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Hey guys! I'm happy to join this forum. Just picked up an '82 Nighthawk CB450SC with 19k miles on it, clean title, in decent running condition for $450!
The main issues that I could find were lack of upkeep on some items and a few body blemishes, mostly on the tank. As well as certain after-market parts. (More on that later.)
It appears that the chain has some rust and hasn't been properly adjusted in a long time, as it's very loose. The sprocket could use replacing as well. The oil looks good, plugs look fine and the tires are decent, so it wasn't totally neglected.
I had an issue with it losing power almost immediately after I bought it. It was fine during the test ride, but on my first trip after buying, it kept losing power and dying.
I don't know what caused it but I'm suspicious of old fuel. It was low, but not empty when I got it. (When this was happening, it turned over just fine but wouldn't start! Maybe some clogged lines or something else? I'm baffled.)
It died 3 times before I could get it to a station. But once I let it sit for a bit and filled it up, I had no issues keeping it running.
Other than that, it seems pretty sound mechanically. (But I'm no mechanic and am used to only basic maintenance, so there could be something I'm missing. Hope not! But for $450, I'm not complaining too much.)
I've previously owned a 1983 Yamaha XS400 and a 2012 Honda CBR250R. I recently just sold the CBR (a week ago) because I've already got a car and I just bought a truck.
I definitely wasn't looking for another motorcycle so soon but I just couldn't stay away when this deal popped up!
There are a few things I want to change or investigate though. I've got a copy of the owner's manual, so I'll be scouring that, looking for ways to address the following:
(I've sorted them in what I believe to be most to least important.)
Otherwise, thanks for checking out my post!
Ryan
The main issues that I could find were lack of upkeep on some items and a few body blemishes, mostly on the tank. As well as certain after-market parts. (More on that later.)
It appears that the chain has some rust and hasn't been properly adjusted in a long time, as it's very loose. The sprocket could use replacing as well. The oil looks good, plugs look fine and the tires are decent, so it wasn't totally neglected.

I had an issue with it losing power almost immediately after I bought it. It was fine during the test ride, but on my first trip after buying, it kept losing power and dying.
I don't know what caused it but I'm suspicious of old fuel. It was low, but not empty when I got it. (When this was happening, it turned over just fine but wouldn't start! Maybe some clogged lines or something else? I'm baffled.)
It died 3 times before I could get it to a station. But once I let it sit for a bit and filled it up, I had no issues keeping it running.
Other than that, it seems pretty sound mechanically. (But I'm no mechanic and am used to only basic maintenance, so there could be something I'm missing. Hope not! But for $450, I'm not complaining too much.)
I've previously owned a 1983 Yamaha XS400 and a 2012 Honda CBR250R. I recently just sold the CBR (a week ago) because I've already got a car and I just bought a truck.
I definitely wasn't looking for another motorcycle so soon but I just couldn't stay away when this deal popped up!
There are a few things I want to change or investigate though. I've got a copy of the owner's manual, so I'll be scouring that, looking for ways to address the following:
(I've sorted them in what I believe to be most to least important.)
- New chain and sprocket
As previously mentioned, I believe a new chain is in order. The sprocket looks okay, but might as well just replace it too.
I'll have to research to figure out what I need and how to change it. - The clutch friction point seems off
I have to release it nearly all the way before it finally catches. Is this as simple as adjusting the free play in the clutch? - The exhaust "pops" or backfires when I downshift and engine brake
Is this normal? I've read in some places that it means the bike is running too lean. Any truth to this? - Front brake squeaks when braking at slow speeds
Not sure where to start on this. I'll be checking the manual for brake maintenance. Maybe time for new pads? - The handlebars are not stock
I do not like the way they're raised and turned so far inwards. It's almost a bit uncomfortable. It makes it weird to use the mirrors as well.
Is there a guide out there anywhere for replacing handlebars? I've searched with little-to-no success. - The exhaust pipes/mufflers are not stock
No idea why they were changed out, but I'd like to return them to the original design. Or maybe get a whole new exhaust system. - The chrome has a few rust spots
I've already found a dozen different ways to deal with this. I'll be testing out a few methods soon. - The tank has a ton of scuffs, scratches and a few (mostly small) dents
I don't know how realistic it is to get a new tank, I'll be looking. But I want to figure out a way to at least touch up the blemishes. - The seat has a few tears
Not a real issue, just putting it on my list of things to address. - No center stand
They were standard on these guys right? I had one on my old Yamaha and I missed it when I got my CBR. Oh well.
Otherwise, thanks for checking out my post!
Ryan