I had a 1983 450 Nighthawk, rode it to high-school the years 1984 - 1986 .... omg I loved that bike, sure wished I still had it now

I'm 52 and have owned 450 nighthawks 3 different times in my life . All the motorcycle any one needs.

I have a 82, it sat for 12 years. put gas in it, charged the battery and fired right up. live these bikes.

I really enjoyed your video. It is good to see these bikes still on the road. I bought an '82 in '84 for $1200, with a little over 1000 miles on it. I did nothing to it and left the next week from California to Florida. I was moving there, so had it packed with as much as I could keep strapped to it. Back then the speed limit was 55 mph and did much of the trip near that, but would at times cruise at 70 mph or so. It got about 70 mpg for the trip. Going over the mountains in New Mexico, in a snow storm, my chain froze up. The o-rings had gone bad. I was stuck in a small town for two days waiting to get a new chain. In Houston Texas, I laid it down on the freeway after shifting up on a wet oiled on-ramp. I was going about 70 mph at the time. A truly scary experience, but I was ok, and the bike received little damage. After an hour of playing chicken across four lanes of traffic to gather my belongings, I was able to ride off, with the use of vice-grips pulling the now broken clutch handle. In town, I replaced them and the shift lever and was back on the road. The rest of the trip was a joy and my time with the bike after was too. It was one of the best all around bikes I have ever owned. One I wish I would of never sold. Good mpg, power, handling and dependability. A Honda. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I did.

Great Video! Really enjoyed the story. I bought a 1986 cb450 Nighthawk as my 1st "street bike". Took my riders exam on it and loved it. Made some great memories on it all over New England that year. After a year I purchased a new 1986 Honda VF1000R and loved that as well!

My 83' and I have been through thick walls of topsoil & around crazed highway corners; glad to watch such an amazing video!

Nice video! Great detail descriptions of your experience. Just bought my first bike this summer too. 1984 Nighthawk 700s. Did quite a bit of work on the carbs and charging system and finally got her purring like a kitten. Just did a ride out to Washington D.C. 2000 miles of joy. Honda bikes rule !

Great video I had a 82 650 Nighthawk and loved it Your video took me back. Been out of the saddle for 26 years and just got back loving the road again on a 2014 Honda Shadow 750

Was a great video! Thanks for riding Honda. I love the nighthawks. I was able to buy one last year for practically nothing ($100). Saved it from going to the scrap yard. Now it running great and cant wait to put long miles on this summer. Keep up the riding and hope to see more videos.

I always like your vids, BrownBrady...you are such a calming, soothing presence. And it's hard to explain when you just KNOW it's your bike...good on ya' for stepping up to it!

Loved your video! And your perseverance! I'm a new rider and just picked up a 99 Honda Nighthawk CB250 in black! I love it! It's a great entry level bike and I love the standard riding position!

Thanks for the video! I just got one yesterday!

This is great man, please continue to pump out videos.

Man You almost made cry , nice video that's the truth when you fall in love at first sight and believe in your self to get what you love

I have a 1983 cb550sc. I love it. I had to replace the needle valves and refurb the rubber intake boots but she runs great. I watched your whole video. It was a well put together show. ITs now winter and I can hardly wait to pull the bike out. My first bike ever.

awesome video dude I like your calm narrative style to the video - it was pleasant to watch. I have been riding my first bike for a few months now - a cb450sc 1983 - just like you. You brought back some memories for me haha, like learning how to operate the petcock. I remember the first time I forgot to turn it back on after getting on the bike and having to pull over on 3 feet of sandy washed out shoulder with cars going by at 45. Didn't forget after that.

This is amazing! Great job

I bought one at a discount new in 85. It was my 1st street bike. I took my motorcycle license test on it. It was a beautiful blue. I rode it all over New England. Fantastic bike that was so ultra reliable. Never let me down. And I also rode it in winter. Liked it so much I bought a brand new VF1000R in 86. Great video. Nice choice in bikes.

Gosh you're a darn great storyteller and editor!

