how comfortable is it
03-06-2011, 12:40 PM
#1
Junior Member
Squid
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: NJ
Posts: 19
how comfortable is it
lookin at a 99 or 98 super hawk. ideally i was lookin for an f4i bc its the most comfortable bike ever. hows the comfort on the hawk though? the one im lookin at is badass!! input would be great..thanks!
03-06-2011, 10:07 PM
#5
Senior Member
MotoGP
Join Date: May 2008
Location: San Clemente, CA
Posts: 3,451
I'm 64 years old with a messed up back, and I love my SuperHawk (with a Sargent seat and stock clip-ons). I've put almost 47,000 miles on it since bought new in August 2005. 21,000 of those miles are in the last 2 years, since retiring.
I was actually sitting on an F4i at the dealership, when I asked the salesman for a brochure and read about the VTR. They didn't have a SuperHawk in stock and I hadn't heard of it (I hadn't read any MC magazines since the early '90s and all my riding buddies had moved away). The Honda brochure sold me on it.
I put down a $500 deposit, they got one transfered from another dealer, I rode it, and the fun started.
I was actually sitting on an F4i at the dealership, when I asked the salesman for a brochure and read about the VTR. They didn't have a SuperHawk in stock and I hadn't heard of it (I hadn't read any MC magazines since the early '90s and all my riding buddies had moved away). The Honda brochure sold me on it.
I put down a $500 deposit, they got one transfered from another dealer, I rode it, and the fun started.
Last edited by VTRsurfer; 03-06-2011 at 10:20 PM.
03-10-2011, 10:01 AM
#7
Retired- but not tired!
SuperBike
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 1,478
I am a new Superhawk owner with almost no "get acquainted" ride time since taking possession recently. I too have some back trouble, and late 50ish age wise, minor arthritis etc.
So can I assume you're running all stock suspension? If so that's very encouraging. My two short rides the first day I got it seemed a little harsh and I was thinking mods. But afterward I realized there was significant spring preload cranked in which I backed off. But since then, no ride time yet to see if it's better.
03-10-2011, 11:11 AM
#8
Senior Member
MotoGP
Join Date: May 2008
Location: San Clemente, CA
Posts: 3,451
I am a new Superhawk owner with almost no "get acquainted" ride time since taking possession recently. I too have some back trouble, and late 50ish age wise, minor arthritis etc.
So can I assume you're running all stock suspension? If so that's very encouraging. My two short rides the first day I got it seemed a little harsh and I was thinking mods. But afterward I realized there was significant spring preload cranked in which I backed off. But since then, no ride time yet to see if it's better.
So can I assume you're running all stock suspension? If so that's very encouraging. My two short rides the first day I got it seemed a little harsh and I was thinking mods. But afterward I realized there was significant spring preload cranked in which I backed off. But since then, no ride time yet to see if it's better.
The Sargent seat made a big difference when I got it 3 years ago. With stock clip-ons the riding position actually takes the load off my back while riding.
03-10-2011, 11:36 AM
#9
Out of my mind, back in 5
MotoGP
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Skurup, Sweden
Posts: 6,109
The stock riding position on the VTR is actually pretty good, fairly relaxed... But depending on your preferences it can be improved pretty easily...
The cheap and easy include new handlebars... VFR handlebars from some years is a direct bolt-on replacement that gives a bit more relaxed posture... Superbike bars is another cheap and easy solution, but usually requires new brakelines and trimming the fairing... Adjustable handlebars aren't really cheap, but an option...
The foot controls are another matter, the VTR has specific controls, CBR whatever rearsets doesn't fit, since the bracket includes the mounting hole for the swingarm... Getting rearsets was expensive when the bike was new, now it's pretty ridiculous...
The cheap and easy options are getting Buell footpegs, that lowers them a bit, or "vario pegs" that has a variable arm that you can rotate in different positions... Both direkt bolt on replacements to the stock pegs...
Last but not least, the seat... the stock seat is pretty decent, but the shape might not really fit you... Sargent and Corbin make replacements with different shape and better foam... Pricy...
Just FYI, this list is just a bunch of search terms... stick it in the search engine of the site and you get a lot of info and more or less a "how-to" on most topics...
The cheap and easy include new handlebars... VFR handlebars from some years is a direct bolt-on replacement that gives a bit more relaxed posture... Superbike bars is another cheap and easy solution, but usually requires new brakelines and trimming the fairing... Adjustable handlebars aren't really cheap, but an option...
The foot controls are another matter, the VTR has specific controls, CBR whatever rearsets doesn't fit, since the bracket includes the mounting hole for the swingarm... Getting rearsets was expensive when the bike was new, now it's pretty ridiculous...
The cheap and easy options are getting Buell footpegs, that lowers them a bit, or "vario pegs" that has a variable arm that you can rotate in different positions... Both direkt bolt on replacements to the stock pegs...
Last but not least, the seat... the stock seat is pretty decent, but the shape might not really fit you... Sargent and Corbin make replacements with different shape and better foam... Pricy...
Just FYI, this list is just a bunch of search terms... stick it in the search engine of the site and you get a lot of info and more or less a "how-to" on most topics...
03-10-2011, 05:11 PM
#11
Retired- but not tired!
SuperBike
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 1,478
03-10-2011, 05:16 PM
#12
Retired- but not tired!
SuperBike
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 1,478
I'm running stock suspension with the rear preload on the 2nd notch from the bottom. I'm 5'10", 155 pounds, and I do mostly spirited canyon rides.
The Sargent seat made a big difference when I got it 3 years ago. With stock clip-ons the riding position actually takes the load off my back while riding.
The Sargent seat made a big difference when I got it 3 years ago. With stock clip-ons the riding position actually takes the load off my back while riding.
Thanks for the info. I'm thinking maybe a tank bag to lay on if my back or shoulders get fatigued sore. Everyone seems to agree the Sargents are a good comfort upgrade. My wife is still getting over the fact I even got a bike so maybe I'll wait a couple months before spending $300 on a seat.
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