Why Should I Buy a SuperHawk?
07-27-2004 | 02:29 PM
#1
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Why Should I Buy a SuperHawk?
Greetings! 1st post here. I own an '89 Honda HawkGT 650 that I bought in '97. It was my first bike. Well, 7 years later and I love the bike but 50hp just isn't quite floating my boat anymore. I was thinking about getting a pre-98 Ducati 900SS, but then realized that used SuperHawks are similarly priced.
The 900 has been one of my dream bikes for a long time. However I'm not sure I want to deal with the maintenance. Also, I believe they make about 70hp? That's SV650 territory.
Here's what draws me to the SuperHawk. The idea of >100hp and all that torque from a stock bike with nice quiet pipes is really interesting. My usual routes for sporty rides are all residential (not densely popluated, but still residential). My HawkGT has an M4 pipe on it and it's loud. I fear that one day I'm going to get pulled over due to complaints. I need more stealth factor.
My concerns are that the thing would be a pig next to my little GT. How is the handling? I am a street rider and I do one track day a year. The GT required about $800 in suspension upgrades to perform well (Fox shock, front springs, emulators) - would a stock SH as well?
How are the vibes in the handlebars? My bike is buzzy. 90 minutes and my hands are starting to go numb. How long can you ride the SH without your hands getting uncomfortable?
How long can you ride your SH comfortably in general? (neglecting fill ups - I'm aware of the short range tank)
Any other comments about this bike?
Thanks,
-Jack
The 900 has been one of my dream bikes for a long time. However I'm not sure I want to deal with the maintenance. Also, I believe they make about 70hp? That's SV650 territory.
Here's what draws me to the SuperHawk. The idea of >100hp and all that torque from a stock bike with nice quiet pipes is really interesting. My usual routes for sporty rides are all residential (not densely popluated, but still residential). My HawkGT has an M4 pipe on it and it's loud. I fear that one day I'm going to get pulled over due to complaints. I need more stealth factor.
My concerns are that the thing would be a pig next to my little GT. How is the handling? I am a street rider and I do one track day a year. The GT required about $800 in suspension upgrades to perform well (Fox shock, front springs, emulators) - would a stock SH as well?
How are the vibes in the handlebars? My bike is buzzy. 90 minutes and my hands are starting to go numb. How long can you ride the SH without your hands getting uncomfortable?
How long can you ride your SH comfortably in general? (neglecting fill ups - I'm aware of the short range tank)
Any other comments about this bike?
Thanks,
-Jack
07-27-2004 | 03:53 PM
#2
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Superstock
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 409
From: Southeast PA
In my opinion, in short I love my hawk. Coming from many inline 4's over the past ten years, once I got on the v-twin i was in love. The torgue, the sound, the power is abudant.
You are correct in assuming the shortcomings of the stock suspension. I'm a light guy (170 lbs) and the front springs were too soft for me. I ride pretty aggresive and do a few track days a year, so upgrading is a definate! Same goes for the rear.
If you plan on buying used try to find one already set-up in the suspension dept.
Other then the poor suspension, I have no complaints. I can ride for 5-6 hours without any buzz at the bars or soreness in the seat or back.
I would also recommend aftermarket exhaust. It really brings out the sound of the v-twin. There are several mfg.'s that make exhaust that sre not obsenely loud.
I also put stainless brakes lines on my hawk just to help the brakes out a little. They seem to me to fade alittle after hard use. The new lines improved this, but they do still have a little fade to them after hard usage.
The mirrors you may as well throw in the trash because you can't see anything past your elbows. R1 mirrors seem to fit on pretty well and have longer stems.
Other then that stuff. Like I said before...I Love my Hawk!
You are correct in assuming the shortcomings of the stock suspension. I'm a light guy (170 lbs) and the front springs were too soft for me. I ride pretty aggresive and do a few track days a year, so upgrading is a definate! Same goes for the rear.
If you plan on buying used try to find one already set-up in the suspension dept.
Other then the poor suspension, I have no complaints. I can ride for 5-6 hours without any buzz at the bars or soreness in the seat or back.
I would also recommend aftermarket exhaust. It really brings out the sound of the v-twin. There are several mfg.'s that make exhaust that sre not obsenely loud.
I also put stainless brakes lines on my hawk just to help the brakes out a little. They seem to me to fade alittle after hard use. The new lines improved this, but they do still have a little fade to them after hard usage.
The mirrors you may as well throw in the trash because you can't see anything past your elbows. R1 mirrors seem to fit on pretty well and have longer stems.
Other then that stuff. Like I said before...I Love my Hawk!
07-27-2004 | 04:07 PM
#3
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 150
From: Los Angeles, California
Re: Why Should I Buy a SuperHawk?
