The VTR1000 Superhawk is a SPORTBIKE
05-19-2014 | 08:51 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
SuperBike
SuperBike
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,509
The VTR1000 Superhawk is a SPORTBIKE
I have seen comments here and there regarding the Superhawk's place in life... Is it a sportbike? Is it a sport tourer? Is it sporty at all?
I don't like to start arguments so much anymore... I'm 37 years old, and frankly I have better things to do.
This post is more to state a fact than anything else.
The Superhawk is a sportbike. A sport-twin if you want to get technical.
How can he say that?! BLASPHEMY!!!
It's pretty simple really. Sportbikes have gotten harder-edged over the years. The ergonomics have changed, and focuses have sharpened. This has lead people to believe that anything short of the latest model 1000cc 4 cylinder is NOT in fact a sportbike. NOT SO!
Any good argument will have some evidence to back it up. Evidence from reliable sources, lacking any ambiguity.
Reference #1: Cycle World Magazine, April 1997, page 41. Quote, "The VTR1000 project was so successful, that his department started out testing the bike alongside a Ducati 900SS, but ended up comparing it to a 916." Cycle World Magazine - Google Books
Reference #2: Motorcycle Consumer News, 1997: Motorcycle Consumer News: Model CycleStats: 1997 Honda ST1100 ABSII
Reference #1 points to the VTR1000 Superhawk being compared (by HONDA) with the Ducati 916. The Ducati 916 has never (to my knowledge) been called a sport tourer.
Reference #2 points to Honda's own 1997 ST1100. What does ST stand for? Sport Tourer. This begs the question: If Honda already had a sport tourer in the ST1100, why would they make a sport tourer VTR1000, then compare that VTR1000 to the Ducati 916? The answer: They didn't make a sport tourer VTR1000. They made a sport-twin, or in the generic: "sportbike" in the VTR1000.
Closing statement: Just because the VTR1000 is more comfortable than a GSXR, and someone has made some saddlebags for it, does not qualify it to be a sport tourer. A similar illustration would be to put a huge windshield and highway pegs on a CBR1000, and calling it a Goldwing variant.... It's not. It's a CBR1000 with weird parts on it.
The VTR1000 was a sportbike in 1997. It was also a sportbike in 2001. It remains a sportbike on the used market in 2014. It may be a bit softer than today's cutting edged, specific focused 600's, and 1000's, but it's still a sportbike.
James
I don't like to start arguments so much anymore... I'm 37 years old, and frankly I have better things to do.
This post is more to state a fact than anything else.
The Superhawk is a sportbike. A sport-twin if you want to get technical.
How can he say that?! BLASPHEMY!!!
It's pretty simple really. Sportbikes have gotten harder-edged over the years. The ergonomics have changed, and focuses have sharpened. This has lead people to believe that anything short of the latest model 1000cc 4 cylinder is NOT in fact a sportbike. NOT SO!
Any good argument will have some evidence to back it up. Evidence from reliable sources, lacking any ambiguity.
Reference #1: Cycle World Magazine, April 1997, page 41. Quote, "The VTR1000 project was so successful, that his department started out testing the bike alongside a Ducati 900SS, but ended up comparing it to a 916." Cycle World Magazine - Google Books
Reference #2: Motorcycle Consumer News, 1997: Motorcycle Consumer News: Model CycleStats: 1997 Honda ST1100 ABSII
Reference #1 points to the VTR1000 Superhawk being compared (by HONDA) with the Ducati 916. The Ducati 916 has never (to my knowledge) been called a sport tourer.
Reference #2 points to Honda's own 1997 ST1100. What does ST stand for? Sport Tourer. This begs the question: If Honda already had a sport tourer in the ST1100, why would they make a sport tourer VTR1000, then compare that VTR1000 to the Ducati 916? The answer: They didn't make a sport tourer VTR1000. They made a sport-twin, or in the generic: "sportbike" in the VTR1000.
