bluedog66

Well, my main questions are pertaining to price. A couple dealerships around me have various leftover stock bikes but I am not sure if they are great prices or id I need to look harder. I am looking to go with a new bike because my past experience with used bikes has been nothing but trouble..

So, one dealer has a Blue 2003 for 6999.99 Taxes and fees included. Another has an 04 and 2 05's in titanium for mid 7ks and I do not believe that tax is included in those prices. Yet another dealer has a 2002 in red for 6999.99 taxes not included. So, right now the blue 2003 looks to be the best deal. Should I try to talk them down much more and if so to what price?

So, other questions are what kind of differences am I going to notice between this bike and the 88 Ninja 600r I will be switching from? As far as power, handling, just all that kind of stuff. I know the hawk doesnt have nearly the rpm range but it does have more horsepower and more torque... Tearing down the highways, having fun in the twisties, all that good stuff.

Well, when I started this thread I thought I had more questions but if I think of any more I will add them. Thanks.

azhawk1

I'd go with the 02 red cause everyone knows red is the fastest color, and theres been discussion on earlier models being faster as well. an all around sweet buy you wont regret the upgade from the ninja

bluedog66

Lol, seems like red might be the most standout color and might make it a little more likely to get tickets. And iI'm not sure whether or not you are joking on earlier models being faster but did they actually have any differences? Most of what I've seen makes it look like no significant changes were made throughout its production.

azhawk1

Well mines a 98 and there really has been that discussion you could probly do an in-site search for it wasnt too long ago but the thinking is that when honda first released the supercicken they wanted it to be super-sweet, you know cause a buzzzz! then as they kept making them they started to cut cost and in turn the quality went down. now Im pretty skeptical of this but its not to crazy to think it could be true. good- luck with your purchase youll love this bike

killer5280

The Hawk, although a bit dated in the sportbike world, will feel like the torquiest, best handling beast in the world next to your old Ninja. The effortless power will probably take awhile to adjust to, and the stable handling will also be impressive. The stock fork springs suck, the seat is uncomfortable, the fuel range is terrible and the bars are fairly low, but not as low as newer race replica bikes. Other than that, the Hawk is just about the perfect twisty road bike.
They changed the gauges in 2001, I believe, and that's the extent of the changes, other than paint, in the entire production run of the bike.

bluedog66

Sounds good, what do these things usually top out around and after they get up in speed do they start to lose their pull? Dont get me wrong, dont need to do over 100 in the twisties but when im riding through wide open expanses on the way to them, some speed is nice. Yea, Im sure it is going to be alot more fun than my ninja but how does it compare to newer 600s? Regardless it is still alot faster and more fun than a car but, compared to other bikes?

azhawk1

I've been up to 155 and it still felt like there was plenty left although there probably wasnt. and if your mind isnt made up and your still thinking about a I4 (newer of course) than I dont think you can beat an 07 cbr600rr.

killer5280

Top speed, according to various magazine tests, is a little over 150, but that's not what the Hawk is about. The newer 600's are lighter and faster and better handling, at least in a racetrack sense. The Hawk is much torquier and more user friendly. It's an apples and oranges comparison, but in an absolute performance sense, the Hawk isn't a match for late model 600's.

azhawk1

top speed-wise but off the line I think I will take them all

bluedog66

So now it seems like it comes down to colors... The 2003 is the best deal but I can not find any large pictures of it in blue, anyone want to help me out? My jacket and gloves are red white and black and my helmet is yellow, so, I might look a little mismatched on the blue bike. I need to pick up a new helmet though so if I get a generic color like blacks and greys it would probably all look alright.

Darkone22

I would go with that If i was u i would look around and see if u can find u a 98 or 99 or so. u can pick one up for around 3700-4000. Most of them will have some good mods on them and if u look at alot of them on this site u can see that people take care of them and that thay hold up good. the newer hawks after 2001 had speedo upgraded thats all

superbird

I bought a 03 blue one new in late 05 for 6999. I had a red one before that and can honestly say that it was redder than the blue one but not necessarily faster regardless of what the informed experts say. I owned a 600 cbr for a couple of years and find the VTR easier to ride---less shifting---but the cbr was a more fun track bike. I need one of each. Hope this helps.

tommygdbr

I would shop around a bit more www.traderonline.com is a great site. I got a 98' with 11k miles for $3,700. You will find some good deals out there. I sold me 03' 600RR in favor of a better street ride. The 600 was boring and uncomfortable around town. The VTR is waaaayyyyy better for commuting and the like.

bluedog66

yea, from what i've seen these bikes are very reliable and obviously everyone on this site cares for theres, but, that doesnt mean everyone else does. Just past experiences with automobiles and bikes make me reluctant to buy used. Kind of a nice thing to know that the only person who has wrenched on your bike has been you...

Went to look at the blue 2003 today and I really like it, unfortunately my ninja let me down and made a bad impression on them for trade in. Apparently marking your territory with a large puddle of gasoline isn't helpful when the mechanic is trying to appraise a value.

So, I will ask a few more questions. Since honda stopped production in 2005, are aftermarket parts starting to get scarce or is there still a large market out there? Or is it still such a popular bike, atleast within its very niche market, that people will keep making new things for it?

trinity012