Great video. I have a 1982 Nighthawk 450 that I found on ebay. It was in the next town over and I bought it the day I checked it out. My first bike. Three years later and I'm still in love with it. Had the chain jump last year which I replaced, but other than that she runs great and I'm in no hurry to get a newer bike. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.

Very nice story. Congrats!

Great video! Really looking forward to more vids on the Nighthawk!

My first street bike! I bought mine new one month after graduating high school. This thing was nimble and I made many memories on that ride.......some that the statute of limitations still won't allow me to post :-) ! Thanks for posting !

thanks for taking the time to do this

11:00 lmao!! That's a perfect "Bleep!" moment, lol. Great video here.

This is a amazing video!!

I love your video: very nostalgic for me. I owned an 83 Nighthawk 450 from 84-91, drove it in Texas and all over Germany. I put 43,000 miles on it. I loved that bike: fun to ride, easy to maintain. I hope you have the same experience with yours.

I have 82 450 nighthawk. Paid 750$ and needed a coil and front tire for safety :) i love these bikes. Im a big guy and can boot around fine on it

I rode 1 in high school back in 86...I got it to 105.mph..what a bullet proof bike

Hi BB. I had an American import 1982 450 Nighthawk for 5 years. Great wee cheap and cheerful work horse bike. It just ran and ran. Very reliable, very comfortable. I wasn't looking for fast take off/top speed. I only sold it on because I took sciatica in my left leg so I found the leg riding position sore after about 5 miles. I needed a cruiser type bike where my legs would lie forward, something like a Harley Davidson sportster. I bought a second hand American import Honda VT 600 Shadow. Hey that Nighthawk you bought was in good nick. Mileage fine too. Hey that was a nippy day for riding! I hate snow anywhere near me. I had a big windshield on too. It kept the wind offf your chest. I am very impressed by your professional video presentation style. You are a natural. Super video. You have media talent there. Best wishes from Belfast Northern Ireland.

Nice bike! I just bought a 1985 nighthawk 650 for my first bike earlier this year. It needs some love but for 800$ I can't complain. The one thing I dislike is having 4 carbs.......oi........But I enjoy projects so we'll see how she goes. FInally ticked over 100 miles on it a week or so ago but she only has 27k on her so it looks like I have a good starter bike for a while.

Great story. Who hasn't bought an older bike and heard those horrible words, "it needs a couple of things to pass safety."

Much respect from Chicago! Hope to see some videos soon with the new bike !

Great video! Nice work on the bike 👍

I have a 1983 nighthawk 550sc. Great bike! Been riding it every day since I got her..

This was my first ever bike altogether too. Mine is an '86 450. I got it two days ago. Everything is original still too. Including the tool kit, owners manual, and side panels. Its a really nice bike

Im sure no one will see this new post in 2020....but ur bike looks like mine but mine is burgandy 1985 honda nighthawk 450 :) beautiful bike i love mine

Watching your experience remind me when I got my Yamaha Fazer 250 one week ago. I was so excited even when it is a second hand bike but it's like new. I hope your neck's issue improve soon, so you can enjoy that sweety and gorgeous 250R. Take care.

My first bike was an 84. I loved that bike!

Beautiful video

Great job on the video. I have ridden across the USA and one 30 day trip from LA California across the Southern states to Washington DC, then up to all five of the great lakes, Canada, then back home on a trouble free Honda ST1100 dinosaur. Including three days of non stop rain from Duluth MN to Salt Lake City UT. Talk about a love/ hate relationship with motorcycle riding. My trial and error experiences for cold weather that work for me: Layer up and Ditch the gloves. (The wonderful electric stuff not withstanding) get a pair of waterproof snow/ ski mittens with removable fuzzy liners. There is magic in keeping your 4 fingers together in one pocket. And if it is a long ride you can put those single use 8 hour heat packs into the built in pockets. The 8 hour toe warmers stuck to your socks do wonders as well.

