How fast is the Honda Nighthawk?

The Honda Nighthawk’s top speed depends on the specific model and engine size: the 250 tops out around 70–75 mph (113–121 km/h), while larger four‑cylinder Nighthawks—most notably the 650, 700S, and 750—typically reach between 120 and 130 mph (193–209 km/h). In practical terms, the most common 1991–2003 Nighthawk 750 runs about 120–125 mph, and the beginner‑friendly Nighthawk 250 cruises comfortably below highway limits with enough headroom for 70‑mph traffic. Here’s how the lineup breaks down, why real‑world results vary, and how the Nighthawk compares to similar bikes.

What “Nighthawk” are we talking about?

Honda used the Nighthawk name for a family of standard motorcycles from the early 1980s through the 2000s. They range from the CB250 Nighthawk single-cylinder commuter to multi‑cylinder street standards: the CB450SC twin; CB550SC and CB650SC inline‑fours; the tariff‑era CB700SC “Nighthawk S”; and two different CB750 generations (early‑’80s shaft‑drive and the 1991–2003 chain‑drive classic). Performance varies significantly across these models.

Top speeds by model

The figures below reflect typical real‑world top speeds reported by period road tests and owners, rounded to realistic ranges to account for rider weight, altitude, mechanical condition, gearing, and the common tendency of factory speedometers to read optimistically.

• CB250 Nighthawk (1991–2008): about 70–75 mph (113–121 km/h)
• CB450SC Nighthawk 450 (1982–1986): about 103–108 mph (166–174 km/h)
• CB550SC Nighthawk 550 (1983): about 115–120 mph (185–193 km/h)
• CB650SC Nighthawk 650 (1982–1985): about 120–125 mph (193–201 km/h)
• CB700SC Nighthawk S (1984–1986): about 125–129 mph (201–208 km/h)
• CB750SC Nighthawk 750, early ’80s (1982–1983, shaft‑drive): about 125–128 mph (201–206 km/h)
• CB750 Nighthawk 750, later generation (1991–2003, chain‑drive): about 120–124 mph (193–200 km/h)

In testing, well‑tuned examples with favorable conditions (cool air, low altitude, tucked rider) reach the upper end of these bands, while aging machines or those with luggage, upright windscreens, or larger riders typically fall toward the lower end.

Acceleration benchmarks

While top speed answers the headline question, acceleration is what you feel most on the road. These are typical 0–60 mph and quarter‑mile results for healthy, stock bikes on pump fuel, which give context to each model’s real‑world pace.

• CB250: 0–60 mph in ~11–13 s; quarter‑mile ~19–20 s @ ~70–75 mph
• CB450SC: 0–60 mph in ~5.5–6.5 s; quarter‑mile ~13.5–14.2 s @ ~95–98 mph
• CB550SC: 0–60 mph in ~4.5–5.0 s; quarter‑mile ~12.8–13.2 s @ ~102–105 mph
• CB650SC: 0–60 mph in ~4.2–4.6 s; quarter‑mile ~12.3–12.8 s @ ~105–108 mph
• CB700SC (Nighthawk S): 0–60 mph in ~3.8–4.2 s; quarter‑mile ~11.9–12.3 s @ ~109–112 mph
• CB750 (1991–2003): 0–60 mph in ~4.2–4.7 s; quarter‑mile ~12.5–12.9 s @ ~104–107 mph

These figures put the larger Nighthawks in the “quick but not superbike” category—brisk enough for spirited riding and easy highway passing, with the 700S and both 750s feeling strongest in midrange roll‑ons.

Real‑world factors that affect top speed

Two identical Nighthawks can post different numbers on different days. Several controllable and environmental factors explain why published top speeds are ranges, not absolutes.

• Aerodynamics: Rider tuck vs. upright posture, windscreens, and luggage add drag that trims several mph off the top.
• Elevation and weather: Higher altitude and hotter, humid air reduce engine output; cool, dense air helps.
• Mechanical state: Carburetion/throttle body sync, valve clearances, chain condition, and tire pressure all matter.
• Gearing and tires: Non‑stock sprockets or larger‑diameter tires can change indicated and true speed.
• Speedometer error: Many older analog gauges read 3–8% high at highway speeds; GPS tends to show the lower, true value.

