The Classic Series

 Honda Hawk II CB400T / Hawk CB250T (1977)

The Honda Hawk II CB400T (introduced in 1977) was a hope for the "medium license" setting.When considering the adjectives that symbolize Honda, words like "stubborn technologist," "obsession with engines," or "unyielding challenge" come to mind. 

These images have been ingrained over time, influenced largely by the character of the founder, Soichiro Honda. While they have evolved slightly over the years, they have remained a consistent image.

Of course, this applies to their two-wheeled products as well. Throughout the ages, there have been many vehicles developed to lead the way, some of them eloquently spoken of as iconic models, while others less so.In this context, one model that comes to the author's mind as difficult to classify is the "Hawk" series, which debuted in the late 1970s with a new air-cooled parallel twin.

The Hawk series was born in 1977.The 400cc version, the "Hawk II CB400T," was introduced in May of the same year, followed by the 250cc version, the "Hawk CB250T," in July. 

From the beginning, there were models available for the medium-sized motorcycle license (then referred to as the normal motorcycle license) with a maximum displacement of 400cc, as well as a scaled-down 250cc version for the light motorcycle class. 

The main reason for the birth of the Hawk series is said to be the introduction of the staged motorcycle license system in 1975.

At the time in 1975, Honda's medium-sized motorcycle lineup consisted of the CB360T, which had an air-cooled OHC parallel twin engine and was introduced in 1973, and the CB400Four, which had an air-cooled OHC inline-four engine. 

The Dream CB400Four, which debuted in 1974 with a cafe racer style, initially had a displacement of 408cc. 

The Dream CB400Four, introduced in 1974, featured a 408cc air-cooled inline-four engine and adopted the first commercially available 4-into-1 exhaust system. It gained popularity with its sporty cafe racer style. In 1976, a 398cc version tailored to the "medium license" was introduced.

Therefore, to comply with the new medium-sized license regulations introduced in 1975, the engine was downsized to 398cc and introduced from 1976 onwards.

While both the twin-cylinder and four-cylinder models initially addressed the demand for medium-sized road models, their engines were based on older designs. 

The base engine for the CB360T, as well as the CB400Four, dated back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, such as the 350cc parallel twin from the Dream CB350 and the CB350Four introduced before the oil crisis in 1972.

As a result, these engines faced challenges in delivering outstanding performance. Additionally, the CB400Four was produced with different displacements for export (408cc) and domestic (398cc) markets, leading to inefficient mass production. 

Consequently, there was an urgent need for the development of a new engine tailored for the 400cc segment.

This led to the introduction of the newly developed air-cooled OHC 3-valve parallel twin engine for the Hawk series.1977 Honda Hawk II CB400T Released in May 1977 as the next-generation medium-sized road model, the Hawk II CB400T featured a rounded form, often referred to as the "kettle tank." 

Honda's unique Comstar wheels, initially equipped with steel spokes (later replaced with aluminum rims), riveted spoke plates, were a notable feature at the time. The new bike was priced at ¥319,000.

                                            【1977 HONDA HAWK II CB400T】

Following the release of the Hawk II CB400T in 1977, the Hawk CB250T was launched in July of the same year. With a reduced bore and stroke compared to the 395cc Hawk II CB400T, the 249cc engine produced performance figures of 26ps/10,000rpm and 2.0kg-m/8,500rpm. 

The promotional materials for the 1977 Hawk II CB400T highlight the development of a new mid-displacement two-wheeler with attractive features based on advanced engine technology accumulated over the years. 

It aims to deliver agile and wide-ranging sportiness, capable of handling highway to rough-road riding with ease—a feat not commonly achieved in this class. 

Specifically, the most significant features of the Hawk series' air-cooled 2-cylinder engine include a pursuit of performance and quietness typically associated with 4-cylinder engines or above.