Hello from new guy, few questions and comments
06-28-2008 | 05:27 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Ejection Seat Fixer
Squid
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 82
From: PA
Hello from new guy, few questions and comments
Hello all, first let me intro myself hopefully without making it sound like a personals ad or that I just attended my first AA meeting...
Jim, 33 years old, aircraft mechanic for the USAF for 15 years now. Took the MSF course back in 1994, had a YZF600 on order from a Yamaha dealer in Tucson, AZ.... the day it arrived, was the same day I got orders to Alaska, needless to say I ended up not taking delivery on the bike and bought a 1994 S-10 ZR2 instead.
in 1999 I began looing at bikes again..... but living where I do, seems inherently dangerous to have a bike and living in an apartment was not to bike friendly... so I passed...
Fast forward current day, driving either my 2006 silverado or my 1988 Monte Carlo SS to work seems to be a headache when it comes to gas....
"lightbulb goes off" maybe time to look at getting a bike! YES FINALLY... So I start searching.... almost setteled on a 1994 Seca II
So, I find a used 1998 SH.... just over 9k on the odo.... newer tires installed, all original, never laid down, never neeed any major maintenance... I can have it at a price of $3600
so the questions
good price?
first bike? I am very restrained and conservative with my power toys... I am going to take the MSF course AGAIN when I get home from my upcoming deployment I have read the SH is a bit much for new riders... but I am 5"11" 200 lbs, very safety oriented and no a big "on the throttle" kind guy..... I am thinking I can handle the power, because i respect it and know my limits..
Known issues? other than the CCT, what else should I be aware of? Everyone makes a lemon, but in general... will a SH nickle and dime me? Having the above mentioned vehicles as well as my 1974 Corvette ( bought as investment) with 454 engine, I just dont need something else that always needs little odds and ends..
if you made it this far, thanks for not falling asleep and I welcome any comments...
Comments?
Jim, 33 years old, aircraft mechanic for the USAF for 15 years now. Took the MSF course back in 1994, had a YZF600 on order from a Yamaha dealer in Tucson, AZ.... the day it arrived, was the same day I got orders to Alaska, needless to say I ended up not taking delivery on the bike and bought a 1994 S-10 ZR2 instead.
in 1999 I began looing at bikes again..... but living where I do, seems inherently dangerous to have a bike and living in an apartment was not to bike friendly... so I passed...
Fast forward current day, driving either my 2006 silverado or my 1988 Monte Carlo SS to work seems to be a headache when it comes to gas....
"lightbulb goes off" maybe time to look at getting a bike! YES FINALLY... So I start searching.... almost setteled on a 1994 Seca II
So, I find a used 1998 SH.... just over 9k on the odo.... newer tires installed, all original, never laid down, never neeed any major maintenance... I can have it at a price of $3600
so the questions
good price?
first bike? I am very restrained and conservative with my power toys... I am going to take the MSF course AGAIN when I get home from my upcoming deployment I have read the SH is a bit much for new riders... but I am 5"11" 200 lbs, very safety oriented and no a big "on the throttle" kind guy..... I am thinking I can handle the power, because i respect it and know my limits..
Known issues? other than the CCT, what else should I be aware of? Everyone makes a lemon, but in general... will a SH nickle and dime me? Having the above mentioned vehicles as well as my 1974 Corvette ( bought as investment) with 454 engine, I just dont need something else that always needs little odds and ends..
if you made it this far, thanks for not falling asleep and I welcome any comments...
Comments?
06-28-2008 | 05:36 AM
#2
pragmatic anarchist
Superstock
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 380
From: Philadelphia, PA
welcome
Actually, this forum is sometimes eerily like an AA meeting. Not that I've ever attended one. Welcome. You sound like you have your head on straight and know a good amount about the bike already. $3000 deal depends on the bike but it sounds pretty decent to me. You could look longer, but miss out on ride time doing it. Keep us all posted!
06-28-2008 | 06:19 AM
#5
pragmatic anarchist
Superstock
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 380
From: Philadelphia, PA
One more thing. No nickel and diming you from a Honda. They run & run & run. It's strictly hundreds if not thousands at a time as we personalize our babies. We save enough checking in here to spend five times that because we check in here!
06-28-2008 | 06:27 AM
#6
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,015
You will enjoy the V-Twin power much more that and in-line four. The power of the SuperChicken is about the same as a 600 in-line four, just smoother and more linear from bottom to top.
Price seems good to me, if you pass on the SuperChicken (don't get me wrong, we be glad to have you join the SuperHawk cult - it's addicting) take a look at the 03 or later SV650S or SV650N.
