[Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Rate my NightHawk 550

[yankfroggy]

I like that copper metallic color.

On Oct 3, 4:22 pm, Param Singh  wrote:
> Hi Everyone
> Its great to have a common place to discuss and share your
> experiences
> I just finished restoring my nighthawk and i just wanted your comments
> and would like to see your nighthawk pics
> thanks
>
> http://16481440758028870596-a-g.googlegroups.com/web/DSC02029.JPG?hl=enhttp://16481440758028870596-a-g.googlegroups.com/web/DSC02033.JPG?hl=enhttp://16481440758028870596-a-g.googlegroups.com/web/DSC02046.JPG?hl=enhttp://16481440758028870596-a-g.googlegroups.com/web/DSC02048.JPG?hl=enhttp://16481440758028870596-a-g.googlegroups.com/web/DSC02049.JPG?hl=enhttp://16481440758028870596-a-g.googlegroups.com/web/DSC02050.JPG?hl=enhttp://16481440758028870596-a-g.googlegroups.com/web/DSC02054.JPG?hl=enhttp://16481440758028870596-a-g.googlegroups.com/web/DSC02055.JPG?hl=enhttp://16481440758028870596-a-g.googlegroups.com/web/DSC02056.JPG?hl=en
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[Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Great helmet find!

[yankfroggy]

Great deal. I used to have a Nolan and it was great. If you don't find
one in large, consider the Italian AGV modular. I have a large one in
black. It is the comfiest helmet I have ever had, it has a removeable
lining, an effective ventilation system, and especially cool shape.
AGV is a very old and well known company in Europe with Champion
sponsorship. In this country you can find one as I did for only
$179.00! I have had it for 2 years and I would buy another.

On Sep 6, 7:30 am, Paul  wrote:
> Hey Gang!
>
> Well, yesterday I made, what I think is, a pretty good find on Craigslist.
> I've been wanting to replace my helmets with the Nolan modular (N102) and I
> found one yesterday *the exact color that I wanted* and hardly used for $60.
> (They retail usually in the mid-$200 range and higher.)
>
> It's a medium so it will be used by my wife and kids when they go with me,
> but I'm excited to get one in such great shape. Now, I'm on the prowl for a
> size large! :)
>
> Paul
>
> [image: helmet.jpg]
>
>  helmet.jpg
> 144KViewDownload
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[Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Intermittent Tappet Noise?

[yankfroggy]

Thanks Mama...You might also want to check out Pashnit.com. They do
tours all over Califronia all the time. They turned me on to HWY 36
but I'm really looking forward to tell them about HWY 253.

keep the shiny side up!

