Is the hawk a track worthy bike?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 834
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
Is the hawk a track worthy bike?
A group of ridding buddies i hit the canyons with on the weekends has been urging me to come experience the track. I've never been to the track (with a bike) but its something ive really been wanting to do. It maybe even has a bit to do with some of the upgrades ive done on my bike.
Anyhow most of my buddies are on cbr's and r1/6's so im wondering how capable the hawk is as a track weapon. I know ive read about people taking it to the track and by no means am i Rossi or Lorenzo but is it a smart move to track the hawk? have you guys done/still do it? how does it handle? from what ive gathered on here it seems plenty capable for a rider with moderate street skill and 0 track skill. and one thing on my mind is although i have RC51 forks, will swing arm flex be an issue/danger?
as always all your inputs, stories, sarcasm, and advice are appreciated
Anyhow most of my buddies are on cbr's and r1/6's so im wondering how capable the hawk is as a track weapon. I know ive read about people taking it to the track and by no means am i Rossi or Lorenzo but is it a smart move to track the hawk? have you guys done/still do it? how does it handle? from what ive gathered on here it seems plenty capable for a rider with moderate street skill and 0 track skill. and one thing on my mind is although i have RC51 forks, will swing arm flex be an issue/danger?
as always all your inputs, stories, sarcasm, and advice are appreciated
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,544
From: New South Wales Australia
I have had mine to the track on a few occasions and ride in the medium to fast group.
More than enough for me at my age although I never cease to be amazed by older guys on much faster equipment lapping the Creek(Eastern) at 2.18 and faster.
I manage around 2.30-2.35 on the Storm which is more than fast enough for me to have fun and not bin my bike.
Go along and ride within your margins, however be prepared for the shortcomings of your bike to be amplified as you will be going a lot faster than what you do on the road.
A lot of my mods including the braced swingarm have come about from the track.
It's a great way to get to know your bike.
Not only a great day out, but a chance to meet new folks and see some realy nice bikes.
By the way how much is a track day over there?
More than enough for me at my age although I never cease to be amazed by older guys on much faster equipment lapping the Creek(Eastern) at 2.18 and faster.
I manage around 2.30-2.35 on the Storm which is more than fast enough for me to have fun and not bin my bike.
Go along and ride within your margins, however be prepared for the shortcomings of your bike to be amplified as you will be going a lot faster than what you do on the road.
A lot of my mods including the braced swingarm have come about from the track.
It's a great way to get to know your bike.
Not only a great day out, but a chance to meet new folks and see some realy nice bikes.
By the way how much is a track day over there?
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,510
At Willow Springs they used to race Honda Ascots (not sure if they still do), so in that context the SuperHawk is a racebike... 
People take everything to the track. Chances are if you are keeping up with your friends in the canyons, then you will be together on the track.
If they hit the track with slicks and tire warmers, then you may be in for a surprise...
It's all in fun anyway, so go have a blast in a controlled environment where you don't have to worry about cops, gravel, oil spills, rodents.... etc...
James
People take everything to the track. Chances are if you are keeping up with your friends in the canyons, then you will be together on the track.
If they hit the track with slicks and tire warmers, then you may be in for a surprise...
It's all in fun anyway, so go have a blast in a controlled environment where you don't have to worry about cops, gravel, oil spills, rodents.... etc...
James
Member
Superstock
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 285
From: Snohomish, WA.
I rode my first track day last summer at the "Ridge Motorsports", in Shelton Washington, and it was a blast. And yes, I was the only one with a VTR, and my Brother was the only one with a VFR.
All you have to remember is ride at your own pace, a track day is not a race day, it is for having fun and getting to know your machine better and becoming a better rider, in a controlled environment, as James states above.
An even better idea is to take a instructional day from the sponsoring club if they offer one, and really get your money's worth. That is my plan this summer.
For those interested in the NW, 2 Fast LLC. offers instructional days at several tracks in the area, including the Ridge. Very reasonable priced too. You can check out their web site here... 2Fast
All you have to remember is ride at your own pace, a track day is not a race day, it is for having fun and getting to know your machine better and becoming a better rider, in a controlled environment, as James states above.
An even better idea is to take a instructional day from the sponsoring club if they offer one, and really get your money's worth. That is my plan this summer.
For those interested in the NW, 2 Fast LLC. offers instructional days at several tracks in the area, including the Ridge. Very reasonable priced too. You can check out their web site here... 2Fast
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,689
From: South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA
The VTR is a really good track bike. You don't need to worry about reaching the limits of the chassis until you are riding near the limit on race tires.
the RC51 front end and especially the brakes will be a big help. I never braced my swingarm and it rode like it was on rails.
I definitely recommend track days. Start out conservatively and get a feel for it. Don't try to keep up with your buddies until you have some time logged. If you do, you may find yourself surprised trying to get slowed down for a corner. It's a different deal than riding on the streets. Just focus on your riding and nothing else.
It's the most fun you can have. It's hard to believe you can write a check and get an all day ticket.
the RC51 front end and especially the brakes will be a big help. I never braced my swingarm and it rode like it was on rails.
I definitely recommend track days. Start out conservatively and get a feel for it. Don't try to keep up with your buddies until you have some time logged. If you do, you may find yourself surprised trying to get slowed down for a corner. It's a different deal than riding on the streets. Just focus on your riding and nothing else.
It's the most fun you can have. It's hard to believe you can write a check and get an all day ticket.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 347
From: Western NY
It's great. It's 90% about the rider on the track unless you are competing/racing for contingency and need a certain year bike to be eligible. Aside from that, just have a blast on whatever you can roll onto the track. I started doing track days on my mostly stock (slipons only) many years ago and had an absolute riot.
Over the years I upgraded various parts as I improved and got faster and more comfortable.
some older pics:
Over the years I upgraded various parts as I improved and got faster and more comfortable.
some older pics:
Thread Starter
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 834
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
really great to here. i really think it would take a MUCH better rider to out preform the Hawk. were either gonna hit button willow on the 16th of feb, or chuckwalla on the 21st. not sure yet. but either way it should be a blast. I'm just gonna go to have fun snd not to be a hero. ill have my go pro set up so hopefully ill be able to post some vids from it. just gonna take it slow and get comfortable, work on being smooth and finding the right corner lines. the good thing is theres 15 guys going in our group and every theres every skill level from dragging elbows to not even getting a knee down, so i know ill be comfortable with whatever pace i go at.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 433
From: Los Angeles & Winston Salem
Superhawk makes a great trackday friendly bike. Your have no worries, I really enjoy Buttonwillow. It's a little rough and narrow in places, but that's what makes it such a fun track. Not been to chuckwalla, but many friends rave about it.
Also on your list should be Willow springs, big or small track.
I would not worry about if your superhawk will be fast enough, when it comes to trackdays, its mostly down to the rider! Thats why you see some many SV650s kicking everyones butt! Have fun. let us know how you get on, quite a few of your fellow superhawk riders are avid trackday riders. Even in stock form, its a great bike to ride on track, and only gets better with a few suspension upgrades.
Also on your list should be Willow springs, big or small track.
I would not worry about if your superhawk will be fast enough, when it comes to trackdays, its mostly down to the rider! Thats why you see some many SV650s kicking everyones butt! Have fun. let us know how you get on, quite a few of your fellow superhawk riders are avid trackday riders. Even in stock form, its a great bike to ride on track, and only gets better with a few suspension upgrades.
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