Why I LOVE my 1997 Honda CB750 Nighthawk!!

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I hope you all enjoy my little ode to the CB750. It's a beautiful bike imo, that does everything a bike should do.

[@petev.9357]

With all that love talk, you better keep her! Only good for what? $2-3000 on the market.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

@petev.9357 I'd love to, but space is the issue! I reaaalllly don't want to sell it but I have literally zero space around my house other than the garage.

[@tomstc]

Its so hard to sell a bike you love, but sometimes needs must

[@TheGorillaBiker]

@@tomstc have to get funds and space for Toaster's next bike somehow 😭

[@RoadsOfOz]

I love how solidly built the UJM’s are built. My Kawasaki GPz750 just starts and runs. Even when it has been left in the corner for months. I just wish the front suspension was as reliable as the engine. Although I should have that sorted soon as well.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Same, the CB750 isn't light for that reason but it can clearly take a small fall, previous owner dropped it enough to cause the little dent on the tank, but otherwise you'd never ever know. The CB does absolutely hate cold weather tho 😂 That's the other nice thing, you CAN still sort them, everything is relatively simple compared to modern stuff.

[@vlratcliffe1]

I got a 1996 cb750 F2T very simler to nighthawk i have disk on back where NH has drum . Iv 90% rebuild the bike as i stripped it down to have it all poweder coated . New parts iv just done all the wiring loom as it was a mess then cold weather arrived so its all wrapped up till get warmer as i dont have heater in the garage lol . Had it all resprayed. New stickers loads new parts . Took me a bit longer than i expected as i hoped it been finished by OCTOBER .still great bike .its a P reg in the UK

[@TheGorillaBiker]

A disc on the back would be lovely, I know people retrofit them but I don't think it's actually needed. Ah nice! Thankfully the frame and such on this one is in excellent condition. I also do not have a heater, I'd move the bikes inside if my wife would let me 😂 Hey nothing wrong with taking your time to sort something 100% :) Best of luck with it when it warms up!

[@vlratcliffe1]

@TheGorillaBiker thanks. When I was out in it last time . I was with my bro inlaw who a 100%bike nut . We went for a blast around south Wales. I was playing catch up most the time and then dead stops lol at one stage my brakes failed which I managed to slow the bike down by the gears and then to a stop. I felt the brake pipes and they was bloody hot lol had to pull in to a petrol garage and run cold water over the brakes to cool them down . He said he'd never seen that before lol he was on a superblackbird with abs .. that was one mad day so it's all new SS brake pipes new calipers an disks an pads . So should stop on a penny

[@ScottMiller-tu3gg]

Very cool bike! One of the bikes I own is a 1980 Kawasaki KZ750 LDT and I still enjoy riding it, to me it feels more (old school). Keep up the great videos my friend and have a great day!

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Oh that is a lovely bike to have on hand :) I do have a soft spot for 80s and 90s bikes. Definitely have that more "connected" feel. Thanks, I will try! You too!

[@stephencartwright5046]

You know I would love a CB750 again, but . . . Distance lends enchantment, and rose-tinted spectacles, I just wonder if it would be as magical as I remember? Also in reality riding on these roads here it could never be the same experience. Perhaps it would be a Buell again. You didn't mention the seat! The space and freedom to move, and a proper seat for the pillion simply disappeared in the generations after this. I am enjoying my current machine immensely. Dropped it this week rolling off the stupidly big fat front tyre on a slow turn. It scrape pegs and exhausts all the time at under 40mph.🤣. So the new experiences and joys continue. But the experiences of the 750 will live forever. Yes I remember scrapping the pegs on a narrow twisty uphill road in Dorset . . . Another winning video. Thank you.👍

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I think it probably would be tbh, it's a very easy bike to take for granted, but every time I ride it it puts a smile on my face. It would definitely be a different experience over there, as it is here. I feel bad for people who only know these super straight dull roads. I still need to find a buell at some point! Very true! The seat is honestly one of the biggest losses to time. So many modern seats are bloody terrible 😂 Glad to hear it, the enjoyment that is, not the drop, we all bloody do it tho eh 😂 Hope you and the bike are ok. Ah we remember all the bikes eh, always will :) Haha it does the uphill stuff very well :) Thanks Stephen!

[@tripleGmoto]

I'm a big fan of this bike for several reasons. It sounds surprisingly good. It's as comfortable as a BMW GS. Dead simple, reliable, daily comfort. It's basically the Toyota Rav4 of motorcycles.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

It does sound properly decent. Surprisingly so for completely stock. It's very comfy to be fair, I've never given it a fair go there tho as I haven't done the suspension for my size and weight, which definitely impacts it. RAV4 is a very fair comparison!