On Jul 18, 7:30 am, "Creative Residential Designs"
 wrote:
> Wow! That is an excellent story. You should be a writer. I printed it for
> reference for a later ride maybe. HotrodMamma.
>
>
>
> - Original Message -
> From: "yankfroggy" 
> To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" 
> Sent: Friday, July 17, 2009 10:55 PM
> Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Intermittent Tappet Noise?
>
> Well guys and gals, I just got back from a 450 mile trip up of winding
> roads up spectacular highway one from San Rafael to Fort Bragg and
> back. I'm waiting on the seafoam because lately I've noticed the
> problem has decreased. I took Dennis' advice and I don't rev her past
> 2000 rpms until she's warm. Also it's true that she runs best after 20
> minutes. I think I was impatient about her warming up. I NEVER heard
> the tapping noise on this trip and temperature outside varied from 50
> to 95. I have to tell you guys this is one great bike..but I guess you
> already knew that.
>
> It did get cold and foggy on the coast after a night in Fort Bragg so
> did go inland on highway 20 to Willits where it was just too hot (but
> a pleasant road), so I went down to Ukiah and from there I took an
> awesome road. Highway 253 runs from Ukiah to Manchester back to the
> coast. It's 46 miles of unending pleasure. It is mostly newly paved
> and I had to pass only 3 cars on the way to the coast. It starts
> climbing on long fast sweepers with amazing views of the Siskyou
> foothills, and then you're in the deep redwoods where the mountain
> road is narrower and a bit bumpy. I locked up the rear just once where
> a nasty downhill 90 degree right turn onto a tiny bridge almost sent
> me in the brush, so I stopped on the bridge to regain my cool and to
> see trout swiiming about below me. After about 40 minutes of forest
> the road smoothes out again and stretches downt to the coast. It was a
> fantastic ride with dozens and dozens of banked curves, sweepers, and
> top gear straights that I recommend highly to anyone trekking through
> northern California...which is a motorcycle paradise.
>
> All riders wave at you.
>
>  I never did make it to famed (to local bikers but obscure to others)
> Highway 36 which is rated the  best moto-road in the west...but that's
> for next time when it isn't 98 inland and 50 on the coast. Luckily I
> packed both warm and cold weather gloves, and my Cortech jacket has a
> removable lining so I was comfy but I just didn't have the courage to
> go another 3 hours of mist and fog north to take on that 137 mile road
> to Redbluff where it was 99 degress and which would have meant
> extending my trip into the weekend traffic. Besides my camera quit
> working which really sucked. maybe the temperature extremes and the
> bumps shook somethiung loose.
>
> Except for some seemingly excessive exhaust rumbling on downshifts
> (which sounds cool but probably isn't normal), The bike ran flawlessly
> with smooth seemless power and no flat spots. I got into a rythym and
> scraped the pegs and my boots a few times...surprising race bike
> owners on this bike's honest ability. After taking an hour to paint a
> watercolor of Point Arena lighthouse, I met a friendly guy on a
> bicycle from Switzerland who wouldn't stop drooling over the bike (not
> the painting) and an old guy in Ukiah with a Harley shirt told me he
> used to have a 550 that he loved. I could tell he wanted another
> Nighthawk.
>
> On the way back between Point Arena and Fort Ross I went around a
> downhill hairpin and came upon a poor guy from washington who had lost
> it on his brand new Kawa Versys. He was a bit shocked with dirt on his
> face, rips on his shoulder, a nasty scrape on the left rear of his
> helmet, and he said his ankles would hurt for a while. He would have
> been badly injured if not for his armor...yet another example of how
> important it is to gear up! His bike however was bad. The rim was
> shot, the fork bent, the windshield cracked, and It bounced up and
> down as I coasted it it to a safe spot. We were 11 miles from the
> nearest town and I had tons of gear with my sleeping bag and back
> pack...but luckily a HP guy showed up by chance and saved the day as
> the cell phone was worthless on the coast.
>
> Anyway this has been my most daring adventure on this bike yet (about
> 400 miles of winding road) through extreme heat and cold mist, and I
> love the Nighthawk more than ever.

[Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Intermittent Tappet Noise?

[yankfroggy]

Well guys and gals, I just got back from a 450 mile trip up of winding
roads up spectacular highway one from San Rafael to Fort Bragg and
back. I'm waiting on the seafoam because lately I've noticed the
problem has decreased. I took Dennis' advice and I don't rev her past
2000 rpms until she's warm. Also it's true that she runs best after 20
minutes. I think I was impatient about her warming up. I NEVER heard
the tapping noise on this trip and temperature outside varied from 50
to 95. I have to tell you guys this is one great bike..but I guess you
already knew that.

It did get cold and foggy on the coast after a night in Fort Bragg so
did go inland on highway 20 to Willits where it was just too hot (but
a pleasant road), so I went down to Ukiah and from there I took an
awesome road. Highway 253 runs from Ukiah to Manchester back to the
coast. It's 46 miles of unending pleasure. It is mostly newly paved
and I had to pass only 3 cars on the way to the coast. It starts
climbing on long fast sweepers with amazing views of the Siskyou
foothills, and then you're in the deep redwoods where the mountain
road is narrower and a bit bumpy. I locked up the rear just once where
a nasty downhill 90 degree right turn onto a tiny bridge almost sent
me in the brush, so I stopped on the bridge to regain my cool and to
see trout swiiming about below me. After about 40 minutes of forest
the road smoothes out again and stretches downt to the coast. It was a
fantastic ride with dozens and dozens of banked curves, sweepers, and
top gear straights that I recommend highly to anyone trekking through
northern California...which is a motorcycle paradise.

All riders wave at you.

