Ok so It stopped raining and I finally got to put a couple of hours on the new to me Superhawk. I haven't had this much fun on a motorcycle since I got my KX. What a sweet sounding, fun handling torquer this thing is. Why had I never heard of these before. How is it that they weren't more popular. I've been a rider for more than 40 years and owned all styles of bike from 70s and 80s standards to Harleys, Asian cruiser to an FJ1100 as well as a slew of dirt bikes. Hands down this is one of the most fun rides I've ever owned! pick a line it holds it, flick the throttle and you accelerate in any gear and ohh that sound! I'm hooked, it's gonna be a great summer. Sold the FJ this morning, don't think I'll miss it to much.

 

I'm glad you feel that way , oh BTW you can make it sound also like a Ducati with a dry clutch:
Japanese Ducati - yes, they did it! - YouTube

Congrats on selling the FJ1100 so fast.

As for popularity, most people in the US buy what's marketed best, not very smart shoppers, gimmicks and t-shirts and etc... Harley D' and the general 4 cylinder crouch rockets, these mostly sell for the looks and image only!
Here's coming another debate

 

I'm still giddy every time I throw a leg over my Hawk, even after all these years it just doesn't lose it's appeal. When I climb off sometimes I have to stop and admire the beast. Before I got mine I lusted after them for several years while riding it's predecessor the NT650 Hawk GT. Glad to hear you like it as much as you do. Let the mods begin!!

 

You probably won't miss the FJ much, fine as they were. They were a big torquey liter+ bike designed to go fast and handle reasonably well for their day, with some protection from the wind but not as much as a tourer. The VTR is also a big torquey liter bike with some protection from the wind, and a bit more sporting design, but still capable of doing large miles in relative comfort. If you find the riding position a bit too hard on your wrists, try some of the HeliBars. I have them on my bike and they are just shy of perfect for me, maybe a bit too tall when I am really going fast. Looking at a taller windscreen to help with that.

 

Me too! Had an NT650GT Hawk that I rode the Hell out of for years. Now I have my SuperHawk as my phone's wallpaper, and my laptop's wallpaper, lol. I love the way it looks, even stock. Always liked them. Had the same affair with my '99 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. Always loved the look when they came out in '97, but didn't get one till five years later. Loved that car. Got 250k miles out of it till it became a labor of love to keep it going.

 

Man I know your feeling! When I had my VTR awhile back I LOVED it! I rode all kinds of bikes on a regular basis being a motorcycle tech. I'll admit I didn't really get to ride most bikes for a long ride but enough to get a bit of a feel for them. I've always said the VTR was the funnest bike I've ever ridden. It is a bit rough on my wrists on longer rides, maybe I'll have to check into the Heli Bars. I have found that if I keep my elbows bent my forearms go straight on to the bars and it's way easier on my wrists, but if I lock my elbows it puts the strain on the iside of my hand and starts to bother my wrists. If I could bend them up slightly would probably make a huge difference.