Farewell Hawk GT

Two weeks ago yesterday a nice man came and gave me money, and took away my 1990 Honda Hawk GT. I'd listed it for sale about 10 days before, sort of on a whim, and listed the price as high as I thought I could without seeming like a crack smoker.

Here's how I described it in the ad, for the record:

"1990 Honda Hawk GT "RC31". This is a perfect lightweight sportbike for beginning (or advanced) riders. The Hawk GT is somewhat of a "cult" bike that has an enthusiastic following in the USA, even though it was only imported for four model years ('88-'91). The machine features an aluminum beam frame and a remarkable single-sided aluminum swingarm. Power comes from an efficient 647-cc liquid-cooled v-twin engine through a five-speed transmission, chain drive. Claimed dry weight is 383lbs., very lightweight indeed.

 

"This bike has been upgraded with a half-fairing from Honda's superbike of the time, the RC30. It also has adjustable clip-on handlebars to suit. Braided steel brake lines for better stopping and upgraded fork springs by Race Tech complete the front end. Suspension at the back is handled by an adjustable shock from a CBR900RR, a popular upgrade for these bikes. Engine performance is enhanced by a Muzzy slip-on pipe and Dynojet jet kit. Other extras include a solo seat cowl, rearset footpeg plates and fender eliminator, uninstalled. Also included is the stock headlight and mounts to return the bike to "naked" configuration.

"I've owned this bike for about 20 years (!); it was purchased in Virden MB at a powersports dealer there. It's been regularly maintained and shows extremely well, a very good looking motorcycle in remarkable condition and a classic Honda. I would recommend this bike to beginner sportbike riders or advanced riders in search of something different. Always draws looks and favourable comments whenever I have it out for a ride.

"The price is close to that of a used late-model beginner bike such as a CBR250R. But to me this machine is far superior to a new CBR250R or the like; it's more powerful and has far better quality frame and running gear, but is still comfortable and tractable for a beginner. It's won "Best Japanese Bike" at a vintage bike show as well which would be more than you could say for any 250R ;-)

"Also comes with owner's manual and magazine articles. Please email me with any questions or if you'd like more pictures. You can read more about the Hawk GT (and its fanatical owners) at http://hawkgtforum.com/forum/" 

This machine was the first "nice" bike I ever owned and it was a corker. Dead reliable, lightweight, reasonably powerful, and very very pretty, to my eye anyway. I'd done most of the "recommended" Hawk GT mods over the years and each one of them improved the bike. It's been down to Brainerd for the AMA Superbike races many times and I had a lot of fun with it. The Hawk even helped my buddy Andy pass his road test ;-)

Why sell? Well, it wasn't getting ridden; I have another v-twin sportbike already that does what this Hawk does, only 35 horsepower better; and I wanted to make room in the garage for something different. Life is short! But when it came down to it, there was a tear in my eye as the new owner rode off. But I didn't take a penny less for it than the asking price!