 I never did make it to famed (to local bikers but obscure to others)
Highway 36 which is rated the  best moto-road in the west...but that's
for next time when it isn't 98 inland and 50 on the coast. Luckily I
packed both warm and cold weather gloves, and my Cortech jacket has a
removable lining so I was comfy but I just didn't have the courage to
go another 3 hours of mist and fog north to take on that 137 mile road
to Redbluff where it was 99 degress and which would have meant
extending my trip into the weekend traffic. Besides my camera quit
working which really sucked. maybe the temperature extremes and the
bumps shook somethiung loose.

Except for some seemingly excessive exhaust rumbling on downshifts
(which sounds cool but probably isn't normal), The bike ran flawlessly
with smooth seemless power and no flat spots. I got into a rythym and
scraped the pegs and my boots a few times...surprising race bike
owners on this bike's honest ability. After taking an hour to paint a
watercolor of Point Arena lighthouse, I met a friendly guy on a
bicycle from Switzerland who wouldn't stop drooling over the bike (not
the painting) and an old guy in Ukiah with a Harley shirt told me he
used to have a 550 that he loved. I could tell he wanted another
Nighthawk.

On the way back between Point Arena and Fort Ross I went around a
downhill hairpin and came upon a poor guy from washington who had lost
it on his brand new Kawa Versys. He was a bit shocked with dirt on his
face, rips on his shoulder, a nasty scrape on the left rear of his
helmet, and he said his ankles would hurt for a while. He would have
been badly injured if not for his armor...yet another example of how
important it is to gear up! His bike however was bad. The rim was
shot, the fork bent, the windshield cracked, and It bounced up and
down as I coasted it it to a safe spot. We were 11 miles from the
nearest town and I had tons of gear with my sleeping bag and back
pack...but luckily a HP guy showed up by chance and saved the day as
the cell phone was worthless on the coast.

Anyway this has been my most daring adventure on this bike yet (about
400 miles of winding road) through extreme heat and cold mist, and I
love the Nighthawk more than ever.


Dennis Yankfroggy Farez

On Jun 27, 10:58 am, Dennis Hammerl  wrote:
> Ah yes, the loose baffle rattle. That's the trouble with long-distance 
> problem guessing. All we have to go on is a descrirption.
>   I could 
> supply an audio file (MP3) of a good 700s running but what is needed is audio files from bikes 
> with noises. Thankfully I don't have any of those. Maybe better descriptions would help.
>  I wonder what would help expedite the process of resolving issues more; 
> better 
> descriptions from owners or a primer on diagnosis. How many have cleaned carbs when it was ignition ? 
> How many have bought ignition parts to solve carb problems 
> ? And, worst of all, how many motor repairs performed to find muffler rattles ? Let's all try to 
> figure out a way to prevent needless money spent and time wasted. I don't type very well but I have found that
>  a good description helps get my problems solved. Brevity isn&#x

[Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Intermittent Tappet Noise?

[yankfroggy]

HMMM that wasn't it but thanks..one time my left mirror made a ticking
sound which screwed with my head for 2 days.

On Jun 27, 6:34 am, "jason scott"  wrote:
> my 86 nh 700sc sounds like it has a lose cam chain but if i put my foot on
> the muffler it stops. make sure your muffler is not causing the noise.
>
>
>
> - Original Message -
> From: "yankfroggy" 
> To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" 
> Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2009 7:05 PM
> Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Intermittent Tappet Noise?
>
> OK I'll try the seafoam additive if you reccomend it. Any ideas as to
> why it goes away when bike is tilted to the left?.
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Dennis
>
> On Jun 21, 1:06 pm, Dennis Hammerl  wrote:
> > Well, first off, it isn't normal. What weight oil ? Any additives ? Maybe
> > it's an occasion for the Seafoam thing.
>
> > --- On Sun, 6/21/09, yankfroggy  wrote:
>
> > From: yankfroggy 
> > Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Intermittent Tappet Noise?
> > To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" 
> > Cc: blues...@yahoo.com
> > Date: Sunday, June 21, 2009, 3:54 PM
>
> > Ever since I bought my 2003 750 Nighthawk (1.5 years ago at 6400
> > miles), It's had an intermittent valve noise. It now has over 10,000,
> > and after two oil changes it hasn't gotten worst or better. It's odd
> > to me because It doesn't seem to be related to how warm or cold the
> > motor is. Sometimes it appears after riding a few minutes rather than
> > right after starting. It isn't loud but it definately happens almost
> > every ride. It does seem to vanish after a lengthy 20 minutes or more.
> > The real interesting and possibly tell-tale thing, is that at idle it
> > disappears if I lean the bike to the left, but continues upright. I
> > haven't been real concerned because i understand it can be normal on a
> > cold engine, but sometimes it appears after a few minutes of riding
> > and maybe it's time I address the issue.
>
> > Is it an oil circulation issue? These bikes have self adjusting valves
> > right? Should I be concerned?Any ideas?
>
> > Thanks,
>
> > Dennis Yankfroggy Farez- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
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[Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Intermittent Tappet Noise?

