Just restored a Bros myself - very impressed with the mechanical quality - easy to work on! Just fitted a 650 motor myself and HordPower carb kit - Sounds and goes GREAT! Happy riding!
Hi there,,I had mine for a few months now and live it for both the looks and just enough power to ride around London
Althou sadly some idiot crashed into it while it was parked in cinema car park :(
Anyhow my dashboard isn't looking so good and was wondering if anyone knew Where I Could Get a New One From???? As it's 89 grey model and I can't seem to find any
Hey, my brother had one of the grey bros's, after it was stolen and recovered some bits were wrecked. Im not sure if it was because he couldn't find any of the grey parts but he had to respray the entirity of the panels black.
hi , from dublin ireland , and a lot of these ended up here . ive been a dispatch rider for years , i used a 650 bros for three years working (dynojetted super4 front end ) i have never even had the rocker covers off to check valve clearances . i drove the shit out of it all day every day for 3 years, there are many around dublin with 300,000 + unbelievable mechanical quality ,
Team Moto have a 650 Bros for sale for about $3000Aus. I wish someone knew a definite power for the 650. 33hp for the 400 seems strange given that the 250cc Honda Spada (v twin also) has the same power minus 20kg, though no single sided swing arm.
I have a 90 NT650 Hawk GT (US Version). Only hit my "goolies" twice in the month I've had the bike, both times it was my fault, nothing to do with the bike. It's an amazing bike. EVERY time I ride it, I receive compliments on it.
Most restricted bikes you can easily unrestrict, some just have a thin stopper on the throttle that you can bend out of the way on your thumb. Others have spacers put on top of the pistons to stop them moving very far. and some are just electronically held back.
The Honda Bros 400 is not restricted to 33bhp, thats just all it makes. Its the selling point of the bike.
if your bike already has a certificate saying that its restricted, just take the restriction off - who's to know?
I got 160kmhs an hour out of mine a week ago. Thats pushing it though. They do go quick enough but they start off slow. Once in second it goes like fuck. I bought mine a month ago for €700 and love driving it. Ill never sell, just buy another bike and hold onto it. They are a joy to drive. I wasnt too comfy on mine either but you get used to the riding position and now its very comfortable.
As he said though, they are not for shitty roads.
i just got 1 today n im a big lad n i had no problem with comfort did 1hr on m25 no probs even front forks wwer fine as compared to my zzr600 bout same really only thing iv found is hard on da wrists defo buy one
The only restricted bike to 33hp i've rode was a suzuki rgv 250 and I didn't like it's powerband. It needed if i remember corectly 8-9000 rpm before the thing come alive and then you only had a 1000rpm to play with. The only good thing I would say about the restriction of this bike is the weight advantage as the bike weighs nothing. If you own one of these bikes get yourself a bit of sponge between you and the tank and your probably last a bit longer.
I own the American version (89' Honda Hawk 650NT). I put clip on handle bars by Vortex on my Hawk which did help the crushing problem he speaks of. Having lower handle bars allows me to disperse and lower my body's weight when breaking abruptly, taking the pressure off of my nuts. Also what helps a bit is getting deeper seat. I got rid of the stock seat and replaced it with a Corbin seat. It is a bit deeper and allows you to sit back on the bike a bit more.
have to say i loved my old bros was a great ride and as for the pounding your ghoulies well put it this way - someone pulled out on me i went into the side of his bonnet and the curve on the tank then went the other way after that - yes you guessed it my meat and 2veg reshaped the entire tank - but to be honest even with my full licence i would buy another one tommorow for a bit of fun
Im Aussie and just bought a bros 400 for my first bike. Im on my P's which is our version of a restricted licence. I am 193cm tall and I have to say I love this bike! It's got loads of torque all the way through the rev range and handles very well for a 88 model. Instead of buying another bike when I got off my P's Im thinking about stroking it out 2 650. Anyone know of people who have done this before? The 650 is near impossible to get in this country I have only ever seen one for sale.
I know the Africa twin engine fits, with some modifications to the electrics and gearing. You could buy a 650 engine of course, but it's probably much cheaper to fly to japan and buy a complete 650! bring it back as hand luggage, worth a try.
Hey I am thinking of getting the hawk for my first bike. I am 6.1' and it seems like a small bike so I am wondering if anyone has problems with being to big for this bike?