[@hachewie]

@@TheGorillaBiker Mitsubishi mirage?

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Having just driven a rental one for 1600km, God no. Those things couldn't hold a candle to the CB 😂

[@tomstc]

Simple raw bikes, it would be good to see more in the range like this!

[@TheGorillaBiker]

@@tomstc I agree 100%, I think it'd be a good staple bike for every brand to have a basic one, sales could support the development of the fancier stuff. Not like something like this needs much R&D anymore.

[@petev.9357]

They can't make a new version of this. Has to have a cat. converter, FI, jerky performance, etc. because of clean air laws. Like motorcycles are the big polluters out there.🙄😡

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I did mention the nonsense bureaucracy that ties up manufacturers for bikes.....like why they even regulate such a small industry I will never understand.

[@joemetzger1362]

Purchased a manual 21 GT new as a retirement gift to myself. Definitely fun!

[@TheGorillaBiker]

@@joemetzger1362 very nice, congrats on retirement and the gift :) I hope you enjoy the hell out of it!

[@Rafay98s]

The CB has such a classic styling to it, but I still do love the sleekness and sharp edges of modern bikes. I gotta take it for a little spin next time 👀

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I like the look of modern bikes, but rarely the price or fancy bits. You should, and the Z, and then buy the Z.

[@Rafay98s]

The Z is so beautiful, if I happen upon a bunch of money I shall add it to the collection.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

@Rafay98s you'd have to find somewhere to store it inside 👀

[@Rafay98s]

dw when I win the world series of poker, I'll buy a barn garage

[@TheGorillaBiker]

@Rafay98s can I have one too? I'm winning the lottery this Wednesday so it's probably fine either way.

[@theaustralianconundrum]

I recall when these came out in Australia and even took a test ride on one and my thoughts were "why would anyone buy a Harley when they could have one of these?" It was so smooth and comfortable with excellent torque and power. Cycle World USA named it best used bike in 2010! I can definitely see why you love this fine machine.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I honestly still think that way, I struggle to see why so many people on a budget finance a new bike instead of picking up one of these, really excellent machines and all the general maintenance stuff is still available! Oh really?! Haha that's an interesting bit of knowledge to have, thank you!

[@theaustralianconundrum]

@@TheGorillaBiker Cycle World USA named this bike a Masterpiece at launch!

[@gogathome]

Thanks for your view on the Digi Sync, I've seen a couple of reviews on it but thought they were sponsored, if you say it's good I would trust your view 👍

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I suppose I'll have to do a review on the thing! I want to use it a few more times first tho. I'll offer free balancing to people 😂 I appreciate that! :) Thank you.

[@gogathome]

@TheGorillaBiker A review would be great lad, didn't like to ask 😀

[@TheGorillaBiker]

@gogathome ask away! I'm always looking for ideas 😂

[@petev.9357]

Ive got the old mercury carb styx from the 80's. Works great.

[@ridervfr2798]

I owned two of these bikes, dynoed at 70 hp rear wheel. One I rode 45,000 got totaled, second one I rode 35,000 miles, hit ice in NJ and rather than riding rebuilt bike, I got a used Vfr 750. I still have that bike btw, I have an ninja500 that I use as a commuter another sensible bike. All my stuff is carbureted. People general public want the latest greatest wizardry.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

70 to the wheel is nothing to be sniffed at at all. Did you ever rejet or anything for more power? Ah sorry to hear about the written off one! Maybe one day you'll put the other back on the road! :) Lovely bikes all round to be fair. I'm a big fan of carbs tbh, once spare parts are still available they really are hard to beat

[@ridervfr2798]

@TheGorillaBiker I had a factory jet kit installed, along with probably a K&N air filter. I came off a Kawasaki ZL 600 that I bought new, rode that 40,000 miles and the gear box let go. They rebuilt it but it was a turd. I remember getting on that new NightHawk and was amazed, the chain final drive was the way a bike should behave. The Kawasaki was a shaft drive and had weird handling quirks. I worked in powersports here so I pretty much have ridden lots of bikes in the past. Cheers

[@markfortin8286]

I think a proper "UJM" is considered to be a 4 cylinder bike, so the CB750 Nighthawk is probably the one I'd go with. I liked the look of the later CB1100 that we had here around 2014, too. Almost all the classic Hondas look amazing, though. A CB500/550 Four would be awesome. Standards are easily my favorite motorcycle. They're solid at everything, have classic good looks, and are usually extremely comfortable with bench seats and mid controls. So many options. Classic bike prices have come down to reasonable levels, and I've got some unfinished business with a 1972 Yamaha XS650. Always looking at Kawasaki W650/800's, as well.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I do believe you are correct :) I also believe the CB750 was the bike that had the term....coined? The coin minted for the term? The '69 cb750 anyway, if my memory is working 😂 I do really like the CB1100s, very cool bikes. Honestly every bike you mention I'd happily own and ride. There were a few W800s available around here, every time I'd message it would be sold already. And yes, you can't be a good all rounder. Just works for everything and are fun!.

