Justin,
Welcome!
As a graduate of an MSF certified ridercourse, I'd echo the
statement that the price of the course is well worth the price, the skills
taught there are hard to learn elsewhere.
I think the basics have already been covered - battery, carbs,
gas tank. I'd add that while cleaning the gas tank the petcock (not a
rooster) should be cleaned.
Don't forget to have a look at the oil - drain it - but if
you see any sign of water, that isn't good.
Without seeing your bike (do send pics) we can't make a good
guess on condition etc. I would suggest that you seriously consider
replacing the rear shocks as I know we have at least one member on here who
reported a huge difference in the bike after doing so. Along the same vein,
its probably a good idea to drain and refill the front forks, and replace
the fork seals while you are at it.
All of those suspension suggestions I would defer until
AFTER you've established if the bike will run.
Mice and critters like them will wreck an electrical system
if given enough time and access, so be wary of electrical gremlins.
Depending on condition, which really is everything, some
parts are cheaper and easier to replace with newer versions than to restore
to original. Although this group leans towards restoration and preservation
of these now older Nighthawks, there are a few who have made some rather
radical modifications as well. (Anyone heard of a fuel injected Nighthawk?)
There are no dumb questions - and very few that someone on
this group can't give at least an educated guess too. Feel free to ask - we
are here because we like to ask and be asked questions.
Enjoy and again, Welcome!
-Joey
On Jun 24, 2013 5:16 PM, "Christy Deering" <[email protected]> wrote:
> I second the advice on the basic rider course. So many common mistakes you
> get to skip over simply by educating yourself and getting a feel for riding
> before tempting fate on the road. :) Congrats on getting your first bike!
>
>
> On Mon, Jun 24, 2013 at 4:13 PM, Kyle Munz <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> +1 on pics, we love pics, you must send pics.
>>
>> Your carbs will most likely need cleaning if the bike has sat that long.
>> Also, depending on how long it sat you may need new tires. Even if the
>> tread is good they could dryrot and that's not something you want flying
>> apart at 60mph.
>>
>> Also, as this is your first bike I would *STRONGLY* suggest you take a
>> basic rider course.
>>
>>
>>
>> -Kyle
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Jun 24, 2013 at 3:30 PM, Javier Garcia <[email protected]>wrote:
>>
>>> Justin,
>>>
>>> welcome! I would suggest the very first thing you need is a service
>>> manual, the owners manual, and any other documentation you can get. Then,
>>> you need to go over the specifics of the bike and its history (at least
>>> whatever you might now), what it does and what it doesn't do, so we can
>>> help you.
>>> Oh, and if you don't send pictures nobody here will ever speak to you
>>> again.
>>>
>>> Javier.
>>>
>>>
>>> On Mon, Jun 24, 2013 at 4:07 PM, Justin Johnson
>>> <[email protected]>wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi guys , I just bought a neglected 1984 650 for $350 , it does not run
>>>> . I'm getting a New battery , cleaning out the gas tank , ect . I've never
>>>> had a bike and bought this with the idea that I'd do some hands on learning
>>>> . I need some help... Whats the first thing to do to bring this nighthawk
>>>> back from the ashes ?
>>>> Thanks for all your help and advice - Justin
>>>>
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>>>>
>>>
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