Honda CB700SC

Honda CB700SC

Manufacturer	Honda
Also called	Nighthawk 700S
Production	1984–1986
Predecessor	Honda CB750
Successor	none
Class	Standard
Engine	696 cc air/oil-cooled inline four-cylinder
Power	80 hp (60 kW) at 10,000 RPM
Torque	45.2 lb·ft (61 N·m) at 8,000 RPM
Transmission	6-speed
Frame type	tubular steel full cradle
Suspension	Front: 39 mm air adjustable with TRAC anti-dive Rear: Dual shocks
Brakes	Front: Dual-disc with twin-piston caliper Rear: Drum
Wheelbase	59.1 in (1.50 m)
Dimensions	L 84.8 in (2.15 m) W 30.7 in (780 mm)
Seat height	31.1 in (790 mm)
Weight	469.7 lb (213.1 kg) (dry) 497 lb (225 kg) (wet)
Fuel capacity	4.2 US gallons (15.9 litres) (0.7 US gallon reserve)
Related	Honda CB750 Honda CB650SC

Honda marketed the CB700SC (also called Nighthawk 700S) in the US from 1984 to 1986, configuring the bike's specification to avoid a 1983 US tariff on motorcycles over 700 cubic centimeters. Honda marketed the CB750SC, a virtually identical bike with a slightly larger engine capacity, outside the US. A very closely related cousin was chain driven, sold in Europe, Australia and Brazil. It continued in production in Brazil for many years.

Honda Nighthawk 700 S sitting in a garage.

Similar to the previously introduced 650 Nighthawk, the Nighthawk S featured a 700 cc engine, shaft drive and hydraulic lifters in a bike with angular lines, a small "bikini" fairing and a 16-inch front wheel more typical of a sport bike. The Nighthawk 700S originally (1984–1985) featured black paint with either red or blue blue accent panels. In 1986 the 700SC featured navy blue paint (with white panels and red pinstripes) or black (with red panels and tri color red pinstripes).Valve cover and clutch covers were painted black as well as the wheels.

The engine was the same layout as the 650 Nighthawk's, but a completely different design and shared no parts. It had double-overhead cam, four cylinders, with hydraulic lifters which virtually eliminated valve adjustments. The exhaust was a four-into-two finished in black chrome. The engine was enameled mostly in black with brushed satin silver trim. Other components were also enameled in black including the lower fork legs, handlebars, and rear grab rails.

External links

• Motorcycle Classics article on Honda CB700SC Nighthawk S
• Media related to Honda CB700SC at Wikimedia Commons