Tried a 954 back to back with the VTR..what I found is as we were cruising in the city around 35mph the vtr rolled thethrottle and I was dusted on the 954... so the next time I dropped a gear andhammered.. still no go, the VTR passed me..then I dropped another gear, and very nearly flipped it.. at upper rpm on the954 was insane. also when just accelerating from a stop on the 954 it hits a powerband simiar to that of a two stroke- the front end lifts quick and almost with out warning.. this was my first ride on it. so I wasn't ready, but I couldn't keep the front end down when I was ready.. it likes to lift!

When cruising on the street I tend to roll 4-5K rpm and the 954lacks alot of "go" at low rpm that the VTRhas!

ROLL-on.. crusing about 55MPH(back on my VTR) I rolled on and left the954 behind.. for about a second.. then he passed me like I was sitting still! Ichased him till I hit about 150MPH.. Icouldn't catch him.. I didn't loose site of him but he was noticeable faster!

Last note.. I had to pry my buddy off the VTR he was loving the torque curve!

Holy thread ressurection!

I've had a 929 since 2005. Yes, the VTR makes a better streetbike because of the low rpm torque. Riding a 929/954/1000 IL4 anywhere near its "fun point" is easily in lose your license territory.

Torquey, comfortable, and CHEAP - thats why I bought my VTR.

Not a Blackbird :)

Ditto that, but above 7k rpm, you better hold on.

I don't really understand this thread...my CBR600RR kicks the shit out my hawk in every category...acceleration, handling, braking, etc...

The reason to have a hawk is because of the amazing sound, comfort, and uniqueness.

You're comparing apples to danishes here.

+1 Instead of comparing the two very different animals, it would be more beneficial to see what you could use from the CBR1000RR to improve your VTR

Above 7K is the top end... ;)

Yeah, yeah... I know... But it actually is on a VTR...

+1 ;)

I had a 2003 954 with PC and full exhaust... I also currently own a 2002 hawk and a 2008 CBR 1000... The 954 is a fast ass bike a lot faster than the hawk... I could keep up with anyone on the 954... I would say my CBR1000 is just a tiny bit faster than the 954... The hawk is just a different kind of bike... To me its funner in town and on the twisties cause of the low end torque... Id say its just as fast as any 600 but wont even compare to a newer 1000... My 954 would have smoked it HARD... And the 1000 even harder but I see myself riding the hawk a lot more than the cbr this summer

After years of riding Honda and BMW sport touring bikes (ST1100, R75/6, ST1300, R80RT, R1200RT, plus a different bike - 82 CBX) I rode one of these bikes that a friend had. The bike had been parked about 5 years and ran really bad - wouldn't even idle. But I could feel that it had a soul in that engine and the bike handled so well that a few weeks later I purchased a VTR as my local riding bike.

Did I say that I am somewhat of a older rider? Imagine an R1200RT and a VTR.

tsp - new to the SuperHawk family.

My Blog: Motorcycle Touring

Well, don't feel bad about it, the VTR is not exactly a youngsters favorite anyway, mostly I think cause younger kids don't understand this bike and it's not fashionable like the CBR's or Gixers, there for many of us here are not kids ;) only by heart that is :)

I have a 07 cbr1000rr and I ride my superhawk alot more. cbr has alot more power but the superhawk is more comfortable and more fun to ride in my opinion. cbr also has more vibes thru the bars than the superhawk and puts my hands to sleep. I like the way the v-twin puts out power better than the I-4

Well IMHO all the bikes listed are faster than anyone on this board.

It all comes down to the rider. ;)

Ninja 250 is all I need, even with the milk crate attached to it.

Attachment 23900

VTR-CBR comparison
 

For what it's worth, from January 2013 Motorcycle Consumer News Performance Index:

0-60 mph, seconds
1)'97 VTR Superhawk 100F 3.32
2)'97 CBR 600 F3 3.36
3)'99 CBR 600 F4 3.46
4)'01 CBR 600 F4i 2.89
5)'06 CBR 600 F4i 3.52
6)'09 CBR 600 C-ABS 3.18

0-100 mph, seconds
1) 7.27
2) 7.40
3) 7.71
4) 6.61
5) 7.94
6) 7.03

1/4 mile, seconds
1) 10.98
2) 11.03
3) 11.19
4) 10.59
5) 11.26
6) 10.89

1/4 mile, mph
1) 124.36
2) 124.26
3) 122.78
4) 128.23
5) 121.56
6) 125.53

braking, 60-0 mph, (feet)
1) 112.7
2) 114.5
3) 115.5
4) 111.3
5) 123.5
6) 126.0

Guess I'm getting a 2001 CBR 600 F4i ;)

No data for CBR1100XX Blackbird?

Really, the numbers don't mean much when you throw in some curves on the road.

True that.

On a trip last year through Colorado mountains our group included an R1200GS, ST 1100, ST 1300, a 2010 Concours, and an SV 650.

The SV rider more than held his own in the twisties.

On a Blackbird, the curves matters less... regardless which gear you're in, twist and aim; never get more than 5 bike length away. :gatlin:

VTR-CBR comparison
 

Who can contribute a comparison/contrast type review of the Superhawk vs the Blackbird?

If you have owned both or had experience riding the two, what things come to mind?

CBR1100XX aka Blackbird, IMO one of the most versatile vehicle on 2-wheel; smooth as silk at any reasonable speed and beyond.

In comparison, Superhawk is lighter in weight, better in twisties, better at speed below triple digit.

Blackbird can easily hold its own in the twisties in capable hand, where it does better than the rest is high speed stability.

The XX engine just have so much to offer, regardless of speed, just twist that throttle and you get instant crazy grin effect.

The extra weight offer better stability when passing 18-wheelers at triple digit speed.

The smooth engine reduce fatigue for long hours in the saddle, hands less likely to get numb or tingly after hours of riding.

How do the two compare in terms of comfort, wind protection, etc.?