I have driven this bike for about 3 years befor going to uni and having to sell it (broke my heart). I am 1.87cm tall and i have had no problems with the sitting position on this bike. Actually its a lovely first bike could recommend to to almost everybody who likes the looks of naked bikes and has a passion for V-twins.
My next bike will probably be a Suzuki SV 1000 the 1000cc v-twin honda should have made...
I don't understand the front end comments... it's a 15 year old bike and the forks probably need an overhaul. My NTV650 doesnt complain at the front - it handles as well as anything else out there. Good review otherwise.
Nick would just Like to thankyou as I said in a reply to a post on here alrady I own the 650 version of the BROS the Hawk and it shares the frot fork condition but I can put that aside, I must admit I love this bike and I was almost tempted to pass it up till I saw this review so thankyou and keep up the good work mate
beautiful bike, 34bhp isn't enough though. 50bhp from the 650 is ok. Shame about the fork setup. Wish honda sold this bike in Australia, they are very rare and are grey imported. so parts are even harder to come by. Great reveiw though!
parts aint that hard to come by I know cause I own the 650 :D it is a gem of a bike for riding in the city and up in the hills most newer 4 cyl bikes will beat you hands down in a straight line but on corners and hills this beaut holds its own just dont go done hills to hard unless you like singing soprano :D If your in QLD and interested in owning a 400 or 650 I know a bloke if you interested just hit me up in a reply or a message
i would really really like to know where i can buy one of these cheap, they seem pretty rare. im willing to pay about £800 ish? is that too optimistic? please message me its important.
Honda will never sell this bike again--polished engine case? The suspension was above average for its day, and that swingarm was expensive to produce--all for a bike that would be so good it would steal sales from its 600RR? Never--but what do I know--Kawi and Suzi have been doing well with their hawks.
if honda brought this bike back, with maybe a 750cc injected twin with 70hp, slightly revised bodywork while keeping the original profile, maybe a 4 gal tank and some better spring rates in the fork & shock... it would sell like mad... keep the price BELOW $7000US and it would be a run away hit.
to those that keep suggesting how he can improve the front, have you taken into consideration that that review is more about the the stock bike rather than what you can swap out on the bike?
but owning the Hawk/Bros is all about making it your own, and doing what Honda should have done in the first place (upgrade the suspension). Fair enough the review deals with the standard bike, but it's also helpful to know how easily it can be sorted. Google "Hawk GT" for endless info on the bike.
I own a Hawk GT, the American 650cc version. The stock forks aren't GREAT, but they aren't THAT bad, either. I installed Progressive springs and cartridge emulators, and that stiffened up/stabalised the front considerably.
Honda Bros is a great bike but I know what he means about the tank crushing your bollocks, I spent 3 days riding 1 in the mountains of northern Thailand and coming down the mountains was no fun at all.
Just restored a Bros myself - very impressed with the mechanical quality - easy to work on! Just fitted a 650 motor myself and HordPower carb kit - Sounds and goes GREAT! Happy riding!
yeogav 2 years ago
Hi there,,I had mine for a few months now and live it for both the looks and just enough power to ride around London
Althou sadly some idiot crashed into it while it was parked in cinema car park :(
Anyhow my dashboard isn't looking so good and was wondering if anyone knew Where I Could Get a New One From???? As it's 89 grey model and I can't seem to find any
Please help,,
Thx
frosty00v 2 years ago
Hey, my brother had one of the grey bros's, after it was stolen and recovered some bits were wrecked. Im not sure if it was because he couldn't find any of the grey parts but he had to respray the entirity of the panels black.
themikesterno1 2 years ago
hi , from dublin ireland , and a lot of these ended up here . ive been a dispatch rider for years , i used a 650 bros for three years working (dynojetted super4 front end ) i have never even had the rocker covers off to check valve clearances . i drove the shit out of it all day every day for 3 years, there are many around dublin with 300,000 + unbelievable mechanical quality ,
motokrack 2 years ago
Team Moto have a 650 Bros for sale for about $3000Aus. I wish someone knew a definite power for the 650. 33hp for the 400 seems strange given that the 250cc Honda Spada (v twin also) has the same power minus 20kg, though no single sided swing arm.
lordcoombs 2 years ago
Hi there
The quoted power for the 650 Bros is 55BHP.
Cheers
Nick Hine
DrivenandRidden 2 years ago
59 bhp
motokrack 2 years ago
I have a 90 NT650 Hawk GT (US Version). Only hit my "goolies" twice in the month I've had the bike, both times it was my fault, nothing to do with the bike. It's an amazing bike. EVERY time I ride it, I receive compliments on it.