[@petev.9357]

The term UJM came about in the 80's. Everyone had several inline 4 standard (ish)bikes for sale in various sizes from 550 to 1100.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

From what I can find I was a bit off too, apparently it's mid 70s it was officially kind of accepted for describing....well....UJMs. We need more 😂

[@abcsd1254]

My brother cycles through cars rather frequently and he had only a few that I really loved. Mustang GT 6 speed was one of them. I hope you can at least try one.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I used to, but doing that AND bikes has become impossible if I want to buy food 😂 I will do my best to at least drive one, the more I see of the coyote the more I want one in A vehicle of some kind. Cool engine. Thank you also :)

[@abcsd1254]

when pressed I suppose food and housing should be accounted for. You’re most welcome

[@TheGorillaBiker]

@abcsd1254 haha sadly yes, otherwise I'd have some more bikes under my belt!

[@hachewie]

I've never ridden a Honda road bike. The CR250 was not smooth. It was a crazy beast that tried to kill the rider every time the power band exploded. Maybe I should have bought the Honda Deauville years ago. ;)

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Ever?! That's mad, there's one here ready to go 😁 Hahaha yeah that'd be a different animal altogether 😂 God no. One Honda I have zero interest in.

[@hachewie]

@@TheGorillaBiker Hahahahaha

[@JayShermanFJC]

Not sure if you would classify a Gen 2 Kawi KLR 650 a UJM but that's my goto and love it probably as much as my HD. If not a Kawi KZ1000 would ben my must have UJM and is on my wish list if anyone is feeling generous.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I think someone might kill me if I did, but for the purposes of this we'll accept it, mainly cus they're magnificent. I'd absolutely love one of them, maybe one day when I have a LOT more garage space for collecting old Jap bikes 😂

[@abcsd1254]

KZ1000 is the epitome of the UJM and might be one of the best. Excellent, excellent choice.

[@simonson6880]

I have a '93, same model. Wanting to find some kind of wind protection for it. I tried one that mounted on the headlight bolts. I found the framework for the headlight on this older bike is not beefy enough to handle a windscreen being buffeted by 200 square inches of 70 mph wind. The windscreen and headlight vibrated so badly at speed I felt crackage/breakage would occur. I see your windscreen has a different attachment configuration, and it seems to be rock solid in the video. Can you give your assessment of it's effectiveness, along with the brand and model?

[@TheGorillaBiker]

It's a very solid windshield, it's "National Cycle N25001 Street Shield for 7/8-1in. Handlebars - 17in. - Tint". No complaints about it at all!

[@simonson6880]

@@TheGorillaBiker Thanks for the info!

[@TheGorillaBiker]

@simonson6880 you're most welcome

[@juanandrade8733]

They make a shorter speedo cable? I hate how mine so long looks stupid to me ..I have a 93 cb750

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I don't think so, as far as I am aware mine is the original. I'll check the routing and such though? Maybe someone doesn't have yours in all the stock hangers etc.

[@juanandrade8733]

@TheGorillaBiker yeah that might be possible

[@chadschrum1753]

I have a 92 I think I’m getting 34 miles a gallon what are you getting do you think ?

[@petev.9357]

That seems low unless you're always haulin. I get 160 miles till reserve. about 40-45 mpg.

[@chadschrum1753]

@ ok I’m getting about 150 miles per tank but I do a lot of town riding also

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I'd say the town riding brings it down, if I'm doing a lot of cruising I get about 40 usually, but stop and go stuff etc would definitely reduce it!

[@hachewie]

Can always get toaster a Rocket 3.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Haha I don't think that'd solve her weight issue she has with the CB 😂😂

[@hachewie]

@@TheGorillaBiker Not trying hard enough.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I'm not sure I could try hard enough to make a rocket 3 light enough

[@hachewie]

@ Hahahaha. Fair call.

[@petev.9357]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJqTonSthr2nga8si=-FGI9OEMYoTQMDvc Here's mine, Tested by my friend Jon. He has a great channel, lots of similar bikes!

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I have subscribed, I'll give it a watch later tonight :)

[@jamesziebarth8811]

I bought my 01 sv650s and would never want a new one cause with all the computers in them you are not in full control of the bike the computer is and I will never trust a computer to do the job of a human

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I prefer how much easier it is to work on older bikes, but to be fair looking at the likes of MotoGP and stuff, some of the electronics do ride a bit better than a lot of people sometimes eh! But yeah on my personal bike I'm with you, don't need them.