That's pretty cool Ron, nice bike!
I'm looking to do something similar, but streamline the 'ell out of it.
Where can you trip off weight off this bike? I know casting the twins adds weight, wondering what I can do short of lighter wheels..

 

that is a pretty sweet bike ron. ive always liked the naked look.

 

The more I think about what I want, the more I want an old 88 Hawk GT, with a VTR 996 engine installed. Possible?
If so, how hard would this be to do?

 

Why... Thank you

 

Removing the airbox will raise several issues but it will help when adding a new (smaller) tank since most tank/airboxes are an exact match.

An RC51 (that's not a VFR) front rad system is big bucks: $1000 new/used 6-700. Since you're in NY (cooler clime), I'd seriously look at the rear rad mod. (search: kai ju) Search 2-1 exhaust (for weight) and streetfighter for more ideas. A single side swingarm (SSSA) can be done too.

Oh and due to your avatar: post often. Thanks.

 

Most of my weight savings was with the magnesium wheels and 520 chain conversion with aluminum rear sprocket (-20 lbs). I've dropped the steel front fairing mount, steel rear sub-frame, fairing & all the plastic [except battery box] (-10 lbs). Added, the new abbreviated aluminum sub-frame, headlamp, shortened stock seat (+5 lbs). Stock exhaust swapped with Staintune & Two Bros header (-5 lbs). Miscellaneous stuff like PAIR system, seat lock, turn signals, passenger pegs and brackets (-5 lbs). My guesstimate is I've removed about 35 to 40 lbs total.

So realistically, this bike's wet weight is about 435 lbs (stock is 474). Not bad, but not stellar either. If you were to go after the greatest possible savings you could also select a lighter battery, lighter tires, use some tank foam to reduce fuel capacity, etc. etc. etc.

What is not obvious from the 'numbers' is how lively the Superhawk has become... Turn-in is much faster... Acceleration is brisk... Overall it's a fun toy, a little puppy of a bike that is always ready to play.

I was courious... so per the Ducati website, the Hypermotard weighs in at 395 lbs (The Ducati weight excludes battery, lubricants and, where applicable, cooling liquid.) For comparison the Superhawk's "dry weight" is 425 lbs. That makes my bike about 385 lbs.

Ducatti sez the Hypermotard makes 90 hp. My Superhawk with jetting and aftermarket mufflers dyno'd at 104 RWHP. I understand that this is a typical for most VTRs with the same mods.

 

hehe, thanks, she was a brief relationship, but I have no regrets, lollz.
There has got to be a radiator that fits in there without the big bucks of the RC51. I mean I want to spend money, on a rear penske or ohlins shock, as well as a CBR1K or equiv front end resprung with Racetech etc.


Very good info Ron, thanks! Yeah, I have little desire to get the Duc, especially when I know I can do so much more with the VTR...

Here are a few pix of a fellas Hawk GT that he modified, front end & RS125 tail, etc. Give the bike a totally different stance.. I'm considering the 88 Hawk GT as I may be able to get one in decent shape for under $800- But it will never have the snarl like the 996 does, what to do.

 

Looking at the old GT, here is a sweet one for sale here: https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=15946 (I know nothing about the seller, but it is a nice bike)

I have no clue if the SH's motor can be swapped in.

 

Yeah, that really is a nice bike...

 

i had a hawk gt,with a two brothers full exhaust and hrc jet kit.
that thing had a hell of a bark.
not nearly as much power as the shawk but tons of fun in the twisties.

 

see my project in members photos section,modding madness for cbr600rr rad mods.

 

I believe I see the old Hawk GT frame/gas tank here, with a SH motor in it... Heavily modified, tho... heavy on the heavily... Streetfighter more than Hypertard tho.

http://www.streetfighters.nl/honda/hondavtr.jpg

 

Interesting project, to make a true motard it needs longer suspension travel more like 200mm + front and rear, it would be a nightmare to set it up right, but may be worth the effort, the possibility of mounting MX bark busters on a SH sounds sweet too

 

Ok, I'm back, only 9 months later, hahaha..

I'm buying a really nice 98 SH tomorrow for $3K, only 9500 miles, super clean. Not sure what I'm going to change yet. I'm thinking 954 or CBR1K front end, and doing something with the rear shock or decent replacement.. It's jetted and has the orig style 2bros cans, looks good, I'll post pix 2morrow. Good to be back!

 

Goody! A new project bike to follow.

 

Yeah, I really don't know what the heck I'm going to do yet, lolZ!

 

Ok, well, I bought the bike this morning (see my pix), and I'm thinking about modding it a bit, in the lines of a new 09 style Ducati Monster, but with Honda power... We'll see what I come up with, hehe.