The 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647 from Japan was powered by a 647cc OHV V-twin producing 60hp at 8000rpm. Weighing 179.0kg (395 lbs) and with a seat height of 780mm, it was aimed at cafe racer riders.
The 1972 Suzuki GT550 by contrast offered 543cc of 2-stroke triple power, delivering 53hp at 6500rpm. Tipping the scales at 193.0kg (425 lbs) with a top speed of 175km/h (109 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1980s motorcycles are the rising stars of the collector market. Early sportbikes and final-generation air-cooled models are gaining strong interest.
Specifications Comparison
| 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647 | 1972 Suzuki GT550 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 647 cc | 543 cc |
| Power | 60 hp | 53 hp |
| Torque | 55.0 Nm | 52.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 3 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h | 175 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 179.0 kg | 193.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 195.0 kg | 210.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 800 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1410 mm | 1415 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.0 L | 16.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647 is built for spirited café-racer style riding, while the 1972 Suzuki GT550 targets all-round versatility and everyday riding. On paper, the 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647's 60hp trumps the 1972 Suzuki GT550's 53hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647 if you value spirited café-racer style riding; pick the 1972 Suzuki GT550 for all-round versatility and everyday riding.
About the 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647
Honda released the 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647 in 1988 with a 647cc OHV V-twin powerplant making 60hp — a definitive cafe racer.
Full 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647 Profile →About the 1972 Suzuki GT550
The 1972 1972 Suzuki GT550 packs a 543cc 2-stroke triple engine with 53hp into a standard motorcycle package from Suzuki.
Full 1972 Suzuki GT550 Profile →