In 1985 i was a senior in high school. I bought a " midnight blue" 85 nighthawk 450 for $1695 plus tax brand new. My first real street bike .loved it rode it everywhere

Congratulations! Great job on the video & i love the bike looks super comfy with the back rest and Hwy pegs.Hope you get it running in tip top shape asap.At the lowest cost posable.Good to hear your keeping the CBR.Cheers

Backfiring is usually a lean mixture. On an old bike a quick cure is to shut off the fuel petcock, drain the carbs and remove the float bowls, unscrew the main jets(one at a time), soak the jet in acetone for 5 minutes, dry for 5 minutes and replace them, put the float bowls back on, and then turn on the petcocks and start the engine. You should see an immediate change.

Super awesome video outstanding. The way you made this video is awesome

Old Hondas like this are so cool, i want one too 🙏 great video sir ! Hi from Holland

I just cried at the end, nice vid man keep it up. I´m about to buy a Nighthawk 650 ´83

YOU ARE A REAL BIKER THROUGH AND THROUGH KEEP US POSTED ON HOW THINGS TURN OUT WITH THE NIGHTHAWK HONDA'S ARE STRONG AND RARELY DISAPPOINT. MAN YOU CLEANED HER UP NICE.

Lovely video ! Seems like a great old bike. They don't make 'em like they used to !

I have the same machine, only two years newer. My 450 has more than enough power for any condition: I've cruised at 75+ mph into very stiff headwinds, and the little engine had no problems. It's also light and handles well, and is fairly comfy even for my 6'1 frame. Hard not to love a little bike that just seems so "game" to do whatever you need it to.

Proud owner of a 85 450 nighthawk! Love my bike! It's a scrappy lil guy

I paid Plaza Honda in Brooklyn NY in 1985 $200 per month for my brand new 1985 Nighthawk 450 the only new bike I ever owned. Taught the girl friend how to ride on it, lots of memories. Rode it through NY City as a courier.

I just bought a 550 for my first bike. Got it for 800 with 40k on it. Can't wait til my arm isn't broken

Great video dude...

Just subbed! I'm going to check out a 1986 version of this bike tomorrow. I'm a new rider so I'm getting a bike to learn the skills necessary to ride safely. I bought a Sportster before taking the course, but it's a bit much to learn on with confidence... and I just turned 56, so I don't have time to waste...lol. Great video BTW

Michael that was a very cool video. You are a cool dude. I got really lucky a few years ago and found two Nighthawk 450's with less than a thousand miles each in mint condition. I added the windshields to both. One is an automatic and it's blue the other is the 6spd and it's red. I also have a vintage Kawasaki Samurai 250 two stroke 1968 bike that was my fathers. I love to ride too. A friend loaned me a brand new Harley Street 500 for the fourth of July and it was fun but my Nighthawks are faster. Stay Awesome. Matt Noell Whitewright, Texas. ;)

Great vid. I might be getting an 85 450.

Enjoyed your vid and hit the like. My first and only motorbike was an 82 Nighthawk. Rode it around Connecticut when I worked there on a work visa but I'm from Toronto, Canada. I enjoyed the bike but had few close calls with it. Eventually experimented with trying to pop a wheelie but the thing is too heavy. Probably needs a larger sprocket for more low end torque? Anyhow, hearing the engine of your bike (even the starter) certainly brought back memories.

I worked two jobs while going to school in 1983 and bought my nighthawk. The bike had like 16 thousand miles. I paid 1600 bucks at the time. I totaled the bike 2 years later after a friend fixed my forks. I blew the seals from popping wheelies. I was just a kid and loved my bike. My bike ran awesome. I gave my music to Jesus Christ forever after my crash from a speed wobble. I walked away from a 100 mile an hour crash. This bike really changed my destiny as a silly kid. It taught me how to save and set goals and it taught me about the power of calling out to Jesus Christ when I knew I was going down. Because of my experience with this awesome bike so many things happened. 😊

