Honda Superhawk Review

  • Bike: Honda VTR1000F
  • Name: Steven Stinchcomb
  • Year Of Bike: 1998
  • Miles: 5,000
  • Rating: 9
  • Date: Saturday, May 05, 2001

Mods

Bridgestone BT010 tires, Erion Racing pipes, Erion (factory) jet kit, Russell Braided SS lines up front with EBC HH pads.  100watt xenon headlight bulb, flush mount front turn signals.  Traditional rear fender chop as well.

Carburetion

A little hiccup in low end, just off idle. Only when bike is cold.

Handling

Not as sharp as a typical 600.  Feels small and narrow.  Very stable, even under hard acceleration.  Forks need some tweaking. Race tech valve kit?

Brakes

In a word  WEEK.  This was the first or second mod by most owners I've met.  If you intend to ride this bike more than just back and forth to work, get some stainless steal braided lines and better pads.  You will thank me.

Comments

Love that low end torque. Wheelies all over the place. Good clean fun that won't kill your back after a hour or two. The new BT010 tires seem to be the best all round skin for my kind of riding.  The rear eats up anything softer way fast with all the low end grunt.  Pipes are loud as heck but tame down a bit with some miles (yes you read that correct) the packing seems to have fluffed out a bit but did not burn up as is typical on most exhaust systems. 

 

 

 

  • Bike: Honda VTR1000F - SP1
  • Name: Norm Smith
  • Year Of Bike: 1998
  • Miles: 30310kms
  • Rating: 8.5
  • Date: Thursday, January 17, 2002

Mods

Jardine RT-one upsweep exhaust system,michelin radial tires(macadam)

Carberation

great low end torque, slight hiccup off idle,goes away when warm,more often when really hot out

Brakes

very good braking(could always be better(can't do stoppies)

Handling

really good handling,better than my 1000 ninja or fj1100

Comments

great alaround motorcycle, wish the gastank was bigger for better mileage

 
  • Bike: Honda VTR1000F - SP1
  • Name: Jason Phillippo
  • Year Of Bike: 1998
  • Miles: 5500
  • Rating: 9
  • Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2001

Mods

Indigo full pipe, Geared, Jetted

Carberation

Lots of popping on deceleration Some coffing at idle Great low end torque

Brakes

Braking sufficient but could be better

Handling

Love it, Handles better than my previous CBR 600

Comments

Looks Great, Feels great, A bit to loud


  • Bike: Honda VTR1000F - SP1
  • Name: Blake Price
  • Year Of Bike: 2000
  • Miles: 3500
  • Rating: 8
  • Date: Tuesday, January 15, 2002

Mods

Yoshimura Exhaust Bottom Fairing

Carberation

Endless torque with great V-twin sound

Brakes

Infinitely better than my previous bike--a 99 Katana

Handling

Very sharp and again, much better than my old Katana

Comments

An absolute blast to ride. Gorgeous to look at. Sounds great. The only drawback is its horrible range and mpg.


  • Bike: Honda VTR1000F
  • Name: Brian Hughes
  • Year Of Bike: 2001
  • Miles: 5500
  • Rating: 9.5
  • Date: Tuesday, July 23, 2002

Mods

List the modifications on this bike Blueflame twin exit oval cans, smoked double bubble screen, mods to colour scheme, chopped rear mudgaurd & plate, flush mini indicators, super sticky Avon sports tyres.

Carberation

Race cans slipped straight on without any messing with fuelling. Loud as !*~*. Awesome in 2nd & 3rd gears through tight twisties due to the superb torque, then just open it up on the straights and feel that front end rise in every gear.

Brakes

Feel; There is a little bit. Strength; Dont leave it too late or you will end up in a hedge.

Handling

Soft brakes and forks dont inspire much confidence under heavy braking and cornering but you can still thrash it just beware. My bike starts to feel slappy under hard acceleration as the tyres wear which doesnt take long at all,(1300 mls last set).

Comments

I absolutely love my Firestorm. It looks mint with the mods I have done, to my own taste of course, and while it may not out gun all bikes on the road on top speed, the torquey fun getting there is a blast.


  • Bike: Honda VTR1000F
  • Name: Pete Miller
  • Year Of Bike: 2000
  • Miles: 4500
  • Rating: 9
  • Date: Monday, August 26, 2002

Mods

Jardine Carbon Fiber High Mounts, Cobra Heat Sheilds, Fender Trim, Short Stalk Rear Markers, Flushmount Front Markers, Pyramid DB Smoke Windscreen, Homemade Rear Number Plates (with "1000R" decal from RC-51) Sigma BC800 Cycle Computer, Tourmaster Tankbag, Disabled PAIR System to eliminate the farts and burps.