As far as fuel milelage goes the superHawk is probably one of the worst MPG rides out there with huge carburetors.
But really, who gives a crap about the MPG, its a bike and it get way better mileage than those other vehicles you listed.
average MPG 30 - 35 (Modified Exhaust / Jet kit and purring) Heavy Throttle
Average MPG 35 - 40 (Stock) light throttle, use 5th and 6th gears alot.
Good Luck in your decision!
Price seems good to me, if you pass on the SuperChicken (don't get me wrong, we be glad to have you join the SuperHawk cult - it's addicting) take a look at the 03 or later SV650S or SV650N.
As far as fuel milelage goes the superHawk is probably one of the worst MPG rides out there with huge carburetors.
But really, who gives a crap about the MPG, its a bike and it get way better mileage than those other vehicles you listed.
average MPG 30 - 35 (Modified Exhaust / Jet kit and purring) Heavy Throttle
Average MPG 35 - 40 (Stock) light throttle, use 5th and 6th gears alot.
Good Luck in your decision!
06-28-2008 | 06:46 AM
#7
Thread Starter
Ejection Seat Fixer
Squid
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 82
From: PA
exactly!
06-28-2008 | 07:05 AM
#8
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,051
From: Portland, Oregon
welcome ... the hawk is an easy bike to ride, being a V-twin, no big power band that can be a little hard to handle for new riders.
i'd suggest CCT's & have the front forks rebuilt ( stock they are WAY to soft ) then put on some good rubber & enjoy.
note: the sv is a great bike, lots of them & aftermarket parts ... but at 200 lbs ( + in gear ) the 70hp may seem a little flat.
tim
i'd suggest CCT's & have the front forks rebuilt ( stock they are WAY to soft ) then put on some good rubber & enjoy.
note: the sv is a great bike, lots of them & aftermarket parts ... but at 200 lbs ( + in gear ) the 70hp may seem a little flat.
tim
06-28-2008 | 07:09 AM
#9
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 818
From: Thornwood, NY
Yeah... as for the VTR the only real issue is the R/R, nobody will/should argue those things fry, so plan on spending $100 for a new one at some point if it hasn't been swapped out already... as for the CCT's... many will say there isn't an issue, many will say there is, my OPINION is I'd rather not gamble with my valves and have major problems, so for $100 I swapped them out for piece of mind.
So add $200 to your purchase price, and for the most part you'll never have another problem with the bike again aside from the gas mileage per tank!!!!
Enjoy it, you'll love it.
J.
So add $200 to your purchase price, and for the most part you'll never have another problem with the bike again aside from the gas mileage per tank!!!!
Enjoy it, you'll love it.
J.
06-28-2008 | 03:21 PM
#13
Moderator
MotoGP
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,115
From: Gettysburg, Pa
Hi stingray, are you close to Gettysburg?
I think the SH isn't the best choice for a first bike. It's probably better than a I4 that needs it's neck ringed to get in the power band. One big thing is comfort. Try to take it for a ride and see if your leaned too far forward (for your taste). The last thing you want as a new rider is fatigue after 20-30 minutes of riding. I put a set of Heli-bars on mine which rasied them up a little. If you plan to do any 2-up riding, the extra person weighs heavily on them wrists. It's an awesome bike though. I love it. Mine was $3500 (00) w/ 6,xxx well cared for miles.
I think the SH isn't the best choice for a first bike. It's probably better than a I4 that needs it's neck ringed to get in the power band. One big thing is comfort. Try to take it for a ride and see if your leaned too far forward (for your taste). The last thing you want as a new rider is fatigue after 20-30 minutes of riding. I put a set of Heli-bars on mine which rasied them up a little. If you plan to do any 2-up riding, the extra person weighs heavily on them wrists. It's an awesome bike though. I love it. Mine was $3500 (00) w/ 6,xxx well cared for miles.
06-29-2008 | 06:08 PM
#14
Thread Starter
Ejection Seat Fixer
Squid
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 82
From: PA
If i recall sitting on it back in 1999, it makes the rider lean forward, but not as aggressive as other bikes.... I dont mind leaning fwd a bit...
I dont ever plan on riding 2-up, so thats will not be a issue.... mor times than not, this will be used for my 6 mile commute to work and then the occasional trip to the lake or the store....
I would like to trailer it to my hunting camp in northern PA, then hit the upper tier and see all the northern PA sights on a bike.... Rt 6 is really nice in the fall....
I dont ever plan on riding 2-up, so thats will not be a issue.... mor times than not, this will be used for my 6 mile commute to work and then the occasional trip to the lake or the store....
