Nighthawk 650 History

History and literature on the Honda Nighthawk 650, covering the 1982 Nighthawk through the 1985 Nighthawk.

1983-1985 Nighthawk 650

83 - Blue 650

1983

Hi-res available by email

83 - 650 Red

1983

Hi-res available by email

83 - 650 Red

1983

85 - Blue 650

1985

Hi-res available by email

85 - Red 650

1985

1983- This was a year of major changes for the 650. Read this great bike review! Cosmetics were also changed, with the round giving way to the rectuangular on the lights and instruments. The speedometer was divided by 10's, with numbers ending in 0 instead of 5. Colors changed to Pearl Siren Blue & Candy Wineberry Red. The large striping was eliminated. The stepped seat was redesigned, and a chrome "lift-rail" was incorporated into the rear of the seat frame. The pipes changed to "four into two" and remained thus for the duration of the 650's lifespan. Options available in 1983: Windshield, engine guard, sissy bar and handlebar-mounted quartz-clock.
1984- Minor changes only in 1984; the alternator design was improved to provide a little more charging current at idle and low speed, and The Hypoid gearbox (rear wheel) saw some changes as well, and the oil requirements being different. Colors changed to Black, and Candy Bourgogne Red (Don't you just love the color names. I'll bet that Honda picked words that nobody could spell anyway, to cover for their technical writer's atrocious spelling skills). The only other change was moving the TRAC fork emblem from above to below the axle.
1985- The last year for the CB650SC. Again the colors changed; Candy Scorpio Red, and Candy Empire Blue. The Nighthawk 650 logo on the sidepanel changed to "block" style letters. The only other change was the speedometer, which saw numbers ending in 5 instead of 0. Options available in 1985 included Windshield, engine guard, luggage rack, adjustable backrest, soft luggage, leather saddlebags, and body cover.

83 Magazine article - Here's an article from an 83 publication extolling the virtues of the redesigned 83 Nighthawk 650.
Re-jetting your NIghthawk 650 - A contribution from Jeff.

Specifications

Engine	655cc, transverse, four-cylinder, four-stroke, 16 valves
Bore and Stroke	60mm x 58mm
Compression Ratio	9.5: 1
Carburetors	1983 - Four 29mm constant velocity 1985 - Four 32mm constant velocity
Ignition	Solid state
Starter	Electric
Transmission	Five-speed plus overdrive sixth
Driveline	Shaft
Wheelbase	57.5 inches
Seat Height	31.1 inches
Fuel Capacity	3.4 gallons, including 0.5 gallon reserve
Wheels	Cast Alloy
Tires	Front: 100/90-19 tubeless Rear: 130/90-16 tubeless
Front Suspension	Air-adjustable, leading-axle forks with dual Syntallic bushings
Rear Suspension	VHD shocks with four-way adjustable damping
Brakes	Front: Dual discs with twin piston calipers Rear: Drum
Dry Weight	434.3 pounds

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