Topic: NT650 "Hawk GT"

[jas67]

I just got this one less than two weeks ago:

1988 NT650 "Hawk GT", aka RC31:




It has 18,600 miles on it, and is in good working order now that I put a new battery in it.   I'll do a full fluids service over the winter, and replace the worn out drive chain.   The bike is all stock, including the exhaust, which has a nice deepish mellow tone to it.

For those not familiar with the Hawk, it was Honda's first mass-produced motorcycle with a single sided swing arm.   The frame/chassis are actually quite similar to the RC30 race bike.    These bikes have a cult following.

The engine is a 647cc water-cooled 52 degree V-twin with a 76 degree offset pin crank.   The exhaust rhythm is somewhere between a 90-degree V-twin (Ducati, Moto Guzzi), and a boxer twin (BMW).   Honda claimed HP (crank) is 58 HP, but real world dyno #'s are about 40 HP rear wheel (about 50 HP at the crank).   The torque output is pretty constant from 3,000-8,000 RPM.  Wet weight is around 400 lbs, so it is a fun, light weight bike with good handling, adequate  power, and comfortable standard ergos.

[oldbob]

I have always liked those. My SV650 has many of many of the Hawk GT's attributes but not its aesthetics.

Bob

[jas67]

I have always liked those. My SV650 has many of many of the Hawk GT's attributes but not its aesthetics.

Bob

The SV650 is a great bike, more power, better chassis, and better brakes than the Hawk, but yes ,not the aesthetics -- though, not a bad looking bike in its own right.    I will certainly own one someday.

[Doum]

My friend have 2 of them,almost new,21 and 23 km on it.

[MCRider]

My friend have 2 of them,almost new,21 and 23 km on it.

Mine was bought new in 1988. Has about 45000 on it. But haven't ridden it in 10 years.

Bent a valve at about 40000, weird story, all my fault. Rebuilt it as a 661, Wiseco HC pistons, carb kits, modified intake and exhaust. Sweet. What I hated the most was the smallish gas tank, so I scored a 5 gallon carbon fibre tank from Erv Kanemoto. Incr range to nearly 275 miles.

[jas67]

MCRider -- I'd love to see pics of it with the carbon fiber fuel tank.

[MCRider]

MCRider -- I'd love to see pics of it with the carbon fiber fuel tank.

Erv Kanemoto! I'm nuts!  IT was Kiyo Watanabe. Here's the tank:
http://kiyowatanabe.com/hawkgttank.htm
Looks for all the world like a stocker, just taller and wider.

I've got a dusty old pic on my bike somewhere I'll dig out. I have a CF tail section I've never put on as well.

[MCRider]

Here tis:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=75195.0

[Maurice]

Hah!



Old-ish picture, it now has a matching grey stock cowl.

Great motor and sublime handling, especially with better shock and forks. I have a Fox shock and F3 fork internals, wheels glued to the (crappy, around here) road.

[Alabaster]

Awesome bike! I haven't seen many of these...anywhere.
How much did you pay for this if I may ask?

[jas67]

I paid $1800 for it last November, and put a new battery in it.
I sold it this spring for $2,500 after doing full fluids service, and valve adjustment on it.

[Alabaster]

Fair deal!

[jas67]

The going rate for a decent one, ready-to-ride, seems to fall between $2,000 and $3,000.    Mine had a few scratches and scrapes.    An original, perfect one is typically $3k in my region.

[Steve_K]

If anyone needs a Hawk GT, I have friend who has one for sale.  It is not completely stock tho.

I used to own this one and YES it is a fun ride.

Steve

[fmctm1sw]

A salvage place down here had two of them for sale about six months ago.  I think they wanted $900 for both of them.  Not sure what the issues with them were though.