The Nighthawk 700S (CB700SC) saw it's debut in the 1984 model
year, and continued in production until the termination of all
Nighthawk production after the 1986 model year. In a review article,
Cycle magazine said, "Honda wanted to make the "S" look as if it
came out of a privateer's speed shop, and we can't quarrel with the
results. Stylewise, the "S" is the epitome of the California custom,
from its bikini fairing to its pseudo velocity stacks. Thankfully,
there's some muscle to back up the image. the 700 uses a bored and
de-stroked version of the 650 engine, the bore 7mm larger and the
stroke 8.6mm shorter. The 700 is cammy, but there's a good rush of
power at 8,000 rpm."
1984- The 700S was unveiled with two color schemes, a
black & red model, and a black & blue model. The colors
extended to the tank, side covers, rear fender, and an all new
bikini fairing. both models had black front fenders, and all
colored areas had matching pinstripes. The left side fork leg was
black, with a white "TRAC" logo. Available options included engine
guards, passenger floorboards, color-matched detachable sport
saddlebags, luggage rack, body cover, and soft saddlebags.
1985-Surprisingly, there were no major color changes!
The pinstripes were changed to white. The left side fork leg was
changed to solid black. The speedometer was changed to increments
of 10, ending in 5's.
1986- This was the last of the 80's Nighthawks, and
many say the best. The only changes were cosmetic. A Black &
Alamoana Red model was unveiled, with orange stripes on the red
panels. The other model was Candy Aleutian Blue & Shasta
White, with the white panels bordered by a red stripe. The wheels,
engine, and "velocity stack" covers were blacked out.
