A little advice for a new SH owner
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 20
From: Atlanta, GA
A little advice for a new SH owner
Hello and thanks for looking. Just got my new to me 2004 Superhawk and absolutely love it. It makes me smile constantly while riding and even looking at it. It is completely stock and I don't have any accessories for it yet. In your opinion, what are the things you recommend to make this bike even better and in what order should I get them?(unfortunately I don't own a money tree yet.) Anti-theft? Heli-bars? cover, seat,etc. Thanks in advance for your help
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 731
From: MICHIGAN
1) Exhaust/jet kit, makes your smile a whole lot bigger.
2)race tech fork springs, especially if you weigh more than 150lb
3) braided stainless steal brake lines with EBC HH sintered pads.
4) Fender elimiator kit
5) Turn signal integration kit in the back and aftermarket in the front.
6) if you still have the dunlop d 204 on the bike, get rid of them asap and put some Michelin pilot powers.
7) Zero gravity double bubble smoke windscreen.
8) Go out and ride it as much as you can.
2)race tech fork springs, especially if you weigh more than 150lb
3) braided stainless steal brake lines with EBC HH sintered pads.
4) Fender elimiator kit
5) Turn signal integration kit in the back and aftermarket in the front.
6) if you still have the dunlop d 204 on the bike, get rid of them asap and put some Michelin pilot powers.
7) Zero gravity double bubble smoke windscreen.
8) Go out and ride it as much as you can.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,011
Re: A little advice for a new SH owner
I'd say first things first.... get frame sliders to protect your investment. then go on to what the above poster said with the addition of adding in a k&N or bmc air filter as well to the jet kit and exhaust... also antoher one would be corbin seat and you can kind've put that anywhere on your list...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 20
From: Atlanta, GA
Re: A little advice for a new SH owner
Thanks for the advice...I think the frame sliders first is definitely a good investment...what do you think about security stuff...a must??? I keep the bike in an outdoor garage at my house behind cars but don't know if that is really enough...Then i'm thinking about saving up for the staintune exhaust kit. Thanks again.
Moderate-whore
MotoGP
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 9,052
From: Leander TX!!
Re: A little advice for a new SH owner
I like the black 8) 8) ....alot.....nice bike....
1) Frame sliders...
2) Exhaust is a must, grin a lot after installation...(IMO 2 Brothers Racing pipes are the cats meow) (everyone has there own opinions)
3) Jet kit....
4) Stainless Steel braided brake lines, up front....with EBC pads..
Ride her like a $2 Ho a while then jump into some more mods, if you ain't got a sugar momma like some folks on here.....
But I warn you, she will get under your skin, you won't be able to stop thinking about her, you will feel obligated to buy her pretty things.....May be cheaper just to marry a woman....lol......
1) Frame sliders...
2) Exhaust is a must, grin a lot after installation...(IMO 2 Brothers Racing pipes are the cats meow) (everyone has there own opinions)
3) Jet kit....
4) Stainless Steel braided brake lines, up front....with EBC pads..
Ride her like a $2 Ho a while then jump into some more mods, if you ain't got a sugar momma like some folks on here.....
But I warn you, she will get under your skin, you won't be able to stop thinking about her, you will feel obligated to buy her pretty things.....May be cheaper just to marry a woman....lol......
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,844
From: Gainesville FLA.
Nah..you should've bought the one next to it...everyone knows the red ones are the fastest. 
My order of importance,(not the order they were done).
1.Frame sliders
2.Tires (you can use those but I didn't like 'em)
3.Seat (I couldn't ride much more than hr and 1/2)
4.Exhaust
5.Air filter and jet kit (mixed thoughts on here about filter but I like never having to buy another one)
If you don't like the ergos look into VFR bars they're much cheaper, some on here have done the superbike conversions.
I just F'd up my whole list I forgot the first thing to do is cut off that UGLY rear fender!!!!! You can always get an undertail later but the very first thing I did was slice off that mamouth piece of plastic. If you've got an hour I'll go into all the possibilities. :wink: Braided lines and pads make a nice improvement as well as a start.
My order of importance,(not the order they were done). 1.Frame sliders
2.Tires (you can use those but I didn't like 'em)
3.Seat (I couldn't ride much more than hr and 1/2)
4.Exhaust
5.Air filter and jet kit (mixed thoughts on here about filter but I like never having to buy another one)
If you don't like the ergos look into VFR bars they're much cheaper, some on here have done the superbike conversions.
I just F'd up my whole list I forgot the first thing to do is cut off that UGLY rear fender!!!!! You can always get an undertail later but the very first thing I did was slice off that mamouth piece of plastic. If you've got an hour I'll go into all the possibilities. :wink: Braided lines and pads make a nice improvement as well as a start.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,844
From: Gainesville FLA.
