MokMike

How does a Hawk compare to a 919?

I think it would have more on the low end, but I don't think the 919 would outclass it at the top end that much, am I incorrect?

PS It also sounds MUCH cooler

marmaladedad

How it sounds is real subjective. I think the Superhawk's vtwin noises sound better than any other twin I've heard, except MAYBE the 916/996/998.

The 919 engine is based on an older Fireblade / CBR900RR engine. It'll have a little bit more top-end grunt, but not a whole lot.

The Superhawk would be more comfortable at highway speeds given its fairings.

Besides, the 919 looks like crap. :P

MokMike

Sorry MarmaladeDad, i meant the Hawk sounds better, not the 919! A guy I work with has the 919, I like the Hawk more, and since I am looking to buy a Hawk, he has started talking smack.

marmaladedad

Ahhhh, I see. I was wondering why anyone would pick the bumblebee noise over a thumping twin.

Talking smack about what? Picking the "wrong" bike? Sounds like your coworker is more of a poser than a rider.

RickB

I looked at both a few years back and decided to go with a slightly used (56 miles, 02 model in March 05) the dealer had and don't regret the decision at all... I think you will be very happy with the Superhawk, I sure am...

MokMike

No, he's a good guy, we are a bit competitive, and he is just saying the 919 is a cooler, faster, better bike. I of course think the Hawk rocks, and owns the 919.

mikstr

The dyno sheets for both bikes (stock) are almost identical with both having very flat torque curves and linear power (and virtually identical outputs, the VTR having just a slight bit more torque due to its additional displacement). That being said, I would suspect the 919 would be slightly quicker as it is not as overgeared as the VTR (in order to pass noise regulations). The 919 would be easier to modify though while the VTR will hook up better (good for acceleration out of corners or on slick roads).

macworld

if they are both around the same power wise, the edge should go to the hawk after about 60mph, just do to aero advantage. also, how much does he weigh vs how much do you weigh, and rider ability comes into effect also. i could always beat a guy on his 929 with my tls, because he was a bad rider, and weighed about 30 more lbs than me.

Hotbrakes

Not to be a thread jacker, but how does the VTR compare to the RC51? I had a TLR a couple of months ago, but we never seemed to mesh like I have with my VTR. I absolutely love everything about the Superhawk except it lacks a little in the flashiness department. If I can sell my cruiser that hasn't been ridden since I got the Hawk, I might look into getting an RC51 for a backup bike.

trinc

my only real complaint of the hawk it's ability to flex, even though i don't know how rigid the 919 is.

tim

RK1

Graphs of measured rear wheel horsepower for these two bikes look nearly identical.

Wet weight is within 5 pounds.

First VTR tested by Motorcyclist ran a 11.17 quarter.

First 919 tested by Motorcyclist ran a 11.18 quarter.

GrayHawk

I had an '06 919 that I sold so I could purchase an '05 Superhawk. I liked the 919, but was annoyed by the buzzy grips and a few plastic parts. I found it to be a very comfortable bike to ride with regard to posture, which is why I was first interested in it. What did it for me was the pogo effect that I felt leaning into a curve at speed. The frame flexes far more than the Superhawk. I also decided that the 919 was initially exciting, but I lost interest in it. I haven't felt that with the Hawk for even a moment. I'd suggest you do some hard core web research and read all the articles you can find before you make this commitment. Just my 2 cents.

Mike