Buying a used Superhawk
 

Hello everyone. I'm looking at a used 2002 Superhawk. Externally it's in fantastic shape, with less than a thousand miles on it. The bike runs and sounds great. Took it for a very brief ride and didn't notice any issues. The things that concern me are that with minimal use nothing was done maintenance wise. The oil hasn't been changed in several years. The brake fluid is black. The coolant was never flushed. If all of the fluids are changed, should it be good to go, or is there a potential down the road for something to go wrong down the road? (I've heard about the CCT and R/R issues which I would address, but I'm more worried that with being used only periodically in the past and with not having changed the fluids that some damage could have been done.) Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Hope everyone had a great 4th!

Less than a thousand miles?? I personally wouldn't sweat any lack of fluid change at that point. I would however change every single drop if you bought it. One of the main things I would be more concerned with is the condition of the fuel system. Letting gas sit that long is never a good idea.

Good luck with your potential purchase. A low mile Hawk is something to give serious consideration. These bikes are very reliable after you address the issues you've already mentioned.

Post some pics if ya can, we all love Hawk porn! And welcome. ;)

Thanks for the feedback Wolverine. The fuel issue was another concern I forgot to mention. I bought a bike years ago that had a rusted tank and that was a pain to get fixed (and the shop that did it, did a crap job.)
I looked in the SH tank and didn't see any visible signs, although without one of those flexible inspection cameras it's hard to say. The seller had new jets installed and the fuel system serviced about 4 years ago.

Will definitely post pics if I get the bike!

Define "good deal". -Ballpark-

James

If it has the original tires you should replace them too. Even though they probably still have tread, tires that old will have hardened with age. I have to agree with everyone else about the fluids, with just 1k on the bike just change everything and you will be fine.

Yeah for sure change the tires, it will kill your handling riding on those old ones. They stunk when new and don't improve with age.

What kind of price are you getting?

I haven't talked final price yet. Trying to take into consideration all of the things I'll need to do to make it road worthy (including tires.)
I've had good luck with Metzler Z6 on my triumph so I might try those. I prefer the longer life tires to the real sporty/grippy ones.
The service PDF manual I got off of this site is great and looks like it will be very helpful for some general maintenance stuff.
Appreciate the feedback. Will be in touch if things work out!

I ran the Z6 on my Hawk for several years so I can give you all the feedback you wish on them. Before you order, let's chat...

I love the Bridgestone 016 front/023 rear i'm running...

Since we're on the subject, what kind of oil are you planning on running?

LOL....


James

I was going to try coconut oil but didn't want my bike to smell like banana boat sun screen all the time. Heard some good things about full synthetic olive oil though... Just too many options.