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The 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647 and 1989 Honda GB500 TT represent two chapters in Honda's storied history.
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 1989 Honda GB500 TT by contrast offered 498cc of SOHC single power, delivering 40hp at 7000rpm. Tipping the scales at 170.0kg (375 lbs) with a top speed of 160km/h (99 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 1989 Honda GB500 TT by contrast offered 498cc of SOHC single power, delivering 40hp at 7000rpm. Tipping the scales at 170.0kg (375 lbs) with a top speed of 160km/h (99 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 | 1989 Honda GB500 TT | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 647 cc | 498 cc |
| Power | 60 hp | 40 hp |
| Torque | 55.0 Nm | 39.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h | 160 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 179.0 kg | 170.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 195.0 kg | 184.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1410 mm | 1395 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.0 L | 14.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
Comparing these two Honda machines reveals the brand's evolution. The 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647 laid the groundwork with 60hp, while the later 1989 Honda GB500 TT pushed output to 40hp. Both share equal collector appeal at 6/10. Either way, both are worthy additions to any Honda collection.
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 1989 Honda GB500 TT
The 1989 1989 Honda GB500 TT packs a 498cc SOHC single engine with 40hp into a cafe racer package from Honda.
Full 1989 Honda GB500 TT Profile →