Hello all,

I purchased a 98 Super Hawk new back in 1998 rode it for 2 summers and then sold it to a good friend so I could purchase a house. I finally got the opportunity to buy it back 10 years later. What I'm noticing now when I ride her is that I get a buzz that puts my right hand to sleep and the riding position kills my wrists. I've accepted the fact that I'm 10 years older since I last rode her, I'm 42 now, but I don't remember the Super Hawk being so painful to ride. I've heard a new seat and higher bars would help my situation. I wanted to get fellow Hawk riders opinions before I dropped those kinds of bucks. Additional information I'm 5'11 190 lbs.

I would appreciate any help on my problem.

Thanks

 

Aramis,

Welcome!

I did the same thing but the spread of time was slightly less between the two. Yup, getting older sux. Yes, higher bars (risers, helibars, or VFR bars) and a better seat will do wonders. Also, lower pegs help more than you'd think. Search the forum for plenty of info on all these mods.

Also, a good exercise routine and logging a lot of seat time will get all those muscles retrained.

 

check the classifieds on this sight for risers or helibars they will help you get some weight off you hands, but wont take away all the buzz

 

Aramis,

I'm almost your exact size and age and found the stock bars to be painful on my wrists as well ( as do many riders of the SH). Anyhow I switched out the bars for 5th gen VFR bars and the pain is gone. The down side of the bar switch is that you will have some contact with the faring and tank. Read the related threads here for details.

 

Don't forget about adjustable clip-ons like Tommaselli and others. I think there is a recent Cycle World or maybe Motorcyclist mag that had a "new product" snip-it with a new company that provides adjustable clip-ons but I can't remember their name. I'll check when I get home and post their product site info.

 

How long have you owned it this time? When I first bought the Hawk I had all kinds of pains and considered changing things for comfort. I then found that my body adjusted to the riding position and I no longer had pains or comfort issues.
If you've only had it back a few days, give it a little more time and you might find that the pain goes away.

 

ADVIL

 

People are different, so advice on ergonomics is always subjective.

That said... have you been out of riding for a while? If so, I think you may just not be in "riding shape". Give it a couple months. Consciously try to have a loose grip on the bars. I almost always ride right up against the tank, so that shortens the reach to the bars & helps me let the body core carry more of the load.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts...m270242931042&

I just found these on Flebay, you'll need to fix the dent and paint them, but I think they'd work for you

 

I just installed the Gen Mar risers and they make a big difference. They claim its the most rise you can do without cable/hose mods. I believe them- mine barely clears the plastic at full lock and the hoses just do it. Thought about the Heli bars but didn't want to go cutting that pretty yellow plastic for the extra height. I'm sure their are lots of advantages to the Heli bars. Right guys?

 

Helis are no cut... Tommis are no longer available from Cosmo unless you are lucky and he responds to your email, or contact someone in Italy...

 

All,

Thanks for the advice. I'll see if the discomfort goes away as I ride the Hawk longer. It seems that my first step is to upgrade to higher bars and see how that works out.

Killer5280: I've been riding 3 to 4 times a week to work which is a 45 minute freeway trip. By the time I get to work my right hand is so numb I can barely squeeze the brake handle. Not a good thing. Maybe I'll look into a Yoga for old sportbike riders class, lol.

 

What I find useful on the freeway when I ride is that my Joe Rocket gloves have a small "traction grip" on the palm section. I use that to hold the position of my throttle and rest my fingers off the grip. Grips like a champ! Doing so allows me to pump my hand and wiggle the fingers to keep them from getting so numb. Similar to how a throttle rocker does but without the piece attached on my bar end.

 

NEP throttle lock. HUGE difference on highway drones.

 

Do you guys have recommendations for replacement of the OEM grips? I think some of my discomfort is a result of those. They seem small and slippery for my long fingers, causing unnecessary tension especially on throttle side. I guess thicker and stickier gloves would do the same but I would rather change the grips. And no, the big foam ones are not what I am looking for