getting a new SH
 

hello, I am new you your forum. I signed up because I'm about to purchase my first superhawk so I want to tap the ones who ride. I am looking at a 98 a 99 and a 2003. any one of them any better than the other? How often must the valves be checked and shimmed? What is the highest mileage SH?
I have been on a older BMW and my friend has been insisting I get something modern. I rode his SH and really like the feel, plus I want a liter twin motor. Any advice for picking my new ride is much appreciated!

The valve check interval is 16K miles and as for the highest mileage SH, I can't tell you but I do know of a few with over 100K miles on them ;)

All years are very similar, there are a few minor issues to address across all of them (ahem, cct's...)

Make sure it looks well cared for, ask what mod's have been done, and pick your favorite color!

Yeah the hawk is a great bike, I just bought my first one in February and love it! There has been a couple issues, like the blinker relay an currently the r/r...but this forum is fantastic an the people here really help you out.
An from what I hear you can't go wrong with age, but newer is always...mostly better.
Welcome to the forum!

I have had several bikes over time, recently a BMW that I built and was a lot of fun to ride, lots of character. It was fast, (by BMW airhead standards). One of my good friends has been nagging me to get something more modern. He had a Superhawk and I took it for a spin and really loved it! So I'm taking the plunge and getting one of my very own. I'm looking at a 2002 27k a 99 17700 and a 98 30k miles on the clock. All look cared for all owners are sorry to give them up but have reasons. Insurance is another consideration. I plan to be here more often in the near future. Thanks for all the replies.

Welcome
 

Where are you looking for a superhawk?

As 7Moore7 said, check with the owners if the CCT's have been replaced yet and the Regulator/Rectifier. The CCT's are good for up to around 30K. There are certainly LOTs of other things that can be done and probably should be done. I know you will be ruined once you own a Hawk.

Had 90k on mine tore the motor down to do a rebuild. No ridge at the top of the cylinder and a new set of rings gapped fine at the top absolutely great running bikes if you do the basic maintenance and replace that damned R/R with a better unit.

back with a VTR! I bought the one I wanted. 2002 Red, (aren't they all?). 18750 miles, in perfect condition, looks like it's fresh from the show room. PO was afraid of it and had bought a new BMW LT1300. He took great care of the bike and now it's mine! Took it for a shake down and all seems well. Temp is a bit hight I thought, 215 when I got on it in the twisties. Too hot? Normal? I really like this bike! I'll post pics, but then, you've all seen the same before. cheers!

OK, what are cct's?

cct's are cam chain tensioner
it is a good idea to go to the manual cam chain tensioner.

I'm new to the SH but no stranger to a wrench. Where can I learn more about this issue?

heres a link that will go in depth about it.
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...pe-ccts-11275/

here is the service manual.
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...-manual-11365/

here is the why and how of the R/R AKA rectifier
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...why-how-25117/

this is some things about the R/R that will come in handy about knowing how to do the swap,but the mosfet is the way to go.
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...er-swap-14380/

and about the pair removal.
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...-removal-9875/

make sure to do a full fluids change on the bike and clean out the clutch slave cylinder,most times,it is gunked up.
make sure to use the proper type of motor oil in the bike,nothing that is energy conserving,but thats another thread,search for oil threads,alot of info in them already,the topic has been beaten to death,so should be able to find a lot of different info.

thank you all for the help and for making me feel at home!