[yankfroggy]

OK I'll try the seafoam additive if you reccomend it. Any ideas as to
why it goes away when bike is tilted to the left?.

Thanks again,

Dennis

On Jun 21, 1:06 pm, Dennis Hammerl  wrote:
> Well, first off, it isn't normal. What weight oil ? Any additives ? Maybe 
> it's an occasion for the Seafoam thing.
>
> --- On Sun, 6/21/09, yankfroggy  wrote:
>
> From: yankfroggy 
> Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Intermittent Tappet Noise?
> To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" 
> Cc: blues...@yahoo.com
> Date: Sunday, June 21, 2009, 3:54 PM
>
> Ever since I bought my 2003 750 Nighthawk (1.5 years ago at 6400
> miles), It's had an intermittent valve noise. It now has over 10,000,
> and after two oil changes it hasn't gotten worst or better. It's odd
> to me because It doesn't seem to be related to how warm or cold the
> motor is. Sometimes it appears after riding a few minutes rather than
> right after starting. It isn't loud but it definately happens almost
> every ride. It does seem to vanish after a lengthy 20 minutes or more.
> The real interesting and possibly tell-tale thing, is that at idle it
> disappears if I lean the bike to the left, but continues upright. I
> haven't been real concerned because i understand it can be normal on a
> cold engine, but sometimes it appears after a few minutes of riding
> and maybe it's time I address the issue.
>
> Is it an oil circulation issue? These bikes have self adjusting valves
> right? Should I be concerned?Any ideas?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Dennis Yankfroggy Farez
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[Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Intermittent Tappet Noise?

[yankfroggy]

No additives. Currently running 20-50, was 10/40. What's the "seafoam
thing"?

Thanks,

Dennis

On Jun 21, 1:06 pm, Dennis Hammerl  wrote:
> Well, first off, it isn't normal. What weight oil ? Any additives ? Maybe 
> it's an occasion for the Seafoam thing.
>
> --- On Sun, 6/21/09, yankfroggy  wrote:
>
> From: yankfroggy 
> Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Intermittent Tappet Noise?
> To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" 
> Cc: blues...@yahoo.com
> Date: Sunday, June 21, 2009, 3:54 PM
>
> Ever since I bought my 2003 750 Nighthawk (1.5 years ago at 6400
> miles), It's had an intermittent valve noise. It now has over 10,000,
> and after two oil changes it hasn't gotten worst or better. It's odd
> to me because It doesn't seem to be related to how warm or cold the
> motor is. Sometimes it appears after riding a few minutes rather than
> right after starting. It isn't loud but it definately happens almost
> every ride. It does seem to vanish after a lengthy 20 minutes or more.
> The real interesting and possibly tell-tale thing, is that at idle it
> disappears if I lean the bike to the left, but continues upright. I
> haven't been real concerned because i understand it can be normal on a
> cold engine, but sometimes it appears after a few minutes of riding
> and maybe it's time I address the issue.
>
> Is it an oil circulation issue? These bikes have self adjusting valves
> right? Should I be concerned?Any ideas?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Dennis Yankfroggy Farez
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[Nighthawk Lovers] Intermittent Tappet Noise?

