track/race hawk? pics & mods pls!
07-30-2009, 10:35 PM
#1
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track/race hawk? pics & mods pls!
starting to do some research to get my hawk prepped for track duty. seems like i wont be able to sell it, and the power/weight puts me on par with a ducati 749 (which i'd lke to try as a middle weight)
front end swap vs for rebuild?
JD f4i shock?
race bodywork?
520?
rearsets?
clipons?
exhaust?
WEIGHT SAVINGS?
thanks guys!
front end swap vs for rebuild?
JD f4i shock?
race bodywork?
520?
rearsets?
clipons?
exhaust?
WEIGHT SAVINGS?
thanks guys!
07-31-2009, 08:43 AM
#3
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Squid
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Southern New Jersey
Posts: 50
I don't know if you've been to the track before, the hawk will be fine for your first trackday in stock form, but there are always things you can do. Let me know if you are in the NJ area... I want to do thunderbolt one more time this year!
The first thing I would recommend for a track bike is suspension and break pads. I did the racetech springs up front ($200) and put a new shock on the rear ($800). They were a better upgrade than anything else. New pads up front also made a big difference ($70). I didn't notice a difference when I put in SS lines, but it could be because I waited until the pad were done to replace them.... I wish I would have done it sooner.
If it is will be a track only bike, bodywork is a plus due less prep work. If you go that way, you can probably sell your stock body work and get something like sharkskins for less than what your used street would sell for. I still ride mine on the street so I haven't done track bodywork.
I did exhaust and re-jet, and the bike seems a little stronger, but nothing major. I think the weight loss was more noticeable that the power gain.
I'm looking for rearsets, but most of the ones I have seen are expensive.
you can also join the social group for trackdays. https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum....php?groupid=1
The first thing I would recommend for a track bike is suspension and break pads. I did the racetech springs up front ($200) and put a new shock on the rear ($800). They were a better upgrade than anything else. New pads up front also made a big difference ($70). I didn't notice a difference when I put in SS lines, but it could be because I waited until the pad were done to replace them.... I wish I would have done it sooner.
If it is will be a track only bike, bodywork is a plus due less prep work. If you go that way, you can probably sell your stock body work and get something like sharkskins for less than what your used street would sell for. I still ride mine on the street so I haven't done track bodywork.
I did exhaust and re-jet, and the bike seems a little stronger, but nothing major. I think the weight loss was more noticeable that the power gain.
I'm looking for rearsets, but most of the ones I have seen are expensive.
you can also join the social group for trackdays. https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum....php?groupid=1
07-31-2009, 08:51 AM
#4
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thanks for the input. i've been on track with my rc51 and it's a handful at times to say the least. i prefer the smaller tighter more technical tracks out here in socal, as opposed to the big huge fast sweeping ones.
i've been eyeing the fork rebuild via JD, but cant remember how much he charges for his "basic" rebuild of superhawk forks.
willing to hold off on the shock, will probably go the f4i modded shock route.
big thing for me will be brakes. i pretty much decided against doing a front swap cuz it opens a whole bunch of other problems, including costs, that almost dont out weigh being able to adjust more. since im not doing a fork swap, i'll have to make due with compatible brakes, so it's either f4i/rc51 or gsxr brakes. cheaper the better!
im going to forgo the re-jet, dont feel that its too necessary. not looking for any more power gains.
so does anyone do anything to cut down weight on our already relatively light bikes?
i've been eyeing the fork rebuild via JD, but cant remember how much he charges for his "basic" rebuild of superhawk forks.
willing to hold off on the shock, will probably go the f4i modded shock route.
big thing for me will be brakes. i pretty much decided against doing a front swap cuz it opens a whole bunch of other problems, including costs, that almost dont out weigh being able to adjust more. since im not doing a fork swap, i'll have to make due with compatible brakes, so it's either f4i/rc51 or gsxr brakes. cheaper the better!
im going to forgo the re-jet, dont feel that its too necessary. not looking for any more power gains.
so does anyone do anything to cut down weight on our already relatively light bikes?
