Honda Hawk GT Review

A classic bike always comes with some caveats. Lets find out what they are.

Honda Hawk GT reviewHonda Hawk GT review
Honda Hawk GT reviewHonda Hawk GT review
Honda Hawk GT Review
Unique & Gorgeous
The Honda Hawk isn't a bad bike, but probably it's best feature is its uniqueness and great looks.
Pros
Modern Styling (+2 cool points!)
Naked bike = no fairing means little damage if dropped
Low seat height!
Older bike so they are cheap
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.
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Honda Hawk GT Review

I 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 first 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.

Classic

A classic motorcycle like this always comes with some caveats. The first thing to consider is that this bike is well over 2 decades old. Whenever you start dealing with anything older than 10 years you have to start thinking about rust issues, wiring corrosion, and general maintenance. If you want a bit of a project though, the Honda Hawk GT would be a great bike for someone who is mechanically inclined.

This bike pays a lot of attention to detail. When it originally came out it was more expensive than the Honda CBR, and the way the bike is polished really shows this. The engine is solid, the breaks are good, and it’s really a beautiful machine to behold.

Honda Hawk GT review

Suspension and Engine.

There are two complaints that pop up a lot with the Honda Hawk GT. Mainly is that the engine feels a little bit sluggish, especially when compared to today’s modern 650cc bikes like the Suzuki SV650. Manageable power in a small package is what the Hawk is all about, and it does it well.

The front suspension on this bike could also use a little work. It can seem bouncy on rougher roads, which leads to a lack of confidence in the corners. Perhaps that is because the suspension on most of these bikes is so much older. I wonder how the bike would feel if you swapped out the front forks from something modern like a Honda CBR500R? If you know of someone who has done this, please leave a comment down below!

Form over function

The Honda Hawk isn’t a bad bike by any means, but probably it’s best feature is the fact that it is so unique, and it looks absolutely gorgeous. You may also be able to pick one of these up for a steal of a price since they are no longer produced. If you want a bike that is a bit of a project, but very unique, then consider the Hawk GT.

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

Honda Hawk GT reviewHonda Hawk GT review