1985 honda reviews

I bought mine used with 28000 miles on it. Great bike especially for us vertically challenged. Smooth, easy riding and shifting. Only problem I had was the sight glass broke on brake lever. Honda wanted way too much for a new one and found out a dime (yes, a ten cent piece) and some caulking worked just fine even in the Florida heat. In the spur of the moment I foolishly sold it. Now I'm looking for another. Would recommend to anyone. Show less

Two years ago I sold my trusty Kawi 550 Zephy because I needed money (same old story). Last year my financial situation had improved to the point that I decided to go bike shopping. I was out at a local dealership drooling over the new bikes when I saw the old Nighthawk 750 in the used bike section (they imported the bike as a 750 in Canada). When I walked over to take a closer look at the red and black beauty I couldn't believe the condition of the bike. It had less than 5000 miles on it, and had obviously spent most of its life in a nice, dry garage. A few days later I rode the new old bike home. It was love at the first twist of the throttle. What a great sounding snarl that comes out of those big, black mufflers! The bike suits my style of riding almost perfectly (I don't think that I'd be comfortable on a new sport bike or cruiser). The bike performs pretty well for a machine with 16-year-old technology and the shaft drive and hydraulic valve gear make it a very low maintenance bike. My only complaints are the lack of wind protection (a slightly larger Rifle fairing should cure that) and slightly soft acceleration off the line (not sure what I'm going to do for that, yet). I'm really happy with the bike and hope that I will never get in the situation where I have to sell it. With a few up-grades it will make a great all-around bike. Show less

This is a cool little bike. Low maint, handles well, and is pretty peppy for only being a 250. It still looks good although it is rather dated. The biggest complaint against this bike is size (dimensions not so much ccs) and ergonomics. Beside a v-star 650 this 250 bike looks like a toy. The pedals are way to far up and you keep feeling like you want to stretch your legs out. If you are over 5'5" then I would suggest getting a bigger bike. I would not buy a new one - even if you are under 5'5 as you would not be satisfied with this bike very long and the used market is flooded - you will be hard pressed to get even close to your money back. If you have your eye on this bike I would buy a cheap used on. Ride it for a while and you will soon be upgrading, but at least you will not loose much money. Show less

Awesome powerband 0-12000 RPM,Great torque throughout. Handles like 2 rolls of TAPE! No Wigglies or Squigglies (Really Tight Handling). Great dual front disc, rear disc. Really cheap insurance also. Very minor maint. required other than tires, b rakes, battery, filter changes. Got 40,000 mi. on MY BABY. GOES, STOPS, HANDLES fantastic. Factory alloy rims, monoshock, Bright Headlight. Very, Very little Vibration(Factory mirrors stay CLEAR).Only shortcomings are weight, right at 500 Lbs WET. Also needs 1 more gear (only a 5 speed gearbox). Tops out at 135 MPH with only sprocket change. One MAJOR suggestion though, Ya REALLY NEED to install a LASER/RADAR detector with an earpiece so you can DODGE potential monetary exchanges with THE-MAN in BLUE. HAPPY-CANYON-CARVING to all! Hope to see you in my rear-view soon... Ben Jammin Show less

I bought this bike used in 1987, first bike. Top end speed and power unmatched by any other 500. Rode this bike for 5 years with no problems, minimal maintainence, stored it from 1992 to 2000, had it tuned, cleaned and reassembled, have ridden it since then with still no problems except minimal adjustments. This little hummer can peel the paint off of sports cars in a head to head drag race. For those 2 pilots at Langely Air Force Base, this bike was the nightmare for their brand new red Miata. Remember me? Capable to cruise through S.Carolina at 120 mph. no sweat. Sorry officer. Show less

