hey just wanted to chime in, i've been absent from the SH scene because mine's been sitting under a cover for the last 6 months easily...was searching around for what kinds of things people have done to setup their SH's for touring/commuting.

anyways, i like a few others here have both SH's and RC51's in our garages, my preference being the RC but im quite certain its because i pretty much only do track riding these days. i rode the RC a couple of blocks a few weeks ago, but before that, i couldnt even tell you when the last time i rode it on the street was.

the RC has an excellent engine, i much prefer it to the superhawk's mill (flame suit, on). could be the fuel injection though, but its just TONNNNNNNNS smoother to me. it does lug a little bit easier if you're not careful since its geared like a race bike, ridiculously tall and tight (tall being the important part here). ive shortened the final gearing by doing +3 on the rear sprocket and its pretty much ideal imo, not really that great for parking lots though. the meat of the powerband doesnt kick in until a little later than the hawk. theres an extra squirt of power at the very top of the powerband (i have a full 60mm leo vince system with PC3, though). clutch pull is a royal PITA, though i hear ducatis are the only worse ones around.

the SH has more traditional power delivery i suppose...power comes on early and hangs midway up, just not up to red line. this makes sense, because who really rides their bike to red line riding around town? gearing is more sensible, gears are spaced out a bit more, 1st gear is pretty usable at slow speeds. after riding my RC with reduced gearing for so long, the superhawk feels a little crazy tall with stock gearing now too. the motor is a little rough and i think thats what gives its character. it lays down the torque though, approaches the torque output of the RC.

comfort is a no brainer, SH wins hands down. the RC seating position is a lot more open, but that means you have to work a little harder to hang on. bars are much MUCH lower on the RC, to the point where if you're riding sitting up, it becomes cumbersome (being 6'0" at least...). on the RC, i always find myself having ride 1 handed in order to avoid straining my neck. pegs are pretty high in stock form on the RC but not a deal breaker for younger guys. the SH on the other hand fits like a glove almost. you feel like you're riding the bike rather than perched on top of it as with the RC. the peg position on the SH is quite comfortable IMO, just sporting enough. unfortunately, its quite difficult to change to aftermarket rearsets (if you wanted to). rubberized pegs are very comfortable too.

wind coverage even in stock form is pretty good on the hawk. my RC just ends up blasting you're entire chest and face with turbulent air. gets very fatiguing. the SH sends smooth air to your neck and helmet. theres LOTS of space under the fairing also so the controls arent all that cramped. instruments are a little hard to read on the SH though, with the speedo being white on black with a ton of numbers on it. the RC has a digital dash.

anyways, ive never had the cajones to ride my superhawk like i do my RC. it has stock suspension, with fork oil that has probably turned to sludge by now. it wallows like crazy which totally blows your confidence to oblivion. my RC on the other hand, has freaking excellent suspension if you're 175+ lbs. might be a bit harsh if you're lighter. im only just now finding the limits of my stock RC suspension after a ton of track days. you have to be going really fast around a track to really notice the limits of the stock suspension (if its in good condition). the limit for balance between rigidity/compliance and bump absorption comes a bit earlier than top shelf ohlins bit and what not probably, but my guess is that the overwhelming majority of riders wont get there riding on the street or even occasional track day.

lastly, i probably just need to address brakes. the RC brakes are bloody fantastic. the superhawks are dismal. i didnt know any better until i got my RC, but my RC apparently doesnt even stack up to the current crop from OEMs. the RC brakes lack a bit of feel at times, but they make up with power. the SH brakes are just crap IMO, and by far the first thing that should be upgraded.

putting higher bars on the RC is nearly impossible without trimming the fairing. lower pegs is possibly, but you'd have to get adjustable aftermarket rearsets. the superhawk accepts different bars quite easily, if i understand correctly.