[yankfroggy]

Ever since I bought my 2003 750 Nighthawk (1.5 years ago at 6400
miles), It's had an intermittent valve noise. It now has over 10,000,
and after two oil changes it hasn't gotten worst or better. It's odd
to me because It doesn't seem to be related to how warm or cold the
motor is. Sometimes it appears after riding a few minutes rather than
right after starting. It isn't loud but it definately happens almost
every ride. It does seem to vanish after a lengthy 20 minutes or more.
The real interesting and possibly tell-tale thing, is that at idle it
disappears if I lean the bike to the left, but continues upright. I
haven't been real concerned because i understand it can be normal on a
cold engine, but sometimes it appears after a few minutes of riding
and maybe it's time I address the issue.

Is it an oil circulation issue? These bikes have self adjusting valves
right? Should I be concerned?Any ideas?

Thanks,

Dennis Yankfroggy Farez
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[Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Braking

[yankfroggy]

FYI: That Italian brand can't be "FREN TUBO" because that simply means
"BRAKE TUBING".

On Feb 2, 10:00 pm, Dennis Hammerl  wrote:
> Before you jump on the braided band wagon, may I suggest Kevlar lines ? I 
> have braided lines on my VF11 and the routing was problematic. As they are 
> very abrasive, anything they touch can be damaged. I had to make stand-offs 
> to route them properly. I don't remember the brand (years ago) but I also had 
> to redo the connections many times to cure leaking. The cure was to use a 
> fresh set of Honda sealing washers instead of the supplied ones.
> When I wanted to replace the lines on my 700s, I bought Kevlar lines and the 
> job went much easier and it never leaked. They were made by an Italian firm 
> named Fren (the shipping box said Fren Tubo) The VF11 was a straight forward 
> replacement of original lines, the 700s job took a different course. I 
> eliminated the "manifold" that splits the single line from the master 
> cylinder with two seperate lines on a double length banjo bolt. Both systems 
> work good but the biggest improvement in braking came from replacing the 
> pads. I use Ferrodo pads. The set-up of a front brake and it's clearance 
> makes a huge difference too. If you have money to burn, there's some really 
> neat brakes to be had (six piston !)
> If you could pick up a whole front end from a 700s parts bike, you might get 
> a dual brake system. I think the front wheel of yours will mount two discs. 
> As long as the forks are the same diameter and length as yours no problem 
> with using your tree. Still be some big $$
>
> --- On Mon, 2/2/09, Ingersoll <250bi...@gmail.com> wrote:
> From: Ingersoll <250bi...@gmail.com>
> Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Braking
> To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" 
> Date: Monday, February 2, 2009, 8:13 AM
>
> Ah, thanks.  Any preferred brands for a steel brake line?
>
> On Jan 29, 6:44 pm, "Greg Holuban"  wrote:> A steel brake 
> line will make a huge difference. Dual disks were for Europe
> and Asia only.
>
> >   - Original Message -
> >   From: Ingersoll
> >   To: Nighthawk Motorcycle
>
> Lovers!
>
>
>
> >   Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2009 10:59 AM
> >   Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Braking
>
> >   Hey its me again.  I have a 1992 Nighthawk 750cc.  I was wounding if
> >   you guys know of any good ways to beef up the braking on this bike.  I
> >   pain on doing a steel brake line with ceramic brake pads this
> >   weekend.  I heard of a few guys putting duel disk brake on the front
> >   wheel, but never seen a pic of them. Any info would help, thanks.- Hide 
> > quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
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[Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Painting

[yankfroggy]

Aerosol cans are possible. The spray gun may not be necessary if the
largest thing to paint is your tank. Aerosol cans do a great job if
you do it right and there is less fuss and mess.

 On the metal parts like the tank, remove all the old paint with
jasco
and use fine steel wool to help that process in any little crevices.
Use rubber gloves and goggles (jasco is potent stuff). On the plastic
parts, use very fine sand paper and bring the old paint down to at
least a smooth haze.


