Which SuperHawk to buy
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 224
From: Fresno, Ca
Which SuperHawk to buy
I have been watching and waiting for the right deal (and the right balance in my bank account). I have noticed that 98 seems to be the most available Superhawk. Is there any particular reason? IIRC that was the first year. Any problems with 98s? There are two that I am looking at right now (I haven't actually been to see them as they are 3+ hrs away), that have different upgrades and I am looking for your opinions. One has an Ohlins shock and has 18k miles for $3500 - $3750 (I am guessing that is what the seller will take). The other has SS lines, Jardine or 2 Bros high mounts (can't remember), Jetting kit, HH pads, and 21K miles, and is looking to $3500. I am leaning toward the one with the shock. What do you think?
evil man of nothing
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,517
From: Boynton Beach, FL
I'd go for whichever is in better condition. Where exhausts are more of a personal thing I don't think anyone is not going to like the Ohlins shock. If they're in similar shape I guess try to add up the aftermarket stuff on each-you can always sell off the stuff you don't want/want to change and make a few bucks. As far as year goes, condition and care being equal, I think it mainly is going to come down to your personal color preference. Obviously the newer the bike the better the chance of it being, well, newer, but of course that varies too. I have a '98, but it only has 5500 miles on it and is basically like brand new (go ahead everybody and flame me or not riding it-I know I deserve it-but this WILL change if I can keep my hands off it and ride it instead of taking it apart!) As with anything like this often you'll spend less money buying a bike with a bunch of crap on it already that the previous owner blew a bunch of money on (like mine) rather than buying a stock bike and then modifying it. But a stock original bike does have a certain "I haven't been beat on and messed with" appeal to it.
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MotoGP
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,553
From: South Texas
The 98 was the BOTY (bike of they year), a lot's of hype/press, folks waiting in line for one (me included) and sold like hot cakes.
Although the shock is the nicest of all the mods you listed, all of them are good ones so I'd go with the one that's in the best shape, best maintained, and in the least need of new things.
Although the shock is the nicest of all the mods you listed, all of them are good ones so I'd go with the one that's in the best shape, best maintained, and in the least need of new things.
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MotoGP
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,138
From: Austin, Tx
Yeah, I agree, Greg! Anybody who dropped eight large on a shock probably did some other internal stuff that doesn't show too! CCT's, front forks, PAIR, maybe jets if it's got aftermarket tubes, K&N, who knows but the likelihood is strong! Also, I think one can make two arguments when it comes to buying a Superhawk. You either by one that is bone stock and spend the thousands it takes to get it right for you or you buy one that has many of the mods done and run the risk that they don't fit your body weight, personal preferences or riding style.
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Superstock
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 284
From: New Jersey USA
I think you need to get more info from the sellers, and then go and see the bikes your self. The bikes are worth what you are willing to pay and the seller is will to take. The blue book value is a reference. If a seller is in a bind he will move on his price. If the bike is in bad shape all the mods are more than likely the same. Because someone modified the bike dosen't mean they took care of it. What good is a worn out $1,000.00 shock?
The supension should be set for your weight so you might have to invest to get it right if your weight is 150lb and the guy you bought the bike from is 250lb.
Take your time and good luck.
The supension should be set for your weight so you might have to invest to get it right if your weight is 150lb and the guy you bought the bike from is 250lb.
Take your time and good luck.
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World Champion
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 105,287
From: Fulton, MO
A shock can be resprung and freshened up for $125. A revalve will probably cost $200. Call Joey at AMF 603-256-6800. He used to work for Ohlins...and then Dan Kyle. They guy is awesome!
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Squid
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1
Thread hi-jack and first post alert...
How would you compare the Hawk to the VFR?
I've got an 02 VFR as well, great overall bike, will keep it. I'm not happy with the power, for some reason I don't like revving it up, prefer to keep it in the 4-7k range in the twisties, which means I'm only using half the potential of the motor (must be some genetic disorder).. I'm mostly looking at the 750 gsxr, R1 or 954/zx9r, while capable of warp speed, they should pack a lot more midrange grunt than the VFR (and provide better ground clearance).. But the VTR might fit the bill as well. Would be very interested to hear how you would compare it to the VFR in terms of overall power, midrange power and handling.
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Superstock
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 406
From: Trussville, Alabama
Some thoughts:
If you look at both, try and pick up any small indicators of overall maintenance, as opposed to just trying to guess how hard each has been ridden.
It can be hard to tell, but close inspection can often reveal just how particular the owner is/has been about attention to detail.
Check the clutch and brake fluid. Full and clean, or low and dirty looking?
Fork tubes clean all over, or pitted, rust spots, neglected looking?
