I just graduated high back at the end of ye last millenium. I took a trip to Holland and Germany for a cycle tour of the small towns, B&B style. Well, I had no interest in motorcycles. I was muscle cars, v8s... and hatchbacks (still got my first car, a 1986 acadian!) Well, that changed one day when I stopped at a vineyard bed and breakfast for dinner and the night. There, in their small parking lot was a silver and red bike. I thought, dang, that looks nice, then saw the engine! Engineered art was my thought. Power, make, handling, reliability, none of that mattered to me. It was just so equisite in craftmanship, I decided I really needed to get into bikes too.
Alas, I didn't know what it was really. But I went, got my learners, and with a limited budget, searched for a bike. Well, for 700 bucks, found an old orange honda 2 cylinder bike. It ran well enough for my judgement. Turns out I picked up a complete 74 CB450 supersport.
Wicked bike and I could work on it. Better than my buddy's yami in every way, and more reliable than his bro's kawi. Eventually though, age and mileage, and a poor maintenance prior to me took it down. Plus the seat was bad, and pan rusted beyond saving. Cam followers were shot. Time for full restore (currently looking for pro shop to balance crank for new pistons) and went for a second bike.
Me being me, I like finding the sad cases and getting them going. Well, a buddy of mine and I were talking. He made mention of a old honda something that was in their shed for about ten years. So last summer...(lots of pics, so linking imgur albumn)
https://imgur.com/a/lJeSk#0
Well, how about that. The one year only, 1982 cb650sc nighthawk SOHC. I absolutely love this bike! (hence the user name) It needs more work, and I plan on putting alot more into it. Already has more work, time and money than they are worth, but since I am not selling.... It was going to be named either Tina or Pat. (patina
) but being cv carbs, and a bike that spent 10 years in a home-made shed.... it was a bit moody and demanding for shinies, so she is named Tina!That brings me to here. Over that time period, I had found out about the CBX and the 1981 was the one I had seen. One day, I was chatting with my aunt who lives in the states. (I am Canada) anyways, we were talking the nighthawk, and how nice the quad exhaust restomod turned out. She mentioned her friend had a honda with six pipes. Well, that be my dream bike! Best part, was thinking of selling! It was put away for winter storage already though...
Anywhoo, in a few weeks, I be taking a road trip down to go pick it up. It is a 1982, but honestly, that is my favorite. I prefered the sport touring, and the pearl white I like. It will need a few things fixed. The seat is either aftermarket or re-upholstered in touring style, so not my style. Most likely, will get a black and white corbin with blue accent. Other thing is repair to a grab handle, this is something I could use info on. When I get there in person, I can get a better idea of what is wrong.
To sum up, it was being moved, and accidentally pulled the rear left grab handle too hard. The handle broke at the front mount hole, and apparently it was the frame mount? Anybody experience on this?
Also, some of the smaller things to check out? The person I am getting it from is a lifelong rider, and does most maintenance, but this one he said was beyond him so had a professional high end shop do the tuning, and he knows proper storage prep, above and beyond most people. So the engine and carbs I have no worry about. I do know the brushes in the alternators tend to wear fast. Any other considerations? Regular things that tend to go so if not replaced, to just go ahead and do?
Cannot wait to get riding it. My poor nighthawk needs a rest.
Edit: Oh, and the thing I hate doing on bikes, replacing the OEM headers or exhaust layout. I rarely see and aftermarket that works or looks as good as original. Alas, this one had the exhaust replaced many moons ago so no original there. Recommendations on a proper tuned and quality 1982 exhaust system, also, I never get aftermarket stuff E-bay, so preferably with a legitimate manufacturer so I can get though my regular parts guy or direct? (Yeah, I am picky) I have seen delkevic's exhaust system. What is word on that?
