OK, so what did you almost buy...?
04-06-2011, 06:08 PM
#1
Retired- but not tired!
SuperBike
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 1,481
OK, so what did you almost buy...?
...before choosing a Superhawk.
In my case it was first a Ducati 696. Loved the looks & performance, thought I'd love the light weight in our hilly Western PA terrain. But on the test ride a section of expressway felt like the bike was getting pushed all over the road by passing trucks.
Next closest was a Harley XR1200 to my surprise. I have never been attracted to the brand but this is unique in their lineup. It was pretty close to the Superhawk for roll on grunt- i.e. "shifting is optional" at any rev above 2000. But issues discussed on the forum made me wonder about long term maintenance headaches so I bailed even though you can get great deals on these used.. not too popular in the U.S., very popular in Europe.
In my case it was first a Ducati 696. Loved the looks & performance, thought I'd love the light weight in our hilly Western PA terrain. But on the test ride a section of expressway felt like the bike was getting pushed all over the road by passing trucks.
Next closest was a Harley XR1200 to my surprise. I have never been attracted to the brand but this is unique in their lineup. It was pretty close to the Superhawk for roll on grunt- i.e. "shifting is optional" at any rev above 2000. But issues discussed on the forum made me wonder about long term maintenance headaches so I bailed even though you can get great deals on these used.. not too popular in the U.S., very popular in Europe.
04-06-2011, 06:18 PM
#2
Senior Member
Superstock
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: St.Louis Mo
Posts: 317
I was totally set on a CBR 1000F Hurricane for 2 years and was well prepared to go cross country to get one that I liked if I needed to. When I would do a search on Craiglist and Ebay under 1000F some bike I had never heard of would pop up. Hmmmm I thought that looks interesting and after plenty of research my need for a Hurricane became a need for a Hawk. I'm lovin where I'm at right now too and have no regrets.
04-06-2011, 06:28 PM
#3
Retired- but not tired!
SuperBike
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 1,481
I was totally set on a CBR 1000F Hurricane for 2 years and was well prepared to go cross country to get one that I liked if I needed to. When I would do a search on Craiglist and Ebay under 1000F some bike I had never heard of would pop up. Hmmmm I thought that looks interesting and after plenty of research my need for a Hurricane became a need for a Hawk. I'm lovin where I'm at right now too and have no regrets.
04-06-2011, 06:40 PM
#4
Senior Member
SuperSport
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Posts: 636
Last spring I was on the fence between a VFR750 and the VTR. I was really drooling over the pear white mid 90's VFR. I had ridden a VTR the summer before so I knew what it was like. Had never riden a VFR but everyone I talked to said I would quickly get tired of the performance of the VFR, or the lack thereof. Was watching craigslist and my VTR came up, it's actually on here back in the craigslist ads post, long before I was a member
needless to say I'm VERY glad I made the right decision last spring
needless to say I'm VERY glad I made the right decision last spring
04-06-2011, 06:46 PM
#5
Senior Member
SuperSport
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Posts: 965
To answer the question - Would be, That i had considered buy a CBR1100xx.. Yet, At the time of this choice surfaced, I owned a 2003 RC-51 in 2006 , bought it from the orginal owner.. Got married in 2009- and the wife had "No" where comfortable to ride(TRIED to explain to her that there was "no" comfortable place to ride on the RC51) Could not bring myself to tolerate an in-line 4 engine for a touring/or sport touring bike... So the 2001 S-hawk was the answer..
Last edited by 1971allchaos; 04-06-2011 at 06:59 PM.
04-06-2011, 08:00 PM
#6
Member
Squid
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Morrison, CO
Posts: 94
Went to a dealership in 2007 to look at a VFR as it seemed like the right blend of everything I wanted. I didn't quite fit it right, and was hesitant at a 10k+ bike. Guy showed me an overstock 2003 hawk and I fell for it. Twin was where it was at for me!
After the hawk was totalled, I went back and compared an RC51 and another VFR, no choice really in the matter. V-twins are where it's at! Chose the RC because it was about the same price as a different hawk I was looking at, after slapping on 2k worth of mods. Still kinda miss the hawk.
After the hawk was totalled, I went back and compared an RC51 and another VFR, no choice really in the matter. V-twins are where it's at! Chose the RC because it was about the same price as a different hawk I was looking at, after slapping on 2k worth of mods. Still kinda miss the hawk.
