[Bryan Gonzalez]

HAs anyboby ever seen a nighthawk transformed into a caferacer

 

[Geeto67]

I've seen a nighthawk transformed into a toaster, does that count?

 

[peteN]

hey geeto! got any pics of that one?

if at first you don't succeed, use a bigger hammer

 

[dbracing]

I have an 83 650SC parts bike that I am contemplating myself. I posted the question in the build thread and got virtually no response. Seems that either no one has done it or those with building experience are not interested.

It seems to me that this platform is an excellent one for a cafe racer, especially the shaft drive models. Should I move forward, I will be sure to post my experiences.

Dave

Dave
83 Nighthawk 650
84 Nighthawk 650
Bultaco M165
Bultaco M82

 

[Geeto67]

so build it already. Too many times people post the question " do you think [insert UJM here] would be a good cafe racer?" and really there is no good answer to this question. If you think it is one then just fuckin build it.

personally, shaft drive cafe racers I draw the line at the GS850 (not the GL models), and don't really think of a nighthawk shaftie as anything other than a disposable motorcycle.

As for a nighthawk cafe racer, honda already built it it was called the nighthawk S.

 

[Bryan Gonzalez]

Seems Like we struck some nerves on the whole DOHC Subject!

 

[dbracing]

interesting..........

Dave
83 Nighthawk 650
84 Nighthawk 650
Bultaco M165
Bultaco M82

 

[Geeto67]

quote:
Seems Like we struck some nerves on the whole DOHC Subject!

you didn't strike any nerves...you just asked a question that has been asked a lot of times but with different bikes (although the nighthawk has been brought up as a possible cafe racer before as well as its predecessor the cb650, if you searched you would have seen that). I think what you really have not realized is nobody cares until you actually build something or start something, untle then it is just a fart in a stiff breeze.

everybody has their own idea of what a cafe racer is (I'm sure yours has something to do with clubmans) so there really isn't a point in asking "is my bike good cafe racer fodder?" because everybody's answer will be different.

If you ask me I say no because: 1) I feel you shoudl start with a bike that has a modicum of performance which I can't really say the nighthawk has, and 2) because I think traditional cafe bikes use 70's and 80's performance bikes as their basis and the nighthawk really doesn't fit that either. It is my opinion, you asked and there it is.

For the record nobody has anything agains the DOHC Hondas, many people here love the cb450s and I personally am a big fan of the DOHC cb750/900/1100F, just not of the watered down UJMs they became when honda slapped nighthawk on the side (although I do like the nighthawk S)

 

[kenessex]

Bryan,
Are you talking about the new style 750 Nighthawk that is chain drive and the air cooled DOHC engine? If so, then I think you cxan probably do something interesting with it although I am not sure that cafe would be the way to go. It might do better as a streetfighter/naked bike kind of thing. I think the tank and sidecovers are a little too integrated (like the 750/900/1100 DOHC) for my tastes to go cafe. You might want to try something along the lines of an early 80's superbike theme.
If it is the shaft drive 650, then I would ride it until the mains go out on the crank( they will) and sell it for parts.

It helps to be very specific aboout what model you are talking about.Nighthawks were 250,450,550,650(2 different models)and 750(2 different models). So, if you can figure out what you are asking, we can probably figure out an answer.

I have a red Honda, would it make a good cafe racer? How do I put clubman bars on it? Will I need to rejet the carbs? Can I put different front forks on it? What color should I paint it?

Ken

AHRMA 412
Vintage racing - old guys on old bikes

 

[Bryan Gonzalez]

The Bike is a 1991 CB750 Nighthawk DOHC . I really am just looking at really doing something differnt with it. I have yet to see a nighthawk cafe racer on the net and was just curious if there was a reason for that. Thanks

 

[Bryan Gonzalez]

The bike is also Chain drive and air cooled

 

[Geeto67]

quote:
The Bike is a 1991 CB750 Nighthawk DOHC . I really am just looking at really doing something differnt with it. I have yet to see a nighthawk cafe racer on the net and was just curious if there was a reason for that. Thanks

That all depends on what you mean by cafe racer. Go to any street corner in manhattan and you are bound to see at least one with low bars (which doesn't necessarily make it a cafe racer ny the way)

What are your plans?