Carberation

Love the power of the twin. Probably needs re-jetted though since adding the Jardines.

Brakes

Not the most powerful in stock form, bleeding helps but Speigler Lines are an upcoming mod.

Handling

Front forks need some Race-Tech springs, another future mod. Still have stock tires and I'm not a very "aggressive" rider so the handling o.k, but would probably be much improved with better fork springs and some better rubber.

Comments

Did I mention I love the twin powerplant?


  • Bike: Honda VTR1000F - SP1
  • Name: Brandon Trout
  • Year Of Bike: 1999
  • Miles: 14000
  • Rating: 9
  • Date: Monday, May 05, 2003

Mods

List the modifications on this bike Erion Dual Exhaust System Race Tech Front Fork Fox Rear Adjustable Rear Shock Hindsight Mirrors Nissin Brakes Any other mods weren't appearnt to me but there may of been more!!!

Carberation

Power is great from all RPM's 2000 and up to Redline. A little touchy trying to downshift from 2 to 1st when slowing. But back to the power, I've never ridden a bike with this much of a powerband.

Brakes

Great, probably largely due to the aftermarket brakes, the bike is generally light for a 1000cc bike too.

Handling

Handles excellent, very light and nimble for being suck a big bike, handles better than my older 600. This bike weighs as much as a lot of 600's I've ridden, mainly in part of the mod's done to it.

Comments

Great overall bike, highly recommend to anyone with moderate to great riddin skills. A little to torque for a beginner rider.


  • Bike: Honda VTR1000F - SP1
  • Name: Dustin
  • Year Of Bike: 1998
  • Miles: 14500
  • Rating: 9.9
  • Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2003

Mods

List the modifications on this bike D&D exhaust, jet kit, fender eliminator and flush mounts, tinted wind screen and k&n filter.

Carberation

any flat spots etc. Superior off idle power to redline. Starts right up and have had no problems so far.

Brakes

Feel, Strength Still have stock pads, however there getting close and will most likely look into a more aggressive pad. This is my first bike so I cannot compare the breaking to a cbr, gxsr, etc. But in stock form the work well for me.

Handling

The reason I bought this bike is because all the reviews I read said it is easy and fun to ride. This is the most true statement one can say about the superhawk. The feel is confidance inspiring and firm, but not like a mack truck that will beat you uo after 10 min of riding.

Comments

This is a great for a beginer, but may be someone fast though. However, in my opinion, this is a sport bike, without a 15,000 rpm redline and very roomy for tall people. My opinion, a great all around bike. One word of advice, invest in a new seat, the stock one hurts your ass, I just cant bring myself to spend 350.00 on a sargent. For that kind of cash, my butt will hurt.


  • Bike: Honda VTR1000F - SP1
  • Name: Dustin
  • Year Of Bike: 1998
  • Miles: 14500
  • Rating: 9.9
  • Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2003

Mods

List the modifications on this bike D&D exhaust, jet kit, fender eliminator and flush mounts, tinted wind screen and k&n filter.

Carberation

any flat spots etc. Superior off idle power to redline. Starts right up and have had no problems so far.

Brakes

Feel, Strength Still have stock pads, however there getting close and will most likely look into a more aggressive pad. This is my first bike so I cannot compare the breaking to a cbr, gxsr, etc. But in stock form the work well for me.

Handling

The reason I bought this bike is because all the reviews I read said it is easy and fun to ride. This is the most true statement one can say about the superhawk. The feel is confidance inspiring and firm, but not like a mack truck that will beat you uo after 10 min of riding.

Comments

This is a great for a beginer, but may be someone fast though. However, in my opinion, this is a sport bike, without a 15,000 rpm redline and very roomy for tall people. My opinion, a great all around bike. One word of advice, invest in a new seat, the stock one hurts your ass, I just cant bring myself to spend 350.00 on a sargent. For that kind of cash, my butt will hurt.


  • Bike: Honda VTR1000F - SP1
  • Name: Josh
  • Year Of Bike: 1998
  • Miles: 21000
  • Rating: 8.5
  • Date: Monday, September 29, 2003

Mods

M4 high-mount slip-ons, K&N air filter, some suspension tweaking, Goodridge S/S front brake lines and HH pads, gearing change (up 3 teeth on rear sprocket) and DID gold chain, fender chop and smaller clear turn signals.

Carberation

Great V-Twin midrange power. With exhaust and filter mods, seems to pull better towards redline than stock. Off-idle hiccups, but not where you're running the engine when riding. Snap, Crackle, Pop from the race exhaust (that's a good thing!).

