| MODEL | HONDA CB 550SC NIGHTHAWK 1983 |
| Year | 1983 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, hydraulic valve adjustment |
| Displacement / Capacity | 572 cc / 34.9 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 60 x 50.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 64 hp @ 9500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 49.5 Nm / 36.5 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm |
| Ignition | Transistorized |
| Induction | 4x 30 mm Keihin CV carburettors |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 6 Speed (overdrive top) |
| Clutch | Wet multiplate, hydraulically operated |
| Final Drive | Shaft |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | — |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic fork, 160 mm wheel travel |
| Rear Suspension | Swingarm, 104 mm wheel travel |
| Front Brakes | Single 320 mm disc |
| Rear Brakes | 160 mm drum |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | — |
| Wheelbase | 1440 mm / 56.7 in |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | — |
| Wet Weight | 206.8 kg / 456 lbs |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 100/90-19 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/90-16 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 12.1 Litres / 3.2 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | 41 mpg |
| Top Speed | 186.6 km/h / 116 mph |
The CB550SC Nighthawk was a one-year US model with a new 572 cc DOHC 16-valve air-cooled four, the first 550-class Honda with twin cams, and hydraulic valve adjusters. It paired shaft drive and a six-speed gearbox with overdrive top gear with the Nighthawk line's standard-style chrome look; testers liked its strong, smooth engine and handling but criticised the hard seat, small tank and driveline lash.
