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The 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647 and 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer both compete in the cafe racer segment, offering riders distinct interpretations of the formula.
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 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 998cc of OHV V-twin Ironhead power, delivering 61hp at 6200rpm. Tipping the scales at 225.0kg (496 lbs) with a top speed of 180km/h (112 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.
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 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 998cc of OHV V-twin Ironhead power, delivering 61hp at 6200rpm. Tipping the scales at 225.0kg (496 lbs) with a top speed of 180km/h (112 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 | 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 647 cc | 998 cc |
| Power | 60 hp | 61 hp |
| Torque | 55.0 Nm | 70.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h | 180 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 179.0 kg | 225.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 195.0 kg | 245.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 760 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.0 L | 13.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 4 -speed |
The Verdict
For pure cafe racer performance, the 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647 has the edge thanks to a higher top speed and lower weight. The 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer, however, excels when spirited café-racer style riding is the priority. For collectors, the 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer commands more attention with a 8/10 collectibility rating.
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 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer
A cafe racer from 1977, the 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer delivers 61hp from its 998cc OHV V-twin Ironhead engine.
Full 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer Profile →