Chain in good shape?
What about sprockets?
Brake pads OK or worn out?
Valves ever been checked/adjusted?
If allowed, remove 2 screws and look under the gas tank. Clean or not?
Any slop or sticky spots in steering head bearings. Slamming down wheelies can show problems there.
Cam chain tensioners ever replaced?
I have 3 different bikes that I have run HARD on numerous occasions.
All 3 have also been well maintained and kept clean and properly adjusted.
Each of the 3 seems none worse for the wear.
Point being, these bikes can be run HARD, to the point some might feel like they are being "abused". But, IMHO, regular and proper maintenance is more important than how hard one is run.
Ask him what oil he uses. If he chooses to pay more for "premium" oil, he might just be more particular about his maintenance.
What gas? Does he burn premium (even though it is not required) Might indicate he is more particular about his maintenance and the care of the bike.
Best of luck and keep us posted.
If you look at both, try and pick up any small indicators of overall maintenance, as opposed to just trying to guess how hard each has been ridden.
It can be hard to tell, but close inspection can often reveal just how particular the owner is/has been about attention to detail.
Check the clutch and brake fluid. Full and clean, or low and dirty looking?
Fork tubes clean all over, or pitted, rust spots, neglected looking?
Chain in good shape?
What about sprockets?
Brake pads OK or worn out?
Valves ever been checked/adjusted?
If allowed, remove 2 screws and look under the gas tank. Clean or not?
Any slop or sticky spots in steering head bearings. Slamming down wheelies can show problems there.
Cam chain tensioners ever replaced?
I have 3 different bikes that I have run HARD on numerous occasions.
All 3 have also been well maintained and kept clean and properly adjusted.
Each of the 3 seems none worse for the wear.
Point being, these bikes can be run HARD, to the point some might feel like they are being "abused". But, IMHO, regular and proper maintenance is more important than how hard one is run.
Ask him what oil he uses. If he chooses to pay more for "premium" oil, he might just be more particular about his maintenance.
What gas? Does he burn premium (even though it is not required) Might indicate he is more particular about his maintenance and the care of the bike.
Best of luck and keep us posted.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 740
From: Pa
How long has the Ohlins been on the bike? As stated if he did the rear - U have to respring the front as well - or the bike won't ride correctly. Also, it depends upon his weight to yours.
The stock 'hawks were sprung (or so I'm told) to 165lb rider. I haven't seen that since last weight in @ HS wrestling - lol
anyway - I can't stress this enough - suspension mods are where $$ should be spent.
After doing the "normal" upgrades - Erion pipes, K&N, SS line, Jet kit - I finally did the suspension last spring - Ohlins rear - Racetech springs & Man 'O Man what a change - bike is so planted in corners now
Love It
The stock 'hawks were sprung (or so I'm told) to 165lb rider. I haven't seen that since last weight in @ HS wrestling - lol
anyway - I can't stress this enough - suspension mods are where $$ should be spent.
After doing the "normal" upgrades - Erion pipes, K&N, SS line, Jet kit - I finally did the suspension last spring - Ohlins rear - Racetech springs & Man 'O Man what a change - bike is so planted in corners now
Love It
Thread Starter
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Posts: 224
From: Fresno, Ca
TO be honest, I don't have the ability to go see either bike as they are both 3+ hours away, in different directions. I have inquired with the seller (you might have recently seen it on ebay, where it did not meet the reserve) about springs, but he did not get back to me. I am 165-175 ish, so stock suspension would probably be ok, but I am in agreement that the suspension mods would be better than exhaust mods, if they are right for ME. I will keep you guys posted.
Thread Starter
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From: Fresno, Ca
Found an interesting one for $4000
I found a SHawk today in the Bay Area on Cycle Trader that has some interesting mods. The guy tells me the previous owner was a "gear head" but kind of a ***** and probably never rode it very fast. Check out the swing arm. He said he thought it might have been a popular mod when they first came out, and that it came off of a different bike rather than being a welded on piece. Anybody recognize it?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
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Posts: 224
From: Fresno, Ca
That is what it looks like to me. Good mod, bad mod, useless mod? At first I was thinking that I should steer well clear of this bike since it was probably hacked on, and ridden hard. I am second guessing it. It also has a FOX clicker and Racetech stuff up front. I think it was set up for a 200 lb'er though and I tip about 185 geared up.
Hmm?
SuperBike
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,069
From: San Gabriel Valley
Strengthening the swingarm is always good, but I don't see that our bikes put out enough power to warrant it. IIRC, a member on SHF was able to weld on a brace similar to that used on the 900RR. I think it adds a nice touch, aesthetically, but I wouldn't want to go through the trouble.
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