Well my friend the time has come, the money is in and tommrow I go pick up the shiney new Nighthawk!! You'd figure this would not really excite me after all the upper class machines I have had in the past 4 year. Just the oppsite, can't wait to get my hands on it and creating the BJ Ondo Nighthawk. Sorry for bothering you all with this for the "9,000th." time but It's such a great feeling , I had to share it with somebody, ha ha ha. Happy New Year my friends. Tailwinds, BJ Ondo

Great! Congrats. When does Jo pick up her bike? I hope that I can keep my finances in order and be doing something similar before too horribly long, whether it's new or used.

Jon, oops in all the hubub, I forgot that yes, Jo will pick up her Intruder today as well. I hope things do work out for you to, it's nice to know that sometimes in this struggle we call life, nice things can happen. Tailwinds, BJ

Alright BJ. You won't need a ski in place of the front tire will ya? *GRiNs* Jon, hang in there..I expect to see you this June on a shiny new ???. You like the Triumphs, check out the Trophy (sport) tourer..nice bike.

Hey, no offense Kevin, but the only response to that is "yeah right"! (Grin) No, the Trophy is way to big, heavy, slow and laid back for my taste. IF I get a new Triumph (somehow, I doubt it--I'll wait till '99 probably) it would be a T-Bird Sport. If I get a used one it wouldu be an old style Speed-T or an old Bonnie. The Bonnie may be within my grasp in the next couple of months, so I may do that.

Thanks Kevin, yea it was so nice to sign the papers and have "NO PAYMENTS". It's the first time that has happened in my 21 years of riding. Jon, that T-bird sport is cool but I think you'd really like a 95-96 Speed Triple as it's closer to your Ninja just heavier and more power. I wish I had the ball's to ride and maintain a old Triumph Twin, they are beautiful bikes, good luck my friend! Hopefully 98 will be good for you too! Tailwinds, BJ (offically back in the family!!)

Nah, BJ, you never came close to leaving.

Maybe but Jon do you have any idea how many pair of tennis shoes I've worn out trying to run along side with riders of my local club, ha ha ha ha ha ha! Tailwinds, BJ

Congrats BJ. Buying a new bike is always exciting. Enjoy it bro! New year, new bike, new shoes(?), same cool BJ!

No, I'm not British, it just wears off of the bikes.

BJ, Happy F-in' New Year man! Good luck, I know you're feeling good!

Thanks Brad and Frank, we put the first 100 miles on the bikes today in almost 60 degree (but windy) weather! Tommrow looks pretty decent too, might just get in 200 miles before the next storm hits. The Nighthawk is turning out to be a "better overall" bike than I figured I'd get for the money. It handles good and flicks easy, it still will need the suspension upgrades front and rear, fork brace and bradided brake line to give it the edge to run at a brisk pace. It could really use a "6th." gear, I wil have to reduce the teeth on the rear sprocket by 2 and get the slight top end buzz out for highway work. It's nice to say I got "more" than I figured I would out of my money. Just think 3 Nighthawks are $16,200 dollars, less than one BMW K1200RS or R1100RT and only $3,000 more than one Ducati ST-2 or ST1100 ABS/TCS models. Life below $10,000 ain't all that bad. Tailwinds, BJ

Geez! 100 miles and you're already into the catalogs/shop work! (o; What's your highway cruise speed generally? It buzzes enough that you'd drop the rear teeth? Surprised, on a 'Hawk. Mine was screaming a little and I do a lot of 80mph cruising so I dropped, but I kind of knew a 650 would be that way. Changed it more for less engine/valve stress than my own discomforts.