BadAssXJ 2 years ago
LOL goolies, I love the English language.
KillFrenzie 2 years ago
Why the fuck to they have restrictions for bikes in britain cant u just take that shit off?
KillFrenzie 2 years ago
Most restricted bikes you can easily unrestrict, some just have a thin stopper on the throttle that you can bend out of the way on your thumb. Others have spacers put on top of the pistons to stop them moving very far. and some are just electronically held back.
The Honda Bros 400 is not restricted to 33bhp, thats just all it makes. Its the selling point of the bike.
if your bike already has a certificate saying that its restricted, just take the restriction off - who's to know?
themikesterno1 2 years ago
Anyone know the top speed and how fast it gets to 60mph or 100kmh?
KillFrenzie 2 years ago
I got 160kmhs an hour out of mine a week ago. Thats pushing it though. They do go quick enough but they start off slow. Once in second it goes like fuck. I bought mine a month ago for €700 and love driving it. Ill never sell, just buy another bike and hold onto it. They are a joy to drive. I wasnt too comfy on mine either but you get used to the riding position and now its very comfortable.
As he said though, they are not for shitty roads.
markbikes 2 years ago
This bike will do a 160kmhs an hour.
markbikes 2 years ago
i just got 1 today n im a big lad n i had no problem with comfort did 1hr on m25 no probs even front forks wwer fine as compared to my zzr600 bout same really only thing iv found is hard on da wrists defo buy one
boygirlinnit 2 years ago
Hows it bad on the wrists?
KillFrenzie 2 years ago
The only restricted bike to 33hp i've rode was a suzuki rgv 250 and I didn't like it's powerband. It needed if i remember corectly 8-9000 rpm before the thing come alive and then you only had a 1000rpm to play with. The only good thing I would say about the restriction of this bike is the weight advantage as the bike weighs nothing. If you own one of these bikes get yourself a bit of sponge between you and the tank and your probably last a bit longer.
benjyboba 3 years ago
I own the American version (89' Honda Hawk 650NT). I put clip on handle bars by Vortex on my Hawk which did help the crushing problem he speaks of. Having lower handle bars allows me to disperse and lower my body's weight when breaking abruptly, taking the pressure off of my nuts. Also what helps a bit is getting deeper seat. I got rid of the stock seat and replaced it with a Corbin seat. It is a bit deeper and allows you to sit back on the bike a bit more.
sinikalsin 3 years ago
have to say i loved my old bros was a great ride and as for the pounding your ghoulies well put it this way - someone pulled out on me i went into the side of his bonnet and the curve on the tank then went the other way after that - yes you guessed it my meat and 2veg reshaped the entire tank - but to be honest even with my full licence i would buy another one tommorow for a bit of fun
ozzyfromburnley 3 years ago
Im Aussie and just bought a bros 400 for my first bike. Im on my P's which is our version of a restricted licence. I am 193cm tall and I have to say I love this bike! It's got loads of torque all the way through the rev range and handles very well for a 88 model. Instead of buying another bike when I got off my P's Im thinking about stroking it out 2 650. Anyone know of people who have done this before? The 650 is near impossible to get in this country I have only ever seen one for sale.
felixbono 3 years ago
I know the Africa twin engine fits, with some modifications to the electrics and gearing. You could buy a 650 engine of course, but it's probably much cheaper to fly to japan and buy a complete 650! bring it back as hand luggage, worth a try.
Kind regards
Nick Hine
DrivenandRidden 3 years ago
just have a look at the old "africa twin" engine
im sure thats the same
ozzyfromburnley 3 years ago
I have now sold the 400 Bros - sorry!
strathavon 3 years ago
pain is never good. i think comfort is important factor as also performance and looks :)
Joe7946 3 years ago
If anyone is looking for one of these beauties now (June 2008) I have one for sale...
strathavon 3 years ago
Nice review but I gotta say that I havent had a problem with the tank .. Anyway , it's a great bike for new drivers
frappadias 3 years ago
"make sure you remove your testicles" thats hilarious, and i know what you mean! my suzuki gs500 has no front suspension at all...
bucks1605 4 years ago
"pounds your goolies" lol
johnnycrowe 4 years ago
Hey I am thinking of getting the hawk for my first bike. I am 6.1' and it seems like a small bike so I am wondering if anyone has problems with being to big for this bike?
