KTM 990 Superduke is pretty sweet too. I saw and sat on one at the recent bike show in Montreal and would sure love to try one. The Ducati Hypermotard is a work of art too (and the 1098, well, it goes without saying). Some of the new Moto Guzzis are sweet too (concerns about dealer network and reliability though).
I rode a VFR a couple of years back on a dealer ride and, although it was a very competent bike (uncannily smooth), it seemed to lack soul (and mid-range).
Although I have never ridden one, the Kawasaki ZX-9 has always caught my eye. It got pretty good reviews too as a great all-round sportbike.
The Yamaha FZ1 is also said to be a good all-rounder (especially the first generation model).

 

If I remember correctly there is/was a negligible weight difference between
the SH and TL-S, not enough to be worth mentioning....

 

That's true. Not to mention that they look all wrong these days. The Super Hawk's styling has (at least to me) aged much more gracefully than either of the TL Suzukis.
The Super Duke and the Tuono both look like a blast.

 

Yeah i would go with speed tripple just in green. Oh the other bike would be a 1098 14,999 bace price and for the S its 19k

 

if you're willing to take a step down in displacement, you could go with the new triumph daytona. it's got more horsepower than the hawk, and more torque than any other 600cc bike out there. not as much torque as the hawk, but given the weight difference, I don't think you'd miss it. anyway I always thought that bike was badass. gonna be my next one. When I can afford to own 2 bikes. (hawk's not goin anywhere).

 

you ever ride the675? i hated it

 

For me, as I no longer seek the best, fastest, ect ect.. (not saying I do not like performance, just no longer have to have the very fastest newest toy on the block) For me, a 1984 VF45 Interceptor (pre 700cc tariff), Restored in perfect running condition... Just like the new one I owned oh so many years ago, A TL-R, just because it also is a twin, though it would have to be modded a bit to satisfy me, RC-51, again Twin & FI just for the tinker factor, 1983 KZ1000R because it was a dream bike of mine growing up. Ridden by a role model of mine. To me there are lots of cool bikes out there, many of which I would like to own, or have over the years. The SH is the toy of now, but by no means do I think it is the one and only Cool Bike,, IMHO

Heck if we start dreaming and talking gray market imports, my Cool list gets very long......:LOL

 

Here is another for ya... I saw and sat on a Benelli T'NT (1130 cc triple) at the Montreal motorcycle show. That would be nice too. Yep, the ol' list is getting quite long....

cheers

 

rode my riding buddies 06 speed triple 1050 over the weekend...simply put that bike is awesome.he has the arrow exhaust and the ecu was remaped by our local triumph dealer...that thing is a blast to ride and I have to say I enjoyed it better than my hawk...sorry guys...the power is awesome...awesome torque and it is very comfortable and light...i have to say that will most likely be my next bike later down the road.

 

Gixxer 600. 'Cuz hardly anyone has one & the graphics are so unique.

 

THe other bikes I lust after include (no particvular order):

Aprilia Tuono: I have a long lust history with the Tuono. I';ve never riden one, but I've sat on many. They are sexy, comfortable, and fairly rare!

KTM SuperDuke: Wow! I've never even seen one in person... I love this thing by looks and what I've read. I bet it would be a hell of a fun bike!

Buell XB-12S: May not be the prettiest or fastest, but I don't care, they are damn cool! They feel good under me, look mean, and you don't see many of them.

Triumph Speed Triple 1050: I've riden one, and it is simply amazing! I loved my 40 miles aboard this one... Of my lusted after bikes, this might be the best all around, most practical choice!

Triumph Daytona 955i: These are neat bikes. Similar to the VTR in an under apprcieated way. I think they look good, sound good, and run good. I'd really like a ride on one. With 30 more HP and similar weight and riding position, it would make a good cheap alternative! (Have to be SSSA for me though ).

Is it surprising that none of my favorites are popular bikes in the US? Damn the sheeple and their cookie cutter ways!

 

yea speedtrip is awesome but handlingwise it dont compare to the hawk. the one other thing speed trip has serious stopping power, seen alot of crashers because they grab to much fbrake. if i were to get a second bike, hand down speed tripple - 1050, but id never trade my hawk for it!!

 

no I haven't ridden one. just sat on one. yours is the first negative response I've heard about the 675. what didn't you like about it?

 

go with a 2000-2001 Ducati 748, It's probably the only bike as cool as the Hawk, actually, there may be one more, an 88-89 HawkGT if your into a little less power

 

it was to small under me, the power wasnt as great as it was cracked up to be and it was a real uncomfortable - to me. it did handle good tho-had a lap timer in it would make a great track bike.