How big is this issue?

[williethehog]

Newbie here, at least to this forum. I'm considering a 1982 CB750 nighthawk in mostly unmolested condition. Only segnificant issue is the mc won't shift into 5th gear. Has anyone experienced this or a similar problem and how did you solve it. Thanks in advance, Bill from Baltimore.

[mollusc]

Could it be something as simple as a clutch cable adjustment?  I don't know this bike so I'm not sure if it's cable or hydraulic clutch.
Will it shift all the way if you have the bike on the centre stand and spin the rear wheel?

[Larry Fine]

Bill, welcome to the forum. I had an '82, so I do have experience.

They're only a styling variation of the regular CB750, and have a cable clutch.

First, is the missing fifth noticed when riding, or just while it's sitting?

Second, the '82/'83 NH750s are about 100 pounds heavier than the '91-'03s.

Third, parts are constantly becoming harder to find as our bikes age.

Unless it's cheap and you want it as a hobby, I suggest looking elsewhere.

[williethehog]

Thanks for the great input fellas. I have not inspected the mc, I've just had numerous conversations with and pics from the son of the former original owner. My best info so far is that it won't shift into 5th while running OR in a static condition. I'm suspecting a damaged shift fork or worn/broken shift drum assembly. A clutch issue is ruled out since the clutch isn't required for shifting. Regarding the hobbie aspect, yes, I have the affliction. I'm trying to settle on my next project bike and at $500 asking, this pristine '82 with it's 70hp, 16 valve engine is pushing my buttons. I'm currently wrapping up a '72 CB450, previous restoration was a '75 CB500T. So yes, if I go in, it will be eyes open. I'll make an appointment to inspect the mc and keep the forum updated.
Thanks again
Bill

[Bob H]

... and at $500 asking, this pristine '82 with it's 70hp, 16 valve engine is pushing my buttons.

The most expensive and time-consuming vehicle I have ever owned was a 1950 Chevy pickup given to me free of charge.

You are going to have to split the cases to fix the tranny and I find the word "pristine" inconsistent with treatment that resulted in tranny damage. Those bikes are tanks and failed transmissions are rare.

Also the exhaust has quite a bit of rust. Some of that will buff out but there will be deep pits in the finish. Not unusual for the age, but not pristine.

[Pete in PA]

and no sidecover.  Those things are made of unobtainium.

[williethehog]

I suppose "pristine" was a stretch, can't shake the salesman in me. Can't comment on how the transmission failed, in the final analysis all this stuff is made by Mattel. 19,175 miles, one owner, just neglected but stored indoors after the original owner passed. No rust on the headers, just a bad picture. Thanks again for all the input.
Baltimore Bill

[Bob H]

...in the final analysis all this stuff is made by Mattel.

Are you referring to the toy company??

If you think the Japanese motorcycles of that era are not high quality, do a search for KTM motorcycles eating camshafts before 19,000 miles.
This example was at 13,000 miles.  It is happening to people that run full synthetic and oil changes per schedule.

When I changed my valve cover gasket this year, my cams looked new at 40,000 miles.
My transmission is rock solid and I expect zero transmission issues for at least another 100,000 miles.

Hondas are not known for bad transmissions, and I would wager it was not built unable to shift into 5th. Something happened to it.

[mollusc]

Honda transmissions from the late 70s into the mid 80s had a tendency to bend/damage the shift forks, especially for the first-second gears.  Issues with the higher gears is uncommon though.
In any case, repairing that will require a complete engine teardown.  If that's your thing, and you have the patience to hunt for parts, this may be a good deal.  I would walk away from it, but that's also partly because the styling is not to my taste.

[Larry Fine]

It all comes down to whether you're looking for a runner or a project.

[draser]

Bill, it sounds like forks or distorted secondary shaft that won't allow the 5-th gear to slide and engage. Definitely a tear-down and winter project. I have found transmission parts for my 82-84 Magnas on ebay, so they may be available for yours. If you can DIY this fine, if not it costs more than the bike. Good luck and post progress.

[Gene]

 I had a used 550, not sure of the year. After a short time it wouldn't shift into 2nd, I split the case and replaced the bent shift fork, that fixed it. That left a sour taste in my mouth, sold it shortly after that.

[Gene]

...in the final analysis all this stuff is made by Mattel.

Are you referring to the toy company??

If you think the Japanese motorcycles of that era are not high quality, do a search for KTM motorcycles eating camshafts before 19,000 miles.
This example was at 13,000 miles.  It is happening to people that run full synthetic and oil changes per schedule.

When I changed my valve cover gasket this year, my cams looked new at 40,000 miles.
My transmission is rock solid and I expect zero transmission issues for at least another 100,000 miles.

Hondas are not known for bad transmissions, and I would wager it was not built unable to shift into 5th. Something happened to it.

Bob, what has always bothered me is the "klunk" in first gear

[Bob H]

... what has always bothered me is the "klunk" in first gear

Yeah, either side of neutral there is more of a "HIT" (going in to first, or 2nd).
Seems pretty common with most brands.
I consider it normal when my Nighthawk clunks into first gear.

[mollusc]

Motorcycles don't have synchromesh.  When you shift into first, everything is jumping to speed very quickly -- hence the clunk.