I have had Kawasaki and Honda motorcycles, mostly Kawasaki’s. My first motorcycle was a new Honda 1973 CL125, next Honda was a ‘72 500 Four,back in ‘79, then in 2003 bought a’99 Honda Shadow 1100Tmy first and only V twin, it was a great bike. The only bikes I can compare with your 450 was a ‘75 Kawasaki 400 and a ‘80 Kawasaki KZ 440 LTD. Both of those twins I rode muti-state. The 440 was a lot more dependable than the 400. This was riding in the 70’s and 80’s. Took a break in the 90’s after my brother was killed in ‘89 on his motorcycle. Came back in 2001 after buying a ‘82 Suzuki GS650L then bought my ‘99 Honda VT1100T in 2003. Both were great bikes but got out of riding in 2008 but getting an itch to get back into riding with an older bike. I am retired and have time to tinker with them. Newer bikes are so expensive these days. Thanks for the review.

A very pleasant video and honest. You made a good choice for comfortable, simple riding enjoyment. I think you may have come up easier and probably cheaper if you bought a trade in used Nighthawk from the dealer you ended up paying to bring the CList bike up to safety. That dealer looked honest. When they take a trade, they automatically do all the things they had to do for you, and roll it into the price. You then deal them down, and they give you a 90 day warranty. It is worth consideration. Bike dealers REALLY rely on repeat sales where car dealers often don't so if they screw you it gets around quickly. I too was looking for the same bike as you. I looked at several Craig's listing bikes. They were OK but all needed a lot of service, or had been rebuilt from a box of parts. I stopped by a dealer. Found a one owner trade in for $2200 with only 5k miles (a 250 though). Proper chain lube and slack, clean tank, new oil, fresh tires, valves adjusted, some accessories and a wonderful cold start every time. Looked brand new. CL same bikes older than this one were asking 1500 - 2200. I checked every other regional dealer online and they had similar ones for 1995 to 2500 so I knew the price was fair. Test ride was part of the sale. Speaking with the service manager also. They wanted to add dealer prep of $600. I said NO that is for new bikes, this is a trade in so it is all gravy to you. I'll give you 2000 + tax. $2200 incl tax/title and delivery to my home a week later with a 90 day warranty My job is to get the lowest price, there's is to get more and move the bike off their floor. All honest and courteous. I never even had to go to the tag office. It all came by mail within two weeks. I have NEVER had any trouble with this bike. If I'd bought an $1800 CL bike, I'd immediately change the oil (despite condition), flush the tank, adjust the chain, maybe replace sprockets and clean the carb. That is easily $300-500 worth of service and parts, then I'd have to sit at the DMV to get the paperwork. Sometimes it is better to just pay up front and ride with an immediate smile. Age eventually teaches you this lesson.

IM STILL THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF 1983 I GOT IT WHEN I WAS 17 IT STILL RUNS AND LOOKS THE SAME LIKE THE FIRST DAY I GOT IT NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT .

Hey man really like your video ! Do you know what type of rear rack those are ? Really like the back rest it look great pratical and comfy

My first bike was an '86 Nighthawk 450, in blue. Great bike.

i have never once had a problem with a cold start on my 86' 450. I got it a couple years ago, and Ive tarted it multiple times even when it was super cold out.. just to hear it run. I always get lucky with stuff like that though.. haha

that was a cool documentary

Went with a rebel 250 for my first.. after a few months of watching cl, I found an 09 with 1500 miles in great shape for 1400. I'm only like 150lbs and it's plenty for me.

LOL I've sold a lot of bikes through cl and marketplace. If I had some dude who wanted to come see the bike multiple times, and then wanted to put a down payment on it, I'd be looking anywhere else. Kudos to your seller for his patience.

Subscribed. Saw your posting on the Nighthawk forum. I really like the looks of the 450 and I'm thinking it might be a good first bike for me. I'm and older dude but if I had the $$$ I'd buy a CBR250 like you did. There was a NH450 for sale a few miles from my house. I went and checked it out, the owner said I could have it for $800… I should have jumped on it! I'd imagine it needed a few things, tires, chain & sprocket maybe fork seals but I think I let a good deal slip away. It was gone the next day. Anyway, I've watched a few of your vids, good luck with the channel and have a great season.

