My 2007 GSX R1000 vs. my 2003 SuperHawk
11-04-2012, 02:28 PM
#1
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Squid
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Location: Denver,Colorado
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My 2007 GSX R1000 vs. my 2003 SuperHawk
I have two drastically different 1000cc bikes.
One's an inline 4. The other a V-Twin.
But I thought I'd make an interesting top 5 pro and con list (mine) of both bikes.
Starting with the Gixxer.
Pro:
2007 Suzuki GTX R1000
1. Acceleration is a smooth religious experience. I've hit 125 in second gear.
2. Handling is sublime and secure at high speed. No wobble or dead spots .
3. Suits my 6'4" frame comfortably. View of instruments is ergonomic.
4. Power control system is very handy in crowded city.
5. Chicks ******* dig this bike.
Con:
2007 Suzuki GTX R1000
1. Stock braking is fair at best. Hands get tired quickly.
2. Feels huge and lumbering in stop and go traffic.
3. Dated headlight system gives only moderate coverage at night.
4. Eats tires like candy. Also difficult to service with big hands. Lots of plastic to remove.
5. Moderate sound character at best......even with an Akra 4 to 1 can.
SuperHawk
Pro:
2003 SuperHawk
1. Immediate throttle response at rear off the line. No ******* around in fueling.
2. Anyone can be comfy. You "wear" a SuperHawk.
3. So easy to work on and service.
4. Even the stock cans sound great (with perhaps a bafflectomy). People stare.
5. Torque torque torque in a great and reliable every day commuter.
Con:
2003 SuperHawk
1. Horrible and embarrassing fuel range.
2. Weak braking at best.
3. That ******* fuel cutoff at 10.5k revs. (yes i know it's needed, but I hate it)
4. Weak unfocused headlight even with updated lumens.
5. Always CCT problems no matter how much I work on it.
Feel free to add, detract or tell me to **** off.
Love you too....xo
One's an inline 4. The other a V-Twin.
But I thought I'd make an interesting top 5 pro and con list (mine) of both bikes.
Starting with the Gixxer.
Pro:
2007 Suzuki GTX R1000
1. Acceleration is a smooth religious experience. I've hit 125 in second gear.
2. Handling is sublime and secure at high speed. No wobble or dead spots .
3. Suits my 6'4" frame comfortably. View of instruments is ergonomic.
4. Power control system is very handy in crowded city.
5. Chicks ******* dig this bike.
Con:
2007 Suzuki GTX R1000
1. Stock braking is fair at best. Hands get tired quickly.
2. Feels huge and lumbering in stop and go traffic.
3. Dated headlight system gives only moderate coverage at night.
4. Eats tires like candy. Also difficult to service with big hands. Lots of plastic to remove.
5. Moderate sound character at best......even with an Akra 4 to 1 can.
SuperHawk
Pro:
2003 SuperHawk
1. Immediate throttle response at rear off the line. No ******* around in fueling.
2. Anyone can be comfy. You "wear" a SuperHawk.
3. So easy to work on and service.
4. Even the stock cans sound great (with perhaps a bafflectomy). People stare.
5. Torque torque torque in a great and reliable every day commuter.
Con:
2003 SuperHawk
1. Horrible and embarrassing fuel range.
2. Weak braking at best.
3. That ******* fuel cutoff at 10.5k revs. (yes i know it's needed, but I hate it)
4. Weak unfocused headlight even with updated lumens.
5. Always CCT problems no matter how much I work on it.
Feel free to add, detract or tell me to **** off.
Love you too....xo
11-04-2012, 03:05 PM
#2
Former Superchicken Owner
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You can fix everything on the Superhawk with the exception of the fuel range and the redline.
You forgot the biggest con of the Suzuki, one that can NEVER be fixed:
It has no soul.
You forgot the biggest con of the Suzuki, one that can NEVER be fixed:
It has no soul.
11-04-2012, 03:22 PM
#3
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Location: Essex, UK
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2003 SuperHawk
1. Horrible and embarrassing fuel range.
Solution > www.vtr1000.org • View topic - Me petrol Tanker pics!
2. Weak braking at best.
Upgrade braking?
3. That ******* fuel cutoff at 10.5k revs. (yes i know it's needed, but I hate it)
Change up a gear and ride the torque to the top
4. Weak unfocused headlight even with updated lumens.
Eager Beaver Kit
5. Always CCT problems no matter how much I work on it.
APE or Krieger manual CCTs
Sorted
or get a RC-51...
1. Horrible and embarrassing fuel range.
Solution > www.vtr1000.org • View topic - Me petrol Tanker pics!
2. Weak braking at best.
Upgrade braking?
