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 1979 Suzuki GS550 by contrast offered 549cc of DOHC inline-4 power, delivering 50hp at 8500rpm. Tipping the scales at 202.0kg (445 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 | 1979 Suzuki GS550 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 647 cc | 549 cc |
| Power | 60 hp | 50 hp |
| Torque | 55.0 Nm | 44.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 4 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h | 175 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 179.0 kg | 202.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 195.0 kg | 218.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 800 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.0 L | 15.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 6 -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 1979 Suzuki GS550 targets all-round versatility and everyday riding. On paper, the 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647's 60hp trumps the 1979 Suzuki GS550's 50hp, 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 1979 Suzuki GS550 for all-round versatility and everyday riding. Parts availability is moderate for the 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647 and good for the 1979 Suzuki GS550 — an important factor for any restoration project.
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 1979 Suzuki GS550
Introduced in 1979, the 1979 Suzuki GS550 features a 549cc DOHC inline-4 engine producing 50hp, establishing itself as a notable standard motorcycle.
Full 1979 Suzuki GS550 Profile →