Possibly my next bike. (input?)
 

Hello :)
Happy Turkey Day! :)

First off.
I Loveee odd looking naked or partially naked sport bikes that stand out.
Which is why im here.

I Had 3 bikes picked out to keep an eye out for when im ready to shop.
Suzuki TL1000S
Kawasaki Z1000
Honda VTR1000.

I've read reviews on the TL1000S (not enough bad to eliminate choice)
and the Z1000.
Z1000, I am pretty sure is not an option now based on low gas mileage and even worse, a low fuel capacity.

Still havnt looked up or read any reviews on the VTR1000's tho.
( I will after I post this )
But I still want Riders input.

So, anything you want to throw at me about the bike... have at it!

A lil about me to get a better picture of if its a bike to consider.

6ft2 and sadly 250 pounds right now but going to be burning it off over the winter. (7 years of a non physical job will do that to ya)
(which is why I'm lookin around a 1000)

My first bike I kept for 1 and a half seasons was a 94 Suzuki GS500.
Awesome bike but simply not enough power for me.

Traded that like 3 months ago for an 87 Honda Super Magna (700cc)
I would be happy with this bike and I am to a point.
But quite frankly, a cruiser is just NOT for me for how I ride.

How do I ride?
Aggressively and Love the twisties!
But NOT squid like!!!
I like to live to ride another day! :) hahaha

So, any and all input is appreciated on the bike and how it might fit me.

As atm its my #1 choice.
Im still considering a TL1000S if the price and condition is right tho.
Cant pass up a good deal right?

Thanks and safe riding!

Hate to be the one to tell you this but one of the biggest complaints about the SuperHawk is it's low volume fuel tank 16L and the resulting short range@ 120 miles.

Doesn't bother me but it does alot of other people. Your size and weight are not any real issue except most SH riders replace the fork springs immediately,and the rear shock eventually.

Get a test ride - advantages of storms are many - cheap to buy, ample availability of parts as it was a relatively long production run, better finish than most, simple to maintain, real world performance that brings a grin.

Just a few mods to ensure reliability and longevity > Search and ye shall find...

I owned a 2003 Z1000 and with the fuel injection it got better gas mileage then my Superhawk. Both are great bikes. I would drive either one.

Tnx for the input.

Yeah I forget which year Z1000 review's I've looked up.
But if I recall correctly Without looking it up again.
Think it was only a 3.5ish gallon fuel tank and only gets 30 to 35 MPG at best.

that MPG isnt all TOO bad.
but a fuel tank That size is a little idiotic! hahaha

and Yeah on the mods Wicky.
Expected that as with most bikes.
As well as the TL1000S that I read the most about so far.

If you're considering a TL1000, look for an SV1000 instead. Much better bike in most ways. The TL1000s had a lot of quirks like an unconventional rear shock, a race like riding position and a fairly bad under steer problem.

Already considered an SV1000.
Sadly, the style I like was the TL1000S.

the SV style from 03+ are just plain UGLY to me.
I really dislike how jagged and squared everything is from the frame to the body parts.

Pre 03 SV650S and TL1000S are the styles I like.
Nicely rounded and curvy lol

I also have a local riding friend who has a TL1000R and has no complaints.
(that was after shock and handling upgrades)

but as I said, Superhawk is #1 on my list atm.

Just all depends on prices, condition, & mileage between the 2 choices when I start to look to buy instead of just looking.

The SH is a great bike, very good to ride and easy to own. The TLR and TLS are pretty different, just fyi.

The VTR will have a lot more grunt / torque and feel like it does for real world riding, also has a more relaxed style when you feel like plodding along. Inline big 4's need thrashing to get the most out of their power which makes you have to "work harder" if that makes sense? Go for the VTR

Welcome to the forum stones.


This one remark should steer you away from the VTR. Seriously, we're not joking. If you consider the VTR knowing this issue, you shouldn't count out the Z.
If you pipe, and jet the Hawk you're looking at about 100 miles per tank.

Yeah but as I said, that MPG isnt bad, its the Z1000s TINY gas tank that finished it off.
I'm used to getting 100mpg or less.
My 87 Super Magna, at 70 miles+++ I have to start thinking of where to stop.

It is annoying but only when im aggressively riding will I hit reserve pre 100.
70 is just the sweet spot for me.

kk quick off topic question while its in my head.
and of course the answer is probably completely obvious.

grade of gas normally used?
Im going to assume 91+ octane?

My friends Z gets a little more MPT(tank) than I do, which is 125-130. He can do 150 if easy on the throttle, 130 when playing isn't a problem unless WFO.

Try a Yamaha FZ1.

yeah the FZ1 would be a great bike, no doubt, but ultimately it would be best if you could ride before you buy. If you love riding, many of today's bikes will satisfy, but if something connects when you ride, it can make your decision a bit easier.

as far as the fuel issue, I've run 87 in the hawk for 40,000 miles and it did fine. With the ethanol issue, it's wise mix a capful of additive at fillups. With pipe and carb mods, 91 or 93 def improves performance if you need it.

Octane needs only change with compression changes. The SH has ~9:1 compression so 87 is fine, recommended even. No head work=no need to change.

that may be true because i'm no technical wiz, but i doubt it accord to my SOP dyno.

All i changed was the 2 into 1 exhaust with Hawk's carb mods. Result noticeable power loss at higher rpms in 5 and 6th. Switched to 93 for the hell of it and noticeable improvement.

Then changed carb set up to that stated below in my signature and have stayed with 93 to this point, but not done experimenting.

that said, I believe the manual recommends 89 smogged and clogged if recall correctly.

Well I recommend Kawasaki Z1000 or Honda VTR1000. Because I love the style of both bikes and the Z1000 have slim body and unique design. But choice is yours you can choose from these 2 and forget about the Suzuki TL1000S junk.