I love the rattle of the dry clutch, and the sound of Desmo valve V-twin engines at full throttle. *drool* But I just couldn't justify the cost vs HP ratio. The SH wins that battle hands down.
Handling, the stock 900SS will be better than a SH in stock form, but with the $$$$ you save, you can fix the SH suspension.
For rear shocks, there's Fox, Ohlins, and Penske, roughly in order of cost. The stock rear shock works okay as long as you're under 180-200 lbs. Over that and you'll WANT the upgrade. Even if you are a smaller guy, the adjustability offered by the aftermarket units allows for freeway soft and track hard with some simple adjustments.
For front suspension, there's Traxxion, Race Tech, then a whole host of front end swaps. (roughly in order of cost). The front end dives somewhat under braking, and compresses quickly under fast/sharp bumps. And upgrade does wonders for feel and confidence.
The suspension can be fixed fairly easy(but not free), and some exhaust/jetting mods can turn it into a decent performer.
With the stock foot pegs, and stock low exhuast, it does have some ground clearance issues for severe cornering, but if you "hang off" you'll be fine at 9.5/10ths. Rear sets and high mounts/underseat would fix the problem.
I personally love my SH and would only replace it for either a Ducati 998S or R, or a Aprila Tuono Factory Race.
Handling, the stock 900SS will be better than a SH in stock form, but with the $$$$ you save, you can fix the SH suspension.
For rear shocks, there's Fox, Ohlins, and Penske, roughly in order of cost. The stock rear shock works okay as long as you're under 180-200 lbs. Over that and you'll WANT the upgrade. Even if you are a smaller guy, the adjustability offered by the aftermarket units allows for freeway soft and track hard with some simple adjustments.
For front suspension, there's Traxxion, Race Tech, then a whole host of front end swaps. (roughly in order of cost). The front end dives somewhat under braking, and compresses quickly under fast/sharp bumps. And upgrade does wonders for feel and confidence.
The suspension can be fixed fairly easy(but not free), and some exhaust/jetting mods can turn it into a decent performer.
With the stock foot pegs, and stock low exhuast, it does have some ground clearance issues for severe cornering, but if you "hang off" you'll be fine at 9.5/10ths. Rear sets and high mounts/underseat would fix the problem.
I personally love my SH and would only replace it for either a Ducati 998S or R, or a Aprila Tuono Factory Race.
07-27-2004 | 04:12 PM
#4
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Superstock
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 318
From: San Jose, CA
Re: Why Should I Buy a SuperHawk?
first off, I admire your respect for residential roads and your thinking to go quiet... I have always been a fan of stock pipes and their nice sound (or lack thereof). However, I must say, I too like a growling v-twin that is not too loud.
As for the superhawk, I have had mine for the last 4 months or so. I am quite happy with it overall. Tons of torque low end, good power, and handling is ok but can definitely use improvement. I am not a hard racer type, and my street rides are still very average paced (10-20 mph over the speed limit in twisties.) overall, for my purposes, I love the bike and it does more than just fine.
Mine came with Heli bar raises installed on it, as well as mirror extenders ($25 or so from rrmotorsport.com ) I put a MUCH needed steel brake lines and upgraded the brake pads on the front. (stock brakes are NOT adequate for a bike with this much power/torque.)
As I said in one of my posts on another board, I believe superhawks are one of the best bang for the buck. Go to vtr registery and you will see tons of them with 30k or more reliable miles on them!, so buyin one with 10k miles or so on it is like buying them new.
As for the superhawk, I have had mine for the last 4 months or so. I am quite happy with it overall. Tons of torque low end, good power, and handling is ok but can definitely use improvement. I am not a hard racer type, and my street rides are still very average paced (10-20 mph over the speed limit in twisties.) overall, for my purposes, I love the bike and it does more than just fine.
Mine came with Heli bar raises installed on it, as well as mirror extenders ($25 or so from rrmotorsport.com ) I put a MUCH needed steel brake lines and upgraded the brake pads on the front. (stock brakes are NOT adequate for a bike with this much power/torque.)
As I said in one of my posts on another board, I believe superhawks are one of the best bang for the buck. Go to vtr registery and you will see tons of them with 30k or more reliable miles on them!, so buyin one with 10k miles or so on it is like buying them new.
07-28-2004 | 08:51 AM
#6
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 150
From: Los Angeles, California
Re: Why Should I Buy a SuperHawk?
Only your first few rides will really be able to answer that. Some folks like the stock suspension, but some can't stand it. Usually the more "sporting" folks are the ones that look for the upgrade.
07-28-2004 | 11:13 AM
#7
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From: Deer Park, NY
As my first bike back in 2001, the stock suspension was fine for me. With more agressive riding in the past 2 years, the shortcomings are very noticable. The front end dives at the hint of brake use and during turns the bike wallows. Tires have made a tremendous improvement, but I will be going with new forks/valves in the front and then as money affords, a new rear shock.