04-07-2011, 04:29 AM
#7
Senior Member
SuperBike
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: thorold ontario
Posts: 1,978
i almost bought an 09/10 flat black r1 the other day. i was getting gaskets and a filter for my bike and its been sitting at the dealership for ever, marked down something like 6 grand off the original price. if it wasnt for this wedding thing in june, honey moon in september, and the big one, buying a bigger house after the honeymoon id have gone for the financing. but common sense kicked in and said, uchi, if you have a newer truck and a new bike youre paying for, the bank might not give you as much money for a new house. so i think if its still there when we buy the house i may just get it then 
04-07-2011, 06:16 AM
#8
Senior Member
Back Marker
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: NW London UK
Posts: 108
Having owned the GPz for ever, I wanted a change, I knew about V-twins as my wife and various friends had owned Moto Guzzis and Ducatis in the 80's. A friend is into Ducatis now but whenever we talked he always had them in bits, so that cut the choice down to SV1000 or a Storm. The SV forum had a "What fell off your bike today?" section and that together with the build quality made my mind up for me!
04-07-2011, 06:47 AM
#9
Senior Member
SuperBike
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 1,572
I was looking at the Superhawk, the 919 and the VFR back in '05 when I was ready to buy a new bike. I always liked the v-twins and since the dealer had this '02 with only 56 miles on it for a decent price I decided on the SH - very happy with my decision
04-07-2011, 06:59 AM
#10
Stiff Member
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: whiteford,md
Posts: 150
I was in love with the 919 hornet but it was a little out of my price range. I sat on one at a bike show and it felt too small. Almost traded the hawk for a sv1000. Decided to be happy with what I have. Can't complain. Tim
04-07-2011, 10:03 AM
#13
Retired- but not tired!
SuperBike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 1,481
I grew up in Buffalo. Here's my Buffalo motorcycle story. I beat the daylights out a Honda CL175 (my first bike) back in the early '70s riding around the hills south of Buffalo. Rode down a dark, steep unfamiliar hill there once at night pretty fast and before I knew it, I hit a railroad crossing (short section of bumpy dead level pavement before continuing steep downgrade) and performed a completely unplanned "Evil Kinevil" flight. Scared the crap out of myself but landed safely. It took me to the bottom of the hill to even figure out what had happened. It was a "count your blessings" kind of moment I will never forget.
04-07-2011, 10:20 AM
#14
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Back Marker
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Sunny Central Illinois
Posts: 160
my last bike was an '84 Interceptor and I really liked that bike, but it was not in great shape and I sold it. Had a 750 Sabre too that I liked. The Hawk was amongst 2 other bikes I was looking at a few months ago and I just liked the looks and potential of it over the Katana and ZX7 I saw.
04-07-2011, 11:09 AM
#16
Senior Member
SuperSport
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Central Fl.
Posts: 530
Winter of '97 and a friend gave me his Duc 900 SS for a day. Small, cute, moved real good and made all the correct noises, and it was time to replace the airhead Beemer. But. . .
Honda and Suzuki had just released Vee twins. Much more grunt than the Duc, simpler maintenance, better finish. The Suzuki fell down on the issue of the rear shock, a circular damper of all things, never would be an aftermarket unit.
VTR it was. Still is. But now with Moriwaki pistons and cams etc, etc, etc.
90 degree V-twin, liquid cooled. Visceral sensations during the ride. Can't get it elsewhere for the money. Moto LTR dontchaknow.
Honda and Suzuki had just released Vee twins. Much more grunt than the Duc, simpler maintenance, better finish. The Suzuki fell down on the issue of the rear shock, a circular damper of all things, never would be an aftermarket unit.
VTR it was. Still is. But now with Moriwaki pistons and cams etc, etc, etc.
90 degree V-twin, liquid cooled. Visceral sensations during the ride. Can't get it elsewhere for the money. Moto LTR dontchaknow.
04-07-2011, 11:48 AM
#17
Senior Member
Superstock
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Posts: 258
Started off on a cb750k, and had a lot of fun in the twisties around here and got some gawks at Alices (I'm sure most of the bayarea guys know it) as it was showroom with like 7k on the clock.