Great video. Thanks for making it. I have a 1985 cb450sc Nighthawk. I have a question for you. How do you mount/dismount the bike? I have a trunk box on mine and I have to step up over the seat. Getting on is okay but getting off is a struggle. With a backrest on your rack, I take it you also have to step over the seat. Do you find it a struggle or are you tall? I am 78 and that may be part of my problem. Again, great vid.

I don't even have my M licence yet, but have been offered an 83 450 nighthawk that has been in storage for quite some time , but ran last year. Looking for input here,, what will I be looking at in terms of getting it up to safe condition? new tires I'm sure,, how much to put into a free bike? Love the vid. I'm in peterborough.

nice! I have a 1982 CB750SC Nighthawk and 1982 CB650SC Nighthawk ..im in the search of 1982 CB450SC Nighthawk

Great video! I felt the same way about my 2000 CB750. I was a 1st time rider. It was the 1st bike I actually checked out but I KNEW it was the one when I test rode it. Still have it one year later. Still love it. So did you get the carb work done? And have you decided to upgrade since then?

I realize this video was from 7 years ago but I’m hoping you can help. I have an 82 nighthawk 450 and Im looking for a backrest/luggage rack like what’s on this bike. I haven’t been able to find anything that fits. Do you have any info of the brand of it?

dude great lil video I'm getting a 82

Well done

What brand is the back rest?? I can't find one to fit my '85 450.

The back rest is actually kinda nice.

Is it faster and or more torqueythan your cbr250? i have the exat same bike, cbr, with the stock exhuast.

Nice little documentary here. I also have a nighthawk 450 ('85), great little bike for running around town. These VB22 carbs are a bit finicky to get just right, I'm having some trouble with mine not giving me full power on the low jet circuit, but all in all it's a great bike and it doesn't give me any reliability problems. Subbed for move of ur vids!

Excellently done! Posting in your share as well, but the nighthawk community is one of the best and most friendly motorcycling communities I have encountered. The facebook group and Nighthawk-Forums.com should be able to help you with whatever you need assistance with!

Sounds like your discounted carb work was very good.

Awesome

Just got myself a 84 NH 450... still trying to get it running tho. My first Bike

True rider...cold and out of fuel.been there done it

im picking mine up tomorrow...

It's been a while since you made this video. Was it a good bike?

You've probably had the carbs rebuilt by now but I would advise anyone about to have this work done, if they can, remove the carbs themselves and send them off to a carb-only specialist. You'll get a better job, and more importantly, pay far less than if your local shop does it.

I miss my 86 450 night hawk going to go out and Hunt me one down and buy it

Just a suggestion, I quit smoking and saved enough to buy a new bike :) just sayin....and I know smoking ain't takin me out. All the best, happy life and safe riding brother. I liked it when you said " after only a few minutes of riding your hands were cold, but I dont care " :)

the bike i learned to ride on

the video of the 80's commercial was actually the 650...should have kept that one too...letting the 86 700s red white and blue go was painful too...ride safe like you're invisible...

MC glowes should go outside the armsleeves to prtect from cold air getting inside -from a norwegian CM400T owner

I brought 1982 nighthawk 450 for $400. And I got shop manual and fixed it from scratch. The only problem I am facing is unable to find taco meter.

Did you notice that beautiful KLR?

LOL, I was going to say to be sure to switch your petcock switch back to "on" before you left the shop.

Picked up a really clean 'Hawk just like this one. I've lubed and adjusted the chain, and modded the exhaust for a bit more sound. My only complaint is that it's geared pretty short. Cruising speed, about 70, the engine is turning 5200 RPM! I'm aware of the sprocket swap, but that will only drop it down 500 RPM. Not sure it's worth it.

I'm getting the 750

Your funny. Until finally I was out of Fuel. Some guys just have to always take the hard road.

My first bike was a 450 nighthawk 82