Brakes

Weak as sin when stock, but throwing about $150 in the form of braided lines and better pads made a world od a difference. Now brakes are too powerful for the forks to handle.

Handling

Not meant to be a corner carver, but hold's it's own well enough. Can scrape the pegs on a decent road without too much effort. Replaced fork oil with next higher weight (synthetic) and front end feels miles better than stock. Raised the rear ride height about 7mm with some washers stacked on the shock mount- helps quicken the steering over stock.

Comments

Great bike for any skill level. The beginners won't get too scared while using it at 5/10 it's capabilities and the veterans will enjoy exploiting the power delivery and ease of use in general. Rewarding to ride and explore your limits. There are bikes that have more character and are more exciting to ride, but the 'Hawk is comfy, reliable, and capable. I've got 21,000 miles on it and it hasn't missed a beat. All major services have been carried-out without the need of repairs. Change the oil and replace the tires once in a while and you're set!!


  • Bike: Honda VTR1000F
  • Name: Josh
  • Year Of Bike: 1998
  • Miles: 21000
  • Rating: 8.5
  • Date: Monday, September 29, 2003

Mods

M4 high-mount slip-ons, K&N air filter, some suspension tweaking, Goodridge S/S front brake lines and HH pads, gearing change (up 3 teeth on rear sprocket) and DID gold chain, fender chop and smaller clear turn signals.

Carberation

Great V-Twin midrange power. With exhaust and filter mods, seems to pull better towards redline than stock. Off-idle hiccups, but not where you're running the engine when riding. Snap, Crackle, Pop from the race exhaust (that's a good thing!).

Brakes

Weak as sin when stock, but throwing about $150 in the form of braided lines and better pads made a world od a difference. Now brakes are too powerful for the forks to handle.

Handling

Not meant to be a corner carver, but hold's it's own well enough. Can scrape the pegs on a decent road without too much effort. Replaced fork oil with next higher weight (synthetic) and front end feels miles better than stock. Raised the rear ride height about 7mm with some washers stacked on the shock mount- helps quicken the steering over stock.

Comments

Great bike for any skill level. The beginners won't get too scared while using it at 5/10 it's capabilities and the veterans will enjoy exploiting the power delivery and ease of use in general. Rewarding to ride and explore your limits. There are bikes that have more character and are more exciting to ride, but the 'Hawk is comfy, reliable, and capable. I've got 21,000 miles on it and it hasn't missed a beat. All major services have been carried-out without the need of repairs. Change the oil and replace the tires once in a while and you're set!!


  • Bike: Honda VTR1000F - SP1
  • Name: Jim Barr
  • Year Of Bike: 2002
  • Miles: 4000
  • Rating: 9
  • Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2003

Mods

D & D Slip On' that are loud as h@ll!!

Carberation

The usual small hick when it's cold. Leave the choke on until engine temp gets above 120 deg.(fairly quick here in Vegas). When the outside temp is above 110(often), it backfires through the airbox every once in a while, but I attribute that to crappy Vegas gas. More midrange oomph with the pipes.

Brakes

Strong enough for me right now. Later I will go the EBC pads and Steel lines route.

Handling

Stable, Stable, Stable. Not the quickest turning bike, but I'm used to Japanese spec CBR250RR's which can turn inside themselves and don't weigh anything.

Comments

One of the best bikes I've ever ridden. All the usually comments(torque, in torque sauce, with torque on the side). It eats R6' and GXR 6's for lunch, and will keep up R1's and GXR Thou's if ridden properly. If you like loud pipes, D&D's are the way to go. Wear earplugs!


  • Bike: Honda VTR1000F - SP1
  • Name: Ryan Team Veritech
  • Year Of Bike: 1998
  • Miles: 21.000
  • Rating: 10
  • Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2004

Mods

Dodge Viper Blue Pearl PPG Paint Sharkskinz Lower Race Fairing FSD Rear Tail kit flush mount lights Mood Light Kit Blue Installed in Left and Right Ferring Rear Seat Cowl Zero Gravity Tinted Windscreen with Blue Anodized Border Flush mount Clear Front Turn Signals (amber) Carbon Fiber Bar Ends Carbon Fiber Tank guard Carbon Fiber Mirrors Race Carbon Fiber Rear Tire Hugger Carbon Fiber Tripple Cover Carbon Fiber Gas Cap Two Bros Carbon Fiber Exhaust High Mount K&N Air Element Jet Kit Stage 1 AFAM Sprocket AFAM Chain 520 Race EBC HH Brake Pads Front and Rear Dunlop Race Tire (Front) Dunlop Race Tire (Rear)

Carberation

My bike has been dyno tested to 108 HP to the wheels feels great all around power when it is really cold or light rain bike will run rough possibly due to water or moisture entering the front sparkplug and causing a misfire will diagnose later... Performing stoppies on a full tank causes VTR to "flood" wheelies on full tank sometimes has this problem.

