The Hawks equal?
Thread Starter
I don't need any Meds
Superstock
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 265
From: West Coast, SoCal Inland
The Hawks equal?
what bike is the hawks equal or better?
Ok ground rules here are.
1. is currently in production.
2. does not need a ton of mods to equal what the hawk offers stock.
3. preferably still a v twin for the sound it makes. but open to suggestions.
4. has to handle well, stop well, make lots of torque, and is solid mechanically.
5. twisty riding has to be this bikes heart and soul. it has to live and breath for eating up asphalt.
if i left something off the list for the criteria some one let me know. i am curios to the suggestion some of the more solid ,older riders here would be willing to add to their stable of bikes if and when it becomes impractical to keep up with the hawk any longer.
50
Ok ground rules here are.
1. is currently in production.
2. does not need a ton of mods to equal what the hawk offers stock.
3. preferably still a v twin for the sound it makes. but open to suggestions.
4. has to handle well, stop well, make lots of torque, and is solid mechanically.
5. twisty riding has to be this bikes heart and soul. it has to live and breath for eating up asphalt.
if i left something off the list for the criteria some one let me know. i am curios to the suggestion some of the more solid ,older riders here would be willing to add to their stable of bikes if and when it becomes impractical to keep up with the hawk any longer.
50
Last edited by 5150; Jul 5, 2009 at 05:13 PM.
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 243
From: Toronto, Ontario
thats not a very specific list IMO...
lots of bikes fit that...
for some reason i'm thinking of the Triumph Sprint ST
http://www.triumph.co.uk/canada/2009...20ST_8648.aspx
the 1050cc triple engine is a nice balance between V-twin low end grunt and 4cyl SS peaky power...
lots of bikes fit that...
for some reason i'm thinking of the Triumph Sprint ST
http://www.triumph.co.uk/canada/2009...20ST_8648.aspx
the 1050cc triple engine is a nice balance between V-twin low end grunt and 4cyl SS peaky power...
Thread Starter
I don't need any Meds
Superstock
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 265
From: West Coast, SoCal Inland
thats not a very specific list IMO...
lots of bikes fit that...
for some reason i'm thinking of the Triumph Sprint ST
http://www.triumph.co.uk/canada/2009...20ST_8648.aspx
the 1050cc triple engine is a nice balance between V-twin low end grunt and 4cyl SS peaky power...
lots of bikes fit that...
for some reason i'm thinking of the Triumph Sprint ST
http://www.triumph.co.uk/canada/2009...20ST_8648.aspx
the 1050cc triple engine is a nice balance between V-twin low end grunt and 4cyl SS peaky power...
make a suggestion though for what else i could use to narrow it down some in the list.
i just want to be able to ride something that rivals my hawk in every detail but do not want to have to worry about parts not being made any more or it being so old that after market mods are not really made for the bike. and i would like to start looking into the suggestions earlier before the time comes so i can make a decision based on facts and not on the need to ride.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 818
From: Thornwood, NY
I've never ridden one but today in at the gas station I pulled into some one was filling up a KTM Duke 990.... it fits the V-Twin and sound requirements... and actually better looking in person than photos I've seen... it was flat black... looked really sweet.
J.
J.
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 243
From: Toronto, Ontario
i think the closest thing to a VTR would have to be the SV-1000
Sport Touring V-twin, not a full out SS ridng position, half fairings, 1000cc, comparable power but FI, good aftermarket support, and they just stopped making them (or still are)
nothing else really comes as close, the next closest to VTR would be its primary rival the TLR or TLS but those are just as old and got replaced with the SV.
other bikes that come close dont mimic VTR....its because not that many bikes came V-twin in our segment....
Sport Touring V-twin, not a full out SS ridng position, half fairings, 1000cc, comparable power but FI, good aftermarket support, and they just stopped making them (or still are)
nothing else really comes as close, the next closest to VTR would be its primary rival the TLR or TLS but those are just as old and got replaced with the SV.
other bikes that come close dont mimic VTR....its because not that many bikes came V-twin in our segment....