Frank, I think it's just the way they set up the gearing from the factory. The 82 Nighthawk felt the same way, a little buzzy and real busy sounding and I was only cruising at max. (just a few miles) of 65mph. The Interstates out here are 75 mph. and I just figure that it will buzz a little more and sound even busy'er at +10 mph. Well it could be from my bad tedonites (both wrist's and elbows) that make the "buzz" bother me worse than the normal person. Either bike I would have purchased (Sporty or Hawk) are very basic machines that need a little help to come up somewhere near the "expensive bikes". To it's credit, the Nighthawk will take much less to bring it up to par than the Sporty would have. I have wondered if constant high speed cruising (80+), would "hurt" a bike with hydralic valves?? If I remember right, they don't put hydr-valves in performance machines cause they won't take the stress other valve types will. I have found that Honda has 3 iffernt kits to up the performance of the CB750 so Iam gona do some research (just for the fun of it). Wish I could get my uncle Merlin to breath some of his magic on that motor, it'd have to be called the "Super Nighthawk" then, ha ha. Tailwinds, BJ

Just my opinion, based on a friend who still has an original CB750 Sport (78 I think): He's been all aover the US with just regular maintenance, no mods other than a pipe. Hondas are bulletproof for all but the most demanding dragger or racer.

No, the limitation of hydraulic valves is RPMs, but as long as you stay below redline you'll be fine.

What's the redline? You can't have hydraulic valves and go past about 10,000 rpms from what I understand. But I wouldn't worry--it'll save you tons of maintanence.

So the Nighthawk has hydralic valves? I'm assuming they self-adjust too..that'd be nice.

I remember from the MO article "Frugal Flyers" that the Nighthawk 750s valves do self adjust, a feature they shared only with those of the 883 Sportster in that lineup. The Yamaha Seca II, the Kawasaki Vulcan 500, the Suzuki Bandit 600 and the (now defunct) MZ Saxon Tour all required periodic valve adjustments. I could be wrong, though. Check it out.

Jon and Frank, thanks for the information, the redline is 8,500 RPM. Iam not a racer so seems I should be ok, up to 175 miles as of today but had to come back in as high, gusty winds made the ride pretty chilly indeed. Kevin, I do beleive they are self-adjust, has hydralic clutch also, if they'd have kept the shaftdrive of the 700S model (and the cool cafe racer looks), it would be a maintance free as the PC800. For now it's got a small shield, tank & tail bags so it ready to sport tour. Later, I hope o be able to cafe style the bike as it might look great. Tailwinds, BJ

BJ, I know your probably right..who believes half of what they say in the mags anyway. The Classic I test rode was pretty peppy, but only had 3 miles on the odometer so I never got on it at all. I've always heard the Suzukis have good pep and it's probably a lighter easier to handle bike. Sounds you're having great fun so far. Spring time isn't too far away now as the days are getting longer. *GRiNs*

BJ and all, PMJI, but, yes, the hydraulic lifters in the Nighthawk don't require any adjustment (my '96 now has 10k miles on it and no adjust..8)). I don't know if they are the reason for the low redline or not; the bike I had before this one was an '86 Nighthawk 700SC and its redline was 10,500. It had hydraulic lifters too. So, I'm not sure why the 750 has such a low redline. As far as the highway buzz, yeah I've noticed a buzz too once you get over about 65mph. It's not really objectionable, but it will wear you down a little on long rides. I've thought about putting a smaller chainring on the back too, except that I rarely ride much faster than 65 here. And, if I really have to jam at 65, I still have to drop down into 4th... So BJ, enjoy the new bike! You'll notice a little more power is available once you get up to about 800 miles or so. Couple of things to watch for - it might use a little oil (about 1/2 quart every 2k miles); mine does and it's normal. So, keep an eye on the dipstick. Post whatever mods you make to the bike and let us know how it goes. I'd like to do some monkying with the mixture (bad lean spot at about 4k rpm 8((), but that might void the warranty. LS

10,500 is a low redline these days. I think that the valve train is heavier because of the hydraulic adjusters. A high redline is 12K and up.

yep, it's unbelievable. The 600 class bikes have redline's like 13.5 or even higher.. That's why they have to have those high-tech ignition systems. Even on my model fourstrokes (1.5 cubic inch and down), the redline isn't this high; they max at about 12k.. My thinking is that the 750 may be a stroker; that could account for the low redline. Oh well; the power bandwidth still isn't much less than my 700 SC - that engine wouldn't really make any power until about 7k (which gave me about a 4k bandwidth of real power), but my 750 starts making power right at 5k. That's still a 3.5k powerband. Also, the 750 is driveable as low as 2k. The 700 was not. LS.

