Hawk GT RC31

If I had the time I would pick this up ... offer him $350 ( have an extra $50 in my pocket just in case ). I'm just busy right now and I need a break from "bike rescue guy" ...

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcy/d/los-angeles-1988-honda-hawk-gt-nt650/7826306055.html

 

Yes

 

The biggest hurdle, and there would be a lot of them, will be that tank. It is TOAST. I can "see" inside of it. These tanks even when slightly ignored in storage can become fucked. The design just invites it for some reason. My first 88 didn't come with a tank because my friend bought the whole bike just for the tank. By some weird coincidence about 3 weeks earlier I bought a good tank locally knowing how rare they are, before I even knew I was gonna buy a Hawk. My friend was not as happy for me as much I was. ;-) I made the deal on the bike and then told him.

Day it came home



As it sits now

 

I love the look of the Hawk .. just awesome lines. I can only imagine how nice it would be to hit a canyon road on one.
Yes … that tank is an issue. It would probably take a year or so to get it to look as good as yours … but I’m just tired right now of saving bikes. That’s now and things may change.
Hmm, I could just …. Nahhhhh


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Title and 14K miles. I would ask him to pop the gas cap.

And yes, they are pretty magical on a tight canyon road. Or foot hills...

 

You’re making me think it over … it’s only 45 minutes from my front door!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

(closest I could come to a devil)

 

Do it Do it!! You know you want one! I love riding my sons inherited Hawk up and down the canyons. He has a LE built front end and a nice YSS in the back. Carbs are pimped and we ditched all my janky subframe business and put it back to stock. Wonderful canyon slayer! We put on some VFR bars to raise the hand position (Capts recommendation) as well. I might gear it down 2 teeth to make it a little more highway tolerable. Even my son in Japan says do it! Which reminds me I need to cut down and install the fender against his wishes.. lol

 

Hmmm
Maybe I’ll call him
It looks really ratty but heck I’m retired!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

It IS ratty. Hence the price.

They are satisfying to work on, but they are also the weirdest Honda I've ever worked on. Things are configured and placed in the most un-Honda like manner. But still very Honda. Hawk owners that have owned other Hondas like VF/VFRs will know what I'm talking about.

 

Designed by Toshiaki Kishi

Toshiaki also designed the Super Blackbird, 1988 CBR1000, 750 Africa Twin, Hornet 900, 2002 VFR800, Z50R, RC45, and a lot more. He is considered one of Honda's greatest designers and is still active in the motorcycle design arena.

I think that the packaging challenges on his design led to some odd choices on some little details that seem so different compared to the other Hondas he designed. At least to me. I have rebuilt and/or worked on almost all of his designs.

 

This is interesting...


SuperHawk prototypes
Let's advance to 1995, Honda's RC45 (750cc V4) has been relegated to second fiddle by the all conquering Ducati 916 (916cc V2). Large displacement v-twin sportbikes have become the only means of ataining BSB and WSB glory, given the championship regulations of the period.
Honda's first big bore v-twin prototype was a collection of parts-bin spares, built by Honda's U.S. research and development team. The American-built prototype used an 1100cc motor from Honda's VT1100 custom bike, fitted in a frame from a Hawk. It used standard wheels, with a modified front end and was fitted with a sports fairing.
Tagged the FireHawk, it was ridden extensively by Honda test riders and members of the public who had voiced interest in buying a Japanese V-twin sportbike. Renowned tuners, Two Brothers Racing were invited to test and comment on the top-secret project. The test results were favourable and were sent to Japan along with a video lobbying for the bike to be built.
Honda Japan's R&D team then built their own V-twin called the VR980. It used a Bros 650 frame, a 750cc Africa Twin engine, bored and stroked to 980cc. The brakes, forks, swingarm, rear shock and wheels were taken from a FireBlade and the half fairing came from an Africa Twin. It was tested successfully at Honda's Tochigi test track in Japan. It has been rumoured that the VR980 went head to head with a Ducati 916 at Tochigi and won. While this is uncorroberated, it seems plausible, considering what Honda's strategic objectives were.




I tried to save and re-post the images, but it wasn't working. I think they work if clicked on?

 

Dude, that is epic.

 

Gotta love those RC30/45 mash-up headlights in the 3/4 fairing. And that solo tail. Godam!!!!

 

At worst you park it in the dark alley of your yard and wait for another year. Or I buy it for $5 when you are tired of looking at it.

That solo tail is sweet. The front is a little oversized, but pretty fackin cool! dual headlights in a half fairing!!

 

I think the right rear spark cap/wire is going thru the frame! Tight fit.