Closing statement: Just because the VTR1000 is more comfortable than a GSXR, and someone has made some saddlebags for it, does not qualify it to be a sport tourer. A similar illustration would be to put a huge windshield and highway pegs on a CBR1000, and calling it a Goldwing variant.... It's not. It's a CBR1000 with weird parts on it.
The VTR1000 was a sportbike in 1997. It was also a sportbike in 2001. It remains a sportbike on the used market in 2014. It may be a bit softer than today's cutting edged, specific focused 600's, and 1000's, but it's still a sportbike.
James
05-19-2014 | 11:35 AM
#4
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SuperSport
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 834
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
i agree with you 110% James. if i was looking to walk into a showroom and buy a bike to ride cross country on, i wouldnt throw a leg over the VTR and say "This is the one!"
its without a doubt a sport bike. i think what the VTR is not is a "supersport" or a "superbike" because those terms are refering to race ready, track bred, monsters. To me the VTR, in Stock form is more like a CBR650F which looks like this
now i think everyone can agree the the CBR650F isnt a sport touring bike. i think the common consensus is that it is a de-tuned and more comfortable CBR that doesnt bite back quite as hard. honestley the VTR is more sporty than that CBR650 IMO. What keeps the VTR from being a "super-sport" type bike is it lacks the "race-track refinement" that bikes like the R1 or Gixxer are built with. The parts that were used on the Hawk werent meant for outright performance, but more so making the hawk a excellent, very pleasing, real world sportsbike. Lets be honest, most idiots that buy an R6 are never gonna take it to the track... but that bike was born for track riding... so Honda i think realized that and made a sportsbike built for the road rather than another race replica. theres a TON of bikes like the Ninja 650, gixxer 650, yammy 650, etc... that are more sporty than a "standard" but not as racey as their 600 counterparts. they fall into their own class of a relaxed sport bike. nothing that a few simple mods cant change.
This Honda ST1300 IS a sports-touring bike just in case people are confused about what classifies as one.
I dont think the VTR fits into that category AT ALL.
i deffinatley think that the mods alot of us do quickly tip the scales for the VTR into the Super-Sport catagory. things like USD forks, Braced swingarms, racing shocks, lightened flywheels, engine upgrades, etc.. are all mods that if the VTR came with off the showroom floor, no one would ever call it a sports tourer, and those are all things that bikes like a CBR1000RR come with standard. the VTR, with what ive done, is a very track ready. very competent at high speeds and high lean angles. plenty of power to take the 600's and agile enough to carry more corner speeds. my bike now is right in line with the 600cc I-4's. but its deffinatley a very capable track weapon. ive also heard of people ripping it on the VTR at the track in stock form. i havnt heard of anyone ripping a honda Goldwing at the track...
i think the reason people call it a sports-tourer is because honda already had the CBR900RR so obviously any other bikes they made werent a full on sports bikes right? wrong. but like i said i think there is a difference between a sports bike and a race replica. so well it annoys me when people say its a sports touring bike, i do understand their train of thought. i think it just doesnt fit into any one catagory which is why it was referred to as a great "all-arounder" when it was being sold. its a sport bike that is at home in the twisties as well as a track day. i think people just get confused because it didnt come standard with all the latest and greatest racing pedigree's so they automatically had to put it into a "standard" or "sports-touring" catagory.
My insurance calls it a "super-sport" and kelly blue book puts it in the "street-Sport" catagory right next to the CBR900RR, where bikes like the goldwing and ST1100 get put into the "touring" catagory.
