Honda CB 650 SC Nighthawk
Key specifications
Overview
Introducing the 1983 Honda CB 650 SC Nighthawk, a motorcycle that effortlessly embodies the spirit of sport touring while making a bold statement in the competitive middleweight class. Positioned as a versatile option for both seasoned riders and those new to the sport, the Nighthawk strikes a fine balance between performance and practicality. Its sleek, classic lines and striking color options—Pearl Siren Blue and Candy Wineberry Red—invite admiration at every stoplight, while its low-maintenance design ensures that more time can be spent on the road rather than in the garage. At the heart of the Nighthawk is a robust 655cc in-line four engine that produces an exhilarating 63 horsepower at 9,000 RPM. With a compression ratio of 9.5:1 and a clever 6-speed gearbox, this bike provides a thrilling ride that feels akin to larger displacement models without the accompanying bulk. Riders will appreciate how the Nighthawk performs dynamically; it feels lighter and more manageable than its competitors, allowing for quick lane changes and confident cornering. However, it’s worth noting that the rear suspension could benefit from additional tuning for a more plush ride, especially on longer journeys. Still, the Nighthawk delivers the kind of smooth acceleration that makes it a joy to ride, whether you're navigating city streets or cruising along open highways. The 1983 Honda CB 650 SC Nighthawk is not just about power; it’s also equipped with thoughtful engineering that sets it apart in the sport touring category. The bike features an advanced air-adjustable front suspension and dual rear shocks with four-way adjustable damping, allowing riders to fine-tune their setup for comfort or sportiness. Additionally, the innovative TRAC braking system provides excellent stopping power with its double disc front brakes, enhancing both safety and performance. Maintenance is a breeze, thanks to Honda’s emphasis on low-stress valve-lash adjustment, ensuring that even novice riders can keep their machine in top shape with minimal effort. **
Pros
- Powerful yet Manageable: The 655cc engine delivers impressive performance while maintaining a lightweight feel, making it accessible for a variety of riders.
- Low Maintenance: The design features, including easy valve-lash adjustment, simplify upkeep, allowing more time on the road and less in the workshop.
- Adjustable Suspension: The advanced suspension system provides versatility for different riding styles, enhancing comfort and stability.
Cons
- Rear Suspension Tuning Needed: The rear suspension may require adjustments for a more comfortable ride, particularly on longer journeys.
- Drive Line Lash: The slight lash in the drive line may be noticeable for athletic riders seeking immediate power delivery.
- ‘Appliance-like’ Character: While it excels in function, some diehard enthusiasts may find the Nighthawk's character a bit tame compared to more spirited competitors.
Technical details
Source specification data
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- CB 650 SC Nighthawk
- Category
- Sport touring
- Starter
- Electric
- Comments
- Without
- doubt the new
- B650
- ´s most impressive features are its valve-lash adjustment and its low-maintenance design.
- Honda
- engineers seemto have removed the last tedious, time-consuming ritual from motorcycling´s
- Saturday
- afternoon
- Here
- is a machine that fulfills the 650 promise: it feels small, smaller than a 750, yet runs with 750s without even breathing hard.
- Its
- smoothness and comfort invite long rides.
- The
- rear suspension´s springing and damping rates do need tuning to provide a more supple ride; and for sporting riders,
- Honda
- ´s engineering department should attend to the drive line´s irksome lash and shaft reaction.
- Having
- a motorcycle that needs barely more maintenance than a safetypin is a bargain only if its owner genuinely enjoys the way the motorcycle works.
- Diehards
- may complain sourly about ´appliance-like´ character, but few riders will quarrel with the way this motorcycle functions.
- For
- about six or seven years, first one manufacturer and then another has proclaimed that its 650s perform like 750s; certainly there´s been much sound to this proclamation but little real 750 fury.
- Now
- the 650
- Nighthawk
- delivers.
- Everyone
- who has ridden the 650
- Nighthawk
- has come back impressed.
- This
- 650 is the new measuring standard of the 40-inch class.
- And
- the standard has just been raised.
- A
- lot.
- Color Options
- Pearl Siren Blue and Candy Wineberry Red
- Power
- 63.00 HP (46.0 kW)) @ 9000 RPM
- Clutch
- wet, multi-plate clutch actuates hydraulically
- Max Rpm
- 10000
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Ignition
- solid state
- Fuel System
- Carburettor
- .
- Honda
- says 32mm; technically they are
- Keihin
- 29mm
- Bore X Stroke
- 60.0 x 58.0 mm (2.4 x 2.3 inches)
- Compression
- 9.5:1
- Displacement
- 655.00 ccm (39.97 cubic inches)
- Cooling System
- Oil & air
- Engine Details
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Exhaust System
- 4-2 double muffler
- Fuel Consumption
- 5.88 litres/100 km (17.0 km/l or 40.00 mpg)
- Greenhouse Gases
- O2
- g/km. (
- O2
- -
- Carbon
- dioxide emission)
- Lubrication System
- Wet sump
- Valves Per Cylinder
- 4
- Transmission Type Final Drive
- Shaft drive (cardan)
- Dry Weight
- 197.0 kg (434.3 pounds)
- Seat Height
- 790 mm (31.1 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
- Fuel Capacity
- 12.86 litres (3.40 gallons)
- Power Weight Ratio
- 0.3198 HP/kg
- Reserve Fuel Capacity
- 1.89 litres (0.50 gallons)
- Rear Tyre
- 130/90-16
- Front Tyre
- 100/90-19
- Rear Brakes
- Expanding brake (drum brake). single-leading-shoe rear brake
- Front Brakes
- Double
- disc. (2) 2- piston calipers, with
- C
- system
- Rear Suspension
- two VHD shocks with four-way adjustable damping
- Front Suspension
- Air
- -adjustable, leading-axle forks with dual
- Syntallic
- bushings
- Front Wheel Travel
- 39 mm (1.5 inches)
- Rear Brakes Diameter
- 40 mm (1.6 inches)