Faults:

The left-side mirror broke off while I was adjusting it.

Charging system is a bit weak; the 84 and 85 models being BETTER than the 83 model.

General Comments:

Reliable.

Nice power due to a new Honda engine design.

The 83-85 Nighthawk 650s really are nice bikes. 6 speeds. Shaft drive, self adjusting valves, maintenance free.

50 mpg even when cruising at 80 mph.

I got a "motorcycle collector" plate since this bike is over 25 years old.

Center stand for winter storage.

Overall, I would say this is great bike to have. It is perfect to learn on and has enough power to hit the highways without any stress. I've laid mine down while learning and was able to easily find simple replacement parts to get her up and running again without any problems. Plus, this is a "sport cruiser", so you get an upright riding position and cruiser appeal with the power-plant and high-revving zip of a sport bike. Cool.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with this motorcycle. It has been reliable and fun.

General Comments:

I finally found the BEST way to start this bike after it has been at rest for a while. Full choke and NO throttle until the bike wants to start. It works every time.

This bike handles well, is lightweight, and can still take on my girlfriend's 01 Honda Shadow 750 in every performance category except maybe top speed, and who wants to try that? Her bike is great too, just heavier.

Also, the 6th speed on this bike is great. I can cruise at 60mph just under 4,000 rpm. I can go 75 at 5,000 rpm. There is little engine whine at that speed because the redline is 9K and the rubber mounted DOHC keeps this bike smooth...

Faults:

Replaced the battery, tires, rear brakes and seat cover.

The bike was sold when the engine threw a connecting rod and was beyond repair (had a hole in the side)! Only 44,000 kms (about 28,000 miles).

General Comments:

My 1984 Honda Nighthawk 650 (CB 650) was my first bike.

It was a bit too much bike for me when I first got it, but I soon grew into it and learned to refine my motorbike riding skills on it. Never crashed it. In fact, this bike looked almost like brand new until the day I sold it!

There was a slight pinging or ticking noise when I got it, but I was told it was OK. I guess it wasn't. I threw the connecting rod, but only after three years of riding. Apparently these bikes are bad for that.

I didn't expect the bike to last forever, but was hoping it would last a bit longer. The guy who sold it to me, sold it at a good time and for a good price ($2300). At the time, that was a good price.

When it broke down, I couldn't sell it locally for more than $25 with a thrown connecting rod. Put it up on eBay and sold it for $800. Still a big loss, but the bike looked and ran like new otherwise. They guy who bought it had two spare Nighthawk 650's for parts.

Nice looking and riding bike. Took many weekend trips with it. Even took it on a return trip from Montreal to Toronto. Small gas tank though - recommend frequent stops to refuel. Good power. Reasonably comfortable.