Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt
The Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt has a top speed of 185 km/h, produces 52 hp and weighs 174 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.5/10.
The Honda NT650 Hawk GT was introduced in 1988 and produced through 1991, designed as a sporty V-twin roadster aimed at bridging the gap between cruisers and sportbikes. It featured a unique 52-degree V-twin engine derived from the VT series, paired with a Pro-Link rear suspension and a distinctive trellis-style steel frame that set it apart visually and dynamically. Though it was a commercial underperformer in its era, it has since gained a cult following among enthusiasts who appreciate its lightweight handling, torquey character, and café racer aesthetic potential.
52 hp
Power
55 Nm
Torque
174 kg
Weight
185 km/h
Top Speed
4.5 L/100km or approximately 22 km/L
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Bulletproof V-Twin Engine
The 647cc 52-degree V-twin is renowned for exceptional reliability, often running well past 50,000 miles with basic maintenance. It shares its engine architecture with the Honda Bros, making parts relatively accessible.
Watch the Carburetors
The dual carburetors are notorious for gumming up from ethanol-blended fuel, especially on bikes that sat unused. Always inspect for smooth idle and ask about the last carb clean before buying.
Strong Cult Resale Value
The Hawk GT has a passionate following and limited production numbers (sold only 1988–1991 in the US), which keeps used prices surprisingly firm. Clean examples in good condition rarely lose value and can even appreciate.
Generations & Specs by Year
Initial production run; 647cc V-twin, Pro-Link rear suspension, steel trellis frame, no significant mid-cycle updates.
"Underrated twin that rewards riders who actually corner."
The Hawk GT's 647cc parallel twin pulls cleanly from 3,500 rpm and hits its stride around 6,000, with a satisfying mechanical bark that never gets tiresome on a two-hour run. That trellis frame is the real story — it steers with a precision that embarrasses bikes costing twice as much, and the low 775mm seat means you're planted, not perched. Where it frustrates is on the highway: 185 km/h is technically possible but the wind blast above 140 is genuinely punishing with no fairing, and the 360-degree firing order produces a vibration band around 5,500 rpm that numbs your hands on long slabs. Parts availability is thinning out now, and the carb sync needs attention every 8,000 km whether you want it to or not.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"A rewarding cult classic that rewards patient, thorough buyers only."
$2,500-$5,500 usedThe Hawk GT is one of Honda's genuinely underappreciated machines, and the used market still hasn't fully woken up to that fact. The 647cc parallel twin punches above its displacement — it's torquey, tractable, and sounds genuinely good with an aftermarket can. Handling is the real story here though. That single-sided swingarm isn't just pretty; the chassis is legitimately sporty, and experienced riders will be surprised how eagerly it attacks corners for a 30-year-old budget buy. That said, go in with eyes open. These things are old now, and neglected examples are everywhere. Check the carburetors obsessively — they gum up and rebuilds eat time and money. Frame corrosion around the headstock is a known issue, so bring a flashlight. Parts availability is patchy; Honda stopped supporting much of this mechanically years ago, so you're hunting forums and eBay. Find a clean, documented example and you've got a cult classic. Find a rough one and you've bought a project.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 2 CRITICALIdle quality, throttle response, fuel smell at carbs
Rattling on cold start, listen carefully at idle
Spongy lever, visible cracks, fluid leaks at fittings
Check voltage at battery under rev, dim lights
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid V-twin, reliable if properly maintained
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt
Suzuki Gs500
Suzuki Bandit 600
Honda Cb600f Hornet
Moto Guzzi Breva 750
Suzuki Gsf600 Bandit
Compare Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt vs Suzuki Gs500
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt vs Suzuki Bandit 600
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt vs Honda Cb600f Hornet
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt vs Moto Guzzi Breva 750
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt vs Suzuki Gsf600 Bandit
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt? +
Carb sync and jetting issues: Idle quality, throttle response, fuel smell at carbs (moderate) | Cam chain tensioner wear: Rattling on cold start, listen carefully at idle (serious) | Corroded or cracked brake lines: Spongy lever, visible cracks, fluid leaks at fittings (serious)
Is the Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt a good motorcycle? +
A rewarding cult classic that rewards patient, thorough buyers only. Rating: 7.5/10. Best for: Experienced riders wanting affordable sporty character. Avoid if: You want hassle-free modern reliability and parts.
What is the horsepower of the Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt? +
The Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt produces 52 hp @ 9,500 rpm, with 55 Nm @ 7,500 rpm of torque. Top speed: 185 km/h.
Is the Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt good for beginners? +
Yes — the Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt is a reasonable choice for new riders (52 hp is manageable), weighing 174 kg. Experienced riders wanting affordable sporty character
Is the Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt reliable? +
Owners report 2 critical issues to watch for on the Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt, notably: Cam chain tensioner wear (Rattling on cold start, listen carefully at idle). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt good for daily use? +
Experienced riders wanting affordable sporty character Fuel: 4.5 L/100km or approximately 22 km/L.
How fast is the Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt? +
The Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt reaches a top speed of 185 km/h, producing 52 hp at 174 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Honda Nt650 Hawk Gt, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/honda/nt650-hawk-gt/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
