Making something new, old again. '96 Nighthawk 750 hacked and fork swapped
- Thread starter StinkBug
- Start date
StinkBug
Been Around the Block
I'm super excited, and also super annoyed right now. Got everything all buttoned up, tightened down and ready to rock, except for the front brake rotor. The one I have is slightly bent, and the one I bought off ebay was supposed to be here today but FedEx hasn't had any tracking activity since 5am wednesday. I actually fired the motor up for the first time since I bought it and it sounds great, but I CANT RIDE IT!!! Arrrrrghhh
StinkBug
Been Around the Block
Well the test ride went well overall. Carbs still need a little tuning but it runs pretty well. The only real issue was the starter, or more accurately the wiring. it had been starting just fine in the shop but after a little ride it refused to turn over. Push the button and nothing. Basically acted like it was in gear, or the clutch wasn't in. I remember it being weird when I first looked at it as well. It took a lot of messing around before it would try to start, but I never did find the problem. When you push the starter button the headlight and indicators all turn off, but the solenoid doesn't click or anything. I'm hoping it's just a bad solenoid or something simple. If you use a screwdriver to connect the battery cable to the starter directly she fires right up. Also pretty easy to push start, but I dont wanna do that every time.
StinkBug
Been Around the Block
Well I haven't figured out the starter issue yet, but I have narrowed down the circumstances. When it's completely cold, it starts fine. Once it's warm, nothing. I'm starting to suspect whatever it uses for a neutral sensor because when I press the starter button the headlight, and the neutral light turn off, but when I release it the neutral light doesn't come back on til I fiddle with the shifter again.
On a higher note I did put probably 80 miles on the bike today and it ran beautifully, and has TONS of power. Lots more than my '80 CB750. I also got a kick out of seeing peoples reactions. I had a date at a coffee shop this evening and saw at least 4 guys stop and walk around the bike checking it out. One actually took the time to take a number of pictures even though it was dark out. Cant wait to see what happens when it's actually done.
On a higher note I did put probably 80 miles on the bike today and it ran beautifully, and has TONS of power. Lots more than my '80 CB750. I also got a kick out of seeing peoples reactions. I had a date at a coffee shop this evening and saw at least 4 guys stop and walk around the bike checking it out. One actually took the time to take a number of pictures even though it was dark out. Cant wait to see what happens when it's actually done.
1969Honda
Been Around the Block
Glad to hear the bike is getting some much deserved attention and putting good power to the pavement. I know on the older bikes the neutral safety is a very small sensor on the sprocket side of the motor that is usually just a plastic cam with a copper strip for continuity to ground that lines up with the connector when the shifter shaft is in the right position, not sure on the nighthawk, but it's worth a shot looking into the schematics and replacement in the manual. Hope you get it figured out for some fun riding over the holidays. Merry Christmas!
StinkBug
Been Around the Block
Finally got a few pictures outside the shop. Put another 40 miles or so on her today, and it just keeps getting better. I cant believe the power difference between this "CB750" and my '80 CB750F. I'm actually thinking about having a second seat made with a bit of a hump cause I keep sliding back under acceleration! Hit about 112 in 5th and it still had plenty more to go if I had the space. It's not on anywhere near the same level as my 1098, but it's no slouch that's for sure.
I also "fixed" the starting issue. Still not sure what the real culprit is, but I'm pretty sure it's the neutral switch. I ended up just adding a ground wire to the solenoid to defeat the interlock. I know this eliminates a layer of safety, but I've always been really anal about checking for neutral before starting anyways, so I'm not too worried. When I do the teardown for paint I'll dig further into the problem and see if I cant solve it properly. Til then at least it always starts on command.
I also "fixed" the starting issue. Still not sure what the real culprit is, but I'm pretty sure it's the neutral switch. I ended up just adding a ground wire to the solenoid to defeat the interlock. I know this eliminates a layer of safety, but I've always been really anal about checking for neutral before starting anyways, so I'm not too worried. When I do the teardown for paint I'll dig further into the problem and see if I cant solve it properly. Til then at least it always starts on command.
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SlipstreamCycle
New Member
Belts are smooth but if you hang around many moto GP or AMA super bike paddocks you will see nothing but chain, reason being is that they are better. This is a cool looking bike, what state are you riding mtns in?
StinkBug
Been Around the Block
I've also been told that chains are actually the most efficient way to put power to the ground and have the least parasitic loss which is why you will ONLY ever see chains on race bikes. In this case I doubt it would really make any difference though. This is far from a racing motorcycle.
I'm just outside San Diego.
I'm just outside San Diego.
