Honda Hawk GTI have heard great things about the Honda Hawk GT 650. For an older bike I think it is one of the most stylish with its single sided swing arm and angular features. Although naked v-twins are becoming more popular now, when honda introduced the Hawk NT650 in the late 80's it was anything but the norm. The motorcycle may be 650cc's but it is definitely an easier bike to control than other 600cc+ machines, this is because of the way the V-twin delivers the power to the rear wheel. In fact, some riders have found the Hawk to be a bit sluggish, but for a beginner bike that is exactly what we want. Manageable power in a small package is what the Hawk is all about, and it does it well.
Another great thing about the Hawk is its modern styling makes it fit in with many of the newer bikes, but since it was made over 2 decades ago you can usually pick them up for pretty cheap.
Pros:
- Modern Styling (+2 cool points!)
- Naked bike = no fairing means little damage if dropped
- Low seat height!
- Older bike so they are cheap, usually $1,000-$2,000
Cons:
- Older bike, so you need to make sure its maintained
- No fairing = no wind protection
- Just a little sluggish compared to other v-twins.
1988 Honda Hawk NT650 Specs:
- 1/4 mile time = 12.89 seconds at 99.87mph
- Acceleratoin 0 - 60mph = 3.95 seconds.
- Braking 60 - 0mph = 121 ft.
- Horsepower @ 60mph = 8.36
- Miles Per Gallon = 41
- Load Capacity = 333.5 lbs
- Seat Height = 30.7inches
Speedometer Error:
- 30mph indicated, actual = 28.5mph
- 60mph indicated, actual = 54.0mph
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Looks like the Hyosung Comet
It looks just like the Hyosung Comet GT650/GT250. I believe Hyosung has built a lot of bikes for Honda in the past. Is the Comet basically the same bike sold under the Hyosung brand instead of being sold as a Honda?
Hyosung is more closely
Hyosung is more closely related to Suzuki as far as manufacturing partners go. They've shared designers, but nto actual designs.
The GT650/250 are pure Hyosung. The guy who designed the SV650 designed them, but they share no parts (even though the engines look similar, they are different).
The closest you get to a rebadged Honda is a Lifan. Lifan is a chinese company that bought the design and patent rights to several old Honda dirtbikes. Needless to say, Lifan quality is not up to Honda QA.
Kymco is a taiwanese company that DOES manufacture Honda bikes. They sell their own 250 cruiser over here, one look at it and you'll see it is not even closely related to the Rebel.
this bike is from the
this bike is from the 1980's, i dont think comets were around then. plus i've never seen a hyosung with a single sided swingarm
'Tis a good beginner
This was my re-beginner bike. After an 8 year break from motorcycles, and a short flirtation with scooters, I fell in love with the Honda Hawk and had to get one. It's got a great following -- near cult following. I think it's a great beginner bike. It is a little pricey on the used market because of it's relative "rarity" status. However, good resale on the used market after you're ready to upgrade to a more modern, more powerful bike. I bought mine at a discounted price because of it's salvaged title. I'd recommend it to anyone.
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