I did my first trackday on the Superhawk yesterday. I could have taken the RC51 but I didn't want to "learn" the bike and the track at the same time so I stuck with old faithful. The Superhawk never ceases to amaze me. Yeah I was in the beginner group, with a yellow jersey on that warned everyone to stay away from me, but after a few sessions following the instructors, the only people passing me were the instructors! The Superhawk kept up just fine with new 600 race replicas in the straight and outgunned everything else in the turns with its smooth low end. I can't count on all my fingers and toes how many times I lapped Ducs every session. They were first timers too, but I figured a $20k bike would make up for that a little.
All in all, the RC51 would definitely have been better on the track because of its better brakes and more power, but the $1100 Hawk effortlessly took a day of flogging and turn strafing around every bike out there. Next trackday will probably be on the RC though.

 

I also only have a few hundred miles on my new to me RC.

IMO right now, the superhawk is a better all around STREET bike.

The RC is a better corner carver (chassis feels like it's carved from a solid block of metal), sexier (a big reason for bike purchases I know), FI more sensitive and still comes with a choke *** (WTH), and way more uncomfortable.

My views could change either way as the miles and, more importantly, mods add up!

 

The po-lice don't like the RC

 

Yesterday was my first time out on the Superhawk in a month (since the track). Have you ever been out riding and gotten in the "zone"? That's what the Superhawk just did to me. I wanted to keep going, all day long. The RC51 does not have that effect. When the RC sells, I'd like to get another Superhawk to preserve and ride in a few years, plus have money in my pocket.

For those of you who don't like the suspension and brakes, set your suspension up properly for yourself even if you need stiffer springs. I've ridden a few Superhawks and none of them felt anywhere close to mine, they actually feel like completely different bikes. F4i brakes will be on it soon to fix that problem.

 

You really cannon compare the rc51 with superhawk, the only common those bikes have is that they both have a V twin engine and nothing more.
RC51 is a real superbike without the race kit, you cannot judge the abilities of the rc unless you already are a good and demanding rider
Superhawk is the bike that can do 99% of everything you will ask but not perfect, this is Honda and Superhawk is what CBR600F was but with a twin engine.
It's easier to learn going fast with a superhawk because the bike will help you go fast, it wont get up an hit you like the rc if do a mistake but will help you keep the line and stay on your wheels.

RC is the bike for those who want the last of the real superbikes honda made, the bike that will help them go a little faster and not learn to go fast. RC has an unbelievable engine capable of passing 150hp at the back wheel with minimum changes, what it needs is a good pair of hands, setup the suspentions and go.

Superhawk is the bike that can do anything. It will help you learn, it will help you tour with you woman, it will even get you to a club racing event (with the proper changes)... far a better bike than the rc, unless you know exactly well what you want, you want a real HRC bike

I hope my English were understandable

 

I had one particular ride that stands out in my mind. I had ridden to Laguna Seca with a group. I watched the 2nd WSB race, when Colin Edwards beat up on Troy Bayliss on his way to dominating the rest of the season and winning the championship.

I had my riding gear ready and trotted over to my bike for the 6 hour solo ride home - had to be at work on Monday. I split lanes with the masses and got over the hill to the dreadful San Joaquin valley and cruised straight across to the Sierra foothills. I got on Hwy 49 as the sun was setting and had about 50 miles of the best twisting road in the world with no traffic.

I was riding along and was just overwhelmed with this unbelievable feeling of ecstasy. Squirting between corners. Braking, turning in, squirting out of the next one. I got home about 10 PM with a buzz that lasted for two days! That was the ride that got me fully obsessed. so I guess the buzz lasted longer than I thought.

There have been many other fantastic rides since then, but that one will always stand out.