If you’re evaluating a specific bike, a GPS‑verified run on a calm day with proper maintenance offers the most reliable top‑speed snapshot.

How the Nighthawk compares today

Against modern standards (as of 2025), the classic Nighthawk 750’s 120‑ish mph top speed and sub‑13‑second quarter mile trail current middleweight nakeds (which often exceed 130–145 mph and run low‑11s) but remain solid for real‑world riding. The 250’s 70‑75 mph ceiling is modest by today’s highway norms yet still workable for commuting and urban use. The 700S remains the sportiest of the series, with performance that still feels lively on back roads.

Summary

Honda’s Nighthawk line spans everything from a 70–75 mph commuter (CB250) to 120–130 mph inline‑four standards (650, 700S, 750). Most riders asking about “the Nighthawk” likely mean the 1991–2003 CB750, which typically tops out around 120–125 mph. Conditions, maintenance, and setup can shift results a few mph either way, but the headline is simple: small Nighthawk, highway‑capable; big Nighthawks, genuinely fast.

What is the top speed of the Honda Nighthawk?

The top speed of a Honda Nighthawk motorcycle varies depending on the specific model and its condition. Generally, the larger displacement Nighthawks like the CB750 could reach speeds around 120-130 mph, while smaller models like the Nighthawk 650 or 250 would have lower top speeds. For example, the CB750 Nighthawk was reported to have a top speed of 128 mph according to Iconic Motorbike Auctions, while a CB650SC Nighthawk was clocked at 119 mph according to Motorcycle Classics. 
Factors affecting top speed:

• Engine Displacement: Larger engines (like the CB750) generally have higher top speeds than smaller engines (like the CB250). 
• Gear Ratios: Original or altered gearing can impact top speed. 
• Condition of the bike: Worn components like tires, sprockets, or engine wear can affect performance. 
• Rider position: Lying on the tank can reduce drag and increase speed, as can modifications like different sprockets or carburetors. 
• Aerodynamics: Fairings or lack thereof can affect top speed. 

Specific examples:

• CB750 Nighthawk: Reported speeds range from 115-130 mph, with some claims of reaching 120-128 mph. 
• CB650SC Nighthawk: Reported to achieve 119 mph. 
• Nighthawk 250: Top speed is around 75-80 mph. 

What is the top speed of the 1983 Honda Nighthawk 650?

The 1983 Honda Nighthawk 650 (CB650SC) has a reported top speed of approximately 122 mph (196 kph), with some reports indicating figures closer to 120–125 mph depending on condition and other factors. 

• Official and Magazine Reports: Cycle World noted a top speed of 119 mph in a half-mile test and described the bike’s “peppy powerband”. autoevolution cites a top speed of 122 mph (196 kph). 
• Owner Experiences: One owner shared on a forum that their bike reached 195-200 kph (about 120-125 mph). 
• Factors: Top speed can vary based on the bike’s condition, original gearing, and maintenance. 

How fast can a Honda Nighthawk 250 go?

The Honda Nighthawk 250 has a real-world top speed typically around 75 mph (120 km/h), though some riders have reported slightly higher speeds of up to 80-85 mph, especially on downhill or in a full tuck position. Its indicated speedometer may show higher, but the engine lacks the power to reach those speeds.
 
This video shows a review of the Honda Nighthawk CB250: 42sYorkshire BikerYouTube · Aug 28, 2021
Factors that influence the Nighthawk 250’s top speed:

• Rider weight: A lighter rider will generally achieve a higher top speed than a heavier rider. 
• Wind and terrain: Wind conditions and whether the bike is on flat ground or a downhill slope significantly affect speed. 
• Motorcycle maintenance: Proper carburetor cleaning and a well-maintained engine are crucial for optimal performance. 
• Sprocket size: The size of the sprockets can impact the top speed, with aftermarket or different stock sprockets affecting the output. 
• Riding position: A full tucked position can help a rider to achieve a slightly higher speed. 

How fast is a 1991 Honda Nighthawk 250?

Gallery: 1991 Honda CB250 Nighthawk
It has an 85 mph speedometer, and you’d probably be lucky to reach the top end of that range.