I bought a 1999 Shawk two weeks ago. So....I've been riding the "NEW BIKE" over the last two weeks. Well, I also own a CBR600 so in interest of keeping the CBR battery fresh, I took it out for a spin today. The first thing I noticed was how *HEAVY* the front end felt!!! I mean it's a 600 and I was expecting to feel the flickability I have enjoyed for the past two years of ownership. So my first impression was "Man....the VTR1000 front end sure is a lot lighter and easier to steer quickly". Because I live in the rolling hills of the wine country in Sonoma County, California, there are a lot of great twisties out here to enjoy. The second impression I got was how hard I had to throttle and brake to push through the turns as compared to the Shawk. I now see what everyone means about riding the Shawk with the throttle only. The torque and related compression is something you get used to fast with the Shawk. I still enjoy the CBR600 but it's a heck of a lot more work to run it hard in the twisties compared to the VTR1000. Probably the best thing out of the ride today was I rode for 2 hours and still have another 80-100 miles left on the tank of gas I started with, and that does not include the reserve tank which adds another 50 miles or so. I really like the VTR1000 a lot and as time goes on, I'm sure I will be more accustomed to the V-Twin motor and how much easier it is to ride this bike agressively compared to the in-line four bikes I have owned and own (also have a Gpz1100...1996 model for sport touring). Releasing the throttle on the VTR "stops" you while the in-line four coasts with very slow deceleration. I better keep this in mind for the future so I don't end up in some ditch. Love the VTR1000....perhaps the best bike I have ever owned. Not a very good pillion bike...which is not necessarily a bad thing...if you know what I mean.

 

Enjoyed the story of your new adventure. I have only had a chance to ride a few miles on my Hawk before winter hit..So can't wait till the spring. Many years ago, 1974..exactly I traded a tricked out "Cafe racer" Honda four for a Brand new Norton 850 Commando. The first time I rode it into the mountains I was way quicker than I had ever been before..and never shifted out of 4th..that's all it had btw..It was bone stock...but a torque monster..with a great sounding exhaust....There is something very special about a twin sport bike...charisma...soul...sound....and torque..Enjoy..ride safe....

Dave:-D

 

I understand how you feel. I love my shawk. It's the quickest bike that I've
owned. I put 5,000 miles on it from June to December. I can't wait to get back onto it. Enjoy it....