 

[ROSKO]

drawing the line at GS850's? I hope your drawing the line on the OTHER side. That suzuki GS is/was an ugly beast.

The cb series by the late 70's was just a cookie cutter UJM. Early versions (60's to mid 70's) CB's all had a bit of character.


Whats wrong with shaft drive cafe's? What about the hordes of cafe beemers? Them shits is hot yo.

Like I care, just wanted to post somewhere other than vintage racing.

BORN TO LURK, FORCED TO WORK.
www.NYCvinMoto.com
www.VinMoto.org

Edited by - ROSKO on May 17 2007 08:30:21 AM

 

[catboy]

quote:
I've seen a nighthawk transformed into a toaster, does that count?

...that's fuckin' awesome! funny shit right there.

N.C.N.R

 

[Ease]

quote:
Whats wrong with shaft drive cafe's? What about the hordes of cafe beemers? Them shits is hot yo.

Nothin wrong with a shaftie! Here's mine:

Just build what you want - don't mind other people's opinions. If you do it right then people will like it in the end anyway... Or not, but who are you building it for???

Hey By'

 

[Ease]

P.S. I'm in the process of customizing a CB400T Hawk for a friend.

I wouldn't exactly call it a cafe racer, but we ARE building a cool little first bike for this guy - with the same basic idea. Solo-seat, clipon's, disc brake conversion, headlight, taillight, indicators, pant and presto.

Hey By'

 

[Geeto67]

quote:
drawing the line at GS850's? I hope your drawing the line on the OTHER side. That suzuki GS is/was an ugly beast.

The cb series by the late 70's was just a cookie cutter UJM. Early versions (60's to mid 70's) CB's all had a bit of character.


Whats wrong with shaft drive cafe's? What about the hordes of cafe beemers? Them shits is hot yo.

Like I care, just wanted to post somewhere other than vintage racing.

BORN TO LURK, FORCED TO WORK.
www.NYCvinMoto.com
www.VinMoto.org

Edited by - ROSKO on May 17 2007 08:30:21 AM

The GS850GL limited (like the one sitting in my driveway) were ugly if you don't like 80's choppers or crusiers. The standard GS850 used the GS1000 style bodywork and was not unlike the later SOHC cb750Fs. They are much rarer in the states since the chopper thing had hold in the early 80's. Secas are on the right side of the line also but unless it is a nighthawk S, it just doesn't do it for me as a shaftie.

Beemers are in a different class from UJMS, more in line with trumpets and other euro bikes and other bikes with character.

 

[Bryan Gonzalez]

quote:

quote:
Whats wrong with shaft drive cafe's? What about the hordes of cafe beemers? Them shits is hot yo.

Nothin wrong with a shaftie! Here's mine:

Just build what you want - don't mind other people's opinions. If you do it right then people will like it in the end anyway... Or not, but who are you building it for???

Hey By'

 

[Bryan Gonzalez]

Hey Man, I like what you have done with this shaftie! Got one question what did your gas tank come off of just wondering ?

 

[KeninIowa]

I don't see why it wouldn't be a good platform. Assuming you have or know where to get a mechanically sound Nighthawk it's probably more practical than starting with some 30yr old POS that needs everything. I'm hating on the stock bodywork though. I'd think in terms of doing something like Omar's Manx kit www.omarsdtr.com or adapting older bodywork to fit your chassis.

04 KDX 200
05 KX 250f- SOLD!
01 GSXR 750
75 GT 550
68 Chevelle
Wanted: 86 FZ600 w/OEM paint