Got 255 miles on the weekend not bad for Jan. Ya Iam really enjoying the simpleness of a standard 4-cylinder bike. It's quite fun to ride, can't wait till summer! Tailwinds, BJ

Welcome Pat - I know Im late but the holiday season slows down the brain! - and I only have net access at work! :) Nice to see another chop rider in the mix

Congratulations on the new Nighthawk! Its hell having a new bike in the dead of winter - so much ridin' to do, so few good days.

I know what i'd like my next bike to be. I'd like to get a harley road king. I think that they offer the best bang for the buck of any harley.

Mine will be a HONDA... an F-whatever is new when I finally buy a new bike. I ride a '93 Zawasaki ZX6 now. It's a difficult bike to ride because Kawi's are top-heavy...all the weight is in the front. HONDA F3 is so centered... all the weight is under you. But, I'm staying with my Kawi for now... she's got a lot more miles in her.

Wow...you mean policemen are riding around on unbalanced 'cycles?! Somehow I should think they would check for that - or are they all on Harleys? Btw, if money were no object, what is your dream machine?

This year... hmmm, I only look at the 600's because it's all the bike I really need. So in the 600 series, if I could buy tomorrow it'd be an HONDA F4. But if I could buy two, one to ride and another to just drool on, my drooler would be a Ducati, either a MH 900e or a Monster 900. My main ride would still be the HONDA F4.

Never been astride one of any sort, but it sound fantastic. All that massive throbbing machinery ....*gasp* excuse me...I was overcome momentarily. Gonna ask John - used to be his main means of transportation...

As far as 'unbalanced' I'm speaking as a 5'7" woman... the location of the zx6's center of gravity as it relates to my ability to hold the bike up while standing next to it (I'm fine on it) is where the unbalance thing comes in. It only has to tip a little bit the opposite side I'm standing and my angle of leverage to hold it up is gone... then KA-BOOM, it hits the ground. I therefore don't move my bike unless I'm sitting on it. 425lbs pretty much has a mind of it's own when it tips.

I can imagine. I am an inch shorter than you are so it would be worse for me. Astride...we are all in control...*grin*

Yee-hah! You go grrl!

Ummmm! Now go post that picture!

Couldn't resist... A woman was driving down the highway about 75 miles an hour, when she noticed a motorcycle policeman following her. Instead of slowing down, she picked up speed. When she looked back again, their were two motorcycles following her. She shot up to 90 miles. The next time she looked around, there were three cops following her. Suddenly, she spotted a gas station looming ahead. She screeched to a stop and ran into the ladies' room. Ten minutes later, she innocently walked out. The three cops were standing there waiting for her. Without batting an eye, she said coyly, "I'll bet none of you thought I would make it."

That's funny!

*grin* Thought so, too...

Not sure about dream bike. But I really liked our Suzuki 400cc Trail bike, and I'd get another one if poss. The pillion seat (which I ride) was a bit rudimentary and the Banjul to Dakar (Africa) run got a bit too much, but it was great on the dirt roads. Much better road holding than the Suzuki 125s that we started off with. The number of times I came off in the mud riding through the ford to our village on the 125..... I even managed to take the top off my toe coming down after a bump - well, I was wearing flip flops, and was stupid. Didn't do that again! Was brought up with motorbikes, my dad, both my brothers and my (then) boyfriend and friends all rode. I'm too short, legs don't reach the ground, but I'm pretty good a fiddling a carbureter! I always wanted to sidecar race at Crystal Palace.

no such thing as 'too short' anymore. the bike manufacturers have lowered the hieght of many bikes because so many women are riding. one of my friends, Judy Mirro (writer for CyberCycleMag, Motorcycle World and others, racer, and all round great gal) is all of 4'10" (MAYBE). There is nothing she can't ride... it's a hoot to watch her mount up sometimes. She's also a motorcycle safety instructor, lest you think she reckless. I'll try to dig up the online vid she made on 'how a short girl can mount her bike". You should check out the new bikes... you'll love riding your own!!