I would like to trailer it to my hunting camp in northern PA, then hit the upper tier and see all the northern PA sights on a bike.... Rt 6 is really nice in the fall....
Last edited by 74stingray; 06-29-2008 at 06:16 PM.
06-30-2008 | 04:30 AM
#16
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 136
From: Almonte, Ont Canada
74stingray
If the deal for the 98 falls thru, ping me.
I have a 99 for sale for $4500 that already has all the mods mentioned plus Ohlins, Sargent, and more.....
Located near Ottawa Canada.
Cheers
Geoff in Almonte
If the deal for the 98 falls thru, ping me.
I have a 99 for sale for $4500 that already has all the mods mentioned plus Ohlins, Sargent, and more.....
Located near Ottawa Canada.
Cheers
Geoff in Almonte
06-30-2008 | 07:19 AM
#17
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 702
From: Bham, AL
Considering this is a vtwin sportbike, we aren't too far off on gas mileage compared to other liter bike I4 sportbikes:
Suzuki GSXR 1000: 35 mpg
Kawasaki ZX10R: 33 mpg
Honda CBR 1000RR: 32 mpg
Yamaha R1: 32 mpg
I don't see why everyone thinks the SH gets bad gas mileage. If anything its the range that you notice because of only a 4.3 GL tank. Expect ~125 miles per fill-up. Obviously you can get more if you baby the SH like a granny, but what fun is that then?
As for known issues, the other one not mentioned so far is the R/R. Make sure yours has the newer one with the finned/heatsinked body.
Suzuki GSXR 1000: 35 mpg
Kawasaki ZX10R: 33 mpg
Honda CBR 1000RR: 32 mpg
Yamaha R1: 32 mpg
I don't see why everyone thinks the SH gets bad gas mileage. If anything its the range that you notice because of only a 4.3 GL tank. Expect ~125 miles per fill-up. Obviously you can get more if you baby the SH like a granny, but what fun is that then?
As for known issues, the other one not mentioned so far is the R/R. Make sure yours has the newer one with the finned/heatsinked body.
Last edited by haknslash; 06-30-2008 at 07:25 AM.
06-30-2008 | 12:52 PM
#18
Thread Starter
Ejection Seat Fixer
Squid
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 82
From: PA
thanks guys, keep 'em coming if you ave any more inputs!
I think I'll buy her though... what the heck.... buy it, ride it ad if i don't like it at least i experienced riding it once.
" i can spend my time on earth Living, or just pass through life, dying"
I think I'll buy her though... what the heck.... buy it, ride it ad if i don't like it at least i experienced riding it once.
" i can spend my time on earth Living, or just pass through life, dying"
Last edited by 74stingray; 06-30-2008 at 12:54 PM.
06-30-2008 | 01:38 PM
#19
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 702
From: Bham, AL
The SH would make a good first bike so long as you're not someone looking to push their limits right off the bat. Many people discourage people form buying liter bikes as their first bike, and I'm one of those people.....usually. But the SH doesn't have the same power as todays I4 liter bikes and more importantly the powerband is very user friendly and shouldn't get you into trouble unless you're blatenly asking for it. As mentioned its about on par with a middleweight bike but much more predictable. The bike is also pretty forgiving if you find yourself too hot in a turn or need to correct your line, granted riding experience is a factor.
You seem to have a level head and mature enough to not go looking for trouble. I think you'd be fine with the SH so long as you take your time to learn the bike and learn good riding habits in general. Take the MSF again and slowly get into the learning curve of the SH. Enjoy it!
ALWAYS RIDE AT YOUR OWN PACE!!
You seem to have a level head and mature enough to not go looking for trouble. I think you'd be fine with the SH so long as you take your time to learn the bike and learn good riding habits in general. Take the MSF again and slowly get into the learning curve of the SH. Enjoy it!
ALWAYS RIDE AT YOUR OWN PACE!!
Last edited by haknslash; 06-30-2008 at 01:51 PM.
06-30-2008 | 01:46 PM
#20
Out of my mind, back in 5
MotoGP
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 6,109
From: Skurup, Sweden
As for first bike issues... The VTR is a powerfull bike... no doubt about that and it's not that hard to get into trouble...
But it's also a rather friendly beast... if you treat it nice, it's nice to you... If you flog it, it packs a mean punch...
And trust me... If you know what you are doing ( I'm learning... always learning... ) It's one hell of a fun ride...
OH BTW!!! ATGATT = All The Gear All The Time!!!