its without a doubt a sport bike. i think what the VTR is not is a "supersport" or a "superbike" because those terms are refering to race ready, track bred, monsters. To me the VTR, in Stock form is more like a CBR650F which looks like this
now i think everyone can agree the the CBR650F isnt a sport touring bike. i think the common consensus is that it is a de-tuned and more comfortable CBR that doesnt bite back quite as hard. honestley the VTR is more sporty than that CBR650 IMO. What keeps the VTR from being a "super-sport" type bike is it lacks the "race-track refinement" that bikes like the R1 or Gixxer are built with. The parts that were used on the Hawk werent meant for outright performance, but more so making the hawk a excellent, very pleasing, real world sportsbike. Lets be honest, most idiots that buy an R6 are never gonna take it to the track... but that bike was born for track riding... so Honda i think realized that and made a sportsbike built for the road rather than another race replica. theres a TON of bikes like the Ninja 650, gixxer 650, yammy 650, etc... that are more sporty than a "standard" but not as racey as their 600 counterparts. they fall into their own class of a relaxed sport bike. nothing that a few simple mods cant change.
This Honda ST1300 IS a sports-touring bike just in case people are confused about what classifies as one.
I dont think the VTR fits into that category AT ALL.
i deffinatley think that the mods alot of us do quickly tip the scales for the VTR into the Super-Sport catagory. things like USD forks, Braced swingarms, racing shocks, lightened flywheels, engine upgrades, etc.. are all mods that if the VTR came with off the showroom floor, no one would ever call it a sports tourer, and those are all things that bikes like a CBR1000RR come with standard. the VTR, with what ive done, is a very track ready. very competent at high speeds and high lean angles. plenty of power to take the 600's and agile enough to carry more corner speeds. my bike now is right in line with the 600cc I-4's. but its deffinatley a very capable track weapon. ive also heard of people ripping it on the VTR at the track in stock form. i havnt heard of anyone ripping a honda Goldwing at the track...
i think the reason people call it a sports-tourer is because honda already had the CBR900RR so obviously any other bikes they made werent a full on sports bikes right? wrong. but like i said i think there is a difference between a sports bike and a race replica. so well it annoys me when people say its a sports touring bike, i do understand their train of thought. i think it just doesnt fit into any one catagory which is why it was referred to as a great "all-arounder" when it was being sold. its a sport bike that is at home in the twisties as well as a track day. i think people just get confused because it didnt come standard with all the latest and greatest racing pedigree's so they automatically had to put it into a "standard" or "sports-touring" catagory.
My insurance calls it a "super-sport" and kelly blue book puts it in the "street-Sport" catagory right next to the CBR900RR, where bikes like the goldwing and ST1100 get put into the "touring" catagory.
05-19-2014 | 12:47 PM
#5
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,871
From: Phoenix, AZ
It is very important to my personal sanity that I call it a sports tourer. I am unable to re-formulate conceived notions of reality and so any legitimate, logical argument that you present will result in me stating my view more adamantly and with more volume. This forum's founders I can confidently say based it on the VTR being a sports tourer, and if you don't like it, then you can just get out!
05-19-2014 | 01:37 PM
#6
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 348
From: Melbourne Australia
+1 7moore7. 
When the VTR1000f was in production Honda had sports bikes, they where the Fireblade & RC51, that's why the VTR1000f is called sportstourer , ( I think maybe that's why it has higher handle bars, lower foot pegs, moore comfortable seat & so on.....
)
When the VTR1000f was in production Honda had sports bikes, they where the Fireblade & RC51, that's why the VTR1000f is called sportstourer , ( I think maybe that's why it has higher handle bars, lower foot pegs, moore comfortable seat & so on.....
)
05-19-2014 | 01:57 PM
#7
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 19
From: Monticello, MN
"Tourer" it is NOT
Show me ONE touring bike that has a 120 mile range gas tank, NO fuel gauge and a ******** popping seat!
Just as it isn't meant for 2-up distance riding, it isn't a touring bike by any stretch of the imagination.
Just as it isn't meant for 2-up distance riding, it isn't a touring bike by any stretch of the imagination.
05-19-2014 | 02:07 PM
#8
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,871
From: Phoenix, AZ
*clenched teeth"
SPORT TOURER!!! << I don't need any supporting evidence because I know I'm right.