Wash all parts throuroughly with lots of water and mild soap like
Dawn. Then rinse thoroughly. Use metal etch solution on the tank and
metal parts. DO NOT try to paint if the air temperature is below 65
or
if it's raining outside. When you are ready to paint, place the part
and the can of paint in a warm environment ( a household radiator is
good, or on top of lamp, or even bake in the oven at 100f). No-one in
their right mind would tell you to place a paint can in an oven, but
if you set at 100 and keep take it out after 5 minutes you are safe.
It;s best to paint parts when they are warm to the touch. Loosely
wrap
low tack masking tape around your hand sticky side out and pass it
all
around the part to remove dust and lint.

Primer the parts with sandable primer and after they are dry, wet sand
with 000 until super smooth.
Repeat cleaning steps.

Shake the aerosol can vigorously for at least 2 minutes. Start your
spray off the part and bring it in at a distance where you are
leaving
a light mist on the part evenly and quickly.


Repeat this light coat repeatedly while allowing thorough drying
between coats. This process may take days, but don't be tempted to
rush it or to apply too thick of a coat. After 3 or 4 coats you may
want to wet sand lightly with 000 very fine sand paper. Repeat
cleaning process and lint removal. Continue laying coats of paint
until you get that glossy wet look. Apply at least 6 coats.


Finally bake the parts again and don't touch them for a week. The
main
things to remember are PATIENCE, absolute cleanliness, light coats ,
and thorough drying between coats. Never touch anything with your
bare
fingers which carry oils.


I have even painted larger parts with cans and the results are still
amazing years later. However i have one advantage: I live in
California and I worked during the summer.


If you decide to go with the gun, keep the same principles in mind.


Dennis




On Oct 25, 3:47 pm, Minnesota Blue <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> So I am going to paint my 1983 650.  The fun part about winter in MN
> and motorcycles is that when it is too cold to ride you have plenty of
> time for these "projects".  If it was always warm I would never have
> time to do anything to a motorcycle.  I am going to have a tank liner
> baked in first and the process can be hard on the paint. The tank
> clear coat is pretty shot and the rest of the paint is showing its
> age. It is currently blue and I am thinking of going yellow.  My
> question is should I attempt to do this myself, or bite the bullet and
> pay to have it done right?  This is never going to be a show bike and
> I have a decent spray gun.  However, I have never painted plastic
> before (side covers and such) and have very limited experience
> painting anything.  Part of me wants to give it a shot because I think
> it will be fun.  The other part of me does not want a crappy paint
> job.  Anyone try this at home?  Any suggestions?
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[Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Painting

[yankfroggy]

Aerosol cans are possible. The spray gun may not be necessary if the
largest thing to paint is your tank. Aerosol cans do a great job if
you do it right and there is less fuss and mess.

 On the metal parts like the tank, remove all the old paint with jasco
and use fine steel wool to help that process in any little crevices.
Use rubber gloves and goggles (jasco is potent stuff). On the plastic
parts, use very fine sand paper and bring the old paint down to at
least a smooth haze.

Wash all parts throuroughly with lots of water and mild soap like
Dawn. Then rinse thoroughly. Use metal etch solution on the tank and
metal parts. DO NOT try to paint if the air temperature is below 65 or
if it's raining outside. When you are ready to paint, place the part
and the can of paint in a warm environment ( a household radiator is
good, or on top of lamp, or even bake in the oven at 100f). No-one in
their right mind would tell you to place a paint can in an oven, but
if you set at 100 and keep take it out after 5 minutes you are safe.
It;s best to paint parts when they are warm to the touch. Loosely wrap
low tack masking tape around your hand sticky side out and pass it all
around the part to remove dust and lint.

Shake the aerosol can vigorously for at least 2 minutes. Start your
spray off the part and bring it in at a distance where you are leaving
a light mist on the part evenly and quickly.

Repeat this light coat repeatedly while allowing thorough drying
between coats. This process may take days, but don't be tempted to
rush it or to apply too thick of a coat. After 3 or 4 coats you may
want to wet sand lightly with 000 very fine sand paper. Repeat
cleaning process and lint removal. Continue laying coats of paint
until you get that glossy wet look. Apply at least 6 coats.

Finally bake the parts again and don't touch them for a week. The main
things to remember are PATIENCE, absolute cleanliness, light coats ,
and thorough drying between coats. Never touch anything with your bare
fingers which carry oils.

