1982 Nighthawk 650
The last of the Single Overhead Cam Engines
In it's 1982 debut, the 650 Nighthawk was actually just as much a "swan song" as it was a "new beginning." Although it was a new model, the engine was the last of the Honda SOHC inline 4's. One has to believe that either Honda had a lot of left over SOHC motors to clear from inventory, or the engine factory was way behind schedule on the new one. It hit the showroom with two color schemes; Candy Flair Blue, and Cosmo Black Metallic. The instruments and headlight were round. This was also the only year the 650 had "four into four" exhaust. The actual engine size was 627cc, and it had "screen-type" valve adjusters (don't ask me what that means, but that's what the Honda Model I.D. Guide calls them). It was also chain driven. It came with one feature that should be brought back - adjustable handle bars! Unfortunately, I don't have any wonderful magazine articles to put here. If you have one, send it to me.
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Engine |
627 cc SOHC four-cylinder, transverse four-stroke |
|
Bore & Stroke |
59.8 mm x 55.8 mm |
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Compression Ratio |
9:1 |
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Carburetors |
Four 26 mm constant velocity |
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Ignition |
Pointless inductive |
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Starter |
Electric pushbutton |
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Transmission |
Five-speed |
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Length |
87 inches |
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Width |
30.7 inches |
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Height |
46.1 inches |
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Wheelbase |
59.4 inches |
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Seat Height |
30.9 inches |
|
Ground Clearance |
5.7 inches |
|
Fuel Capacity |
3.6 gallons, including 0.7 reserve |
|
Tires |
Front: 3.50S19 tubeless Rear: 130/90-16 67S tubeless |
|
Suspension |
Front: Low-stiction hydraulic forks with dual Syntallic bushings Rear: Variable Hydraulic Damping shocks |
|
Brakes |
Front: Dual discs Rear: Drum |
|
Dry Weight |
452 pounds |
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Colors |
Candy Flair Blue Cosmo Black Metallic |
|
Optional Hondaline Equipment |
Color-matched saddlebags, nylon liners, saddlebag guard-rail, luggage rack, adjustable backrest, handlebar mounted quartz clock. |