I bought my '84 Nighthawk S as a new leftover in April '85. I rode that thing to death...or at least tried because it won't die! I had a transmission bearing noise @82,000 miles, yes, that's right, that required tearing the motor down so I rebuilt it while I had it apart. Now at 105,000 mi. I finally have to retire it for a while. It developed an engine idle problem that no one can figure out and then the starter clutch finally gave out. I don't feel like ripping it down now so I bought a Kaw Concours. (Time to move up!) I'm keeping the Nighthawk though for a future rainy day, I have no reason, much less, desire, to part with this thing. This bike has been the epitome of reliablility! I've never babied it, with a 10,750 redline the needle shook hands with the red on a regular basis. I've put 3 or 4 clutches in it over the years and it only takes 45 minutes with the tools that come with the bike. There's nothing to adjust, just change the oil every 4,000 miles. It's QUICK, (at 9,000 rpm it's like another engine comming on line, they can run 12 sec. flat in the 1/4.) nimble, smooth, fairly comfy, (rode it to NC several years back, 834 mi. in one day.....not a Goldwing but it didn't kill me either!) sharp looking, great handling (!) and it sounds good. They never excelled in any one category but they rate consistant 9+'s in so many. It has to be the best all around, reliable, maintanance-free, performance bike ever concieved in this cc class. How could anything be better?? What more could you ever ask out of a 700cc bike? I make my living as a (truck)mechanic and I don't think I've ever seen a more RELIABLE mechanical device, I was always happy to say I owned it! You just CAN'T go wrong with one of these! Show less

V65 Sabre earns its name for its ability to cut the wind. Not a sport bike by looks presenting itself as more docile that it is. The power band is not lost to the usual shaft drive horsepower purge. Similar to a V Max but not dressed to appear as a muscle bike this machine can "fly". Caution a must as the lightning acceleration launches the rider to speeds better left to a clear straight away. Handling in the corners is somewhat lacking as the suspension feels heavy and slightly tall. This inspite of considerable stock adjustment features built in. i.e. air pressure adjustable forks and rear mono shock and anti-dive forks with variable damper adjustment for the rear. Absolutely a bike to own and keep as a reminder of why we ride in the first place. Show less

I am the third owner of my black and blue Sabre. I brought it in March of 1993. It is a very strong running bike. I find it a little heavy at times. It had around 24/k miles on it. Now it has 34/k miles. No major or minor problems. I had the fork seals replaced (linking), new tires, new battery 3 times. I have done all the other maintenance myself, oil/filter, plugs, coolant etc. I keep mines ready year round. I have never stored it for the winter. That is why I have gone through so many batteries. The alternator doesn't charge below 1500rpms. I have a luggage rack and engine guard only. This season I will add some type of wind screen!!! The bike is a fine tourer, no problem riding the Misses or one of the kiddies. I am hoping to buy a 600 sportbike soon, but I AM KEEPING MY SABRE!!! Does anyone know the horse power, wet weight, performance figures of the 700 Sabre??? Show less

I bought a used 83 750 sabre, in mint condition, 4 years ago, 45000km now has 72000 km , half the milage touring. Fantastic, very smooth one person touring bike at 100-125 km/hr. Oil changed often, tuned every 12000 km,warmed up well before riding, otherwise no other problems.Full windsreen, soft bags and rack only add ons. Used year round. Lots of power for any normal and above normal riding. Lots of easy 6-700 km days touring in great comfort I'd recommend this bike to anyone, just have it checked out first. Ive test riden other sport touring bikes and the only one as smooth is the st1100. I wish Honda would make a new standard based on the vfr800 Id buy it tomorrow Show less

I bought my Sabre two years ago now and I love it even more now than the first night I spent in the garage with my new toy. I have put over 10k miles on it in the last two years and have had not a single problem. With a Corbin seat, custom sport fairing, Cobra F1 pipes, and a jet kit the bike really will give a f3 a good run. I only wish for a little more stability in the twistys. So far the good Honda has propelled me to 130 not to shabby for 85 vintage and only being a 700, all the add ons have done nothing but help. I can only wish everyone can have such a great bike, I have ridden many new bikes, VFRs, CBRs 900 and 1100 and just got a chance to make a fool of myself on a R1 and the ole Sabre still never lets me down. What more can I say, they're great bikes. Show less