Sportbike Forums on WristTwisters banner

84 Nighthawk 700s, Need new tires

202 Views 21 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  Dario_hawk
So I recently bought an 84 nighthawk 700s. It needs new tires ASAP. However, the problem is that I can't find a matching set ANYWHERE. I have scoured the internet for almost 2 weeks now and I either find a matching set that only has one tire in stock or mix matched sets (which happen to be out of stock as well). So I have decided to go to a different size. Problem is I don't know enough about changing the sizes. Do I go up or down? do I keep the same aspect ratio or just change the width? there are so many variables that i am completely lost on what to do.
Honda manufactured the bike to fit: 110/90-16 59H
130/90-16 72H
So my question(s):
Do I change the size or just try and find a mix-matched set, like a front tire from one manufacturer and a rear from another?
If I change the size, what sizes should I change to?

Thanks for the tips in advance!
1 - 20 of 22 Posts
Whatever works would be my advice, matched is nice but difficult in good tires. You could try Chinese, Sheng Shin or Chen Shin comes to mind :rolleyes:
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Thanks man I'll check them out. Would you happen to know what would be a good size to switch to for this bike?
I would look at Dunlop and Metzler catalogues for era correct tires, hoping to find some, and guessing IK would.
Be careful re upsizing re ideal rim width to what your actuals are.
Be very careful of swing side clearance and brake torque arm clearance (re rear drum brake IF your bike has that)
I think a 130 is oversized for that back plus if it's a heavy tire, it'll slow the steering down.
A more modern retro 100 would be way better than a 110 of the day.
Similar thoughts re excessively wide rears.
In particular re those ancient frames, avoid extreme differentials in front:rear width.
  • Like
Reactions: 3
I would look at Dunlop and Metzler catalogues for era correct tires, hoping to find some, and guessing IK would.
Be careful re upsizing re ideal rim width to what your actuals are.
Be very careful of swing side clearance and brake torque arm clearance (re rear drum brake IF your bike has that)
I think a 130 is oversized for that back plus if it's a heavy tire, it'll slow the steering down.
A more modern retro 100 would be way better than a 110 of the day.
Similar thoughts re excessively wide rears.
In particular re those ancient frames, avoid extreme differentials in front:rear width.
Aw
Awesome! Thanks brother for the advice!! I was thinking of getting a 100 for the front and a 120 for the back so I hope that does good and I don't wasted 300 for nothing lol
Got pics?
I'll show ya mine if you show me yours...
See less See more
2
Yes sir! And nice! Here's my baby! What size tires do you use?

Attachments

See less See more
New Bridgestone BT-46 are available for your bike (Honda original size)
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Yes sir! And nice! Here's my baby! What size tires do you use?
Sold the Nighthawk when I got the 919 back in 2013.
How long have you had yours? The flat black paint on that right-hand muffler sure looks familiar...
Chinko front:

Chinko rear:
Sold the Nighthawk when I got the 919 back in 2013.
How long have you had yours? The flat black paint on that right-hand muffler sure looks familiar...
Sold the Nighthawk when I got the 919 back in 2013.
How long have you had yours? The flat black paint on that right-hand muffler sure looks familiar...
I love the 919s... Monsters! And I haven't even picked her up yet. I'm trying to find a goot set of tires because I going to ride her home. Guy said he has had her for 10 years tho 🤔
Sold the Nighthawk when I got the 919 back in 2013.
How long have you had yours? The flat black paint on that right-hand muffler sure looks familiar...
New Bridgestone BT-46 are available for your bike (Honda original size)
Where? The only ones I have found only have the back in stock.
I love the 919s... Monsters! And I haven't even picked her up yet. I'm trying to find a goot set of tires because I going to ride her home. Guy said he has had her for 10 years tho 🤔
I sold mine to a guy in Texas named Lyle M. about 10 years ago
I sold mine to a guy in Texas named Lyle M. about 10 years ago
I bought this from a guy named Greg T. Who said he bought it from a guy that didn't really ride it much. It has low miles too. Not sure who the guys name is that he bought it from. But when I go pick up the bike I will ask! It would be crazy if it is the same bike!
The guy I sold it to had it professionally repainted with new decals.
He's the owner of CHP Motorsports – Specializing in Mini Bike Parts and Takegawa Performance Parts. . Buys and sells lots of vintage bike stuff- big buddies with https://www.cmsnl.com/
  • Like
Reactions: 1
That's an insane amount of money for a tank in that shape!
  • Haha
Reactions: 1
Obviously, some of those eBay sellers spend any of their profits on crack. I sold the NH cuz parts were getn hard to find.
Here's some stuff that's still available and might come in handy later on:

I'm a spare parts freak, tho. Seals and gaskets, fosho
I realized, too late, that #14 installs from the inside.. clutch shaft seal.
Don't drink and wrench was the final lesson lmao
1 - 20 of 22 Posts
Top