07-31-2009, 09:37 AM
#8
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I'd get the suspension setup, but don't go too crazy with it. I'd stick with the stock forks at first and only upgrade those after you've made a few track visits at least.
A rebuild is $65 plus parts (probably $50-60). For a revalve you should add $195 to that. It would include new compression valves, reshimming the stock rebound valves, damping rod polishing, etc. Springs are $85.
Wow, that's a tough one. You can shave a few pounds with track bodywork. Honestly, I've found that the VTR isn't too porkly, just a little under powered.... which is interesting considering that you aren't concerned about power!
A rebuild is $65 plus parts (probably $50-60). For a revalve you should add $195 to that. It would include new compression valves, reshimming the stock rebound valves, damping rod polishing, etc. Springs are $85.
Wow, that's a tough one. You can shave a few pounds with track bodywork. Honestly, I've found that the VTR isn't too porkly, just a little under powered.... which is interesting considering that you aren't concerned about power!
07-31-2009, 09:42 AM
#9
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haha yeah JD, not too concerned about power--i have my rc51 for that. the generally goal with this potential build is to have a great handling flickable "middle-weight twin" style bike, a la ducati 748/749. the weight question is only to satisfy, or maybe maximize, the hawks flickability. i have my rc51 for pure grunt haha. having been riding my rc51, the weight vs handling becomes really apparent. not that the rc doesnt handle well, it just feels like a pig to throw through corners at the track.
so im looking at $410 for a full sh fork rebuild? or is it more like $350? definitely want to do springs and revalving.
so im looking at $410 for a full sh fork rebuild? or is it more like $350? definitely want to do springs and revalving.
07-31-2009, 09:50 AM
#10
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haha yeah JD, not too concerned about power--i have my rc51 for that. the generally goal with this potential build is to have a great handling flickable "middle-weight twin" style bike, a la ducati 748/749. the weight question is only to satisfy, or maybe maximize, the hawks flickability. i have my rc51 for pure grunt haha. having been riding my rc51, the weight vs handling becomes really apparent. not that the rc doesnt handle well, it just feels like a pig to throw through corners at the track.
so im looking at $410 for a full sh fork rebuild? or is it more like $350? definitely want to do springs and revalving.
so im looking at $410 for a full sh fork rebuild? or is it more like $350? definitely want to do springs and revalving.
You should figure on $400 including parts. Depending on the condition of the slider bushings you might be able to get off for closer to $350.
07-31-2009, 10:09 AM
#11
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Join Date: Feb 2007
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what i have:
f4i calipers / 900rr m/c / braided lines with vesrah RJL pads - great brake setup ! a fork brace is a bonus after the rebuild. i also have a hyperpro steering damper.
i added 5mm to the rear ride height.
pull the head bearings and replace w/ tapered.
i still have clearence problems but just added coerce rearsets but still need
to get my leo vince mid pipe reworked.
i like the 520 change, gear to the track your going to ride.
pics... heres a few threads from last year.
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=15781
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=15206
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=14715
tim
f4i calipers / 900rr m/c / braided lines with vesrah RJL pads - great brake setup ! a fork brace is a bonus after the rebuild. i also have a hyperpro steering damper.
i added 5mm to the rear ride height.
pull the head bearings and replace w/ tapered.
i still have clearence problems but just added coerce rearsets but still need
to get my leo vince mid pipe reworked.
i like the 520 change, gear to the track your going to ride.
pics... heres a few threads from last year.
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=15781
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=15206
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=14715
tim
07-31-2009, 10:16 AM
#13
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Superhawk on track
I've done a few trackdays on Superhawks. Mostly @ Willow springs (big track) this was on a totally stock Superhawk with only stiffer springs in the front and front brake lines added. I'm not that heavy about 165lbs worked great for me. I have a soft spot for Superhawk's, also I probably have a lot more track time than most. No need to make big changes to the bike just make sure everything is tip top, unless you are packing a lot more lbs than me your bike should do just fine.
