Hey, i'm new to the site.. been lurking for a couple weeks, great site with tons of info. Let me get right to my situation. Been riding dirt bikes, quads, sleds since I was about 5, never owned a sportbike but have rode them in the past (big bikes 900+.) I've saved up a little money, just enough to get a decent bike. My budget is about 2,200 at the max so my options are quite limited. Well, theres a superhawk not even a mile from my house that I am very interested in. It's been down, but has minimal damage and runs very good. No leaks, etc that I can see either. He's asking 2,000 and I could only get him down to 1,800 which I could afford. I can't really find much else in this price range. So I have been considering the bike, but keep wondering if a 1,000 is just too much? Obviously, you don't know my experience level, but i still would like everyones honest opinion on the bike. And I feel like just because the power is there, that doesn't mean I have to use it. I am 6'4" and 205lb and the bike seems to fit me decent, what do you guys think of my size compared to the bike? Is it good, or could I find something better?

Here is a link of the bike: http://centralmich.craigslist.org/mcy/1147336940.html

He wrapped it in camo because the plastic was scratched, would it be possible for me to paint those pieces if I tore that off? I reallly don't even care about it, but in case I wanted to sell it I would paint it. Also, it's missing the left side rear blinker, the 2 front blinkers, and that big front fender around the radiators. How much would this stuff run me? thanks.

 

Welcome aboard. The bike should fit you, I'm about 6' and 200#. You might want to get a set of helibars or one of the other mods to raise the clipons a little if your wrists bother you - that and a Corbin seat made mine a lot more comfortable.

I would imagine you can remove the camo and repaint it - to me it doesn't look that bad in camo.

 

Ya, like I said I don't really mind the camo for now.. It's different to say the least. Is this bike a good deal for me @ $1800 you think?

 

I don't know, looks like a squid owned it. get that crap off of her. but assuming nothing else is wrong with it, it looks like a good deal. check for knocking, make sure nothing important is bent(forks, frame, subframe)

 

Ya, it idles smooth, starts right up. He said the frame, etc. is good and not bent at all.. He's been honest about everything else. When I ride it, what should I feel for on these bikes besides vibration? He obviously won't let me ride until I have the cash in hand.

 

THat isn't a akropovic exhaust on it is it?

 

I think it is.. why? It sounds really good.

 

Those are Jardines I believe....

 

I'm really torn whether I should pick this bike up or not... on a side note, are these full-face helmets on ebay for $30 legit? Seems really cheap for a DOT helmet, but if they are I'm gonna pick a couple up.

 

they are jardine cans at least. if it rides ok I'd say go for it. but if you can, I'd suggest getting a decent helmet. not the place you want to skimp you know? and don't get one used. they can be damaged and you wouldn't always be able to tell.

 

Come now, the poser-boys ride without them, how necessary can they be.......

 

As for your question of can you handle a 1000, the SuperHawk's power delivery is very linear (meaning no arms suddenly yanked out of their sockets). It's much different than a 4 cylinder. The power is very predictable as rpm increases. Enjoy.

 

^^Ya, thats what I thought as far as power goes, I would never buy an inline-4 1,000 thats for sure. So what should I listen, look, and feel for when going for the test ride?

 

Ok I grant you that I looked thread over a little closer than most and I think this bike is one level above salvage. If you can go get it - offer the guy $1200. I might neg up to 15 or 16 but not more. This bike is a big unknown so proceed with caution. Look the tires over closely - rode hard - put up tired? Superhawks are great bikes but when they're beat up they're close to done. Good Luck!

 

I tried, the lowest he will go is 1800.. It has a clean title, but yes it is a little rough.

 

tell him to come down cause its gonna take a couple hundered to make it look halfway decent. plastic aint cheap if you can't get that crap off. and even the tank is covered. I don't think I would buy it if I were in your shoes. I mean we already know that the previous owner is a squid for doing that to it. and the fact that he doesn't acknowledge the detrement to the bike that he has caused, would just **** me off. he should almost be paying you to take it and save it from him. it might be a good deal, the bike might be fine. and if so, then I woiuld have missed out on a deal. but just looking at it and knowing the previous owner has no remorse for what he has done. I wouldn't want to give him my money. look at the bike and tell me the previous owner was a responsible owner. does it look like its been taken care of? does it look like they LOVED the bike the way we all do? to me it looks like the weekend toy of a guy named jeb whose blackeyed wife spoke up once too many. do what you want. but the more I think about it, the less I like the whole thing. you could find a decent one for $2,200 from someone who actually gave a crap about it. maybe pay a little more, but it would give me peace of mind if I was in your shoes.

 

LoL, thanks man. Ya, I might just wait it out and see what else I could find.. but I've heard a lot good things about these bikes and this one is close and a good price imo. I can get around some camo for now and see what I could do with it, I really don't care about that. I just want to be comfortable on the bike and for it to ride safe...

 

get the bike man your gonna love it. but as far as the $30 dollar helmet goes no do not get that. if you think your head is only worth 30 bucks go for it. and dang swordfish dont be so quick to bash a hick. we dont all beat our ol ladies.

 

Do you have a $30 head?

 

No, not to my knowledge.. just don't see the difference in a $300 helmet if they're both DOT approved.