And don't you say otherwise. If it is ever classified as a sports bike I will sell it and buy a proper UJM like a CB1100.
SPORT TOURER!!! << I don't need any supporting evidence because I know I'm right.
And don't you say otherwise. If it is ever classified as a sports bike I will sell it and buy a proper UJM like a CB1100.
05-19-2014 | 02:17 PM
#9
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 501
From: Orlando, FL
Just wanted to mention that the RC51 want in production in 1997 at the release of the superhawk, and the only compairable bikes at the time in Honda's line up were the CBR919RR (AKA 900RR) and The CBR600F3.
For any of you who have ridden either of these bikes you would notice that the seating position is just as relaxed as the SuperHawk, the only difference is the clip ons lower.
That being said, if you took the Hawks clipons and stuck them under the tripples they would be at about the same position.
The difference was, they didn't update the SuperHawk. (Why fix something that isn't broke?) Instead, for the guys who loved the V-twin engine but wanted a little more of that modern sport bike feel, they made the RC51.
So when compairing the SuperHawk to other sport bikes, make sure you use bikes of the same time period, not bikes that are 10+ years newer.
05-19-2014 | 02:39 PM
#10
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SuperSport
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 834
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
Like has been said the RC didn't show up until 3 years after the hawk. I think its rediculous to call the VTR a touring bike. If it is then it has to be the worst touring bike ever built. Horrible range. Not comfy on long trips. Not comfy for a passenger. Not a lot of storage options. Just a low gas light. No clock. One trip meter. The list goes on....
Like I said its not a race ready super bike but it sure as hell, even in stock trum , isn't a touring machine. It falls in the all arounder category. It IS a sport bike. Not a SUPER sport but a sport bike none the less. I've seen panigales with luggage taken cross country. Doesn't make it a touring bike.
Ive seen magazine articles from back in the day call it a touring bike. I think they mean that in the same sense of the word as "touring car racing" in Europe. not because those cars are meant for cross country road trips. Its just another way of saying a street car. Not a race car with license plates. which is what bikes like a panigale are. A race bike with headlights and a license plate
Like I said its not a race ready super bike but it sure as hell, even in stock trum , isn't a touring machine. It falls in the all arounder category. It IS a sport bike. Not a SUPER sport but a sport bike none the less. I've seen panigales with luggage taken cross country. Doesn't make it a touring bike.
Ive seen magazine articles from back in the day call it a touring bike. I think they mean that in the same sense of the word as "touring car racing" in Europe. not because those cars are meant for cross country road trips. Its just another way of saying a street car. Not a race car with license plates. which is what bikes like a panigale are. A race bike with headlights and a license plate
05-19-2014 | 02:42 PM
#11
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 501
From: Orlando, FL
Where you are wrong in this though is that when the VTR1000F was realeased in 1997, so was the new VFR800 which as we all know is a true sport tourer.
Which would leave a sane person to wonder why Honda would release TWO Sport Touring V-twins in the same year with one being a true sport touring bike, and the other to be closer to the sport bikes of the same time frame?
Because they didn't, the SuperHawk is a sport bike, the VFR800 & VFR1200 were the sport touring V-twins.
Let us read these links and see how they classify these bikes
VFR800: Honda VFR800 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
VTR1000F: Honda VTR1000F - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Well according to this the VFR is a Sport Touring Bike, and the VTR is a Sport Bike. Hmmm.
7moore7 : I guess it's time for a new bike
05-19-2014 | 02:49 PM
#12
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,544
From: New South Wales Australia
The good thing about the Vtr is that you can make it into a tourer or a sports bike.
That's the thing I love about it.
Mine is tending towards sports with all the mods I have done, however I have toured it as well.
I don't know of too many other bikes that have this versatility.
That's what I like about it.
That's the thing I love about it.
Mine is tending towards sports with all the mods I have done, however I have toured it as well.
I don't know of too many other bikes that have this versatility.
That's what I like about it.
