Superhawk vs CB919
06-25-2008 | 02:16 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3
Superhawk vs CB919
Ok I know this is a S-H site so you guys are likely biased to the model. But, I am really looking for some honest feedback on which of these two rides should be my next bike. I am posting a similar thread on the Hornet Nest website. So please try to give some constructive highlights to the S-H including the his and lows.
I am getting back into riding after a 6-7 hiatus. The bikes I have owned are 3 Kawi sport bikes then a Hawk GT650 then a VFR 750. Moved to FL and sold the VFR to fund getting a boat. Still have the boat, but its time to ride again.
I know the bikes are similar through the 1/4 mile and I know the S-H is a torque monster. Love the sound of any S-H I have heard with pipes. That is what is primarily driving me to get the S-H. I also like the partial fairing compared to none. I owned a Hawk and loved the narrow, light design and the power out of the corners. Assuming the S-H will be the same, then some.
But I have heard some great things about the CB919. Much more comfortable, though when I sit on one at the dealership I wished it leaned over a bit more. I appreciate comfort, but I do not want to get stuck with a bland bike to ride. I also read the 919 will get better mileage and will be easier to maintain with FI instead of carbs. Everyone (including a lot of Honda folks) I have asked this question steers me to the 919. But I can not get the S-H out of my head. Man, the sound!!!
So if you have any opinions about the 2 choices I would love to read them. I like the cult status of the S-H, but like the "newness" of the 919. I would modify either bike with goodies to personalize the ride. I am not the racer type anymore, I just want to ride around Tampa and into the country roads around the state. I will likely take a few trip to N GA, TN and the Carolinas where I used to ride my other bikes, to get as much as I can out of either bike. Point is, I will not track it (much), I will not be pushing it 10/10s (much) and I like a things that cause few headaches. I read a S-H post that said the front cylinder died and that is was common to the S-H. That is the kind of headache I do not want.
I think the S-H looks better than the 919, but looks are not everything. Well I can probably go on for days about the bikes, and the decision. So anything you would like to add to help me make the decision would be great. And if anyone has a lower mileage S-H for sale in the southeast, I might be interested.
Mark
I am getting back into riding after a 6-7 hiatus. The bikes I have owned are 3 Kawi sport bikes then a Hawk GT650 then a VFR 750. Moved to FL and sold the VFR to fund getting a boat. Still have the boat, but its time to ride again.
I know the bikes are similar through the 1/4 mile and I know the S-H is a torque monster. Love the sound of any S-H I have heard with pipes. That is what is primarily driving me to get the S-H. I also like the partial fairing compared to none. I owned a Hawk and loved the narrow, light design and the power out of the corners. Assuming the S-H will be the same, then some.
But I have heard some great things about the CB919. Much more comfortable, though when I sit on one at the dealership I wished it leaned over a bit more. I appreciate comfort, but I do not want to get stuck with a bland bike to ride. I also read the 919 will get better mileage and will be easier to maintain with FI instead of carbs. Everyone (including a lot of Honda folks) I have asked this question steers me to the 919. But I can not get the S-H out of my head. Man, the sound!!!
So if you have any opinions about the 2 choices I would love to read them. I like the cult status of the S-H, but like the "newness" of the 919. I would modify either bike with goodies to personalize the ride. I am not the racer type anymore, I just want to ride around Tampa and into the country roads around the state. I will likely take a few trip to N GA, TN and the Carolinas where I used to ride my other bikes, to get as much as I can out of either bike. Point is, I will not track it (much), I will not be pushing it 10/10s (much) and I like a things that cause few headaches. I read a S-H post that said the front cylinder died and that is was common to the S-H. That is the kind of headache I do not want.
I think the S-H looks better than the 919, but looks are not everything. Well I can probably go on for days about the bikes, and the decision. So anything you would like to add to help me make the decision would be great. And if anyone has a lower mileage S-H for sale in the southeast, I might be interested.
