Okay, so, I’ve been working on this 1985 Honda Nighthawk lately, and I gotta tell you, it’s been a bit of a journey. This old bike, she’s got some years on her, but I saw the potential, you know? I picked it up a while back, and it was in decent shape, but definitely needed some love.
First thing I did was give it a good once-over. Checked the engine, the frame, all the usual stuff. It was running, but not great. Sounded rough, like it was gasping for air or something. The body was okay, some minor rust spots, nothing too crazy. Tires were worn, brakes were, well, let’s just say I wasn’t planning any high-speed runs just yet.
So, I started with the basics. Changed the oil, which was black as night, and replaced the spark plugs. That alone made a noticeable difference, it was already sounding a bit better. Then I got into the carburetor. Oh boy, that was a mess. Cleaned it out real good, and let me tell you, that made a huge difference. Suddenly, the engine was purring like a kitten, well, a kitten with a bit of a growl, but you get the idea.
Next up, I tackled the brakes. Replaced the pads, bled the lines, and now she stops on a dime. Safety first, right? While I was at it, I decided to get some new tires. Found a good deal online, and man, what a difference that made. The bike felt so much smoother, more stable.
- First round of parts hunt:
- Oil – black as night
- Spark plugs – made a good difference
- Carburetor – what a mess
- Second round of parts hunt:
- Brakes – new pads, lines bled, stopping on a dime
- Tires – great deal online, felt smoother
Now, I’m not saying I did all this by myself. I did hit up a few online shops and forums for parts and advice. There’s a whole community of folks who love these old Nighthawks, and they were super helpful. I found a site that had a massive selection and got some sweet deals on a bunch of parts, which was a lifesaver.
After that, it was mostly cosmetic stuff. I took care of those rust spots, gave it a fresh coat of paint, and polished up the chrome. She’s looking pretty good now, if I do say so myself. Not showroom quality, but definitely a head-turner.
I even found some aftermarket parts to upgrade a few things. Nothing too fancy, just some new grips, mirrors, and a more comfortable seat. Makes a big difference on those longer rides.
Now What
So, yeah, that’s where I’m at with the Nighthawk. It’s been a fun project, and I’m really happy with how it’s turned out. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine, and I’ve put a lot of work into it. Now, I just enjoy riding it around, feeling the wind in my hair, and turning heads as I go. It’s a great feeling to bring an old bike back to life. It still needs work, but that’s all part of the fun, right?
