QuestionQUESTION: What is the type of oil that I should use? 10w-40? How often do I need to replace the tires, chain and sprockets, clutch, and brakes? I have the manual (NOT the Hondamatic) and so far no problems to report. Do these Hawks have any quirky behavior that I should be aware of?
Thanks!
ANSWER: I'd recommend 10W40 or 20W50 oil depending on how hot the ambient temp is where you'll be riding. The tires need to be replaced when the tread gets down to about 1/8 inch. If the tires get age checked, I'd recommend you replace them. The chain and sprockets need to be replaced when you run out of adjustment on the adjusters or if you can lift the chain off of the back of the rear sprocket more than about 3/16 of an inch you're needing to replace the chain. When the points between the cogs of the sprocket get to be rather pointed you'll need to replace them. The clutch will start to slip when it needs replaced. There's a wear indicator arrow on the rear brake lever. When the arrows line up replace the shoes. The front brake pads have a red line that indicates when you are the minimum wear limit.
Those were pretty good bike. I'm not aware of any issues with those bikes.
Regards
Rich
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QUESTION: Thanks for the thorough answers. The only follow up I have is about the oil. I've been told that motorcycle oil and car oil are different. Can I use the 10W40/20W50 car oil? The only real concern is the wet clutch factor right? I live in the Seattle area so it doesn't get too hot. I'm right at about 3000 miles since the previous owner changed oil so I assume this is when I need to do the oil change.
ANSWER: If it were my bike, I'd use Honda oil. It costs a little more but they know what their engines need. I've also used Castrol oils and other premium oils. There is a difference between auto and motorcycle oils. Motorcycles put a lot of stress on oils with high temps and high shear forces due to the high RPMs. I'd recommend you change oil every year or every 1000 miles which ever comes first. If you put a lot of miles in quickly, you could extend it to 2000 miles. If you change the oil every 1000 mikes, you can get away with a high quality automotive oil since it won't have a chance to break down. If you use Honda oil, you can change it per Hondas recommended interval for that model and year.
Regards
Rich
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QUESTION: YIKES!!! I thought the oil change interval was the same as a car. Will have to make adjustments. Ok, last follow up question I promise. My 1978 Honda CB400T is my first motorcycle and it has about 30k miles now. I plan on taking your advice on general maintenance so how much longer does this bike have? Haven't heard many bikes this age going past 50k miles. Thanks again for all your knowledgeable answers!!!
AnswerIt all depends on how you take care of the bike and how well the previous owner took care of it. I would not be surprised if that bike didn't go past 50-75,000 miles or close to 100K km. At least the engine will. You will have some maintenance to do to get it to go that far.
Regards
Rich
