Years sold: 1991 to 2003
MSRP new: $3995 (’91) to $5799 (’03)
Blue Book retail value: $1855 to $3400
Basic specs: A 463-pound standard-style motorcycle powered by an air-cooled, 747cc, dohc inline-Four that made a claimed 75 hp at 8500 rpm and 47.2 ft.-lb. of torque at 7500.
Why it won a Ten Best Award: Actually, it never did win one. But that doesn’t make it a less-than-desirable used bike. To the contrary, the Nighthawk 750 is an ideal commuter/everyday bike for quite a large number of riders. Its full-size chassis (59.3-inch wheelbase), long dual seat (30.9 inches high) and upright ergonomics make it comfortable for both rider and passenger. Its linear power delivery and excellent acceleration are far more than adequate for most general-purpose riding. Plus, the engine is practically bulletproof, a descendant of the CB750F powerplants that date back to the very late 1970s. In 2003, Cycle World described the Nighthawk 750 as “a Universal Japanese Motorcycle, the type of bike that helped make Honda, Kawasaki, et al famous.”
Useful resources: Rounding up a nice example of one of these machines is a little more challenging than it is for many other models, but they’re out there, many at seductively low prices. Googling “Honda Nighthawk 750” will direct you to countless sites that include forums, for-sale listings and heaps of technical information about these once-popular models.