3. That ******* fuel cutoff at 10.5k revs. (yes i know it's needed, but I hate it)
Change up a gear and ride the torque to the top
4. Weak unfocused headlight even with updated lumens.
Eager Beaver Kit
5. Always CCT problems no matter how much I work on it.
APE or Krieger manual CCTs
Sorted
or get a RC-51...
Last edited by Wicky; 11-04-2012 at 03:26 PM.
11-04-2012, 03:33 PM
#4
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#1 is really starting to bug me too. (after 12+ years!)
#2 is easily fixable. I have the F4i rotors waiting to be put on this off season.
#5 shouldn't be an issue. I put manuals on years ago and haven't touched them since.
Recommendation? Buy the new Multistrada 12oo and have the best of all worlds!!
11-04-2012, 05:04 PM
#5
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Squid
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Denver,Colorado
Posts: 52
Yep... The Hawk has a LOT of soul. That's why I'll never let it go.
But as far as upgrades and mods go.... The wife is 6mos pregnant.....
And I recently retired from my rock star job and now teach music to kids.
So the upgrades are gonna have to wait. Still hate the fuel range though..... Lol.
But as far as upgrades and mods go.... The wife is 6mos pregnant.....
And I recently retired from my rock star job and now teach music to kids.
So the upgrades are gonna have to wait. Still hate the fuel range though..... Lol.
11-04-2012, 08:26 PM
#8
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Squid
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 52
Congrats to you and your wife!
I would consider a k5 or k6 GSXR1000 as a suitable replacement. The 2007 is fatter and the power band has been castrated by the emission requirements (though, akra may have fixed that). Isn't the SH a little comfier?
I would consider a k5 or k6 GSXR1000 as a suitable replacement. The 2007 is fatter and the power band has been castrated by the emission requirements (though, akra may have fixed that). Isn't the SH a little comfier?
11-04-2012, 09:07 PM
#9
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I've compared my wife's 2012 GSX-R750 with my Superhawk, after 3 rides on Ortega Highway with her bike, and numerous trips to the gas station (she lets me fill it up and do surf checks). 4,403 miles since purchased on August 1.
2012 GSX-R750
PROS:
1. Redline in 2nd hits 115 mph, I shifted before hitting the rev limiter, went by visual on the tach. (done on a closed course, with a professional driver, of course)
2. Handling is as you said.
3. Your 6'4" frame would be way cramped on a 2011/12 750. At 5'10", I wouldn't want the pegs any higher.
4. Braking is at least twice as good as a stock VTR with EBC HH pads.
5. The stock 750 weighs 419 wet, and with the rear fender, passenger pegs, rear seat and reflectors removed, it's a few pounds less, so slow speed handling is not a problem.
6. Smooth power.
CONS:
1. It's a wide body, compared to the VTR.
2. Riding it hard, gas mileage is no better than the VTR.
2005 VTR1000F
PROS:
1. Gotta love that torque.
2. Gotta love that sound.
3. "Feels" light handling, after getting off the GSX-R750. Example, I can make a tighter U turn on the VTR.
4. People ask, "What is that?".
5. People who know say, "Wow, a Superhawk!".
CONS:
1. Vibration (character).
2. Lack of scalpel-like handling in corners.
3. Brakes, but since I don't ride on the track, no problem.
4. It has carburetors... but they're fun to work on, right?
2012 GSX-R750
PROS:
1. Redline in 2nd hits 115 mph, I shifted before hitting the rev limiter, went by visual on the tach. (done on a closed course, with a professional driver, of course)
2. Handling is as you said.
3. Your 6'4" frame would be way cramped on a 2011/12 750. At 5'10", I wouldn't want the pegs any higher.
4. Braking is at least twice as good as a stock VTR with EBC HH pads.
5. The stock 750 weighs 419 wet, and with the rear fender, passenger pegs, rear seat and reflectors removed, it's a few pounds less, so slow speed handling is not a problem.
6. Smooth power.
CONS:
1. It's a wide body, compared to the VTR.
2. Riding it hard, gas mileage is no better than the VTR.
2005 VTR1000F
PROS:
1. Gotta love that torque.
2. Gotta love that sound.
3. "Feels" light handling, after getting off the GSX-R750. Example, I can make a tighter U turn on the VTR.
4. People ask, "What is that?".
5. People who know say, "Wow, a Superhawk!".
CONS:
1. Vibration (character).
2. Lack of scalpel-like handling in corners.
3. Brakes, but since I don't ride on the track, no problem.
4. It has carburetors... but they're fun to work on, right?
Last edited by VTRsurfer; 11-04-2012 at 09:11 PM.
