Suspension/Cornering Issues
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 5
Suspension/Cornering Issues
Hello new SuperHawk friends,
I bought a Red 1998 SuperHawk and restored it. The R/R is good, the CCTs are good, the bike is overall, good. The carb farts, but that's a problem for another day.
My question is "what's up with the scraping issue"? I have scraped the belly fairing when cornering hard twice now. I had noticed when I replaced the exhaust header that nearly every used pipe I found had damage in the place where it would scrape, if I did not have a belly fairing. I have noticed that this bike is VERY particular about body positioning when you're riding hard, but the last time I scraped I feel like it should have handled the corner with ease.
What's up with this? Known issue? Needs suspension work? Just not gonna handle like a "supersport"? Rider error? I'm stumped.
I bought a Red 1998 SuperHawk and restored it. The R/R is good, the CCTs are good, the bike is overall, good. The carb farts, but that's a problem for another day.
My question is "what's up with the scraping issue"? I have scraped the belly fairing when cornering hard twice now. I had noticed when I replaced the exhaust header that nearly every used pipe I found had damage in the place where it would scrape, if I did not have a belly fairing. I have noticed that this bike is VERY particular about body positioning when you're riding hard, but the last time I scraped I feel like it should have handled the corner with ease.
What's up with this? Known issue? Needs suspension work? Just not gonna handle like a "supersport"? Rider error? I'm stumped.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 347
From: Western NY
Definitely get your suspension set up for your weight (correct springs, oil). Also, I have quarter inch (guessing, not sure of exact) spacer at my top shock mount to give me a little more ride height in the rear. While this may not be a popular suggestion, I'd skip the belly fairing if it's an aftermarket unit, the oem small chin fairing should be fine to leave on if you are doing some serious lean angles. When I used to take my superhawk to the track I was scraping footpegs, but never had an issue with exhaust headers on my two-brothers high pipes. Eventually i installed Coerce rearsets and that eliminated the peg scrape issue. Just some thoughts.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 5
Thank you for the replies, guys.
Sadly now I am not sure if I should keep the pretty red Honda I resurrected or just trade it off for something that handles the way I want it to without a bunch more money invested. :~(
Sadly now I am not sure if I should keep the pretty red Honda I resurrected or just trade it off for something that handles the way I want it to without a bunch more money invested. :~(
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,987
From: Bisbee, AZ
Could be wrong, but the selling price for the SH, even with the restoration you did, likely won’t get you something better than what you already have. Of course you might get lucky and find someone in a weak position.
If you’re careful, upgrading the suspension on a SH to get it more than satisfactory, doesn’t have to be a lot of money.
Mid 2000’s Tuono in good condition, 5 -6k? SH pristine, 4K maybe?
Just my .001471 Pesos.
If you’re careful, upgrading the suspension on a SH to get it more than satisfactory, doesn’t have to be a lot of money.
Mid 2000’s Tuono in good condition, 5 -6k? SH pristine, 4K maybe?
Just my .001471 Pesos.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 5
Man I took it in to a pro for diagnosis... The front forks were in REALLY bad shape. So I am having front and back rebuilt with DMr kit and new shoes. Needless to say after this investment, I am a Superhawk rider indefinitely!
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,066
From: NYC
I tried stiffer springs on mine but the real cure is a CBR front end. Fully adjustable with radial brakes. Its like getting a whole new bike. Put a penske shock on the rear and youd never know it was the same bike. A buddy tried mine and couldnt believe the diff over stock. I even added a CBR dash to mine which also gave my 98 a working fuel gauge and digital speedo and temp.
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