Best part about riding the superhawk on track is no one knows what the hell it is, and you can quite easily past most 600's on the power exiting turns which puts a big smile on my face, thats mostly to do with having 60 plus lbs of torque as opposed to 45lbs..even with less overall horsepower you still can out power them, plus its alot easy to get on the gas. Not saying your going to be beating up on all 600 riders, as with most things it it comes down to the rider not the bike, but the superhawk is a real easy forgiving bike to ride on track. And lets face it does the best wheelies.
Best part about riding the superhawk on track is no one knows what the hell it is, and you can quite easily past most 600's on the power exiting turns which puts a big smile on my face, thats mostly to do with having 60 plus lbs of torque as opposed to 45lbs..even with less overall horsepower you still can out power them, plus its alot easy to get on the gas. Not saying your going to be beating up on all 600 riders, as with most things it it comes down to the rider not the bike, but the superhawk is a real easy forgiving bike to ride on track. And lets face it does the best wheelies.
07-31-2009, 10:21 AM
#14
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but it's feeling like i will miss this whole year. i had greg revalve my forks
& really wanted to test them out. plus with the rearsets i'd be able to run it a little deeper. boy.... i was going to be fast
tim
07-31-2009, 10:27 AM
#15
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SuperBike
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon
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I've done a few trackdays on Superhawks. Mostly @ Willow springs (big track) this was on a totally stock Superhawk with only stiffer springs in the front and front brake lines added. I'm not that heavy about 165lbs worked great for me. I have a soft spot for Superhawk's, also I probably have a lot more track time than most. No need to make big changes to the bike just make sure everything is tip top, unless you are packing a lot more lbs than me your bike should do just fine.
Best part about riding the superhawk on track is no one knows what the hell it is, and you can quite easily past most 600's on the power exiting turns which puts a big smile on my face, thats mostly to do with having 60 plus lbs of torque as opposed to 45lbs..even with less overall horsepower you still can out power them, plus its alot easy to get on the gas. Not saying your going to be beating up on all 600 riders, as with most things it it comes down to the rider not the bike, but the superhawk is a real easy forgiving bike to ride on track. And lets face it does the best wheelies.
Best part about riding the superhawk on track is no one knows what the hell it is, and you can quite easily past most 600's on the power exiting turns which puts a big smile on my face, thats mostly to do with having 60 plus lbs of torque as opposed to 45lbs..even with less overall horsepower you still can out power them, plus its alot easy to get on the gas. Not saying your going to be beating up on all 600 riders, as with most things it it comes down to the rider not the bike, but the superhawk is a real easy forgiving bike to ride on track. And lets face it does the best wheelies.
tim
08-01-2009, 12:03 AM
#16
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Everything I know about the RC51 comes from comments by owners. I have never ridden one. Like most of us, I know a few guys that have had a RC & VTR. They have all said the same thing, and that is the VTR is a great road bike and the RC a good track bike.
I think you are better off working on the RC, if it needs some sorting out to get it handling correctly, or perhaps improving your skills with training courses so you can get the most out of it.
The exception to this would be if the RC was in really good condition, and the VTR was a bit rough, and that is whay you want to use it on the track. Then I would understnd what you are doing. Suspension and brakes will be the go then.
I think you are better off working on the RC, if it needs some sorting out to get it handling correctly, or perhaps improving your skills with training courses so you can get the most out of it.
The exception to this would be if the RC was in really good condition, and the VTR was a bit rough, and that is whay you want to use it on the track. Then I would understnd what you are doing. Suspension and brakes will be the go then.