05-19-2014 | 03:05 PM
#13
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SuperSport
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 834
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
I also like how it is so versatile and can easily be made into a touring bike or a supersport with just a few mods.
But I guess the debate is on the bike in stock form and I don't think anyone would consider the VTR of they set out to be a touring bike.
What I don't understand is why people think that Honda can only make ONE of each class of bike at a time. Since they already had the 900rr then obviously another liter sports bike was out of the question. So it has to be something else. Wrong. Its a sport bike that had a totally different power plant and was meant to grab some of the ducati sales.
Regardless of what people call it... I ride it like a race bike. You could call it a Harley but I'll still ride it like I stole it
But I guess the debate is on the bike in stock form and I don't think anyone would consider the VTR of they set out to be a touring bike.
What I don't understand is why people think that Honda can only make ONE of each class of bike at a time. Since they already had the 900rr then obviously another liter sports bike was out of the question. So it has to be something else. Wrong. Its a sport bike that had a totally different power plant and was meant to grab some of the ducati sales.
Regardless of what people call it... I ride it like a race bike. You could call it a Harley but I'll still ride it like I stole it
05-19-2014 | 04:09 PM
#15
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SuperSport
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 834
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
Well I was considering buying a VFR as my track bike. I don't wanna hurt my beloved hawk. Plus that way I can save the hawk for long road trips and 2-up riding. I've always found the VFR to be such an amazing superbike. I know every piece of logic ever says its a touring bike but It just corners like its on rails and man can you lean that thing over. Its nice and light to so it pulls hard out a corners and lofts the front no problem. Its the same reason that motogp bikes use V4s. They would have never put such a racey engine in the VFR if it wasn't meant to be tossed around a race track.
The hawk on the other hand is huge and heavy and barley leans over. It has no power or torque and its basically a sporty looking Harley. Good for long cruises down the highway. Idk why anyone would call it a sport bike. Its obviously Hondas version of a Harley. A Honda Davidson as I call it. Or sometimes I call it a hardly Davidson. Either way its a cruiserrrr. That's why they added SO much wind protection and such a longggggggg tank range. I can't remember the last time I had to get gas.
Edit: now doesn't all that sound freaking whacked?!?
Its a sport bike. Ask Big Red if they designed the VTR for touring.
I find it REALLY hard to veleive that companies like revloution racing, Moriwaki, yoshimura, etc.... Would produce racing parts for a touring bike. And go as far as to RACE the bike which made the cut in British SuperBike!! Touring bikes DO NOT race in BSB or suzuka or BOTT.
If you seriously think the VTR is a touring bike then you need to go ride a touring bike....
The hawk on the other hand is huge and heavy and barley leans over. It has no power or torque and its basically a sporty looking Harley. Good for long cruises down the highway. Idk why anyone would call it a sport bike. Its obviously Hondas version of a Harley. A Honda Davidson as I call it. Or sometimes I call it a hardly Davidson. Either way its a cruiserrrr. That's why they added SO much wind protection and such a longggggggg tank range. I can't remember the last time I had to get gas.
Edit: now doesn't all that sound freaking whacked?!?
Its a sport bike. Ask Big Red if they designed the VTR for touring.
I find it REALLY hard to veleive that companies like revloution racing, Moriwaki, yoshimura, etc.... Would produce racing parts for a touring bike. And go as far as to RACE the bike which made the cut in British SuperBike!! Touring bikes DO NOT race in BSB or suzuka or BOTT.
If you seriously think the VTR is a touring bike then you need to go ride a touring bike....
Last edited by jscobey; 05-19-2014 at 04:47 PM.
05-19-2014 | 04:35 PM
#16
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 250
From: Seattle
Then on the other hand... I find my VFR800 to be slow and heavy.
I much prefer the Superhawk for anything other than long distance, or hauling a passenger around.
Going interstate, or out of state? It's all about the VFR for putting miles behind you.
My Superhawk corners like it's on rails, and is always wanting a little more lean, a little more throttle, a little more...
