2whltuner

So what are you looking for in a "great condition" Superhawk?? Stock or modified?? '98 "stock Superhawks in "great condition" usually go for around $2500 - $2800,

modified (forks revalved w/springs, rear shock, swingarm braced, wheels/wave rotors, pipes, jetted, air filter, manual cct's, stainless lines, streering damper, ect ect ect)

usually go for around the $4000 - $5500, but it seems that "modified" bikes usually don't sell, so the "aftermarket" parts usually get parted out (more $$ for the seller though) and the bike returned to stock then sold.

So again, what are you looking for in your superhawk??

Just food for thought.

sstrak

I would prefer stock. I would happily sacrifice a few extra horsepower for pipes that don't cause bystanders to turn their heads every time I rev the engine. As for the general used bike market, I have found aftermarket mods are USUALLY done for the wrong reasons i.e. "I just tossed my bike down the road. My exhaust can is shredded. This used Yosh pipe is WAY cheaper than OEM pipes." or "My stock exhaust looks so boring but this aftermarket one looks way cooler. Jet kit? What's a carburetor?"

I have ridden a motorcycle every day for the last 12 years. I have, on average, owned 2 or 3 at a time (old bikes are cheap, addictive, and fun)
I have had everything from a 1980 Hondamatic 400 to a 1969 Triumph TR6 to a 2001 GSX-R 750. I have had 11 motorcycles so far.

That equals dealing with a lot of people's ghetto fixes. Messed up wiring harnesses, terribly installed aftermarket crap, missing pieces, and about 1000 shredded fasteners. How may times have I had to drill out bolts, tap engine cases because the idiot before me over-torqued the bolt going to a case cover and shoved it back in with a bunch of red Loctite, the clips holding the little glass fuses broke off so someone used chewing gum and the foil from the wrapper to hold it in place, etc. etc. I never want to see a helicoil again.

I don't mind dealing with this crap but, for once, I want a pretty bike. One that someone loved. One that was ridden gently and fixed properly. I am tired of rebuilding carbs. I am tired of rusty tanks. Seats pans that don't fit quite right. I want a bike that someone smiled at lovingly each time he/she walked by, maybe even gave it an adoring pat on the tank. One that had the proper break-in service. A bike that had the oil changed on time, every time, and replaced the oil drain bolt washer and (be still me beating heart!) used a torque wrench to put the bolt back in. Is 21 foot-lbs really too much to ask? Really?

I love motorcycles. I have a Jeep too. I need to use it for work all the time. But I still get a ride in. "What honey? It's too cold for you to ride on the back tonight? No problem, beautiful. You take your warm car to dinner and I'll meet you there. I promise to make conversation all night and smile at you and hold your hand when we walk the dog together before bed. It's just that I haven't ridden all day and..."

I gave up a high paying job so I could do something that makes a difference in the world. Sadly, money and creating good in society don't always go hand in hand. I don't have 10 grand to drop on a new bike. Even if I did, a Superhawk is pretty much the ideal bike for me right now. Big sporting twin with full(ish) fairings and racy but not backbreaking ergos. Too bad they don't make it anymore.

Am I going to get the perfect bike? Probably not. The guy/girl I'm buying the bike from might be a kindred spirit; the prior owner? Unlikely.

Do I need aftermarket upgrades? 100+ rear wheel horse power will be sufficient, thank you. Will I take an upgraded bike? Sure. If it was done right. Does that add to the bike's value? As far I'm concerned, meh.

But who knows... I might get lucky





TL;DR: I want a bike that's not messed up

sstrak

Wow, that was longer than I intended. I guess I've needed to get that out for a while...

2whltuner

Well I certainly hope you feel better, and you logic is understandable

"One that someone loved. One that was ridden gently and fixed properly. I am tired of rebuilding carbs. I am tired of rusty tanks. Seats pans that don't fit quite right. I want a bike that someone smiled at lovingly each time he/she walked by, maybe even gave it an adoring pat on the tank. One that had the proper break-in service. A bike that had the oil changed on time, every time, and replaced the oil drain bolt washer and (be still me beating heart!) used a torque wrench to put the bolt back in."

Maybe we should talk.

speedkelly@aol.com