pchrist

Ok so is there anythign i need to look for on one of these bikes if i go look at them?? Something i need to know before i buy???

7moore7

Just general bike stuff. Make sure it runs, listen to them start it up cold. Check the chain and look at the fluids which give you a good idea of how well they take care of it. The black painted one could be b/c the owner wanted a new color, or he could be hiding something so look for scratches on the frame, bent radiators, etc. Other than that there are no major issues to look out for.

Once you get a superhawk, you'll want to replace the CCT's and R/R. Both fairly easy insurance against future failures.

pchrist

Ok what are cct's and R/R's???

Is this something a simple mechanic can do??

7moore7

CCT= Cam Chain Tensioner. There is one timing chain per cylinder that keeps the valves timed properly. This part is known to fail on this bike and many other jap bikes, often catastrophically. As in, all the little metal bits inside hit each other and you're looking at a top end rebuild. If the motor is running well, it hasn't happened. For that matter, it may never happen... but at $100 for a pair of new ones you're looking at cheap insurance that it won't. You can replace with manual CCT's, which require initial adjustment but will not fail. Or replace with new auto Honda ones that you know are in good condition (but will need to replace again at some point). There are very good write ups on how to replace these on this forum, so if you have a basic wrench set and a couple of zip ties you can do it in an afternoon. Before you ask, there is no way of knowing what condition they are in when you look. There is no way of telling if they will fail. Mileage, condition of the bike, etc, all do not correlate directly to failing CCT's.

R/R= Regulator/rectifier. This is the part that converts the alternating current from your stator to usable direct current for your electrical system. The OEM one is small and burns out easily as the electrical system taxes it. Heat and corroded wires play a part in this. Once it's out you have no power (or a surge of power). Not as bad as a failed CCT, but properly annoying and could cause damage to your electronics. It's best to replace it with a MOSFET unit from a different bike (also very good write ups on this in the forum). Also, less that 100 bucks to fix it and not worry about it, and very easy to do. As far as gremlins go, for a bike that was designed in 1997 those are the two major ones.

pchrist

I have a buddy that has a ducati monster and i rode that and it's pretty sweet. Always been a honda fan. Getting a lil older and want something that is a bit easier on the back and still fun to ride. I love the riding position on his monster. Was thinking this could be a nice cheap bike to pick up and ride for a while. I have a 08 ninja 250 that i bought on a whim i am going to sell it for this bike. I used to have a cbr 600 a while back. Got out of bikes and the 250 was my small way back in.

pchrist

Take a look at these and tell me what you think.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z...k/IMAG1217.jpg

What would be a price you think on it??

rz_racer_69

Looks like he preferred black too, but had a red one. The fact that the paint is coming off the fairing, makes me wonder about the whole thing. Plus it has a green rear wheel. Unless you can talk him waaaay down, like $1500, I would stay far away from that one.

rz_racer_69

Here is a nice black one in New Mexico for $3500
04 Honda superhawk 996
Another in Nebraska for $4000
2004 Honda Superhawk VTR1000F

pchrist

1998 Honda Superhawk $2800 obo - YouTube

Vid of the bike too

7moore7

Well, the 98's only came in red, so this was clear from the beginning. Strange aftermarket graphics though. The paint job does seem poor too. I agree with rz racer in avoiding it; it's hard to tell online, but here is my rationale:

1) Custom paint. Either the guys likes a different color or needed to paint it for other reasons (read: laid it down). Already been covered.
2) Not much more info on the bike. It has aftermarket cans (easy to do), but if he cared for his bike he'll list all of the things that he's done to it and things it will need. Changing battery recently just means that it's been sitting. I don't consider that care necessarily. Plus that's a swap in $80 fix. No genius or meticulous mechanic needed.
3) "Hit my line" isn't a quote from someone that I would want to buy from. I say **** like that all the time, but not as a first impression in the public arena when I'm trying to look like a responsible adult trading my vehicle for your $3k.

rz_racer_69

Right. Look at the New Mexico '04 I linked for $3500. It was black from the factory, is 6 years newer, and only $700 more.

rz_racer_69

Any idea what this guy is talking about? A black '99 Special Edition?
'99 Honda VTR1000F special edition (cbr)

pchrist

The fact it was painted scares me a bit and that it's chipping from being painted already!!!

Makes me wonder how it will hold up down the road. he said he has other rims for it and a new tire for it as well???

yeah i agree too with sounds sketchy!!!!

Was black offered in 99???

I don't want to break the bank on it just looking for a toy to commute on and ride on the weekends.

I really appreciate the help with you guys finding more of them out here for me!!! If we could just find some closer!!!!! The green bay one for 2200 although yellow might be nice!!!!

7moore7

could text him and find out...

pchrist

I sent an email and waiting to hear back. Asked for some pics. and any info on it.

Hope to have some info tomorrow!!!!

rz_racer_69

No black was not offered in '99. I believe the only in black is 2004, which is why I've only been showing those, lol. You can't trust most people's resprays, and repaints almost always lower a vehicle's value from one that was not repainted in the same condition.

Here's another nice black one that is a repainted 99, but it has a crapload of extras and looks a lot better than the one you are looking at.
1999 Honda SuperHawk vtr1000 1000cc super hawk

Shipping is cheap!

rz_racer_69

Here's a black (maybe repainted) 2000, a little closer, in Idaho:
2000 Superhawk VTR-1000
Don't know why they don't list all the mods.
You can see the Jardines and double bubble screen. Flushmount turn signals and fender chop. Can't assume it's repainted, as you can always buy black fairing bits and tank.

Hawkrider

98 - red
99 - black
00 - yellow
01 - red
02 - red
03 - blue
04 - black
05 - titanium

pchrist

have a hard time buying something so far away with out seeing it!!!!

or driving or hearing it. I really looking to get into one of these before spring.

have someone interested in my other bike so i hoping to get that sold to get one of these!!!

7moore7

OVERPRICED HONDA SUPERHAWK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

307superseller

I'd sell mine if the price was right.

vtrgeoff

I beg to differ.

I bought my Firestorm new in July 1999. It was (and still is) Black.

And it is for sale.......lots of extras (APE, V&H, Sargent, Ohlins, RT, etc), lotsa miles (135,000KM). Has been in storage since fall 2007. Needs tires, battery, tune-up.

$3200.

PM me if you need/want details.

G