11-04-2012, 09:23 PM
#10
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Los Angeles & Winston Salem
Posts: 433
07 GSXR1000
I've owned both bikes, each one has it's good and bad points. I put 30,000miles on my 07 GSXR1000, never gave me one problem.
Few good points. You can remove the stock CCT and click it forward one click to remove camchain slack, and just re-install it without any of the drama like on the Superhawk. 2/ front brakes are a easy fix. Brake lines and Vesrah pads.
3/ Will do 103MPH off the limiter in 1st gear!!!! Also does awesome wheelie's. Yes she is a big old girl.
Superhawk? one of my favorite bikes. Does everything good, with just a few simple mods.
Few good points. You can remove the stock CCT and click it forward one click to remove camchain slack, and just re-install it without any of the drama like on the Superhawk. 2/ front brakes are a easy fix. Brake lines and Vesrah pads.
3/ Will do 103MPH off the limiter in 1st gear!!!! Also does awesome wheelie's. Yes she is a big old girl.
Superhawk? one of my favorite bikes. Does everything good, with just a few simple mods.
11-05-2012, 03:03 AM
#12
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Squid
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Denver,Colorado
Posts: 52
Yeah that's one thing I love about the SuperHawk is the vagueness of the brand. We all see people scratching their heads after we blur past them or just sitting at a light because its just not your typical everyday/everywhere bike like a CBR,GSXR,R6, Ninja etc........Plus it just looks cool as ****.
( To me at least) And the look on people's faces when I fire it up at, say, a gas station is priceless. It just doesn't make sense that a sport/touring bike can sound so rude.
I guess my overall point is I have two drastically different rides and both serve a different purpose. And there isnt a perfect bike anywhere on the planet. I love my Hawk for relaxing/luggage hauling rides in the mountains here in Colorado and I love my Gixxer for non relaxing rides where I just want to go really really ******* fast. Thanks for the comments fellas!
( To me at least) And the look on people's faces when I fire it up at, say, a gas station is priceless. It just doesn't make sense that a sport/touring bike can sound so rude.
I guess my overall point is I have two drastically different rides and both serve a different purpose. And there isnt a perfect bike anywhere on the planet. I love my Hawk for relaxing/luggage hauling rides in the mountains here in Colorado and I love my Gixxer for non relaxing rides where I just want to go really really ******* fast. Thanks for the comments fellas!
Last edited by Patton303; 11-05-2012 at 03:06 AM.
11-05-2012, 02:43 PM
#13
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You want perfection:
11-06-2012, 01:51 PM
#14
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Posts: 582
I'll take my Hawk.
11-07-2012, 07:24 PM
#15
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Squid
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Denver,Colorado
Posts: 52
I was looking at a Diavel recently.... The only problem with Ducati is their ride time vs maintenance time. It's like having an F-16. My old 848 ALWAYS had some ******* thing wrong after another. I am very wrenchy but I had enough with Ducati. My big brother's brand spanking new 1198 Panagale Tricolore recently **** Desmo parts all over the highway at only 500 miles. He had to ship it back to Italy because their engineers were dumbfounded. And now I'm hearing its happening more and more as the brand plays out with time.
**** it... Just give me a reliable Jap bike.... Or a German one....
**** it... Just give me a reliable Jap bike.... Or a German one....
11-08-2012, 07:30 AM
#17
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However, i switched to a friend's 600 F4I, and can ride it much faster through the curves than the SH. Smooth, fast, light, stable, and easy to ride fast , and with his newly added Jardine, runs better and sounds good too.
Both the SH and the F4I have similar HP, both have 190 Q2s, and if you're not adverse to using the gearbox, the F4I, can carry more speed into and squirt out of turns faster because of it's lighter weight and balanced chassis. In fact, I was so psyched after riding it with the new pipe, i offered to trade him even-up on the spot......... that much fun and easy to ride fast. Scary to think and despicable for sure that I would give up the venerable Hawk after a short fling with a common ***** IL4........please forgive me Lord........haha
If it is only about winning, riding faster than your friends, racing, etc., I would be trading for an F4I or similar for the reasons stated previously....but there is the something to be said for the character and visceral aspects of riding the SH.
The feeling of that torque, the throaty sound, the vibration of the V, and the sexiness of its profile when it's just sitting there are arguably difficult to beat for those of us who feel it. It is why so many of us have become attached to it over the years. Even though it's not the most complicit horse in the stall, it can be still ridden at a respectable and exhilarating pace, and all things considered, I still love my Hawk.
11-08-2012, 08:04 AM
#18
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Join Date: Mar 2006
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Posts: 736
Good Luck
w/ Kid on the way.
1st - update life insurance - I'm sure wifey has already told U this.