Brakes are another issue that can be fixed relatively easily. As was previously stated, SS Lines and HH pads go a LONG way to help braking power and reduce fade. Along with those, I also installed a master cylinder from a 929RR which increases piston size. The modification increases the sensitivity of the front brakes, requiring less lever travel but more pressure. All I know is that I have no problem with 2 finger braking all day long which could not be done with the stock setup.
The bike does way a bit more than your GT and is is larger. Nothing is going to overcome the law of physics, but the SuperHawk is very slender and nimble machine in its own right.
You should try hooking up with a local SH owner and swap bikes for a ride. This way you can judge for yourself. Personally, I don't think you'll regret it... and coming from a smaller V-Twin will make the transition that much easier and more enjoyable.
Good Luck
Brakes are another issue that can be fixed relatively easily. As was previously stated, SS Lines and HH pads go a LONG way to help braking power and reduce fade. Along with those, I also installed a master cylinder from a 929RR which increases piston size. The modification increases the sensitivity of the front brakes, requiring less lever travel but more pressure. All I know is that I have no problem with 2 finger braking all day long which could not be done with the stock setup.
The bike does way a bit more than your GT and is is larger. Nothing is going to overcome the law of physics, but the SuperHawk is very slender and nimble machine in its own right.
You should try hooking up with a local SH owner and swap bikes for a ride. This way you can judge for yourself. Personally, I don't think you'll regret it... and coming from a smaller V-Twin will make the transition that much easier and more enjoyable.
Good Luck
07-31-2004 | 12:04 PM
#8
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Re: Why Should I Buy a SuperHawk?
The front suspension needs minor work (under ~$200 worth) to be pretty darned good.
The main complaint I've heard about the rear shock is that it is too stiff. If you weight 170# it should be fine on the first or second notch on the preload collar. I usually keep it on the second (which is the stock) notch, and go to the third when I ride 2-up with my wife (~125#). There is no compression damping which kind of sucks...but I've been getting along fine without it.
The bike is very nimble and feels considerably smaller than it is due to its extremely narrow waistline.
Regarding comfort: I did an IBA SS1000 on my bike, and felt fine afterwards. The bike isn't very buzzy at all. My wife's EX500 runs considerably more lumpy at idle than my bike...and both a quite smooth once things are underway.
I did opt for the Sargent saddle, though the stocker wasn't horrible. The Sargent comes with a nice storage compartment and retractable cargo hooks, too.
Good luck.
The main complaint I've heard about the rear shock is that it is too stiff. If you weight 170# it should be fine on the first or second notch on the preload collar. I usually keep it on the second (which is the stock) notch, and go to the third when I ride 2-up with my wife (~125#). There is no compression damping which kind of sucks...but I've been getting along fine without it.
The bike is very nimble and feels considerably smaller than it is due to its extremely narrow waistline.
Regarding comfort: I did an IBA SS1000 on my bike, and felt fine afterwards. The bike isn't very buzzy at all. My wife's EX500 runs considerably more lumpy at idle than my bike...and both a quite smooth once things are underway.
I did opt for the Sargent saddle, though the stocker wasn't horrible. The Sargent comes with a nice storage compartment and retractable cargo hooks, too.
Good luck.
08-01-2004 | 06:47 PM
#9
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HawkGT: 1, TL1000-S: 0
The local Suzuki dealer has a used TL1000-S for $3900 - I'm sure I could get them down to $3500, but I digress. I took the thing for a good half-hour test ride on Friday. What a pig! Well, a fast pig anyway. The motor was great, but I had little confidence in the corners. Turn in was heavy and reluctant, and midcorner bumps produced a bit of "wallowing". The reach to the bars was a mile long and it was very wide between the knees, at least as wide as an I4. Getting back on my HawkGT I felt like BB King picking up Lucille. It handles easily 10-times better than the TL. Light, flickable, and confidence inspiring. It made me feel good about my suspension investments. I haven't tried a SuperHawk yet, but I hope it handles a LOT better than the TL!! Yuck!
08-01-2004 | 07:12 PM
#10
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Re: Why Should I Buy a SuperHawk?
Too bad you don't live closer to me; I'd let you take mine out. So, if you're ever in west/central MA let me know.
The SH is considerably more narrow (of course it only has a 4 gal tank, too) than the TL.
The TL has a bit more motor than the SH, but coming from a Hawk GT I don't think you're going to mind only having 100 rwhp and 70 ft-lbs at your disposal.
The SH is considerably more narrow (of course it only has a 4 gal tank, too) than the TL.
The TL has a bit more motor than the SH, but coming from a Hawk GT I don't think you're going to mind only having 100 rwhp and 70 ft-lbs at your disposal.
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