It feels smaller, narrower, lighter, much more like a 600 sportbike, and much more nimble than it's yellow slightly portly little brother.
If it's going to be a FUN ride, I'd leave the VFR in the garage and take the VTR.
(As long as we're not leaving civilization behind and there are plenty of gas stations where we're going.)
In fact, having recently purchased a ZRX1100, I'm selling the VFR.
I think I came into the Interceptor following a little too late and they were already out of kool-aid. It's very nice, but I've never been in love with that bike.
The ZRX is much more fun to ride, roomier, has loads of low-end torque, handles a passenger better, is easier to turn and steer, and just as comfortable if not more so.
(both bikes have upgraded bars, Sargent seats, and aftermarket pipes)
I consider the VFR800 to be right in the middle of the sport-touring class, and I consider the VTR1000 to be a sport bike.
It's not the latest, newest, razor-edged supersport race replica, but neither is a FZR600, and it still qualifies as a sportbike.
But my new favorite is my old favorite... I had a ZRX1100 in Atlanta in 2001, and I have missed it since then.
So now I have another one, and I'm very happy with it. Now it's time to clean out the garage.
Over the next 60 days, I'm dropping from 5 bikes to 1. Then maybe I'll start shopping again...
I'm thinking a Valkyrie would make a nice sport-touring bike. Track day, anyone?
I much prefer the Superhawk for anything other than long distance, or hauling a passenger around.
Going interstate, or out of state? It's all about the VFR for putting miles behind you.
My Superhawk corners like it's on rails, and is always wanting a little more lean, a little more throttle, a little more...
It feels smaller, narrower, lighter, much more like a 600 sportbike, and much more nimble than it's yellow slightly portly little brother.
If it's going to be a FUN ride, I'd leave the VFR in the garage and take the VTR.
(As long as we're not leaving civilization behind and there are plenty of gas stations where we're going.)
In fact, having recently purchased a ZRX1100, I'm selling the VFR.
I think I came into the Interceptor following a little too late and they were already out of kool-aid. It's very nice, but I've never been in love with that bike.
The ZRX is much more fun to ride, roomier, has loads of low-end torque, handles a passenger better, is easier to turn and steer, and just as comfortable if not more so.
(both bikes have upgraded bars, Sargent seats, and aftermarket pipes)
I consider the VFR800 to be right in the middle of the sport-touring class, and I consider the VTR1000 to be a sport bike.
It's not the latest, newest, razor-edged supersport race replica, but neither is a FZR600, and it still qualifies as a sportbike.
But my new favorite is my old favorite... I had a ZRX1100 in Atlanta in 2001, and I have missed it since then.
So now I have another one, and I'm very happy with it. Now it's time to clean out the garage.
Over the next 60 days, I'm dropping from 5 bikes to 1. Then maybe I'll start shopping again...
I'm thinking a Valkyrie would make a nice sport-touring bike. Track day, anyone?
Last edited by FTL900; 05-19-2014 at 04:44 PM.
05-19-2014 | 05:44 PM
#19
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,926
From: Bisbee, AZ
I'm old and my hearing is shot. WHAT did you say? Speak up if you have something to say.
05-19-2014 | 06:33 PM
#21
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,871
From: Phoenix, AZ
Y'all are brainwashed by new age mumbo jumbo. I know my rights and I will call it a sport tourer until the day I die.
What about the fact that if I put touring tires on it, they fit? You can't explain that, other than it was meant for touring!! I even use touring bearings in the wheels, which puts the nail in the coffin right there.
What about the fact that if I put touring tires on it, they fit? You can't explain that, other than it was meant for touring!! I even use touring bearings in the wheels, which puts the nail in the coffin right there.
05-19-2014 | 06:48 PM
#23
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 965
From: Asheville, North Carolina
It is very important to my personal sanity that I call it a sports tourer. I am unable to re-formulate conceived notions of reality and so any legitimate, logical argument that you present will result in me stating my view more adamantly and with more volume. This forum's founders I can confidently say based it on the VTR being a sports tourer, and if you don't like it, then you can just get out!
