I've owned dozens of motorcycles and currently ride a Kaw ZX14r. I purchased a 2002 Superhawk for my wife to ride because of its size. Although I do have mechanical knowledge, I know very little about this model. This "new" bike has 6,100 miles and starts and runs, charges perfectly. There is no mechanical chatter or leaks of any kind. I've been reading about CCT issues and voltage regulator problems. How common are these issues? I seem to have none at this time. In fact it runs like a much newer bike.

 

Greetings - My suggestion is to fix the common CCT problem before it becomes an expensive issue http://www.clems-garage.com/CCT/vtr1..._firestorm.htm - and the R/R problem is most widespread with the unfinned OEM version. Replace as you see fit with a later upgraded finned version or even better fit a FH Mosfet.

While these mods aren't blingy , outright performance related they will enhance the bike's reliability and allow many worry free miles...

 

I agree with Wicky.

My ccts went out at about 30k miles, but from what i have read the mileage varies. They are a wear item per the service manual.

My reg/rec was still going strong, but i just replaced it anyway

You'll soon be off your Ninja and on the Superhawk more often.

James

 

Welcome. You bought a literbike for your wife? Even women I race on the track with rarely ride a bike this big on the street.

 

She is coming off of a ZRX1200.

 

I've read that there was a change to the springs in 2002 for the cam chain adjusters to make them more reliable. Is this true?

 

I have an 02, and had two CCT's go on me. Fortunately, I caught them as they began to chatter, not after they failed proper.
One went at between 10000km and 15000km, the other (the replacement!) at 25k or so.
Built my own manual CCT's and haven't had a problem there since.
Regulator went out at 50000km or so, replaced it with an aftermarket one that came from japan- lots bigger with fins.

If I were to buy one now, I would put manual CCT's and an aftermarket regulator on as preventative maintenance. Other than that I am not aware of any issues typical to the bike.
Reg/rec and CCT problems have been an achilles heel of hondas for years.
Mine also has a Scottoiler and heated bars- both things I recommend.

 

These two example cases of CCT failures will help you decide if you're confident with stock CCTs:

https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ck-boom-26943/

www.vtr1000.org ? View topic - dreaded cct after 48hr ownership :-(

 

Don't forget my example

https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...de-road-31108/

The cct conversion to Manual ccts is pretty simple, and cost me something like $14 using stainless hardware. I would do that if I were you. I think I still have the hardware specs I can give you...

Yep: Here they are (I used fully polished hardware, and welded the acorn nut to the long hex bolt so it can't come loose inside the engine):
x2 M8-1.25 x 140 Hex Head Bolts (fully threaded)
x2 M8-1.25 Acorn Nuts
x4 M8-1.25 Flange Nuts
x4 M8-1.25 NyLock Nuts
x2 M8 Lock Washers
M8-1.25 Tap

I can't remember whether I used the Nylocks, or the Flange Nuts... I'll look when I get home.

That short list will cost very little, and is cheap insurance. I used the "Short way" to install them. I can probably find that link somewhere if you need it.

James