08-01-2009, 12:20 AM
#17
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My rc has the goodies and honestly rc51s are setup pretty damn well from the factory. Like I said in op I doubt I'll be able to sell my sh by the looks of things. Plus I've been wanting to try out a middle weight type bike like a ducati 749. The sh has nearly identical power and I'm hoping potentially close handling.
sorry was in the car and was posting via iphone.
anyways, the rc is a great bike no doubt about it. a handful at times, but spectacular. its like that saying, you dont know what you had until its gone, its why i like having a couple of bikes to choose from. riding my rc then switching back to the hawk is always awesome because i always discover another new shade to its character. it goes the same from the hawk to the rc, im always dumbfounded about how ridiculously smooth and vibe free the rc is, not to mention revvy. theres always some nuance to explore and discover when you switch back and forth--it forces you to "relearn" the bike and in the process learn new things about it.
when i was doing competitive tennis i used to do the same thing with rackets, switch it up so that you're forced to learn every aspect of your primary racket. doing this also emphasizes your fundamental skills, forcing you to develop them and be adaptable, rather than relying on the strengths of the racket (or in this case the bike).
im looking into setting up my hawk because one, i have a bike thats sitting around not getting ridden all that much on the street, and two i'd like to throw a little variety into my track days. the rc and hawk have really different personalities, and i think that the hawk would be a hoot to ride on the track, especially after a little sorting.
anyways, a new question for you guys that track and have numerous bikes to compare to. how about a quick comparo of the hawk vs a 600cc I4? ON THE TRACK ONLY please. i think im mainly looking for feedback on handling bc the power thing pretty much needs no discussion...
sorry was in the car and was posting via iphone.
anyways, the rc is a great bike no doubt about it. a handful at times, but spectacular. its like that saying, you dont know what you had until its gone, its why i like having a couple of bikes to choose from. riding my rc then switching back to the hawk is always awesome because i always discover another new shade to its character. it goes the same from the hawk to the rc, im always dumbfounded about how ridiculously smooth and vibe free the rc is, not to mention revvy. theres always some nuance to explore and discover when you switch back and forth--it forces you to "relearn" the bike and in the process learn new things about it.
when i was doing competitive tennis i used to do the same thing with rackets, switch it up so that you're forced to learn every aspect of your primary racket. doing this also emphasizes your fundamental skills, forcing you to develop them and be adaptable, rather than relying on the strengths of the racket (or in this case the bike).
im looking into setting up my hawk because one, i have a bike thats sitting around not getting ridden all that much on the street, and two i'd like to throw a little variety into my track days. the rc and hawk have really different personalities, and i think that the hawk would be a hoot to ride on the track, especially after a little sorting.
anyways, a new question for you guys that track and have numerous bikes to compare to. how about a quick comparo of the hawk vs a 600cc I4? ON THE TRACK ONLY please. i think im mainly looking for feedback on handling bc the power thing pretty much needs no discussion...
Last edited by thefauxnarchist; 08-01-2009 at 12:52 AM.
08-01-2009, 08:17 AM
#18
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Join Date: Feb 2007
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My rc has the goodies and honestly rc51s are setup pretty damn well from the factory. Like I said in op I doubt I'll be able to sell my sh by the looks of things. Plus I've been wanting to try out a middle weight type bike like a ducati 749. The sh has nearly identical power and I'm hoping potentially close handling.
sorry was in the car and was posting via iphone.
anyways, the rc is a great bike no doubt about it. a handful at times, but spectacular. its like that saying, you dont know what you had until its gone, its why i like having a couple of bikes to choose from. riding my rc then switching back to the hawk is always awesome because i always discover another new shade to its character. it goes the same from the hawk to the rc, im always dumbfounded about how ridiculously smooth and vibe free the rc is, not to mention revvy. theres always some nuance to explore and discover when you switch back and forth--it forces you to "relearn" the bike and in the process learn new things about it.
when i was doing competitive tennis i used to do the same thing with rackets, switch it up so that you're forced to learn every aspect of your primary racket. doing this also emphasizes your fundamental skills, forcing you to develop them and be adaptable, rather than relying on the strengths of the racket (or in this case the bike).
im looking into setting up my hawk because one, i have a bike thats sitting around not getting ridden all that much on the street, and two i'd like to throw a little variety into my track days. the rc and hawk have really different personalities, and i think that the hawk would be a hoot to ride on the track, especially after a little sorting.
