Topic: Just found my next bike

[eigenvector]

Don't have it yet - need to hitch up the trailer and grab it, so it's possible I don't have a new bike

1984 Nighthawk 700SC

It's a total pile of crap right now, but that's why I'm buying it.  I already have 2 complete bikes, I need a new project bike to keep me out of trouble.  The 700SC is a sweet looking ride too.

I'll post up some pics once I have it back at the house (assuming the deal happens)

[eigenvector]

For all of those who are confused and wondering how I believe that I purchased a "bike".  Yeah I know it's missing a few parts , but I wanted a basket case to work on.  I figure this will be my summer and winter project bike, ready for riding by 2017.  At least it's not missing the freakin' grab bar and exhaust - this is the first used bike I've ever gotten that had both.

Something that I wasn't expecting - it's a shafty.  Who would have thought a 1984 Honda would have a shaft drive on it.

[dhall57]

A little newer bike than I like (32 years) Haha. and styling is different for sure. I've read nothing but mostly positive things about these bikes. Honda made them only from 84-86. Shaft drive like you said and also hydraulic lifters(no adjusting) Ive tinkered with the item of getting one myself. Their happens to be a very nice one not far from me. But I recently picked up a 1971 CB500 project bike. So my stable is full.

[70CB750]

I will repeat myself, but the 700 is a variation on CBX750 - tax or similar reason made Honda do it - the displacement is the only thing they did different for USA.

But I had CBX750 overseas and it was a great bike, loved that thing, plenty of power, hydraulic lifters as dhall mentioned. 

Congrats!

[eigenvector]

I'm heading up to the junkyard to see about finding some handlebars.  I'll need them if I'm to unload this thing from the trailer.  Probably the turn signals as well, they're pretty common among all the Honda models so that makes it easier. 

I priced it out and if I made my guess it should come out to be slightly less than had I bought a good used version of the same bike

It rolls perfectly well, even with a totally ruined rear tire - tells me the transmission is in good working order.  Shifter moves smoothly, although without handlebars I can't really engage the clutch.

It's the engine that I'm going to focus on.  There's no crash damage to this bike, so it's at the junkyard for only one other reason - the engine died or seized.  My expectation was that this was a V engine like the Sabres of the same time, but it's an inline 4, oil cooled.

Actually I'm glad it wasn't like the bike next to it on the pile - a Ducati (maybe) that had struck an object at considerable speed.  Front forks had collapsed and crushed the radiator flatter than a pancake.  Front rim was totally smashed.  Not even sure why it was at the junkyard to begin with - there wasn't anything I could see to salvage.

[Bankerdanny]

This bike got great reviews when it originally came out. This is on my list of bikes I might actually own (as opposed to the lotto winner list)

[754]

Did the Ducati have a motor, njectors, tank seat, rear wheel ?

 Your bike I suspect is aircooled with an oil cooler on it.... You better check..i doubt it is liquid cooled.

[70CB750]

I seem to remember it run the oil through frame tubing to get to the oil cooler.

[eigenvector]

Yeah, that's where the oil cooler is routed, through the front frame tubes.

When you first look at it, it doesn't look like it does anything - no hoses or tubes showing, but it does go through the frame.

[rb550four]

Hmmm. That 700 looks an awful lot like a 83 650 that's hiding out in the corner of my shop. Does anyone know if engine parts and such are interchangable? I wonder if the engines can share the same cradle....

 My 650 has broken signal lights, I priced out replacements...not cheap like the 70's machines.all 4 signals seem to have different stock numbers, think it has to do with placement of set screw and position on the flexible mount.

[MoMo]

You'll love it when done as that was one of the finest bikes Honda made in the early 80's. have fun...Larry

[Retro Rocket]

I will repeat myself, but the 700 is a variation on CBX750 - tax or similar reason made Honda do it - the displacement is the only thing they did different for USA.
Congrats!

Different Carbs, different cams, different pistons, can't remember what else but there were quite a few differences {maybe valves?}. They are a great engine if looked after, the CBX variation was Honda's fastest air cooled 750, even quicker than the VF750 of the same era...

[70CB750]

Thank you, I stand corrected

[Retro Rocket]

Thank you, I stand corrected

The nighthawk only had around 65-70HP, the CBX had close to 100, I loved mine, not the prettiest bike around but it went well , handled well and had the best headlights {twin square} of any bike i've ever owned..

[eigenvector]

All it takes is a bigger hammer!

Rains have stopped for now, so I decided to pull the carbs, turn the engine over, and finally take a close look at her.

The carb boots were so hard I initially thought they were plastic.  I had to use a 4' wooden prybar to rip (yes rip) the carbs off the insulator boots.

I'm guessing even wintergreen oil won't help those things.  On the plus side - the carbs are in really good working order.