Honda Nighthawk 550 Motorcycle - Street (1983)

The 1983 Honda Nighthawk 550, officially designated as the CB550SC, was a distinctive air-cooled motorcycle offered for a single year in the United States, though it was also sold in Canada in both 1983 and 1984. This model featured a robust 572cc transverse four-cylinder, four-stroke, DOHC engine, delivering 64 horsepower at 9500 rpm. Power was efficiently transferred via a 6-speed manual transmission and a low-maintenance shaft final drive. The Nighthawk 550 was positioned as a versatile and reliable machine, available in Candy Presto Red and Black, without distinct trim levels. This 1983 model represented a significant design for the 550cc class, being the first Honda of this displacement to incorporate a dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine. It was engineered for reduced maintenance, notably featuring hydraulic self-adjusting valves. The engine shared several key components, such as the camshaft, crankcase castings, clutch, transmission, and cylinder head, with the larger Nighthawk 650, albeit with a shorter stroke for its 550cc displacement. FAQ:

Q: How do I ensure I'm selecting the correct parts for my Honda Nighthawk 550?

A: To guarantee compatibility, please use the year and edition selector at the top of the page.

Maintenance