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 1983 Triumph T140 TSX, hailing from United Kingdom, by contrast offered 744cc of OHV twin power, delivering 50hp at 6500rpm. Tipping the scales at 188.0kg (414 lbs) with a top speed of 170km/h (106 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 | 1983 Triumph T140 TSX | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 647 cc | 744 cc |
| Power | 60 hp | 50 hp |
| Torque | 55.0 Nm | 54.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h | 170 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 179.0 kg | 188.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 195.0 kg | 202.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.0 L | 14.0 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 1983 Triumph T140 TSX targets all-round versatility and everyday riding. On paper, the 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647's 60hp trumps the 1983 Triumph T140 TSX'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 1983 Triumph T140 TSX 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 1983 Triumph T140 TSX
Introduced in 1983, the 1983 Triumph T140 TSX features a 744cc OHV twin engine producing 50hp, establishing itself as a notable standard motorcycle.
Full 1983 Triumph T140 TSX Profile →