Brakes

I have the double H pads the provide sufficient braking i will upgrade the lines as well.

Handling

I feel very comfortable with this bike turns are predictable and weight transfer is accurate. However the front end at high speeds seems unstable need a steering dampener and better front forks.

Comments

Simple i love this bike it runs 10.97 @ 128 mph in the quarter mile (modified) has a top speed of around 155 (geared for more torque otherwise should be around 165) which is plenty fast for me handles great has honda reliability and comfortable during long rides. If you want to see photos go to http://autoimportcraze.com/coverage2.php?menu=3&Warn=0&ShowID=106&car=1&pageNum_rsPhotos=6&totalRows_rsPhotos=215


  • Bike: Honda VTR1000F - SP1
  • Name: MC
  • Year Of Bike: 1997
  • Miles: 24300
  • Rating: 8
  • Date: Thursday, April 08, 2004

Mods

Dynojet stage II, Sil Motor open end carbon high pipes, stainless steel braided brake lines, ERC HH brake pads, bottom fairing, rear mud guard

Carberation

With all the mods I now have 112 bhp (rear wheel) and a lot of torque. A lot of torque ... No real flat spot, very linear and easy power output (maybe too linear: miss the old kick in the ass my previous bike (gsx-r 750) gave me), and more then enough too: managed a 175mph top speed (stock: 157 mph). Only negative point here is fuel consumption: stock already a thirsty bike with a small tank, all the mods leave me gassing up every 90 miles ... Warning: never try to put the last drop in there: it will block the anti-vaccuum thingy and the bike will start to act funny.

Brakes

With stainless steel braided lines and erc HH pads, braking's okay. Could use a bit more bite initially, but brakes well, and stoppies are no problem.

Handling

Front suspension's a little soft, but still okay. Apart from this, the bike handles really well, given a lay out that is a lot more comfortable than those of the true sports bikes (RC51, R1, and the likes). No steering damper, so on flat out acceleration on less then perfect asphalt tank slappers will occur, but still, don't think it's worth buying one (at least not for me). Overall a good compromise for people that do some serious mileage and occasionally like to take it out for a day of hooligan behaviour on little winding back roads, because make no mistake, you can REALLY go for it on the Hawk.

Comments

It's my first twin, and I'm still not sure wether or not my next bike will be a four, a twin, or maybe even a mono (supermotard!!!). Like the torque a lot, but miss the high pitched scream of a four (although with the open end Sil Motor pipes, it makes an incredible amount of noise, really racy). I am however certain that such a compromise is not my thing: next bike will be either a big fat naked, a true sports bike, or a supermotard. Stock, I think the Super Hawk is bit boring (mainly to look at), but still, with all the mods, my Super Hawk is a helluva bike, and I like it a lot.


  • Bike: Honda VTR1000F
  • Name: Ryan Butzer
  • Year Of Bike: 2001
  • Miles: 8,900
  • Rating: 9
  • Date: Sunday, December 05, 2004

Mods

Jardine RT-One Titanium slip-ons, K&N filter, Galfer SS brake and clutch lines, Flo-Commander

Carberation

Great power at all revs. Flo-Commander helps out with the hiccups from the carbs.

Brakes

Better with SS lines and pads.

Handling

Great handling over any road conditions. Handles corners very well.

Comments

The v-twin power is awesome for everyday riding. Modifications help make it a bigger, better bike.


  • Bike: Honda VTR1000F - SP1
  • Name: Scott LaPree
  • Year Of Bike: 1998
  • Miles: 27,000
  • Rating: 9
  • Date: Friday, February 04, 2005

Mods

Galfer stainless steel braided front brake lines with DOT-5 synthetic fluid, Race Tech fork springs, gold rebound and compression valves, LP flush-mount fronts

Carberation

Reasonable power, carburetion is perfect

Brakes

The Galfer stainless lines transformed the brakes. After riding my mates' R6 and F4, I realized my brakes weren't what they used to be. Now they are great.

Handling

Ridden at an 8/10th's pace, just great. The stock fork springs and valves suck; the springs are too soft, resulting in large amounts of brake dive, and the valves are too restrictive, resulting in very harsh reactions over smaller, sharper bumps/holes. The Race Tech valves and springs weren't cheap, but they were BY FAR worth the money spent. I rode my bike at the track in it's stock form, then rode it at the same track the next year with the RaceTech work. Absolutely transformed the bike. It was much more behaved in the corners and under braking, especially over bumpy pavement. The tires are frayed to the edges, with no drama or instability. I can't recommend this mod enough.