Had big versions of the sabre and magnas, the sabre scared the crap out of me because it was like 6' tall and the magna died of old age (R.I.P one of the most comfy touring bikes with a lot of grumph).
I have clone '84 Vf1000F (interceptors) that I am madly in love with and they are my daily riders (one is down due to an accident) and one is in stock trim, the other is going to be a streetfighter with a lot of aftermarket goodies on it =) Now with 36k and 64k on the clocks I decided I wanted to get something that I wouldn't feel so terrible putting miles on because finding normal wear parts for an '84 can be somewhat challenging so I was hunting CL for a long time.
I knew how much fun inlines were but I love the sound and the pull of the v4s so I was looking for a happy medium of power, and handling.
The list was long but I had it narrowed down between a '98 Daytona 995i, RC51, Aprillia RSV or an SV1000. A buddie of mine had a SH that he was selling and I tested it and fell in love. The rest is history, but now she sits in my workshop in pieces
I am very happy with my purchase I just want to ride her!
Had big versions of the sabre and magnas, the sabre scared the crap out of me because it was like 6' tall and the magna died of old age (R.I.P one of the most comfy touring bikes with a lot of grumph).
I have clone '84 Vf1000F (interceptors) that I am madly in love with and they are my daily riders (one is down due to an accident) and one is in stock trim, the other is going to be a streetfighter with a lot of aftermarket goodies on it =) Now with 36k and 64k on the clocks I decided I wanted to get something that I wouldn't feel so terrible putting miles on because finding normal wear parts for an '84 can be somewhat challenging so I was hunting CL for a long time.
I knew how much fun inlines were but I love the sound and the pull of the v4s so I was looking for a happy medium of power, and handling.
The list was long but I had it narrowed down between a '98 Daytona 995i, RC51, Aprillia RSV or an SV1000. A buddie of mine had a SH that he was selling and I tested it and fell in love. The rest is history, but now she sits in my workshop in pieces
I am very happy with my purchase I just want to ride her!
04-08-2011, 08:36 AM
#18
Senior Member
SuperBike
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 1,572
Whoa, that sure could have turned out badly.... My first beast was a $50 '73 CB500F, I put it through its paces and it handled them well...
I grew up in Buffalo. Here's my Buffalo motorcycle story. I beat the daylights out a Honda CL175 (my first bike) back in the early '70s riding around the hills south of Buffalo. Rode down a dark, steep unfamiliar hill there once at night pretty fast and before I knew it, I hit a railroad crossing (short section of bumpy dead level pavement before continuing steep downgrade) and performed a completely unplanned "Evil Kinevil" flight. Scared the crap out of myself but landed safely. It took me to the bottom of the hill to even figure out what had happened. It was a "count your blessings" kind of moment I will never forget.
I grew up in Buffalo. Here's my Buffalo motorcycle story. I beat the daylights out a Honda CL175 (my first bike) back in the early '70s riding around the hills south of Buffalo. Rode down a dark, steep unfamiliar hill there once at night pretty fast and before I knew it, I hit a railroad crossing (short section of bumpy dead level pavement before continuing steep downgrade) and performed a completely unplanned "Evil Kinevil" flight. Scared the crap out of myself but landed safely. It took me to the bottom of the hill to even figure out what had happened. It was a "count your blessings" kind of moment I will never forget.
04-08-2011, 11:09 AM
#19
Senior Member
SuperSport
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: San Diego
Posts: 916
Already wanted a hawk kind of fell in love with it in 99 but I had a cbr and couldn't justify the new bike purchase. Totaled cbr in 2003 wife at the time said no more bikes. New job 5 years ago 130 plus miles a day round trip. Decided it was time to pull the hammer and get a bike again. First one Superhawk. So damn glad I did
04-08-2011, 12:38 PM
#21
Light Cycle Expert
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 194
I was originally looking to buy another Datsun Z car to add to my collection when I found the Superhawk ad. I've owned all Suzukis before this, last one being a 2006 Hayabusa 1300cc.I thought I'd give another make a chance. Honda is really the only other choice there is 
After I paid for it the ride home made me realize I made the right decision.
After I paid for it the ride home made me realize I made the right decision.
04-09-2011, 05:36 AM
#22
Retired- but not tired!
