1984 Honda CB650 Nighthawk

Summary:

Great all around bike, but didn't last as long as I expected

Faults:

Replaced the battery, tires, rear brakes and seat cover.

The bike was sold when the engine threw a connecting rod and was beyond repair (had a hole in the side)! Only 44,000 kms (about 28,000 miles).

General Comments:

My 1984 Honda Nighthawk 650 (CB 650) was my first bike.

It was a bit too much bike for me when I first got it, but I soon grew into it and learned to refine my motorbike riding skills on it. Never crashed it. In fact, this bike looked almost like brand new until the day I sold it!

There was a slight pinging or ticking noise when I got it, but I was told it was OK. I guess it wasn't. I threw the connecting rod, but only after three years of riding. Apparently these bikes are bad for that.

I didn't expect the bike to last forever, but was hoping it would last a bit longer. The guy who sold it to me, sold it at a good time and for a good price ($2300). At the time, that was a good price.

When it broke down, I couldn't sell it locally for more than $25 with a thrown connecting rod. Put it up on eBay and sold it for $800. Still a big loss, but the bike looked and ran like new otherwise. They guy who bought it had two spare Nighthawk 650's for parts.

Nice looking and riding bike. Took many weekend trips with it. Even took it on a return trip from Montreal to Toronto. Small gas tank though - recommend frequent stops to refuel. Good power. Reasonably comfortable.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th October, 2006