Comments

The VTR is no match for CBRs or R1s at the track (as far as raw power), but the bike is so easy to ride at a 9/10ths pace, that it allows you to relax and be smooth. Out on our group rides, we ride a lot of very twisty, bumpy roads, with many tight, switchback corners, some full of debris. The VTR's ease of use makes it easier to be fast in those conditions, compared to my buddies' R6, F4, and 929RR. It's like a whopping big dirt bike. The looks are boring, but it's been a hugely faithful steed, and a blast to ride.


  • Bike: VTR1000F Superhawk
  • Year Of Bike: 1999
  • Miles: 12001
  • Name: strongblack
  • Rating: 9

Mods

homemadde exhaust bafflectomy.

Carberation

watch the firstgear take-off [torque) that's where i crashed.

Brakes

good brakes.

Handling

sweet handle. and ride pos.

Comments

v twin always turn the head your way.


  • Bike: VTR1000F Superhawk
  • Year Of Bike: 1998
  • Miles: 31000 km
  • Name: desmo rob
  • Rating: 8

Mods

race-teck springs up front,steel braded brake lines,rejetted+k&ns,Vance&hines,bridgestones,custom brakets,full size lower fairings!

Carberation

every time i turn the screw couter-clock wise i get a smile that lasts for hours acconpanied by a great synphony that rises and falls matching the esses and straights,(tip,,, anyone over 160 lbs should put new boingers up front )

Brakes

Brakes are ok but ,that said ,it may not be fair to say this because i"m comparing to a2005 ducati!

Handling

Much improved over stock form!

Comments

My 1998 vtr goes on my list as apoor man"s Ducati, wich translates to a very good bike for the money, even after all the mods. !!


  • Bike: Honda Hawk GT NT 650
  • Year Of Bike: 1989
  • Miles: 62,000
  • Name: Rick C.
  • Rating: 9.5

Mods

Bought new. many mods in last 4 years - cams / pistons , exhaust, carb kit, GSXR front brake caliper kit, Progressive / Ohlins susp., 5 gal English revere tank, corbin seat

Carberation

any flat spots etc. Has always run very well, including cold start . . . after engine rebuild ( just fer fun, no problem) - mileage dropped from mid 50's to mid 40's - retuned to get some bak, didn't seem to hurt performance. went from 45 rear wh. HP stock to 60, noticable, but still a Hawk GT

Brakes

Feel, Strength - Hawks single disc got good reviews in original magazine tests - similar stop distance to CBR . . . put on GSXR caliper, F3 master cyl. which seems to have noticablly improved near max to max stopping 'feel'

Handling

Hawks noted for soft suspension. progressive fork springs stiffened front without any 'harshness' over small potholes, etc. new rear shock had similar affect, a real improvement taken togeather.

Comments

Hawk GT has become kinda a cult bike. still somewhat competative with much newer SV 650 racing. I use mine only for street, vacations on BRP, etc. The mods have sharpened the bikes reactions, better acceleration, but still a Hawk. That's the thing, Hawks are easilly modified. Best thing I did was the 5 gal. tank - now 200 mi before reserve. Excel.! common Honda problem, see the VTR, which would be excel, but badly needs 5.5 gal tank + midrange retune. 120 mile range is absurd.


  • Bike: VTR1000F firestorm
  • Year Of Bike: 2005
  • Miles: 10000
  • Name: vidir orri hauksson
  • Rating: 9

Mods

full devil exhaust, k/n filter and the jet's are coming

Carberation

this Is only my second bike, my first one was a 2000 suzuki katana, so I have nothing to complane about

Brakes

coold be better but I wont complane

Handling

I love the handeling. It is an extencion of my mind, dos what ever I want it to

Comments

most exelent bike, all I can say is that I whant a bit more race so I bying a sp2 allsow


  • Bike: VTR1000F Superhawk
  • Year Of Bike: 1998
  • Miles: 30012
  • Name: Mark Salinas
  • Rating: 8.5

Mods

dual D&D (extremly loud), KnN filters, stage 1 jet kit, galfer SS brake lines, HH pads, rear wave rotor, steering damper.

Carberation

From 2800 rpm's and up it's got major torgue. Other bikes dont start to take off till like 6000 or more.

Brakes

awsome with the new brake lines and pads. The forks are a little soft but stoppies are still no prob.

Handling

EXCEPTIONAL!!!!!!!!

Comments

Lacks power compare to other 1000's but can still keep up if your experienced. Doesn't stand a chance after 150mph.



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