Topic: 1985 nighthawk 450

[fuzzybutt]

just got given one, does anyone know anything about em? quirks, problem areas that sort of thing

[bill440cars]

just got given one, does anyone know anything about em? quirks, problem areas that sort of thing

          Don't know any more than you do about that one (maybe not as much)! Sorry.

                                       Later on, Bill  

[kirkn]

They were the last in the line of 400/450 Honda twins that began with the 1978 CB400 Hawk.  Dead reliable and plentiful.

There was a huge variety of models made - wire wheels, ComStar wheels, cast wheels, drum brakes, disk brakes - single piston and later twin-piston calipers, electric start, kick-only start, sport style, cruiser style, economy style, standard style, on and on...   Even the Honda Rebel 450 used this motor.  The Nighthawk was kind of a power-cruiser style.  Not quite as "chopper-esque" as the Custom model, not straight-up as the T (or Hawk) model. 

They all were smooth, having engine counterbalance shaft (chain-driven, I think).

A fine example of the Universal Economy Japanese Motorcycle, as Honda had this CB/CM400/450 line, Suzuki had their GS400/425/450 line, Kawasaki had their KZ400/440 line and Yamaha had their XS360/400 line.

Good luck with it.

Kirk

[ofreen]

We had a 1982 CM450 around here for a couple of years that I bought for my wife.  I was impressed with the engine.  It was smooth.  Plenty of power, not as much as a Kawi 454, but still decent.  No problem keeping up with traffic on the freeway.  I didn't care for the CM because of the Japanese cruiser look, and it was cramped for me, but the Nighthawk doesn't share those shortcomings. 

[kirkn]

Yeah, apples and oranges on the Kawi 454, though.

All those others were air-cooled two-valve motors.  The 454 was liquid-cooled, 4-valve motor.  Essentially, 1/2 a Ninja 900.  Still lives on in the Ninja 500, tho.

Does Suzuki still sell their GS500?  It's a direct descendant of that original Suzuki GS400 of the late 70s.

[avery_motorsports]

I just picked up a 1982 Nighthawk 450 yesterday.. Let me know if you find any other good resources online. I'll post up some pics when I get em.

[detdrbuzzard]

i got my nh450 last august ( cb450sc ),  it has a 6spd trans and most other cb/cm 400/450 had 5spd trans and don't forget the oil cooler. unplug the two capped hoses at the bottom right rear of the engine and let the goop run out or it will run like you need a tuneup even after you do a tuneup. i drain mine once or twice a year depending on how many miles i put on it

[avery_motorsports]

i got my nh450 last august ( cb450sc ),  it has a 6spd trans and most other cb/cm 400/450 had 5spd trans and don't forget the oil cooler. unplug the two capped hoses at the bottom right rear of the engine and let the goop run out or it will run like you need a tuneup even after you do a tuneup. i drain mine once or twice a year depending on how many miles i put on it

Can you drain the oil cooler without having to do a complete oil change?

Thanks, and any other tips you have would be most appreciated. I want to give the bike a going over to make sure everything is maintained properly before taking it in for inspection.

[avery_motorsports]

Here are some pics of my 82 Nighthawk CB450







Right click then "view image" for larger version.

[fuzzybutt]

wow, wish my 85' looked half that nice!

[detdrbuzzard]

my 450 nighthawk is my avatar and no it doesnot look that good. it runs fine but i had to replace the front turn signals ,mufflers headlight front and rear brakes and tires oh and left side cover. the oil cooler will drain with the engine oil the tubes i am referring to are on the right rear of the engine. be sure to replace the plugs, the goop that comes out can be very slippery on the rear tire. the cam chain wil self adjust withe the nut on the back of the engine, just unloosen it with the engine idleing then retighten it. if the valves need adjusting just take the cover off it has a rubber gasket and unless its torn or looking really bad can be reused. here is a pic of my bike as it is now minus the turn signals       http://usera.imagecave.com/detdrbuzzard/DSCN0328-copy.jpg[/img]http://usera.imagecave.com/detdrbuzzard/DSCN0250.JPG[/img]   

[detdrbuzzard]

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