Araburns 4 years ago
I have driven this bike for about 3 years befor going to uni and having to sell it (broke my heart). I am 1.87cm tall and i have had no problems with the sitting position on this bike. Actually its a lovely first bike could recommend to to almost everybody who likes the looks of naked bikes and has a passion for V-twins.
My next bike will probably be a Suzuki SV 1000 the 1000cc v-twin honda should have made...
Kelkschiz 4 years ago
Hi, Nick!
Still got that Bros 650 that I bought from you in September '06....love it!
Ron
bigkitten 4 years ago
Hi Ron
Let me know if you ever come to sell it!
Cheers
Nick
DrivenandRidden 4 years ago
Will do....it's not being ridden much just now, though!
Ron
bigkitten 4 years ago
I don't understand the front end comments... it's a 15 year old bike and the forks probably need an overhaul. My NTV650 doesnt complain at the front - it handles as well as anything else out there. Good review otherwise.
mricemantoyou 4 years ago
Nick would just Like to thankyou as I said in a reply to a post on here alrady I own the 650 version of the BROS the Hawk and it shares the frot fork condition but I can put that aside, I must admit I love this bike and I was almost tempted to pass it up till I saw this review so thankyou and keep up the good work mate
WhiteWolf101 4 years ago
beautiful bike, 34bhp isn't enough though. 50bhp from the 650 is ok. Shame about the fork setup. Wish honda sold this bike in Australia, they are very rare and are grey imported. so parts are even harder to come by. Great reveiw though!
addys 4 years ago
parts aint that hard to come by I know cause I own the 650 :D it is a gem of a bike for riding in the city and up in the hills most newer 4 cyl bikes will beat you hands down in a straight line but on corners and hills this beaut holds its own just dont go done hills to hard unless you like singing soprano :D If your in QLD and interested in owning a 400 or 650 I know a bloke if you interested just hit me up in a reply or a message
WhiteWolf101 4 years ago
i would really really like to know where i can buy one of these cheap, they seem pretty rare. im willing to pay about £800 ish? is that too optimistic? please message me its important.
jbecci 4 years ago
Honda will never sell this bike again--polished engine case? The suspension was above average for its day, and that swingarm was expensive to produce--all for a bike that would be so good it would steal sales from its 600RR? Never--but what do I know--Kawi and Suzi have been doing well with their hawks.
gforces 4 years ago
if honda brought this bike back, with maybe a 750cc injected twin with 70hp, slightly revised bodywork while keeping the original profile, maybe a 4 gal tank and some better spring rates in the fork & shock... it would sell like mad... keep the price BELOW $7000US and it would be a run away hit.
ProfessorIgor 4 years ago
to those that keep suggesting how he can improve the front, have you taken into consideration that that review is more about the the stock bike rather than what you can swap out on the bike?
kackerson 4 years ago
Ahh,
but owning the Hawk/Bros is all about making it your own, and doing what Honda should have done in the first place (upgrade the suspension). Fair enough the review deals with the standard bike, but it's also helpful to know how easily it can be sorted. Google "Hawk GT" for endless info on the bike.
Good review by the way.
skinnyhawk 4 years ago
Thanks for that, I'm well aware of all the upgrades people have done to the Hawk. I just never seem to have the time to do it myself!
Kind regards
Nick Hine
DrivenandRidden 4 years ago
I own a Hawk GT, the American 650cc version. The stock forks aren't GREAT, but they aren't THAT bad, either. I installed Progressive springs and cartridge emulators, and that stiffened up/stabalised the front considerably.
HawkGTboy 5 years ago
you can change the fork with a CBR 600 or fireblade fork! (then you'll also have double racing brakes).
just an idea
NielsMF 5 years ago
I'm far too lazy, I'd just buy a CBR600 or Fireblade instead. Thinking about it, I already have.
DrivenandRidden 5 years ago
the bros is a 400 cc bike, the 650 is much more bike
NielsMF 5 years ago
You're right. The 650 BROS is a far better bike, still don't like the forks though.
DrivenandRidden 5 years ago
Honda Bros is a great bike but I know what he means about the tank crushing your bollocks, I spent 3 days riding 1 in the mountains of northern Thailand and coming down the mountains was no fun at all.
doctorlegg 5 years ago
good video, very helpful
reverenddisciple 5 years ago