*sigh* Sounds like the best offer I've had in a long time, and it does not care what I look like... On top and in control. I like that!

Thanks for the links - going to check them out!

Maggie! You never cease to amaze me...! You have done rallying?

As promised... click on this link to go to a back issue of CyberCycle Magazine, where Judy Mirro writes about being a short cyclist. In/on the story is another link to a short QuickTime vid of her mounting up. http://www.motorcycleworld.com/cybercyclemag/rl9.html Enjoy!!

No no rallying just dirt bike riding on pillion. My dream was to side car. Oh, i got told off - forgot to mention husband in the list of motor bike freaks I know, silly really since he's the main one I ride with. I heard about the new bikes, but I don't think they get exported to Africa! The littel Suzuki's are most popular, and probably what we'll get. The trail bike was bought from frineds going home, and was a rarity, we had no problem selling it! My neighbour works for Harley Davison, and is an ex-Angel. T just read out in the paper that there's a free charity parachute jump coming up - he knew I'd be interested - another ambition!!! Shall I?????????

You're kidding, right? You pray all the time anyway. Just add a soft landing to your list *grin* Then tell us about it!

No I'm not kidding! It's something i always wanted to do. the family are just calling my bluff. Maybe I'll surprise them.

Do it Maggie! My best friend's son just turned 18 and since he was 14 he's been saying he wanted a jump for the 18th. So, she got him one... and up until he came out of the plane we were certain he would chicken out as he's NOT a risk taker (read that spends his life happily ensconced on the sofa). Not only did the kid leap, he loved it. He said just don't look down as you come out of the plane. Oh yeah, his was a 'tandem' jump where they strap you to the jumpmaster, who is pretty much in control.

Maggie. GO FOR IT. Just, please, Don't land on Stonehenge!!!

Nah, Marlow - probably Higginson Park or the Thames knowing my luck! do i really have the nerve. I'm going to ring to find out more.

Are you going to yell "Geronimo" when you bail out? If so, why?

I think if I were to ever jump out of aperfectly good airplane, folks on the ground were hear "Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!" or "Oh god oh god oh god oh god" depending on my mood that day ;-) I think I want to jump... fortunately it is far too expensive for my wallet ($200 for the jump, $100 for a seven minute video). So I will wait for jumping until after I win a substantial LOTTO.

I hear that! I asked John about the Geronimo-yelling. He used to jump out of perfectly good airplanes with radio gear for the USN over 'Nam. Not for the faint-hearted...This guy is a rock!

Gena, do you know a Mark Paquette? If so email me...please!

Hubby is getting grey when I talk about it (and that may the main reason I don't do it ...), haven't rung up yet cos it's bank holiday here. I think he's afraid I'll go splat! I rather suspect, knowing me, that I'll just hold my breath until i've pulled the rip cord! (and be concentrating on counting madly!). Gina, I think the prices are about the same here, except for these charity jumps, where you have to raise funds for the charity by jumping.

Poor Tony! See, he does love you! Don't think I have ever caused anyone to turn grey for me. Hair, maybe...face, don't think so.

We had a serious talk about it yesterday. He said he felt he had to tell me about the jump because he had seen it in the paper and knew I hadn't, but he was scared for me to do it. Very sweet.

Maggie, do a tandem jump if they offer them... they'll strap you to the front of a jumpmaster (might be fun ;-) ) and he'll take care of the old ripcord. Hubby might be more comfy with that... unless of course the jumpmaster looks like jean claude van damm.

i think he's just leery of me doing anything dangerous. We've almost 'lost' each other several times already, so I guess he has cause! I shall investigate and check out what is involved. It may be that the amount needed to be collected for charity is beyond me.

I can only dream about a new motorcycle at the time, but I am torn between a large japanese cruiser. Honda is doing an awesome flame job on the new shadow sabres and the new Kawasaki Vulcans look very vintage, but there is still a part of me that is hooked on speed and adrenaline, therefore, I long for the performance that the RC51 has to offer.

What's your time frame for getting a new bike? What do you have now?