks. Small but bulletproof.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

That's awesome, Tom!

[@uthrus]

I bought a red 78 Honda Hawk in 1979. They gave me even a sweeter deal because it was a showroom holdover. I think I paid $1,600 for it and loved it.

[@weissbrau100]

I purchased for $1200 in 1978. At the start of 12th grade. Rode for almost 2 years.

[@stevetaylor8698]

I love the young child's accent.

[@jlacc1]

Very good looking Stock 400T. I have a 77 CB400t. Its a good bullet proof bike.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, I love this bike!

[@Chevy4x4dawg]

Great video!! Thanks for sharing your other hobby. Not a bike bike person but I can appreciate anything with a motor. My vote for next video is of the Deere mower haha

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks man! Just one of many hobbies I've enjoyed over the years. I do need to get my John Deere mower out sometime to give it some exercise.

[@aaronlanphear6516]

I got one of these bikes from a customer of mine it's a beauty

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Sweet deal! These are so much fun.

[@caseyweed3657]

Awesome collection of bikes

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thank you!

[@Paul.Gascoyneuk]

Love the Honda Hawk or as we call them here in England the Honda Dream , great video Cheers 👍

[@nathanlovern5283]

I’ve had a few of the CM400’s and on most the CDI box was bad. Had a CM400A once it was cool

[@js92css]

What front tire(size, brand, model) is on that 78' hawk?

[@GunCollector007]

Very enjoyable video. Thanks

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks! I appreciate that.

[@markhayvren2203]

Have same bike,sat for 10 years……new rings,air filter,plugs,oil……electrics all good except electric start done.Carbs also cleaned new kit.Starts initially on kick then dies when revving then won’t re start……any suggestions? Standard version

[@giuseppe4909]

That is a real Triumph…I can tell from the giant oil slick under it..🤣🤣🤣

[@ke6bnl]

got to get my Honda 125 running with original tires and about 1200 miles the carb slide is stuck. has not run in 15 years.

[@trcpilot]

I had that exact same bike... I wish I still had it

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

It's a great bike. I sold some bikes a while back that I feel the same way about. I guess we're all just making the best decisions we can at the time we make them!

[@bloomingrythem]

Do you know why there're so few 79 halls around?

[@SimonIngall]

That red Triumph though!

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I know! I love that bike. I need to give it some TLC and get it running again.

[@lesn9125]

I had an orange one…love em. Was wondering if you would be interested in selling it

[@1RevMatt]

My 2nd bike was one of those!

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Great bike!

[@xstiffx]

Cool story bro

[@markdavisson6219]

I have a 1978 Honda Hulk also .

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Awesome! I love this bike for cruising.

[@attilagyebnar485]

Hi!What is the tyre size and brand on the bike?Thanks

[@dibspicer554]

i got an 82 nighthawk if you got any advice or knowledge on them id love to know some xD but beautiful bike this nighthawk is also my first ever bike ever

[@truthbknown4957]

Nice kids!

[@andimuhammadradit4550]

400 or 450??

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

400!

[@lopimartinez5468]

DESDE ARGENTINA UN ABRAZO TENGO UNA IGUAL TRATANDO DE RESTAURAR NO CONSIGP CARBURADORES

[@markdavisson6219]

Woops spelled hawk wrong !

[@samborambobo]

Is this the automatic or the standard version question mark