1989 Honda hawk

JH2RC311KM100264

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1989 Honda Hawk NT650, Single owner, this Hawk left the showroom floor in 1991. The bike has wear and tear commensurate to a 25 year old well-ridden machine. Currently sports a Muzzy slip-on but also still have the original cubby muffler. Designed by the Toshiaki Kishi, the famous Honda designer who would later go on to be the architect of the CBR1000RR and VFR1200F, the Hawk GT was the second Honda to feature their Pro-Arm single-sided swingarm. Along with the Elf-designed swingarm it used an aluminum twin-spar perimeter frame. This technological wizardry housed one of Hondas staple engine offerings, a 52-degree 647cc V-Twin that featured single overhead cams, three valves per cylinder, liquid cooling and a five-speed transmission. The rider sits behind a narrow fuel tank that takes ergonomic advantage of the longitudinally mounted Vee engine. Raised bars and low footpegs make the seating position neutral and comfortable for the long haul. Low weight and wide bars make the Hawk feel light and nimble. Back in 1988, before there was a Monster, a Hypermotard or an SV650, its style and riding experience were unlike anything else. The Hawk GT is the text book definition of a cult bike. A quick Google search will turn up dozens of owner pages filled with pictures, tuning data and mods for the machines. The most popular improvements continue to be a CBR600 F2 or F3 front end swap to get adjustable suspension, a 120-width front tire and dual disc brakes. Other popular modifications include replacing the stock shock with a CBR900 unit and modifying a VFR750 rear wheel to fit the Hawk swingarm to gain extra tire width in the back. For a motorcycle that was produced in small numbers and hasn't been in a dealer catalog for 25 years the Hawk has a surprisingly strong aftermarket, from carbon fiber tanks to frame sliders, custom seats to performance cams. Many parts are available from Hawk aficionados turned entrepreneurs. Unable to find a certain part, enterprising Hawk owners with the right skills make what they need.