Honda CB700SC

Honda CB700SC Nighthawk S

Manufacturer	Honda
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)
Oil capacity	3.0 US quarts
Related	Honda CB750 Honda CB650SC Honda CBX750P

The CB700SC Nighthawk 700S is a carburated, air-cooled, in-line four-cylinder motorcycle marketed by Honda solely in the United States for model years 1984-1986 — with a standard or neutral, almost upright riding position,^[1] 6-speed transmission, hydraulic valve lifters, shaft drive, front bikini mini-fairing, gear indicator and 16" front wheel. In 1984, the bike retailed at a MSRP of $3,398.^[2]

The Nighthawk 700S bodywork (1984–1985) was mostly black in color—with either red or blue accent panels. In 1986, the 700SC's paint was mostly navy blue (with white accent decals with red pinstripes) or black (with red accent decals and tri-color pinstripes). Valve cover and clutch covers were painted black as well as the wheels. The engine was painted black with polished edges on the cylinder head fins. Other components were also enameled in black including the lower fork legs, handlebars, and rear grab rails.

Design and features

The engine featured double-overhead cam, four cylinders, with hydraulic lifters which eliminated valve adjustments. The exhaust was a four-into-two finished in black chrome. The engine was the same layout as the 650 Nighthawk's, but of a different design sharing no parts.^[1] The bike also featured electronic ignition, an automatic cam chain adjuster, a spin-on, automobile-style oil filter and Honda’s second-generation TRAC (Torque Reactive Anti-dive Control) front end control system.^[1]

Tariff avoidance

The engine size of the CB700SC narrowly avoided 45% tariff, newly enacted by the United States International Trade Commission in 1983,^[1] on all motorcycles imported to the United States at 700 cubic centimeter or greater engine displacement. Honda marketed the CB750SC, a virtually identical bike with a slightly larger engine capacity, outside the US — e.g. in Europe and Canada.^[1]

Honda Nighthawk 700 SC

The 700SC was similar to Honda's 650 Nighthawk, though the Nighthawk S featured a 700 cc engine, shaft drive and hydraulic lifters in a bike with a completely redesigned engine.

References

1. "The Honda CB700SC Nighthawk S An American Hot Rod". Motorcycle Classics, Richard Backus, July/August 2008.
2. "Honda CB700SC Nighthawk S: Surprise: Custom Now Means California Hot Rod". Cycle, 1984.

External links

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