But it's also a rather friendly beast... if you treat it nice, it's nice to you... If you flog it, it packs a mean punch...
And trust me... If you know what you are doing ( I'm learning... always learning... ) It's one hell of a fun ride...
OH BTW!!! ATGATT = All The Gear All The Time!!!
06-30-2008 | 05:39 PM
#21
Thread Starter
Ejection Seat Fixer
Squid
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 82
From: PA
.
You seem to have a level head and mature enough to not go looking for trouble. I think you'd be fine with the SH so long as you take your time to learn the bike and learn good riding habits in general. Take the MSF again and slowly get into the learning curve of the SH. Enjoy it!
ALWAYS RIDE AT YOUR OWN PACE!!
You seem to have a level head and mature enough to not go looking for trouble. I think you'd be fine with the SH so long as you take your time to learn the bike and learn good riding habits in general. Take the MSF again and slowly get into the learning curve of the SH. Enjoy it!
ALWAYS RIDE AT YOUR OWN PACE!!
I think Ill get the SH home, give it a mechanical inspection... tool around the neighborhood after the evening rush is over and streets are quiet... get myself familiar with it.... maybe take it to work a week later... leave early to beat the rush and come home late to avoid it...
when I get back fom my short deployment... take the MSF course again... ride easy for the fall... and for the winter give it a good going over.. changing all the fluids, flush and bleed the brakes and so on....
thanks all.... Ill be making arrangements to pick this SH up!
06-30-2008 | 07:47 PM
#23
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,082
From: Menifee, CA
As an expatriot Pennsylvanian I envy you. I cut my teeth on County roads throughout southeastern PA with fantastic roads to nowhere or some small Hamlet with a fork to take to another road to nowhere or another Hamlet. And at everyone there was a diner or roadhouse or something that was not McDonalds where you could get good cooking and reasonable prices.
Then I moved to California in the early 80's motorcyle nirvana..heaven..great roads perfect weather..ride year round...bullshit!!!
To get anywhere worth riding in So Cal (Orange, LA,Riverside counties) you jump on the Freeway and ride 1 to 2 hours to someplace decent to ride. Whether it's Angeles Crest or Ortega or the hot roads to Julian. Hell Ortega is only 30 miles end to end or basically 20 minutes o'fun if the cops aren't on maximum enforcement (Ortga is a double fine zone a serious ticket will set you back about $400)
So I envy you 74Stingray..I don't know what a speeding ticket costs in PA anymore but it's probably less..and you certainly can't ride year round.. but I bet from where you are in Willow Grove you can go in any of 3 directions for 20 minutes or less and be riding at 8 10ths for hours on end and maybe stop at a PA dutch breakfast place for scrapple and eggs while I'm still trying to figure out if there are any roads I haven't tried yet over an egg mc whatever.
I almost forgot the point of this missive..you'll love the Hawk big, fat, friendly power. User friendly non hyper but will move you down the road if you train your skills and respect the bike you should be fine with it.
Then I moved to California in the early 80's motorcyle nirvana..heaven..great roads perfect weather..ride year round...bullshit!!!
To get anywhere worth riding in So Cal (Orange, LA,Riverside counties) you jump on the Freeway and ride 1 to 2 hours to someplace decent to ride. Whether it's Angeles Crest or Ortega or the hot roads to Julian. Hell Ortega is only 30 miles end to end or basically 20 minutes o'fun if the cops aren't on maximum enforcement (Ortga is a double fine zone a serious ticket will set you back about $400)
So I envy you 74Stingray..I don't know what a speeding ticket costs in PA anymore but it's probably less..and you certainly can't ride year round.. but I bet from where you are in Willow Grove you can go in any of 3 directions for 20 minutes or less and be riding at 8 10ths for hours on end and maybe stop at a PA dutch breakfast place for scrapple and eggs while I'm still trying to figure out if there are any roads I haven't tried yet over an egg mc whatever.
I almost forgot the point of this missive..you'll love the Hawk big, fat, friendly power. User friendly non hyper but will move you down the road if you train your skills and respect the bike you should be fine with it.
Last edited by HRCA#1; 06-30-2008 at 07:56 PM.
