HONDA CB550SC Nighthawk (1982-1984) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Honda CB550SC Nighthawk was a motorcycle manufactured by Honda in the United States in 1983, and one other version was sold in Canada in 1984. The 550SC was the first motorcycle offered by Honda with a dual overhead cam, while the low-maintenance engine featured hydraulic self-adjusting valves.

The 550SC was part of the Nighthawk series, known for its classic style and reliable performance. The bike featured a disc brake that provided reliable stopping power and a comfortable seat that made it a great choice for longer rides, but also a spacious fuel tank and an aerodynamic design that set it apart from other motorcycles of the era.

The bike came equipped from the factory with standard features, such as cast aluminum wheels, a chromed exhaust system, a black-finished engine with chrome accents, a one-piece dual seat, a wide handlebar, analog instrument dials, a center stand, and a side stand.

For suspension, the bike featured a telescopic fork on the front with 160 mm of wheel travel and dual shock absorbers with 104 mm of wheel travel on the rear for optimum suspension performance and handling.

As for braking performance, the bike packed a 320 mm disc with a hydraulic caliper on the front wheel and a 160 mm drum braking unit on the rear wheel that offered optimum stopping power.

In the performance department, the Honda CB550SC Nighthawk had its soul brought to life by a 572cc four-stroke four-cylinder air-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 75 hp with maximum strength at 9,500 rpm and 37 Nm (27 lb-ft) of torque available at 8,000 rpm.