Oh and as far as security if it's garaged they're usually pretty safe. The real thieves don't have these bikes high on thier lists but if it's outside anyone who wants a joy ride can mess up yor ignition. This has been an issue with a couple of Hawks recently on here.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 402
From: Florida
Re: A little advice for a new SH owner
If you ride gets jacked, there go all the cool extras not to mention you pride and joy. If you really like your bike don't let some ***** get their d!(# skinners on it.
Make your bike a PIA to take so most thieves and Crack Heads will move on to the easier target.
Then get the cool extras.
The SuperHawk lends itself well to installing an accessible hidden cutoff switch. Think small black rocker switch in a small black air vent by the radiator. Keep the wiring tidy and don't make the location obvious.
A good motorcycle cover prevents some one from readily identifying what you have.
A good Disk Lock with a tight fit at the pin on the rear disk. Use a reminder that it is on.
A good cable or flex lock.
You can install a U bolt in the cement and cable lock to it. Sink the bolt down so you can put a cover plate over it when not in use, it does not become a tripping hazard, and is more difficult to get tools around.
You can make your own pretty cheaply and some are available commercially (Ground Hog).
GPS Trackers are an expensive item but they do work and can find your property. There are many things to consider if your looking at this alternative...too much to list here.
Alarms...well it is a good way for your ride to say it's last goodbye, but they do sound cool.
Aloha
Make your bike a PIA to take so most thieves and Crack Heads will move on to the easier target.
Then get the cool extras.
The SuperHawk lends itself well to installing an accessible hidden cutoff switch. Think small black rocker switch in a small black air vent by the radiator. Keep the wiring tidy and don't make the location obvious.
A good motorcycle cover prevents some one from readily identifying what you have.
A good Disk Lock with a tight fit at the pin on the rear disk. Use a reminder that it is on.
A good cable or flex lock.
You can install a U bolt in the cement and cable lock to it. Sink the bolt down so you can put a cover plate over it when not in use, it does not become a tripping hazard, and is more difficult to get tools around.
You can make your own pretty cheaply and some are available commercially (Ground Hog).
GPS Trackers are an expensive item but they do work and can find your property. There are many things to consider if your looking at this alternative...too much to list here.
Alarms...well it is a good way for your ride to say it's last goodbye, but they do sound cool.
Aloha
Hmm?
SuperBike
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,069
From: San Gabriel Valley
Heli bars would be #1 if I had to modify a stock bike again. The riding position messes up my wrists (not the height, but the angle of the clip-ons).
Then, slip-ons for the sound, +2 rear sprocket for the acceleration, and R6 mirrors or mirror extenders so I can see the Ducatis eating my dust.
Then, slip-ons for the sound, +2 rear sprocket for the acceleration, and R6 mirrors or mirror extenders so I can see the Ducatis eating my dust.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,572
From: Buffalo, NY
Re: A little advice for a new SH owner
I would recommend the Heli bars also, I have them on my '02 and it made a big difference in my riding comfort, especially in wrist comfort. A Corbin seat isn't a bad investment either, also helps in the comfort dept.
Just get out and enjoy it!
Rick B
'02 SH red.
Just get out and enjoy it!
Rick B
'02 SH red.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,011
I'm gonna disagree with everyone saying get the heli-bars... Just ride with the way it is now for awhile and if you still feel uncomfortable go for it. I don't have any complaints about the riding position or comfort and have left my bars stock
Moderator
MotoGP
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,553
From: South Texas
Re: A little advice for a new SH owner
Make sure to ride it a while to see which areas YOU feel need help.
First, sliders would be good followed (OK really at the same time) as pipes. Totally changes the bikes character. Limited funds? Bafflectomy instead (do a search). Pipes might require a jet kit or some inexpensive carb adjusting (do a search).
Tires
Better mirrors and bars
Seat
Sprocket change
By the time you get all this done, you will have hopefully put a lot of good miles on the bike and be ready to do the really good stuff: suspension.
A couple of years down the road, get a voltmeter to monitor the R/R (achilles heel) and charging system and CCT's (cam chain tensions).
First, sliders would be good followed (OK really at the same time) as pipes. Totally changes the bikes character. Limited funds? Bafflectomy instead (do a search). Pipes might require a jet kit or some inexpensive carb adjusting (do a search).
Tires
Better mirrors and bars
Seat
Sprocket change
By the time you get all this done, you will have hopefully put a lot of good miles on the bike and be ready to do the really good stuff: suspension.
A couple of years down the road, get a voltmeter to monitor the R/R (achilles heel) and charging system and CCT's (cam chain tensions).
Member
Squid
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 93
From: Tucson
Re: A little advice for a new SH owner
Frame sliders. Good, brightly colored protective gear for you. A Honda service manual. And just ride it man! That's a good looking bike. I really like the gold wheels. Welcome to the forum.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 764
From: Nananimo, B.C.
Re: A little advice for a new SH owner
The first thing I did was to get a double bubble - WOW! what a difference.
For me that mod made the biggest difference in enjoyment of my bike and it was cheap to boot!
