Well, The mechanic took apart the top end and the results are not so good. The shop is a nice little outfit that's operated by two guys and they're pretty decent. I've been to several motorcycle shops and this is the first time I haven't beet talked down to.These guys are solid. Anyhow.
He walked me through the engine parts and showed me where all the problems were. According to Ryan, these are due to extended use by the previous owner (surprise! Yes I bought the bike used) who most likely ran it out of oil at some point. The cam shaft is severely worn (particularly on cyl #3). The valve tappers have also been worn out extensively (there are strong dents on each one of them). The sleeve of the cylinder is scratched and needs re-boring. There are other issues but I won't deliver the entire list. Besides the engine, everything on the bike is in great condition (I even had put brand new tires on it this spring). Items such as the alternator, starter, carbs, are very decent. I've emailed a few people on CL that were selling Nighthawks that were my model as project bikes with perhaps the intent of appropriating the engine but I haven't had any replies. I guess at this point I'm going to part the bike and sell it as either a project bike or for parts. Like I said, everything is in great condition except for, well, the engine. I hope this doesn't conclude my brief interlude into the word of motorcycles (rider for a year). Thanks everyone for all the information and technical support. Stefano PS: It seems the shop is low on manpower so I asked if they need more help and he told me to email him because they will be hiring soon. I might learn a thing or two about motorcycles while I'm there if I get hired! -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers?hl=en.
