The 550 Nighthawk was a “one year wonder” (as far as its production in the United States, anyway. I have learned that there was a 550 version of the Nighthawk sold in Canada in 1984–and perhaps other years–called the CB550SC-E. The Honda engineer’s couldn’t decide whether the Nighthawk was going to become a sport bike or a cruiser, so it appears they decided to put both personalities into one machine.
This bike came in two colors; Candy Presto Red, and Black. The headlight was rectangular, and the exhaust system was a 4 into 2.
This is a great 1983 Honda CB550 bobber motorcycle. This is a rare, one of a kind bike that was only made for one year. It is a DOHC four cylinder bike with a 6 speed gearbox and tons of power. In the factory they could not decide if they wanted to make it a sports bike or a cruiser so they made it both. They wanted to prove that you dont have to sacrifice power to have a cruiser.
It claims 64 horsepower, but in testing, the bike actually made 74 horsepower @9500 rpm. And that was stock. This bobber bike now weighs two thirds what is did originally, and has a bit more power. The mods it has currently are pipes, and air box delete with UNI pod filters.
The custom fabrication parts are as follows:
- Grenade handle suicide shifter (yes, it works flawlessly)
- Drag style handlebars
- Hardtail rear frame
- Pan seat
- Headlight on/off switch
- Lowered about 8 inches
- Almost the whole bike has been rewired and wires have been tucked for the most part
- Ammo box battery holder
- Custom made rear fender (not currently installed)
- Forward foot rests and brake controls
- 4-2 exhaust system
- New throttle cables from Motion Pro
- Honda Goldwing clutch lever and master cylinder (great, smooth clutch operation)
- Shorty kickstand
- LED brake and rear turn signal lights
Overall this bobber has a good overall look to it. I does have a mirror but that is where it stops on safety. I like the hand grenade suicide shifter and the ammo can battery box.
Something about the OD Green paint job and the star wheels almost wish the paint job had a bit more military paint job.
So when I have to rate this bobber, I look at safety first as always. I would rate this bobber at a 3.9 out of 5 based on the paint job. I would have liked to see a few more accent pieces/
