I really enjoy my 92 Nighthawk
Flat rear tire due to puncture.
I enjoy how light the Nighthawk is. This adds to the performance of the motorcycle, and the way it turns.
I like the size of the 750 engine. Good on gas, and it has enough power to be fun too.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th March, 2012
Reliable, comfortable, sporty motorcycle. I love it!
When I bought the bike, I knew it would need new tires. Got a Dunlop front on sale for $45 and the rear for $120, 30 a side to install, pretty reasonable for tires.
Speedometer and odometer quit because front wheel bearing went bad and shredded the plastic gear; $25 part with $30 more labor to replace.
Missing one reflector and chrome swingarm bolt covers (extremely minor and hard to notice these things).
This is a great motorcycle, very comfortable and easy to ride, but with plenty of power for just about any situation. The engine is very tractable and hard to stall and has nice progressive clutch feel. If you should end up in the wrong gear for the situation, it usually doesn't matter because the engine is so torquey. The transmission is also easy to find each gear and neutral with, if a bit clunky overall.
It's also an extremely reliable bike; it starts perfectly every time, even when sitting out overnight in the near freezing temperatures. The materials used are all extremely high quality and easy to care for, making for a bike that's 18 years old, but looks and rides like a 2 year old.
At nearly 500lbs with a full tank, it's not the lightest bike in the world, but very easy to balance at low speeds and roomy enough for a 6' rider like me to fit comfortably. It also handles better than you'd expect from its specifications, and will let you have some fun in the twisties. The previous owner added a Spitfire windshield and custom highway pegs, which also make it nice for long trips too.
The only real quibbles I have with it are general stock/naked bike concerns. The suspension is pretty soft and not the most responsive, though comfortable for cruising. The stock seat could also have a little more padding, but it's not a crotch mangler or anything like that. Finally, it would probably handle better with a fatter set of tires, the stock ones are fairly narrow, but the low cost of replacing the stockers is pretty nice. Even with the windshield the wind does make it's presence known at higher speeds, just hang on tighter and remember how much it costs to replace plastics!
Overall, I don't think you could really go wrong with a Nighthawk 750. I picked mine up for $2000, and it's been a complete joy and very adaptable to many situations.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th June, 2010
OP again. Now over 50k miles on the same bike. Still no problems, have replaced the air filter with a reusable UNI, and the chain and sprockets. Finally replaced the Dunlop front that I got 20k miles out of and rear with radials (were bias plys), and the handling and stopping have been transformed, much better stability and especially low speed grip. So far (2k miles) they show no wear, so anticipating a long life.
The engine still purrs, but I will replace the valve cover gasket soon as it lets out just a touch of oil vapors at the corners. No appreciable oil use, but replacing it will be a snap anyway, so why not? Using it everyday (barring rain) for a 50 mile round trip commute at highway speeds frequently above 75mph, then followed by moderately twisty roads. The bike handles the mix perfectly, and being nice and warmed up (tires & engine) for the twisties, it always brings a smile before I arrive at work.
OP again, now over 75k miles. The bike continues to soldier on wonderfully. At over 75k the clutch slips if you don't let it all the way in before hitting the throttle hard, but I will do the clutch soon, a simple job.
Just got a new rear tire (2 year life) and chain (4 years). I highly recommend the Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart II tire; cheap, grippy and long life.
Still 50 MPG on regular from the bike on 87 octane, and enough power to bring out a big grin!
The Nighthawk 750 is all the bike you'll ever need
-- Tachometer broke at 25,000, replaced it, the replacement broke at 40,000. This is a known fault on 90s NH's and very expensive to replace. Used ones go on eBay for $300!
-- Tach instrument light out (Other lights in the same shell work).
-- Didn't come with a center-stand. You can add one for about $100 and you need it.
That's it! Normal replacement of tires, chain, battery, oil and filter every 3K miles. Spin-on automotive oil filter easy to change out.
Fantastically reliable, as it should be, with an air-cooled 4 that has 30+ years of development in it.
Hydraulic valves need no adjustment ever... a big plus.
Performance in all aspects is middle-of-the-road, but plenty good enough for commuting, sport or touring.
"Standard" riding position lets you sit like a human being. No extreme lean either direction. You can't find this anymore. Very comfortable, even after hours in the saddle.
These bikes are cheap! You can get a great one for about $2500.
Other bikes are faster and more stylish (and way more expensive), but this is all the bike you'll ever need. Those who "trade up" from the Nighthawk later regret it.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 16th September, 2006
You got totally nailed with the tacho repair guy. Yes you are correct they go out often. I have fixed mine by simply removing the cable at the tacho head and giving it a good lashing of brake cleaner. I have now done this twice over 35k miles. I say you got ripped, this is a well known fix. I suggest you find you another mechanic.
23rd Oct 2010, 01:46
Bike is still running great. Managed to foul the spark plugs once after running hard and fast, and then having to idle for like 4-5 minutes at a light. The plugs were super old though, and after replacing them, the bike ran perfectly, even better than before. That said, even with fouled plugs, it still got me 10+ miles home to fix it. The plugs were only $2.50 each too, so pretty reasonable cost and easy to change.