As far as difference
I rode & sold my buddies '07 Gixxer 750, If I were ever to get a sport bike this would be it. Wow - light weight, unreal power. Really don't know of a reason for someone to have a Gixxer 1k, when the 750 is ******* perfect. With that said, as an older hombre (mid-40s) they riding position gets old w/ the type of riding I prefer - Sport Touring.
Now the beloved 'Hawk - I've done the suspension change - so to me thats one of the biggest changes to make a SH almost perfecto. Also, I did the Gixxer 6 pot caliper swap & now w/ EBC HH pads & already had the SS lines, stopping power is excellent, compared to stock.
Headlight sucks, but I don't ride at night much now anyway.
Still using my Erion pipes - 9 yrs old & still look & sound great.
Also w/ Stage 1 jet kit, I'm stopping every 100 miles like everyone else, but f' it - I'll probably need to pee anyway.
Lastly, Ape CCTs done about 5 yrs ago, never a problem since.
These daze, I change oil, clean & lube chain & K&N air filter. Plus tires when needed. U will not find a cheaper Funner ride than this moto.
Oh how I love U SuperHawk
1st - update life insurance - I'm sure wifey has already told U this.
As far as difference
I rode & sold my buddies '07 Gixxer 750, If I were ever to get a sport bike this would be it. Wow - light weight, unreal power. Really don't know of a reason for someone to have a Gixxer 1k, when the 750 is ******* perfect. With that said, as an older hombre (mid-40s) they riding position gets old w/ the type of riding I prefer - Sport Touring.
Now the beloved 'Hawk - I've done the suspension change - so to me thats one of the biggest changes to make a SH almost perfecto. Also, I did the Gixxer 6 pot caliper swap & now w/ EBC HH pads & already had the SS lines, stopping power is excellent, compared to stock.
Headlight sucks, but I don't ride at night much now anyway.
Still using my Erion pipes - 9 yrs old & still look & sound great.
Also w/ Stage 1 jet kit, I'm stopping every 100 miles like everyone else, but f' it - I'll probably need to pee anyway.
Lastly, Ape CCTs done about 5 yrs ago, never a problem since.
These daze, I change oil, clean & lube chain & K&N air filter. Plus tires when needed. U will not find a cheaper Funner ride than this moto.
Oh how I love U SuperHawk
11-11-2012, 10:22 PM
#19
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Squid
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Same reason Valentino Rossi is leaving Ducati. haha.
My old Duc 848 hated Colorado. Temperamental bitch. And i hated working on it. I'm a big guy with bananas for fingers. I remember the night I was working on a simple valve adjustment and crushing my knuckles over and over and I finally threw my torque wrench down and said, "**** it". Sold it and bought a trip to France and Belgium to go on the Band of Brothers tour. lol.
11-11-2012, 10:43 PM
#20
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Squid
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Join Date: Apr 2012
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Posts: 52
Thanks for the words man. Yes life insurance is caught up and maxxed.
Hope wifey doesn't knife me in my sleep.
I think the reason I have the 1000 GSXR as opposed to the 600 or 750 is simply because I've been riding 1k's since I was 19 years old and it's just a p:w to which I am accustomed. Guess I just like a nice heavy bike. That's a reason why I love the Honda VTR brand so much. It fits my tall frame and i don't feel like a toddler on a Playskool tricycle. It's more mental with the Suzuki GSXR brand because the Gixxers feel similar across the cc spectrum....... It's perhaps the whole "big boys like big toys" ethos? lol....
peece
11-25-2012, 10:05 AM
#23
SportTouring
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 274
VTR Feel...
+1......with SS lines and good pads, good enough for my type of riding too.
The feeling of that torque, the throaty sound, the vibration of the V, and the sexiness of its profile when it's just sitting there are arguably difficult to beat for those of us who feel it. It is why so many of us have become attached to it over the years. Even though it's not the most complicit horse in the stall, it can be still ridden at a respectable and exhilarating pace, and all things considered, I still love my Hawk.
The feeling of that torque, the throaty sound, the vibration of the V, and the sexiness of its profile when it's just sitting there are arguably difficult to beat for those of us who feel it. It is why so many of us have become attached to it over the years. Even though it's not the most complicit horse in the stall, it can be still ridden at a respectable and exhilarating pace, and all things considered, I still love my Hawk.
Although not a 1000cc, I like to ride my VFR700. Quick enough for me, quiet
and smooth. Better gas mileage and comfortable. But NO soul. The VTR just feels "alive" and cocky. Somewhat like a redhead(no sexism intended).
Though I do like the sound of the gear driven cams of the VFR... I do need my
"fix" of the VTR.
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