So my choice would be:
1) Double bubble
2) weight matched springs
3) VFR bars (cheaper and stronger than Helibars imo)
4) 43t sprocket
5) Stainless steel lines
6) slip ons
7) Sargent seat
8) brighter bulb
9) Racetech Gold Valves (compression)
10) jet kit
11) aftermarket shock
12) frame sliders
13) undertail/hugger
For me that mod made the biggest difference in enjoyment of my bike and it was cheap to boot!
So my choice would be:
1) Double bubble
2) weight matched springs
3) VFR bars (cheaper and stronger than Helibars imo)
4) 43t sprocket
5) Stainless steel lines
6) slip ons
7) Sargent seat
8) brighter bulb
9) Racetech Gold Valves (compression)
10) jet kit
11) aftermarket shock
12) frame sliders
13) undertail/hugger
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 20
From: Atlanta, GA
Re: A little advice for a new SH owner
Thanks again all for the advice...really good stuff...Just wondering what kind of difference the double bubble made to have you put it first on the list?
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 402
From: Florida
Heli bars would be #1 if I had to modify a stock bike again. The riding position messes up my wrists (not the height, but the angle of the clip-ons).
Then, slip-ons for the sound, +2 rear sprocket for the acceleration, and R6 mirrors or mirror extenders so I can see the Ducatis eating my dust.
Then, slip-ons for the sound, +2 rear sprocket for the acceleration, and R6 mirrors or mirror extenders so I can see the Ducatis eating my dust.
Moderator
MotoGP
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,553
From: South Texas
Re: A little advice for a new SH owner
I found FZ1's to be much better (all have the same mount spacing). The R-series have stalks that are only marginally longer and rely on a wider mirror to improve rear vision; however, you still have a good bit of elbow on the inside section of the mirror.
The yammie mounts are self locking but the mirrors lock in too close to the fairing when mounted on the VTR. I use superhawk mounts with the FZ1 stalks/mirrors but there are other methods.
Do a search for pics.
The yammie mounts are self locking but the mirrors lock in too close to the fairing when mounted on the VTR. I use superhawk mounts with the FZ1 stalks/mirrors but there are other methods.
Do a search for pics.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 764
From: Nananimo, B.C.
PS: forgot to add FZ1 mirrors to my list
Member
Squid
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 33
From: beaux arts, wa
Re: A little advice for a new SH owner
IMO this stuff is essential:
1. High quality protective gear.
2. FZ-1 Mirrors.
3. Weight matched springs. (I'm 190 without gear and the change was huge.)
4. Steel braided lines for front brakes.
1. High quality protective gear.
2. FZ-1 Mirrors.
3. Weight matched springs. (I'm 190 without gear and the change was huge.)
4. Steel braided lines for front brakes.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 20
From: Atlanta, GA
Re: A little advice for a new SH owner
I am a stickler for the gear and always wear gloves, helmet, riding boots, and jacket. Don't have any leather pants though...does anyone out there ride alot with leather pants??? Do you like em, suggest them??? Thanks for the reply.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,844
From: Gainesville FLA.
With the climate your in I would not recommend leathers in the summer unless they're well ventilated. I personaly use leathers in the cooler weather or on the track and mesh/leather for the rest of the year. I have the Fieldsheer Mach2 pants and they have leather in all the high impact areas,(knees, hips, and rear) with nice armor. You can find them pretty cheap on closeouts, I saw them for $80 once.
Moderate-whore
MotoGP
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 9,052
From: Leander TX!!
Re: A little advice for a new SH owner
I found the Fieldsheer AIR SPEED 3 PERFORATED LEATHER JACKET for $149.00 Looks like a good price, but I wonder if it would be warm enough in the winter....it comes with a liner, but with the perforations just seems like it would let in to much air.....Now it would be nice in the summer, er but I live in Texas so why in the hell would I want to wear leather in the summer......duno....
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,844
From: Gainesville FLA.
Those liners keep the air out fairly well but I live in S.Fla so it may be a little warmer here than Dallas. I have the Sonic air jacket for summer here, same as the pants leather in high impact area and mesh every where else. It feels like you're wearing whatever you have on under it and it has really nice hard armor.
Moderate-whore
MotoGP
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 9,052
From: Leander TX!!
Re: A little advice for a new SH owner
I am not sure if that is mesh on the arms, or some kind of stretchy material....I have to see it in person before I can make the decision as to weather I will buy it or not....
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,844
From: Gainesville FLA.
Looks like stretch panels but that's a lot of perf. should be pretty good for warm weather. Not so sure about HOT weather but could be, any other colors or just black? Black gets REAL hot in summer sun.
Moderate-whore
MotoGP
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 9,052
From: Leander TX!!
Re: A little advice for a new SH owner
yeah, I think black was the only color they have.....I think it would be ok in like 60's 70's, maybe even 80 degree weather.....I have a Joe Rocket Mesh I use during the HOT HOT summertime.....
But I am wondering more about the cold weather....I just wonder if the liner would make it warm enough....?
But I am wondering more about the cold weather....I just wonder if the liner would make it warm enough....?
