How to lower 82 Nighthawk forks

OldGuy · 05-08-2012, 10:40 AM

I have an 82 450 Nighthawk that's too tall for me, I need to lower
it. I've done my homework; loosen the fork clamps, slide the forks
up. They won't budge! Is there a trick-something else that needs
to be loosened? Lots of info on sport bikes, not much for this one.
I already shaved the seat to the max. I know I wont gain much but
every little bit helps. I'm not feeling safe tip toeing this thing.

Dodsfall · 05-08-2012, 11:08 AM

Pb Blaster might help to loosen the fork clamps. Some corrosion probably welded them in place over the last 30 years.

OldGuy · 05-08-2012, 12:39 PM

Did that already, two consecutive days, tapped them with a hammer
as well. I just sprayed them again. I'm curious why there's so little
information out there. Lots of "get a lowering kit." That's easier said
than done. I called every motorcycle place in a fifty mile radius and
scanned fleabay with no luck. Of course I could buy some Progressives,
which would cost as much as the bike.

14costurm · 09-24-2012, 11:44 AM

make sure there isn't anything more to loosen...my bike is 30 years old and it lowered fine.

slumlord · 09-25-2012, 03:55 PM

So what is your inseam?? Mine is 32" and I have a 450SC in the pipeline as soon as the title is cleared to my satisfaction.
I have heard many good things about the Nighthawk.
Freeze-off is a product that you can buy at big box auto supply stores that works [for me] better than PB and is as good as Kroil. Kroil os only available from Kano Labs.

05-08-2012, 10:40 AM	#1
OldGuy Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 245	How to lower 82 Nighthawk forks I have an 82 450 Nighthawk that's too tall for me, I need to lower it. I've done my homework; loosen the fork clamps, slide the forks up. They won't budge! Is there a trick-something else that needs to be loosened? Lots of info on sport bikes, not much for this one. I already shaved the seat to the max. I know I wont gain much but every little bit helps. I'm not feeling safe tip toeing this thing.

05-08-2012, 11:08 AM	#2
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,952	Pb Blaster might help to loosen the fork clamps. Some corrosion probably welded them in place over the last 30 years. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

09-25-2012, 03:55 PM	#5
slumlord Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,536	So what is your inseam?? Mine is 32" and I have a 450SC in the pipeline as soon as the title is cleared to my satisfaction. I have heard many good things about the Nighthawk. Freeze-off is a product that you can buy at big box auto supply stores that works [for me] better than PB and is as good as Kroil. Kroil os only available from Kano Labs. __________________ Pull off the Band-Aid. Eat our peas. Just do it.

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05-08-2012, 12:39 PM	#3
OldGuy Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 245	Did that already, two consecutive days, tapped them with a hammer as well. I just sprayed them again. I'm curious why there's so little information out there. Lots of "get a lowering kit." That's easier said than done. I called every motorcycle place in a fifty mile radius and scanned fleabay with no luck. Of course I could buy some Progressives, which would cost as much as the bike.

09-24-2012, 11:44 AM	#4
14costurm Newbie Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 6	make sure there isn't anything more to loosen...my bike is 30 years old and it lowered fine.