[Thefisho]

I JUST bought my first motorcycle!! It's a 1985 honda nighthawk 450. It doesnt run and I know nothing about it haven't even picked it up yet or seen it in person still very stoked! I am sure since my knowledge on this topic is nothing I will be here asking plenty of questions!!
Thanks
Mark

 

[Rob Axel]

I'm happy for you... but..
PLEASE tell me you had someone experienced help you with this purchase...
I would hate to see your excitement end with a bad taste in your mouth if this bike bites you in the keester..

 

[ancientdad]

^^^Yes, buying a vintage bike sight-unseen could be a major disaster. So many things aren't as simple because of the age - lack of available parts, the potential for lots of downtime during the years of the bike's existence which could lead to much greater time and expense to repair than what it would appear through pictures, even something as simple as accurate and correct title/paperwork for the bike. Given that all works out reasonably well, there are many here who have extensive knowledge of that series and will be happy to help. Post some pictures as soon as you can to help others get started offering suggestions, and good luck.

 

[dtsmjr8dan]

Welcome to the forum. Great to see another 400 series here. Share some pics of it when you can.

When you get it, here's a checklist for you to start with. http://www.hondatwins.net/forums/67...n/16105-basic-checklist-new-you-old-bike.html

If you need a proper manual for it, just ask.

 

[Alan F.]

Welcome Mark, you've found the right forum here.
Good luck on the journey, don't lose that excitement.
Its all about fun.

 

[Thefisho]

Hahaha thanks for the concern but nope I just saw it and bought it! Lol (not the first time I've done this kinda thing) half the journey for me is taking something dead and making it live again whatever the cost or time is always worth it in the end!

 

[Thefisho]

Thank you everyone!

 

[Thefisho]

Thanks for the encouragement lol I know the risks by I paid 300 bucks for this bike and it needs some work but I'm ok with it

 

[Old Putz]

Wow, that is one clean Nighthawk! Even if the engine is hopelessly fragged inside, $300 is a great deal on that. Good luck getting it running; hopefully it's something simple like a dead battery or clogged carburetors. Being in such good shape, I'm betting it'll be pretty straightforward. It doesn't have the look of a bike that's been abused.

 

[workdogz2]

Good looking bike,and it looks like the pit crew is giving it the once over.

 

[dtsmjr8dan]

I think you did great picking up that bike. As above, it looks like it hasn't been abused. Hopefully something simple to get you on the road.

 

[Thefisho]

Wow, that is one clean Nighthawk! Even if the engine is hopelessly fragged inside, $300 is a great deal on that. Good luck getting it running; hopefully it's something simple like a dead battery or clogged carburetors. Being in such good shape, I'm betting it'll be pretty straightforward. It doesn't have the look of a bike that's been abused.

Thanks! That's what I was thinking... the previous owner was way in over his head so i think the biggest issues will be fixing his mistakes! It's missing bolts out of the carbs.. the caliper is hanging bu the brake line he put some big horn on it that blows the fuse just goofy stuff like that!

 

[Thefisho]

I think you did great picking up that bike. As above, it looks like it hasn't been abused. Hopefully something simple to get you on the road.

Thanks

 

[Thefisho]

Good looking bike,and it looks like the pit crew is giving it the once over.

Funny the pit crew chief went and started getting my tools all lined up so I wouldn't have to look for the right size! Lol he spent an hour find sockets and wrenches and matching them up to the bolts on the bike! This is gonna be a great experience for us all!!

 

[Old Putz]

...the previous owner was way in over his head so i think the biggest issues will be fixing his mistakes!

That's often fun. I've been working on motorcycles since 1977, but am continually amazed at some of the bizarre things people do in the name of "fixing" them.

It's missing bolts out of the carbs.

First question- why? Were they giving him problems, or did he decide to go up 6 sizes on the mains, thinking "It'll go REALLY fast now!"?

...the caliper is hanging bu the brake line

Again, why would the previous owner remove this? It isn't unusual for the caliper to need to be rebuilt on a bike that's 30+ years old, but again, sometimes "mechanics" do odd stuff for odder reasons.

he put some big horn on it that blows the fuse

With any luck, he kept the OEM horn, which works just great as long as the leads are clean and it hasn't been farked with (there's an adjustment screw that invites farkage). If it's missing, you can keep Hornzilla if you run a big fat 18AWG wire to a relay and operate the relay using the OEM horn leads. The problem now is that Hornzilla is drawing more power than the wiring harness is designed to carry. It's a simple fix that requires just some basic electrical tools and hardware

just goofy stuff like that!

Nice!