Thread Starter
I don't need any Meds
Superstock
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 265
From: West Coast, SoCal Inland
hmmm. with such a great following and nothing else really comparing in the class i do not see why Honda abandoned this platform and features. from what i see it really just needed a bit of updating and some better brakes, bigger gas tank and not a whole lot else.
why give up on a bike that they have right? and replace it with? what was the hawk replaced with by Honda by the way?
why give up on a bike that they have right? and replace it with? what was the hawk replaced with by Honda by the way?
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 360
From: Florida panhandle
I really like the ducati 900ss and it was my first choice before buying the hawk. It is a little more comfortable for me than the hawk, has lots of power, great for touring, handles great, rides real smooth, and I love the styling. IMO it is somewhat comparible to the hawk, but pricier...
guru of things sparky
SuperSport
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 599
From: Grand Prairie , Texas
They were probably inspired by the "change" bullshit Our newly elected criminals were promoting.
You know, take something proven to work for hundreds of years, and throw it out in favor of some alternative thinking.
If it works very well, its got to be too good for the common person... those common peon citezens should not have the freedom to have anything that really works.
You know, take something proven to work for hundreds of years, and throw it out in favor of some alternative thinking.
If it works very well, its got to be too good for the common person... those common peon citezens should not have the freedom to have anything that really works.
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 148
From: Orlando, FL
Maybe a VFR? Tons of support, Honda reliability, nice ergonomics. sound good piped, still in production, nice conservative looks....... If I had to buy right now I think the VFR might be on my list. I had an '87 and still remember it well. They might not be as fast as a VTR but they excel in other areas that I'm exploring. I would really love to do some week-enders, maybe 1000 miles or so and be comfortable but still be able to twist it out.
eh, just some ramblings from an old guy.....
eh, just some ramblings from an old guy.....
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 139
From: Brisbane, Australia
Aprilia Tuono - better suspension than the VTR, same sort of power. The only downsides are the fact that it is a naked bike and the complicated visual look. Plus aprilias in australia lose value quickly.
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 28
From: far east
I thought Honda came out with the Hawk in mid 90's to challenge Duc v-twin in WSB; but Suzzy came out with the TLS & diverted Hawk's sales; thus the RC came out & did win the WSB w/ Edwards on board; now all 4 Japs manufacturer are focussed on IL4's except for Viffer 800 & soon 1200.
The present v-twin comparable to the Hawk are: Ape's RSV Factory, bunch of Ducs & KTooM's RC8, I suppose.
The present v-twin comparable to the Hawk are: Ape's RSV Factory, bunch of Ducs & KTooM's RC8, I suppose.
Sexual Daredevil
SuperSport
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 597
From: Mother Earth- orbiting around Charlotte, NC. But now over the border in S.C.
The new Ducati Streetfighter would be my replacement fot the SH. http://www.streetfighter.ducati.com/...ex.jsp?lang=en
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 562
From: NYC
Okay, so I've been asleep - I didn't know, or had forgotten, that Suzi dropped the SV1000. Bummer.
I'm surprised to hear that the Tuono drops value in Australia .... I tend to think it's a Euro favorite (it got rave reviews in Brit zines) and I guess I would have applied that to Aus as well.
I like the new Ducati Streetfighter, as well as other Ds, but as mentioned above the desmo valves look to be a PITA, and I've been wondering about the belt changes (how frequent, difficult).
I'm surprised to hear that the Tuono drops value in Australia .... I tend to think it's a Euro favorite (it got rave reviews in Brit zines) and I guess I would have applied that to Aus as well.
I like the new Ducati Streetfighter, as well as other Ds, but as mentioned above the desmo valves look to be a PITA, and I've been wondering about the belt changes (how frequent, difficult).