SuperBike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 1,481
I was originally looking to buy another Datsun Z car to add to my collection when I found the Superhawk ad. I've owned all Suzukis before this, last one being a 2006 Hayabusa 1300cc.I thought I'd give another make a chance. Honda is really the only other choice there is After I paid for it the ride home made me realize I made the right decision.
After I paid for it the ride home made me realize I made the right decision.
04-09-2011, 07:27 AM
#24
Light Cycle Expert
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 194
Super hawk is a "Standard" class bike. Weighing in at a dry weight of 423, 110hp, and 71 torque with its V2 engine. The handling and overall size resembles it's sportsbike counterpart. Range is limited to around < 180 miles per tank given optimal situations. Top stock speed is limited to 158mph.
The Hayabusa is a "Sports Touring" bike. Weighing in at a dry weight of 533(563 wet), 162hp, and 97 torque with an I4 engine. Handling anything but a straight line is a challenge on this machine. There are two kind of ways a bike handles. You either have to push it into a corner or pull it up from falling. This is one that you have to pull up from falling. As its weight is about 100lbs heavier than most other bikes that's not easy. Its size does not help it either with the wheel base and width. Even with the negative cornering you forget all about it when you are in a straight line. The powerful I4 pulls and NEVER stops pulling until you let off the throttle. The powerband on this machine is the whole tach! It was once described as a run away freight train. They were right, believe me. Range is > 225 miles given optimal situations. Top stock speed is 189mph with a limiter. Mine was disabled to give me the 220mph stock that it is capable of. MPG isn't a problem. I once took a trip full out for 45 minutes and was getting 28mpg @ 205mph.
Hope that's the comparison you were looking for.
04-10-2011, 04:37 AM
#25
Retired- but not tired!
SuperBike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 1,481
It's hard to compare the two. They are very different bikes.
Super hawk is a "Standard" class bike. Weighing in at a dry weight of 423, 110hp, and 71 torque with its V2 engine. The handling and overall size resembles it's sportsbike counterpart. Range is limited to around < 180 miles per tank given optimal situations. Top stock speed is limited to 158mph.
The Hayabusa is a "Sports Touring" bike. Weighing in at a dry weight of 533(563 wet), 162hp, and 97 torque with an I4 engine. Handling anything but a straight line is a challenge on this machine. There are two kind of ways a bike handles. You either have to push it into a corner or pull it up from falling. This is one that you have to pull up from falling. As its weight is about 100lbs heavier than most other bikes that's not easy. Its size does not help it either with the wheel base and width. Even with the negative cornering you forget all about it when you are in a straight line. The powerful I4 pulls and NEVER stops pulling until you let off the throttle. The powerband on this machine is the whole tach! It was once described as a run away freight train. They were right, believe me. Range is > 225 miles given optimal situations. Top stock speed is 189mph with a limiter. Mine was disabled to give me the 220mph stock that it is capable of. MPG isn't a problem. I once took a trip full out for 45 minutes and was getting 28mpg @ 205mph.
Hope that's the comparison you were looking for.
Super hawk is a "Standard" class bike. Weighing in at a dry weight of 423, 110hp, and 71 torque with its V2 engine. The handling and overall size resembles it's sportsbike counterpart. Range is limited to around < 180 miles per tank given optimal situations. Top stock speed is limited to 158mph.
The Hayabusa is a "Sports Touring" bike. Weighing in at a dry weight of 533(563 wet), 162hp, and 97 torque with an I4 engine. Handling anything but a straight line is a challenge on this machine. There are two kind of ways a bike handles. You either have to push it into a corner or pull it up from falling. This is one that you have to pull up from falling. As its weight is about 100lbs heavier than most other bikes that's not easy. Its size does not help it either with the wheel base and width. Even with the negative cornering you forget all about it when you are in a straight line. The powerful I4 pulls and NEVER stops pulling until you let off the throttle. The powerband on this machine is the whole tach! It was once described as a run away freight train. They were right, believe me. Range is > 225 miles given optimal situations. Top stock speed is 189mph with a limiter. Mine was disabled to give me the 220mph stock that it is capable of. MPG isn't a problem. I once took a trip full out for 45 minutes and was getting 28mpg @ 205mph.
Hope that's the comparison you were looking for.
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