anyways, a new question for you guys that track and have numerous bikes to compare to. how about a quick comparo of the hawk vs a 600cc I4? ON THE TRACK ONLY please. i think im mainly looking for feedback on handling bc the power thing pretty much needs no discussion...
sorry was in the car and was posting via iphone.
anyways, the rc is a great bike no doubt about it. a handful at times, but spectacular. its like that saying, you dont know what you had until its gone, its why i like having a couple of bikes to choose from. riding my rc then switching back to the hawk is always awesome because i always discover another new shade to its character. it goes the same from the hawk to the rc, im always dumbfounded about how ridiculously smooth and vibe free the rc is, not to mention revvy. theres always some nuance to explore and discover when you switch back and forth--it forces you to "relearn" the bike and in the process learn new things about it.
when i was doing competitive tennis i used to do the same thing with rackets, switch it up so that you're forced to learn every aspect of your primary racket. doing this also emphasizes your fundamental skills, forcing you to develop them and be adaptable, rather than relying on the strengths of the racket (or in this case the bike).
im looking into setting up my hawk because one, i have a bike thats sitting around not getting ridden all that much on the street, and two i'd like to throw a little variety into my track days. the rc and hawk have really different personalities, and i think that the hawk would be a hoot to ride on the track, especially after a little sorting.
anyways, a new question for you guys that track and have numerous bikes to compare to. how about a quick comparo of the hawk vs a 600cc I4? ON THE TRACK ONLY please. i think im mainly looking for feedback on handling bc the power thing pretty much needs no discussion...
a friend & fellow trackday'r has a F4i. are bikes are very close and i only get by him braking deeper and getting on the gas a bit sooner, but down the straights we run neck & neck. the R6, rr, 636, gsxr600... i wave as they go by.
starting from scratch hands down any modern 600 is the better track bike.
faster, lighter, great chassis, better lean angles and a boat load of aftermarket parts.
your in a odd situation as having the 51 & the chicken... not the same bike
but both twins - very linear power. i know a couple of people that have both a twin & I4 and REALLY enjoy the large differences.
bike prices are way down but if you want to get the hawk track ready it may equal out to sell it cheap and buy a I4 track bike. around here i can get a well setup 600 for 3-4K, 4k-5k for a 1000 !
tim
08-01-2009, 09:32 AM
#19
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Good point trinc what's screwing me is the salv title on my hawk makig it pretty damn difficult to unload. Taking the money out and towards an i4 is a definite option. I wonder what sv650s are like then? Either way I'm still gonna do some research on the hawk track bike and well see in a little bit.
08-01-2009, 02:16 PM
#20
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an older good running bike thats in good shape reguardless of title condition will only fetch so much but they seem to stop around 2k. if you do the forks / shock / brakes / fork brace you'll be into it another grand. thats 3 g's, if you could pony up a little more you could get a 600.
the sv's are a fun bike i hear but at 75 hp i'd hope for a technical track.
it truely is easier to build what you already have, i understand that.
tim
the sv's are a fun bike i hear but at 75 hp i'd hope for a technical track.
it truely is easier to build what you already have, i understand that.
tim
08-01-2009, 06:30 PM
#21
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: N. Ireland
Posts: 162
sv 650s arent too quick, they are 65 bhp i think
theyre a kind of "first bike after your test" type thing, although i have no track experience of them just road experience and they do race them in the road racing series here so i guess they must be good for it
theyre a kind of "first bike after your test" type thing, although i have no track experience of them just road experience and they do race them in the road racing series here so i guess they must be good for it
08-06-2009, 10:55 AM
#22
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Location: North Wales, PA
Posts: 809
the hawk definitely has an edge in acceleration, but keep in mind the SV can turn on a dime. my buddy and I were at the track together last year (he has an 06' sv650) and I couldn't hang with him going into the corners. then I'd catch up again coming out. they can corner fast.
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