A
brief introduction is in order... I became aware of this forum
while searching for a bike that would match the tastes and inseam
of my 5'3" wife. No other resource has been so valuable.
My own latent interest in biking was aroused when my 16 year
old son dragged home a '73 Suzuki TS185, found in a pile of
refuse behind a vacated home (can I keep it, Mom?). In no time
at all, he had it cleaned up and running. In short order we
got the phone call from the police (boys will be boys), made
several appearances in court ($$$$), and found ourselves the
proud, unwitting owners of a titled, registered and insured
bike that we couldn't legally ride. The rest, as they say, is
history.
I
passed my MSF last Spring and like any other rider, my choice
of the '99, Honda CB750 Nighthawk for a 1st bike was dictated
by a compromise of desire, need and circumstance. But, enough
about me, let's get to the bike. It looks just like the photo
in the Beginner
Bikes Guide.
The
750 Nighthawk is a tall (31" seat height), medium sized
street machine with very upright seating and a reliable but
somewhat overpowered, air-cooled, inline-4. The nearly 70 HP
engine may be more than some riders care to contend with. I
am over 6 ft, so I'm able to flat-foot the bike, but given it's
460+ lb. weight and high profile, I wouldn't recommend it for
the vertically challenged. It handles well in a crosswind at
speed (likely due to its weight) but acts something like a sail
when stopped. The engine, I've heard, is a de-tuned version
descended from earlier Honda racing stock. In any case it's
a rock-solid design and is the smoothest running I've ever felt
with quiet hydraulic lifters that need no adjustment and stock
pipes that allow you to start it at night without incurring
the neighbors' wrath. It's great that it still comes with a
tach because I can't hear it over the wind noise. V-twin lovers
will not be impressed (what good is it if doesn't set off car
alarms?).
The
engine power is more than adequate and easily accelerates my
185-lb. frame plus the wife (Forget what the magazine editors
said... it stretches my arms). In-lines usually don't get up
on their torque curve until reaching higher RPMs, so the gearing
seems to favor a longer run-out before shifting out of 1st,
then the next 2 gears seem awfully close. Cruiser fans probably
wouldn't like all that shifting under 40. I understand this
machine can top-end near 130. I believe it, but doubt I'll ever
try, given my age (57) and traffic conditions in the Chicago
area (Yes... some wisdom comes with the years).
This
bike won't be found on any racing circuits, and since I haven't
reached the peg-scraping level of skill, the handling is more
than up to my riding needs with no surprises. The rear suspension
has bottomed occasionally with 2 riders and seems stiff with
only one (maybe I should try adjusting the pre-load). But, overall,
the feeling is very solid and predictable. I agree with others
who have observed that the front suspension is a little mushy.
I've found that most of this squishy reaction can be alleviated
by an even application of the rear brake along with the front
(prevents that nose-dive, over the handlebar feeling). The brakes,
while not generous, have been adequate for me, perhaps because
I follow the 12-second rule. The stock tires exhibit a squirrelly
tendency if you try to track along in-line tar-strips. Comfort
has been good, but I think the OEM saddle might be less than
friendly after the 1st couple of hours riding. Corbin after-market
versions are available. I may also tire of that wind-in-the-face
feeling, but I'm sure a windshield would solve that problem.
Gas mileage has been good so far (35-45MPG), considering my
city and suburban riding. I would expect around 50 MPG at sustained
highway speeds and that should get me pretty far on the 4.8
Gal tank.
Final
analysis: Best choice for me! Why? It's tall enough (sorry,
short riders need not apply). It's powerful enough (crotch rocket
feeling but low insurance rates). It's stylish enough (sleek
silhouette with slightly upturned exhausts and no unneeded plastic.
What's all that plastic supposed to do anyway?). It's affordable
(I bought in mid-2002 from 2nd owner for $3700 with 4000+ miles).
Arguably, this is an older design and Honda hasn't done much
with this model since it's early '90s overhaul. But, I'm not
sure it would have been what I wanted if they had changed it.
I agree with the 1996 Motorcycle Online review: if you're looking
for overall value in this price range, this could be the one.
If you're looking for something else, I wish you luck finding
it.
Keep
rolling,
Hawk
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Rider
Review: 1999 Honda CB750 Nighthawk