I have even painted larger parts with cans and the results are still
amazing years later. However i have one advantage: I live in
California and I worked during the summer.

If you decide to go with the gun, keep the same principles in mind.

Dennis

On Oct 25, 3:47 pm, Minnesota Blue <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> So I am going to paint my 1983 650.  The fun part about winter in MN
> and motorcycles is that when it is too cold to ride you have plenty of
> time for these "projects".  If it was always warm I would never have
> time to do anything to a motorcycle.  I am going to have a tank liner
> baked in first and the process can be hard on the paint. The tank
> clear coat is pretty shot and the rest of the paint is showing its
> age. It is currently blue and I am thinking of going yellow.  My
> question is should I attempt to do this myself, or bite the bullet and
> pay to have it done right?  This is never going to be a show bike and
> I have a decent spray gun.  However, I have never painted plastic
> before (side covers and such) and have very limited experience
> painting anything.  Part of me wants to give it a shot because I think
> it will be fun.  The other part of me does not want a crappy paint
> job.  Anyone try this at home?  Any suggestions?
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[Nighthawk Lovers] Re: 2003 Nighthawk - 2000 mile report

[yankfroggy]

Like you I think I would rather have the acceleration and it's not
worth changing the sprocket since I'm not on the freeway that much. I
just learned the 1980s "S" models had a 6th gear. I didn't know that
and it makes me want one.

Dennis

On Oct 18, 7:12 pm, jgalban <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Yank,
>
>    I've been riding my '93 750 since I bought it new.  41 mpg in town
> is about right, though I'm a little heavy on the throttle, so some
> might do better.   This summer on the open road, I was getting a solid
> 45 mpg.
>
>    Personally, I like the gearing setup.  The tach shows 5,000 rpm at
> 75mph and (at least on my bike) it's dead smooth.  That's a good rpm
> to start at if you want to pour on the coals for a pass.  On my road
> trip this summer I spent most of my highway time in 4th gear, unless
> it was a lng flat straight stretch.
>
>    If you want to lower the rpms at highway speed, change out the
> front sprocket from the stock 15 tooth to a 16 tooth.  It's a common
> Nighthawk mod and will drop your top gear rpms at 75 mph to 4600.
>
> John
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[Nighthawk Lovers] Re: 2003 Nighthawk - 2000 mile report

[yankfroggy]

Well you're right about the top end not being so old school, but I was
referring to the in-line 4 cylinder and naked style of the bike. I
mean this was 2003 and still no gas guage (though I don't miss it
because when she hits 125 miles I know it's time to fuel up). Yes v-
twins are really old-school and yet more popular than ever. If I ever
run into a clean 700 or 750S, I'll probably pick it up..what were
those 1984-86 era? Smiles per mile equation is definetely the way to
go.