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,631
From: Montreal
The ones that comes closest IMO are the following:
- leftover SV1000s
- KTM SuperDuke 990 (and SMT 990 for those lucky enough to get them)
- Tuono
- Speed Triple and Sprint ST
- BMW R1200 (naked or S version)
- Moto Morini 1200 (no dice outside Europe I believe)
- Benelli Triples (900 or 1130)
- Ducati Monster 1100, Steetfighter, Supermotard, Multistrada
None of these are an exact replacement (although the SV does come quite close). I would personally opt for the Sprint ST given my sport-touring preference (although the SMT 990 would be interesting too if it ever comes to North America)
- leftover SV1000s
- KTM SuperDuke 990 (and SMT 990 for those lucky enough to get them)
- Tuono
- Speed Triple and Sprint ST
- BMW R1200 (naked or S version)
- Moto Morini 1200 (no dice outside Europe I believe)
- Benelli Triples (900 or 1130)
- Ducati Monster 1100, Steetfighter, Supermotard, Multistrada
None of these are an exact replacement (although the SV does come quite close). I would personally opt for the Sprint ST given my sport-touring preference (although the SMT 990 would be interesting too if it ever comes to North America)
Last edited by mikstr; Jul 6, 2009 at 06:57 AM.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,631
From: Montreal
I thought Honda came out with the Hawk in mid 90's to challenge Duc v-twin in WSB; but Suzzy came out with the TLS & diverted Hawk's sales; thus the RC came out & did win the WSB w/ Edwards on board; now all 4 Japs manufacturer are focussed on IL4's except for Viffer 800 & soon 1200.
The present v-twin comparable to the Hawk are: Ape's RSV Factory, bunch of Ducs & KTooM's RC8, I suppose.
The present v-twin comparable to the Hawk are: Ape's RSV Factory, bunch of Ducs & KTooM's RC8, I suppose.
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 148
From: Orlando, FL
Ducati Streetfighter $15,000
Ducati 1100 Monster $12,000
Aprilia RSV $14,000
Aprilia Tuano $13,000
KTM Duke $14,500
Triumph Speed Triple $11,300
Buell 1125 CR $12,000
The SuperHawk $Priceless
Ducati 1100 Monster $12,000
Aprilia RSV $14,000
Aprilia Tuano $13,000
KTM Duke $14,500
Triumph Speed Triple $11,300
Buell 1125 CR $12,000
The SuperHawk $Priceless
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 367
From: Independence, Oregon
Fault
They were probably inspired by the "change" bullshit Our newly elected criminals were promoting.
You know, take something proven to work for hundreds of years, and throw it out in favor of some alternative thinking.
If it works very well, its got to be too good for the common person... those common peon citezens should not have the freedom to have anything that really works.
You know, take something proven to work for hundreds of years, and throw it out in favor of some alternative thinking.
If it works very well, its got to be too good for the common person... those common peon citezens should not have the freedom to have anything that really works.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,548
From: MN
If we are being honest, so many bikes offer everything the SH does and a lot more that its hard to say. We are all so biased toward its virtues but that is more an emotional attachment or modding sickness. But the virtues come down to a bike that is mid in power, weight, handling (maybe as stock), comfort -- and not too great looking. That should not be too hard to equal or beat!! I think this web site and its following are probably be the only great and unique attributes.
But if we are trying to find the quirky ugly duckling equivalent that takes a special taste to love................then I think the thing that comes closest in character and intent is probably BMW's R1200S - does more than most riders can handle, has some special appeal, don't see many of them and you can do it all on the bike.
But if we are trying to find the quirky ugly duckling equivalent that takes a special taste to love................then I think the thing that comes closest in character and intent is probably BMW's R1200S - does more than most riders can handle, has some special appeal, don't see many of them and you can do it all on the bike.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,315
From: Richmond, Virginia
That BMW R1200S has appeal. The Speed Triple is a great bike. Maybe an FZ1 would fill the bill, but I'm hoping not to need something like that for at least 12 years (or more).
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,631
From: Montreal
...sigh...
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,051
From: Portland, Oregon
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,631
From: Montreal
I rode a 1098 for a day and found the chatter of the dry clutch (combiend with the engine noise) reminded me a lot of a buddy`s highly tuned Big Block Chevy (with aggresive cams). Might wear thin after a while but I kind of enjoyed it at the time.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 562
From: NYC
Agreed, so why are Triumphs noted as quick to lose resale value? (For that matter, the Tuono too.) Triumphs seem like good, solid bikes.