LAUGHING MY *** OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!
insurance on the S-Hawk... FULL coverage ++ $60.00 ever 3 months...
ON any of the RC-51s Full coverage ++ $1,100.00 a year.............................
Last edited by 1971allchaos; 05-19-2014 at 06:52 PM.
05-19-2014 | 07:08 PM
#24
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,053
From: NYC
Its a sportbike. Period. Unless you are in England where the Brits call them sportsbikes.
A Honda ST is a sport tourer. (the word sport modifies the kind of tourer).
Kinda surpised so many guys are confused about this. I had a cbr600 before the hawk and did 1000mile trips on both. Doesnt make either one a tourer in any way.
I get the insurance thing. For years they gave me half price if the bike was under 400lbs. So every bike I registered I changed the title to be 398. DMV doesnt care what your bike weighs it turns out.
But for realz guys. There is nothing "touring" about a rip-snorting ill tempered v twin inferno.
What else is a touring bike, a tuono? An rsv mille? Panigale?
A Honda ST is a sport tourer. (the word sport modifies the kind of tourer).
Kinda surpised so many guys are confused about this. I had a cbr600 before the hawk and did 1000mile trips on both. Doesnt make either one a tourer in any way.
I get the insurance thing. For years they gave me half price if the bike was under 400lbs. So every bike I registered I changed the title to be 398. DMV doesnt care what your bike weighs it turns out.
But for realz guys. There is nothing "touring" about a rip-snorting ill tempered v twin inferno.
What else is a touring bike, a tuono? An rsv mille? Panigale?
05-19-2014 | 07:54 PM
#25
Moderator
MotoGP
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,116
From: Gettysburg, Pa
130 mile range ain't no touring bike, plain and simple.
05-19-2014 | 11:52 PM
#27
Deals Gap is a Hoot!
Back Marker
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 104
From: St. Louis, Mizzery
Then on the other hand... I find my VFR800 to be slow and heavy.
I much prefer the Superhawk for anything other than long distance, or hauling a passenger around.
Going interstate, or out of state? It's all about the VFR for putting miles behind you.
My Superhawk corners like it's on rails, and is always wanting a little more lean, a little more throttle, a little more...
It feels smaller, narrower, lighter, much more like a 600 sportbike, and much more nimble than it's yellow slightly portly little brother.
If it's going to be a FUN ride, I'd leave the VFR in the garage and take the VTR.
(As long as we're not leaving civilization behind and there are plenty of gas stations where we're going.)
In fact, having recently purchased a ZRX1100, I'm selling the VFR.
I think I came into the Interceptor following a little too late and they were already out of kool-aid. It's very nice, but I've never been in love with that bike.
The ZRX is much more fun to ride, roomier, has loads of low-end torque, handles a passenger better, is easier to turn and steer, and just as comfortable if not more so.
(both bikes have upgraded bars, Sargent seats, and aftermarket pipes)
I consider the VFR800 to be right in the middle of the sport-touring class, and I consider the VTR1000 to be a sport bike.
It's not the latest, newest, razor-edged supersport race replica, but neither is a FZR600, and it still qualifies as a sportbike.
But my new favorite is my old favorite... I had a ZRX1100 in Atlanta in 2001, and I have missed it since then.
So now I have another one, and I'm very happy with it. Now it's time to clean out the garage.
Over the next 60 days, I'm dropping from 5 bikes to 1. Then maybe I'll start shopping again...
I'm thinking a Valkyrie would make a nice sport-touring bike. Track day, anyone?
I much prefer the Superhawk for anything other than long distance, or hauling a passenger around.
Going interstate, or out of state? It's all about the VFR for putting miles behind you.
My Superhawk corners like it's on rails, and is always wanting a little more lean, a little more throttle, a little more...