On Oct 18, 9:36 pm, Dennis Hammerl <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> 40 year old ? If you reference the in-line four, I suppose so. How do you 
> feel about HD twins ? Now that's old school. The four valve head is not a 40 
> year old thing for bikes. I'm glad you fell in love with it, a lot of us 
> have. Some, like myself, just think the 700/750S was the best of the bunch. 
> Six speed, shaft drive, double disks and the like. I haven't the foggiest why 
> the Euro market gets the neat stuff. Be nice for us too.
> Yeah, 40MPG is little off, but then you might be turning the wick a bit more. 
> I use the smiles per mile equation. Ride happy.
>
> --- On Sat, 10/18/08, yankfroggy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> From: yankfroggy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] 2003 Nighthawk - 2000 mile report
> To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" 
> Date: Saturday, October 18, 2008, 3:21 PM
>
> After a long absence from riding I bought a very clean 2003 Nighthawk
> 750 last March. I have been using it as a daily commuter for my short
> hops that are 50% freeway, and 50% city streets. It had 6400 miles on
> the odo when I got it and is just turned 8400. I've enjoyed 3 or 4 day
> trips carving around mount Tamapais and winding roads in Marin and
> Sonoma counties including HWY1.
>
> My impressions of this bike are very good. It's not as nimble or quick
> as the latest Italian or Japanese crotch rockets, but it is
> surprisingly close in performance considering its weight and the age
> of its design. I find its power curve to be comfortable and its
> handling simple and re-assuring. What it lacks in peak performance, it
> makes up for in riding stance and comfort.
>
> It's actually quite fast and powerful when you get past the halfway
> point of its rev band, and I always feel confident merging onto the
> freeway. I do wish it had a 6th gear. This would improve freeway
> cruisng greatly. I've stretched her legs only up to 110mph and there
> was still room left, so top speed isn't an issue for a commuter, but
> it would have been more pleasant at lower rpms even at speeds around
> 75mph.
>
> I'm 6'2" and  weigh just over 200lbs and although the brake set up
> is
> minimal in my opinion (one disc in front and just a drum in back), it
> has been adequate for me (I think the large front disc helps). Having
> said that I wish we had the extra discs as they do in overseas. It
> discourages real quick and short hops, while encouraging smooth
> comfortable cruising.
>
> Nontheless I'm kind of addicted to the throttle and although I haven't
> done a detailed calculation,
>  I think I'm only getting about 40mpg which is less than I had
> expected.
>
> The shifting is clunky at slow speeds but becomes dramatically better
> (smooth and quick) at higher speeds. The exhaust has a pleasant sound.
> It ain't boy racer, but it has an authorative rumble and sounds
> especially bad ass when downshifting from 4-3 and 3-2.
>
> The younger crowd like this bike's looks ("cool old-school, look at
> all those chrome pipes, where's the radiator?,etc." )
>
> Bottom line impression: The Nighhawk doesn't excel in any one area.
> However it does everything better than expected for a 40 year old
> design. It's greatest asset is how competent it is in all functions,
> plus it has great value and incomparable reliability. It is the
> perfect bike in my opinion, and as far as it's looks...well I'm in
> love.
>
> __
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection 
> aroundhttp://mail.yahoo.com
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[Nighthawk Lovers] 2003 Nighthawk - 2000 mile report

[yankfroggy]

After a long absence from riding I bought a very clean 2003 Nighthawk
750 last March. I have been using it as a daily commuter for my short
hops that are 50% freeway, and 50% city streets. It had 6400 miles on
the odo when I got it and is just turned 8400. I've enjoyed 3 or 4 day
trips carving around mount Tamapais and winding roads in Marin and
Sonoma counties including HWY1.

My impressions of this bike are very good. It's not as nimble or quick
as the latest Italian or Japanese crotch rockets, but it is
surprisingly close in performance considering its weight and the age
of its design. I find its power curve to be comfortable and its
handling simple and re-assuring. What it lacks in peak performance, it
makes up for in riding stance and comfort.

It's actually quite fast and powerful when you get past the halfway
point of its rev band, and I always feel confident merging onto the
freeway. I do wish it had a 6th gear. This would improve freeway
cruisng greatly. I've stretched her legs only up to 110mph and there
was still room left, so top speed isn't an issue for a commuter, but
it would have been more pleasant at lower rpms even at speeds around
75mph.

I'm 6'2" and  weigh just over 200lbs and although the brake set up is
minimal in my opinion (one disc in front and just a drum in back), it
has been adequate for me (I think the large front disc helps). Having
said that I wish we had the extra discs as they do in overseas. It
discourages real quick and short hops, while encouraging smooth
comfortable cruising.

Nontheless I'm kind of addicted to the throttle and although I haven't
done a detailed calculation,
 I think I'm only getting about 40mpg which is less than I had
expected.

The shifting is clunky at slow speeds but becomes dramatically better
(smooth and quick) at higher speeds. The exhaust has a pleasant sound.
It ain't boy racer, but it has an authorative rumble and sounds
especially bad ass when downshifting from 4-3 and 3-2.

The younger crowd like this bike's looks ("cool old-school, look at
all those chrome pipes, where's the radiator?,etc." )

Bottom line impression: The Nighhawk doesn't excel in any one area.
However it does everything better than expected for a 40 year old
design. It's greatest asset is how competent it is in all functions,
plus it has great value and incomparable reliability. It is the
perfect bike in my opinion, and as far as it's looks...well I'm in
love.
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