Honda NT650
Honda NT650
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| Manufacturer | Honda |
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| Also called | Hawk GT, Bros, RC31 |
| Production | 1988–1991 |
| Class | naked bike |
| Engine | 647cc Four-stroke V-Twin |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 56.3 in. |
| Seat height | 30.4 in. |
| Weight | 393 lb. (dry) 412 lb. (wet) |
| Fuel capacity | 2.9 gal |
The Honda Hawk GT NT650 motorcycle was designated as model RC31 and was designed by Toshiaki Kishi, and was the second Honda with "Pro-Arm" suspension bike after the RC30 VFR750R. The Japanese model was named the Bros. The RC model designation is for bikes up to 750cc, though the Honda Pacific Coast (PC800) has an engine of more than 750 cc and a model designation of RC34.
The bike is distinquished by its frame and single-sided swingarm. The dual spar aluminum frame and single sided swingarm (licensed from ELF) was technologically advanced in 1988. The mildly tuned engine descends from the VT500 and has been used in other models.
The Hawk GT was one of the first modern naked bikes along with the Yamaha SRX, which were both released several years before the Ducati Monster and eventually the Suzuki SV650. The Hawk GT is often described as a cult bike.
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North American model
The US model NT650, Hawk GT 647, RC31 was introduced in 1988 and produced through 1991. For the remainder of the bike's production run it was only sold in red. There are only very minor changes between the 1988 model year and the 1989-91 model years. In 1989, the front suspension damper rods were changed to have only 2 (rather than 4 for the '88) holes. The front brake calipers were also changed to have screw-on covers over the mounting pins. In 1991, the oil lines were run internally through the engine, rather than externally and only a handful of 1991 model year bikes actually made it into the United States, making the 1991 the rarest vintage Hawk in America. The Canadian model was identical to the US model except for the colors.
Europe model
A cousin to the Hawk GT, the Revere was available in Europe from 1988. The steel frame, shaft-drive, larger petrol tank, main stand, and longer rear end differentiate it from the Hawk GT. The NTV650 replaced the Revere in 1993. It was a revised version of the early model with no main stand, different carburetors, tube handlebar and longer exhaust. The engine power from 60 to 50 horsepower (45 to 37 kW). The NTV650 was replaced in 1997 by the Deauville, basically an NTV650 with full bodywork and hard saddlebags - not too different in general appearance from the PC800.
Japan model
Named the Bros in Japan, the NT came in 400cc and 650cc versions. After Honda stopped exporting the Hawk in 1992, they continued the Bros in Japan for one more year. A close ratio gear box (which drops into the Hawk) different wheels, and lower clip-ons were the major changes.
Notes
- ^ "Cult Bike!", American Motorcyclist: 22, June 2007, http://books.google.com/books?id=RvYDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA22
- "The 10 best motorcycles of 1988. (evaluation)", Cycle World 27 (10): 27, October 1988
- "1989 Honda NT650 Hawk GT; The bike that changed my life", Motorcyclist: 15, October 2009, http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/newsandupdates/122_0910_1989_honda_nt650_hawk_gt/index.html
- "Cult Bikes; A legend in your own mind?", American Motorcyclist: 23–26, February 1996, http://books.google.com/books?id=O_YDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT23
- Edwards, David (June 1988), "The view from the real world. (3 Cycle World readers try out the Honda Hawk GT)", Cycle World 27 (6): 40
- "Honda CB-1, 1989-1990", Motorcyclist: 95, December 2000
- "Honda Hawk GT; bird of a different feather. (evaluation)", Cycle World 27 (6): 34(6, June 1988
- Girdler, Allan (July 1990), "Standard time. (motorcycles) (evaluation)", Cycle World 29 (7): 26
- Miles, Matthew (September 1991), "Going British on a budget. (customizing a Honda Hawk GT 647 motorcycle)", Cycle World 30 (9): 54
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