06-30-2008 | 07:58 PM
#24
Shredding Asphalt
Superstock
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 299
From: Oceanside
3600 isnt that bad of a deal. I got mine with front end swap, olhins rear shocks, heli bars, cans and newer R/R but I had a little over 24,000 on the clock. bike runs awsome. It was my first realy street sport bike and ive done fine you should have no problem on it. with anything it is as fast as you want it to be. Enjoy and welcome
07-01-2008 | 07:38 AM
#25
Thread Starter
Ejection Seat Fixer
Squid
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 82
From: PA
So I envy you 74Stingray..I don't know what a speeding ticket costs in PA anymore but it's probably less..and you certainly can't ride year round.. but I bet from where you are in Willow Grove you can go in any of 3 directions for 20 minutes or less and be riding at 8 10ths for hours on end and maybe stop at a PA dutch breakfast place for scrapple and eggs while I'm still trying to figure out if there are any roads I haven't tried yet over an egg mc whatever.
well, let me tell you.... SEPA is so crammed anymore.... it will take a while to get "out of the 'burbs" But once you get out and away..... the roads do get nice scenic, but sadly it takes a while to get to them.... and MILLIONS of crazies on 4 and 18 wheels, this is why my first year I'll end up trailering it here to camp then ride the back roads around northern PA when I want to do day trips
Last edited by 74stingray; 07-01-2008 at 07:41 AM.
07-01-2008 | 11:49 AM
#26
Member
Squid
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 39
Go to the Poconos stingray -- the roads are as twisty as you'll find anywhere and they go on forever ! You have to be careful though as you'll find yourself out in the middle of nowhere low on gas 
It'd probably take you 2 hours to get there from the Philly area. It takes me about an hour from central NJ. its worth it for a day trip.
It'd probably take you 2 hours to get there from the Philly area. It takes me about an hour from central NJ. its worth it for a day trip.
07-03-2008 | 05:42 AM
#27
Thread Starter
Ejection Seat Fixer
Squid
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 82
From: PA
Low on gas wuld be a bad thing.... I wonder if anyone packs a extra fuel bottle "just in case" I have a 1 ltr aluminum fuel bottle I use for my hiking / backpacking trips.... may be something to fill and carry on those long trips around no-wheresville...
07-03-2008 | 06:34 AM
#28
Member
Squid
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 39
I usually take a few rides a year a bit north of Stroudsburg, since I've been up there a bunch I know a few gas stations that I'll top off before running off into the hills - once filled 100 miles is a long way to ride without coming across a gas station and theres little chance of running out of gas, I've even come across one tiny station out in the middle of nowhere - old general store and 1 pump - and it was an old one that the numbers spun on -- Riding with other bikes with greater range has gotten me close to walking before, I learned my lesson - tell them you HAVE to stop and fill up every 100 miles cause they dont even think about getting fuel until your out - at least the VFR guys I've ridden with, the longest I'd gone was about 150 miles - I remember clearly @ 110/120 my RLOD came on and I had no clue where the hell we were... I thought I was gonna be walking that day.
MS streets and trips is pretty good for finding gas stations on your route, its pretty accurate and stay away from Rt209 in stroudsburg on the weekends -- too much traffic there.
Ive thought about the extra fuel bottle but dont like the idea of having a bottle of gas in tank bag - just in case it leaks. Sitting on top of a few gallons of gas doesnt seem to bother me for some reason one of those aluminum 1 liter bottles would be fine for the emergency situation, it'd probably get you another 20 miles - better than walking.
-- Riding with other bikes with greater range has gotten me close to walking before, I learned my lesson - tell them you HAVE to stop and fill up every 100 miles cause they dont even think about getting fuel until your out - at least the VFR guys I've ridden with, the longest I'd gone was about 150 miles - I remember clearly @ 110/120 my RLOD came on and I had no clue where the hell we were... I thought I was gonna be walking that day.MS streets and trips is pretty good for finding gas stations on your route, its pretty accurate and stay away from Rt209 in stroudsburg on the weekends -- too much traffic there.
Ive thought about the extra fuel bottle but dont like the idea of having a bottle of gas in tank bag - just in case it leaks. Sitting on top of a few gallons of gas doesnt seem to bother me for some reason
one of those aluminum 1 liter bottles would be fine for the emergency situation, it'd probably get you another 20 miles - better than walking.
Last edited by Bill Zebub; 07-03-2008 at 06:39 AM.
07-03-2008 | 06:52 AM
#29
pragmatic anarchist
Superstock
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 380
From: Philadelphia, PA
I ran out recently just riding local near my youngest daughters apartment. Gotta fix my sender!!! She drove by before I was even off the road and we went and grabbed a can. I have a rack and would pack at least an empty jug and some tubing if I was doing a long ride in PA mountains. My son lives on the edge of Lancaster amidst the Amish buggies and semis. Horse **** can be just like gravel or sand, not quite as bad as oil! He rides up north a few times a year. Loves it. Great roads. Just watch it cooking into those blind corners!
