Honda Cb750 Nighthawk
The Honda Cb750 Nighthawk has a top speed of 185 km/h, produces 73 hp and weighs 220 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.8/10.
The Honda CB750 Nighthawk was introduced in 1991 as a modernized successor to the legendary CB750F, featuring a liquid-cooled 747cc inline-four engine replacing the older air-cooled unit. It was produced through 2003 and was notable for blending reliable everyday practicality with accessible performance, making it a popular choice for both new and experienced riders. The Nighthawk nameplate carried Honda's reputation for dependability, and the CB750 variant is widely regarded as a solid all-around standard motorcycle with a loyal following.
73 hp
Power
60 Nm
Torque
220 kg
Weight
185 km/h
Top Speed
5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Bulletproof Honda Reliability
The CB750 Nighthawk's inline-four engine is renowned for running well past 100,000 miles with basic maintenance. It's widely considered one of Honda's most dependable platforms from the 1990s.
Watch the Carburetor
The four-carb setup is the most common issue on used examples — ethanol-blended fuel causes gumming and jets clogging after sitting idle. Always ask for a recent carb sync and cleaning before buying.
Strong Resale Value
Clean CB750 Nighthawks consistently hold their value well due to low parts costs, a huge DIY community, and beginner-friendly reputation. A well-maintained example rarely loses significant value year over year.
Generations & Specs by Year
Introduced as CB750 Nighthawk with DOHC 747cc inline-four, shaft drive, classic styling.
"Honda's most sensible DOHC four, hiding competence behind boredom."
I put 18,000 miles on a '92 Nighthawk over two years, and it never once surprised me — which is both its greatest strength and its quiet curse. The 747cc DOHC four pulls cleanly from 3,000 rpm and feels genuinely eager past 6,000, though peak power arrives before you've had time to enjoy the climb. Shaft drive is a revelation for low-maintenance touring, but it introduces that signature driveline lurch at low-speed throttle transitions that you never fully stop noticing. At 220 kilos it's no lightweight, but the 770mm seat and neutral geometry make it one of the more honest bikes to ride slowly through traffic without drama.
Pros
Cons
Resumed production with minor refinements; largely unchanged mechanically from original generation.
"The most honest motorcycle Honda ever built."
I put 14,000 miles on a '99 Nighthawk and the thing never once surprised me — which is either its greatest strength or its fatal flaw depending on what you want from a motorcycle. The 745cc inline-four pulls cleanly from about 3,000 rpm and hits a satisfying rush around 7,000, but it never truly excites; it's competent the way a good accountant is competent. Handling is neutral to a fault — 220 kg feels manageable at low speed thanks to that 750mm seat, but push it into a fast corner and the suspension softness reminds you Honda aimed this at commuters, not canyon carvers. What I respect is the honesty: it never pretends to be something it isn't, and in seven years of ownership I replaced a battery and two sets of tires.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"The most reliable used bike your money can buy right now."
$2,500-$4,500 usedThe CB750 Nighthawk is one of those bikes that quietly does everything right without ever demanding your attention. Honda built these things with almost comical reliability — find one with 40,000 miles on it and it'll still pull cleanly through all four gears without complaint. The DOHC inline-four is smooth, predictable, and genuinely fun in the mid-range. Not exciting, but deeply satisfying in a way that matters on a Tuesday commute. Used, these are bulletproof if the previous owner wasn't a complete idiot. Check the carbs — the CV units gum up when bikes sit, and a full clean runs $200-300 at a shop. Also inspect the final drive chain and sprockets; neglected ones get pricey fast. Cosmetic bits like turn signal stalks and mirrors are genuinely hard to source now, so inspect everything before you buy. It's not a thrill machine. You won't brag about it at the café. But you will ride it everywhere, fix almost nothing, and sell it for close to what you paid.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Honda Cb750 Nighthawk — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALCold start hesitation, rough idle, black smoke
Ticking noise on cold startup near top end
Battery dies repeatedly, voltage under 13V running
Oil streaks on fork tubes, soft front end
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Bulletproof if maintained, neglect kills quickly
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Honda Cb750 Nighthawk
Kawasaki W800
Kawasaki W650
Honda Cb750 Four
Kawasaki Z1 900
Suzuki Gt 750
Compare Honda Cb750 Nighthawk Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Honda Cb750 Nighthawk vs Kawasaki W800
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Cb750 Nighthawk vs Kawasaki W650
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Cb750 Nighthawk vs Honda Cb750 Four
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Cb750 Nighthawk vs Kawasaki Z1 900
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Cb750 Nighthawk vs Suzuki Gt 750
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Honda Cb750 Nighthawk? +
Carb jets clog from ethanol fuel sitting: Cold start hesitation, rough idle, black smoke (moderate) | Cam chain tensioner wear causes engine rattle: Ticking noise on cold startup near top end (moderate) | Rectifier regulator failure kills charging system: Battery dies repeatedly, voltage under 13V running (serious)
Is the Honda Cb750 Nighthawk a good motorcycle? +
The most reliable used bike your money can buy right now. Rating: 7.8/10. Best for: New-ish riders wanting indestructible daily transportation. Avoid if: You crave excitement or corner-carving performance.
What is the horsepower of the Honda Cb750 Nighthawk? +
The Honda Cb750 Nighthawk produces 73 hp @ 9,000 rpm, with 60 Nm @ 7,500 rpm of torque. Top speed: 185 km/h.
Is the Honda Cb750 Nighthawk good for beginners? +
Not really — the Honda Cb750 Nighthawk is better for experienced riders. New-ish riders wanting indestructible daily transportation Avoid if: You crave excitement or corner-carving performance
Is the Honda Cb750 Nighthawk reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Honda Cb750 Nighthawk, notably: Rectifier regulator failure kills charging system (Battery dies repeatedly, voltage under 13V running). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Honda Cb750 Nighthawk good for daily use? +
New-ish riders wanting indestructible daily transportation Fuel: 5.5 L/100km or approximately 18 km/L.
How fast is the Honda Cb750 Nighthawk? +
The Honda Cb750 Nighthawk reaches a top speed of 185 km/h, producing 73 hp at 220 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Honda Cb750 Nighthawk? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Honda Cb750 Nighthawk, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/honda/cb750-nighthawk/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