Mark
06-25-2008 | 02:27 PM
#2
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,132
From: Phoenix, AZ
Read this: https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=14575
And replace VFR with 919 and your answers will be about the same in my book :P
And replace VFR with 919 and your answers will be about the same in my book :P
06-25-2008 | 04:00 PM
#3
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 232
Sold my '02 919 last year, and picked up a '99 hawk. Could not be happier. The 919 is a great bike for all-around purposes and does everything well, except a little boring. To put in car terms the 919 is like a volvo the hawk is like a BMW. Again, both capable, just the hawk is mo' funner. Just my opinion......
Either or, good luck with the search. This board is a wealth of information, so ask away, I am sure you will get plenty of feedback and information.
Either or, good luck with the search. This board is a wealth of information, so ask away, I am sure you will get plenty of feedback and information.
06-25-2008 | 09:37 PM
#4
Remember stock is BAD!
SuperSport
SuperSport
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 760
From: Jacksonville FL
FOR A HONDA - this bike (superhawk) has soul.
The superhawk will be narrower between the knees than just about any inline. A while ago I took out a friends F4I and I was amazed at how fat the bike is.
Superhawks are reliable motorcycles. The biggest issues are reg/rectifier and cam chain tentioners. The cam chain tensioners are an issue with other honda motorcycles.
For what its worth, carbs are easier to diagnose and fix than FI. The carbs are smoother than any FI bike I have ridden.
The torque and sound of the bike is addictive. This bike is just plain fun to ride. I don't think that I could ever go back to an inline four.
The downside tank range. Its a small fuel tank, expect 100-120 miles out of a tank. Fuel econemy isnt the greatest, but it still beats my civics 30mpg.
Also welcome
The superhawk will be narrower between the knees than just about any inline. A while ago I took out a friends F4I and I was amazed at how fat the bike is.
Superhawks are reliable motorcycles. The biggest issues are reg/rectifier and cam chain tentioners. The cam chain tensioners are an issue with other honda motorcycles.
For what its worth, carbs are easier to diagnose and fix than FI. The carbs are smoother than any FI bike I have ridden.
The torque and sound of the bike is addictive. This bike is just plain fun to ride. I don't think that I could ever go back to an inline four.
The downside tank range. Its a small fuel tank, expect 100-120 miles out of a tank. Fuel econemy isnt the greatest, but it still beats my civics 30mpg.
Also welcome
Last edited by superbling; 06-25-2008 at 09:38 PM. Reason: clarification
06-25-2008 | 09:48 PM
#5
Shredding Asphalt
Superstock
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 299
From: Oceanside
refering the NH650 withthe SH996 is like night and day. My brother has a NH650 and its like riding a moped compared to this bike. As you can expect the Nh has quicker turning even on my newer CBr1000 front end.
06-25-2008 | 09:50 PM
#6
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 562
From: NYC
I haven't ridden a 919 so I can't comment on that particular bike, but having owned a few inline fours, and a couple of VFRs, was ready for something with more personality in the motor, and something simpler (I got to feeling like the VFR was overly complex).
As mentioned, the narrowness of the VTR is something I really like. I like the simplicity of it. I like to 'feel' the motor working, and hear it working too. Having ridden a long time, I got tired of the four-into-one pipe sound of I4s a long time ago.
That being said, I do think it would be fun to ride a contemporary I4, like a Gixxer 1K or the new CBR 1KRR, but they're too focused for long-term ownership, for me.
I haven't heard about a 'front cylinder' problem endemic to the Superhawk.
As mentioned, the narrowness of the VTR is something I really like. I like the simplicity of it. I like to 'feel' the motor working, and hear it working too. Having ridden a long time, I got tired of the four-into-one pipe sound of I4s a long time ago.
That being said, I do think it would be fun to ride a contemporary I4, like a Gixxer 1K or the new CBR 1KRR, but they're too focused for long-term ownership, for me.
I haven't heard about a 'front cylinder' problem endemic to the Superhawk.
