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Despite its impressive performance as a sportbike, the Nighthawk 700S had a short lifespan in the market. Check out additional motorcycle images.The 1984 Honda Nighthawk 700S motorcycle offered a more athletic design compared to the shaft-driven Honda 650 Nighthawk launched the year before.
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Because of tariffs imposed on motorcycles with engines exceeding 700 cc during that period, the 700-cc 1984 Honda Nighthawk 700S took the place of a 750-cc model in Honda's lineup.
While the Nighthawk 650 and the earlier chain-driven 750 featured classic "standard" motorcycle styling, the 1984 Honda Nighthawk 700S showcased sharp, angular designs. It was complemented by a bikini fairing and a compact 16-inch front wheel, which were trending among sportbikes at the time.
The 1984 Honda Nighthawk 700S was exclusively available in black, adorned with either blue or red accent panels.
The bike was powered by a slightly enlarged version of the 650's double-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine, equipped with hydraulic lifters that nearly eliminated the need for valve adjustments. Additionally, the 1984 Honda Nighthawk 700S featured a unique four-into-one exhaust header with a black chrome finish.
The engine was predominantly coated in black enamel, as were the lower fork legs, handlebars, and rear grab rail—components that were typically chrome-plated.
As sportbikes of that era began adopting more aggressive designs with full fairings and forward-leaning seating, the 1984 Honda Nighthawk 700S effectively bridged the gap between sport and standard motorcycles.
The 700S stood out from traditional sportbikes by incorporating a low-maintenance shaft drive and hydraulic valve lifters. While such lifters typically restrict engine speed, Honda's groundbreaking design enabled an impressive 10,600-rpm rev limit.
Despite its sleek design and balanced performance, the 700S had a short-lived presence in the market, lasting only a few years.
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1984 Honda Nighthawk 700S Pictures
The Honda Nighthawk 700S incorporated design cues from the era's superbikes, though its appearance was more subdued and less extreme.Honda introduced the 1984 Nighthawk 700S as a strategic move to bypass tariffs on motorcycles exceeding 750 cc. The result was a well-crafted, stylish interpretation of a street sportbike.
The Nighthawk's engine featured a predominantly black enamel finish and was equipped with a sleek four-into-one exhaust setup.
Honda's engineering team achieved an impressive 10,600-rpm redline despite the use of hydraulic valve lifters, a notable technical feat.
Staying consistent with its name, the Nighthawk featured predominantly black trim instead of the more common chrome finish.
Explore more fascinating motorcycle articles and captivating images by visiting:
- Classic Motorcycles
- How Motorcycles Work
- Honda Motorcycles