It feels smaller, narrower, lighter, much more like a 600 sportbike, and much more nimble than it's yellow slightly portly little brother.
If it's going to be a FUN ride, I'd leave the VFR in the garage and take the VTR.
(As long as we're not leaving civilization behind and there are plenty of gas stations where we're going.)
In fact, having recently purchased a ZRX1100, I'm selling the VFR.
I think I came into the Interceptor following a little too late and they were already out of kool-aid. It's very nice, but I've never been in love with that bike.
The ZRX is much more fun to ride, roomier, has loads of low-end torque, handles a passenger better, is easier to turn and steer, and just as comfortable if not more so.
(both bikes have upgraded bars, Sargent seats, and aftermarket pipes)
I consider the VFR800 to be right in the middle of the sport-touring class, and I consider the VTR1000 to be a sport bike.
It's not the latest, newest, razor-edged supersport race replica, but neither is a FZR600, and it still qualifies as a sportbike.
But my new favorite is my old favorite... I had a ZRX1100 in Atlanta in 2001, and I have missed it since then.
So now I have another one, and I'm very happy with it. Now it's time to clean out the garage.
Over the next 60 days, I'm dropping from 5 bikes to 1. Then maybe I'll start shopping again...
I'm thinking a Valkyrie would make a nice sport-touring bike. Track day, anyone?
I don't think that I could disagree with you more on this subject!
Honda has a whole line of Harley want to be and I have one, a 2007 Honda VT1100 Shadow Spirit, it looks like a Sportster and will simply blow it away.
Along with the Honda Fury, Sabre, Stateline, RS, Phantom, Rebel and Aero Honda has plenty of V Twins to take on HD with!
If you want a Sport Touring Motorcycle look no further than the GL1800!
This bike is a rocket that handles like a dream, my 1800 lives 2 up on twisty back roads, the only problem with the 1800 is you have to tap the linked braking system to set your self up going into tight twisty turns, but still a great bike indeed!
IMHO the VTR1000F is a sport touring, sport bike m/c similar to the Suzuki V-Strom.
VTR V-Twin Race 1000 ******, When mother Honda gives a bike a name and moniker they use the letter R to describe a race bike.
A few examples, CBR1000F, CBR600, CBR600RR, CBR600F4i, CRF250R, CRF450R, XR400R, XR650R
Interesting thread!
SIRR1
05-20-2014 | 12:30 AM
#28
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 834
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
have a look at this thread i started on the UK board and you will quickly realize that the VTR isnt a touring bike at all. yes i know all those bikes are in race trim, and not stock at all, BUT there is no such thing as "race trim" on a sport touring motorcycle such as the ST or Interceptors. case and point.
www.vtr1000.org • View topic - Racing VTR "photo album"
i mean this guy doesnt look like hes taking a cross country road trip to me...
www.vtr1000.org • View topic - Racing VTR "photo album"
i mean this guy doesnt look like hes taking a cross country road trip to me...
05-20-2014 | 03:34 AM
#29
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 348
From: Melbourne Australia
Just wanted to mention that the RC51 want in production in 1997 at the release of the superhawk, and the only compairable bikes at the time in Honda's line up were the CBR919RR (AKA 900RR) and The CBR600F3.
So when compairing the SuperHawk to other sport bikes, make sure you use bikes of the same time period, not bikes that are 10+ years newer.
So when compairing the SuperHawk to other sport bikes, make sure you use bikes of the same time period, not bikes that are 10+ years newer.
VTR1000F production - 1997 - 2007
RC51 production - 2000 - 2006
Fireblade production - 1992 - present
What are you talking about "10 years newer" RC51, VTR1000F & Fireblade all in production at same time between 2000 - 2006 ! In Australia CBR900RR, CBR919RR, CBR929RR, CBR954RR, CBR1000RR are all Fireblades.
Last edited by hondavtr1000sp2; 05-20-2014 at 04:25 AM.
