My Journey Into the Heart of The VTR
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
I have not taken the Superhawk on a very long ride since it's completion. I have ridden it at the most maybe 30 or 40 miles at a time. I have been trying to find the rattle coming from the clutch side. Last week I checked the valves clearances and the chain tension and it all checked out so i took the SH on the shop, group ride. I even mounded the GoPro to get some pictures of the event. It's a boring video by the way.
The ride, in total, lasted for a little over 100 miles with a stop for lunch. The VTR was more comfortable that I expected but I was ready to climb off at our lunch stop. It ran flawlessly and is so much fun to ride. I declare it finished and good to go. It was a fantastic day to ride and much too short.
My Superhawk in front of the Honda store.
The ride, in total, lasted for a little over 100 miles with a stop for lunch. The VTR was more comfortable that I expected but I was ready to climb off at our lunch stop. It ran flawlessly and is so much fun to ride. I declare it finished and good to go. It was a fantastic day to ride and much too short.
My Superhawk in front of the Honda store.
VTR virgin
Superstock
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 447
From: Auckland, New Zealand
They are a noisy engine aren't they? Mine makes a sort of clanking sound from the general area of the water pump, and I have put this down to either the clutch or the water pump drive. I can get the sound with the engine off but in gear just by rocking the back wheel back and forth. Makes for a fine contrast to my VFR800!
I agree on the slow turning nature, and the quickest fix for that is to add a shim under the top shock mount, I bought a 6mm shim on eBay but being the mechanical god that you are, you'll fab one up easily.
Hard suspension is more difficult, IMO the VTR is over-preloaded at the back (there is no sag unloaded) but I'd wind the preload adjuster right off unless you weigh a lot. I weigh 190 pounds and never had mine bottom out. Then wind the rebound adjuster out as much as you are comfortable with.
At the front the problem is weedy springs and a restrictive compression damping valve to make up for it. I replaced my springs with 0.85kg/mm from RaceTech, and fitted a higher-flow compression valve. It's pretty good now.
I agree on the slow turning nature, and the quickest fix for that is to add a shim under the top shock mount, I bought a 6mm shim on eBay but being the mechanical god that you are, you'll fab one up easily.
Hard suspension is more difficult, IMO the VTR is over-preloaded at the back (there is no sag unloaded) but I'd wind the preload adjuster right off unless you weigh a lot. I weigh 190 pounds and never had mine bottom out. Then wind the rebound adjuster out as much as you are comfortable with.
At the front the problem is weedy springs and a restrictive compression damping valve to make up for it. I replaced my springs with 0.85kg/mm from RaceTech, and fitted a higher-flow compression valve. It's pretty good now.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
I am thinking that the clattering sound is chain noise. There are two small drive chains in that side, one for the oil pump and one for the water pump. They both have a lot of slack and there are no adjustments for tension. Chains act funny depending of the forces applied and I can visualize them jerking around at idle speeds.
This is good to know about the suspension. I weigh in the 280lb range (hence the name Big Jim) so I think I can soften the suspension a bit at the preload adjuster. I am living of salads and lean meats so I can change my moniker to NotSoBig_Jim59.
So the spacer under the rear shock lifts the back and changes the rake geometry a little bit?
This is good to know about the suspension. I weigh in the 280lb range (hence the name Big Jim) so I think I can soften the suspension a bit at the preload adjuster. I am living of salads and lean meats so I can change my moniker to NotSoBig_Jim59.
So the spacer under the rear shock lifts the back and changes the rake geometry a little bit?
VTR virgin
Superstock
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 447
From: Auckland, New Zealand
I agree with you about the chains; I just keep telling myself "they all do that" and keep riding. I know my camchains and valves are spot-on. Earplugs and gutted pipes also seem to solve the random rattles!
Yes that is exactly correct about the spacer. Because of the linkage/leverage involved in the rear suspension, you get a lot more than 6mm of difference at the rear wheel.
You can also do the same with the front forks, these can be slid up through the triples by up to 10mm or so (not too much or the top of the fork legs could hit the lower triple, or the horn and mudguard make contact) which lowers the front and also steepens the rake. I haven't bothered with that on the VTR but have done on my VFR (in conjunction with a 6mm longer DMr shock).
The only downside of the shim is that you may find the VTR leaning over further than you'd like on the sidestand. I swapped in a stand off an 04 CBR1000RR which fits straight in and uses the same sidestand switch.
Good luck with the salads and lean meat; I think the best thing you can do for weight loss is drop out as many carbohydrates as possible. Such a shame as I do like bread, pasta, rice, potatoes and sugar (and that is probably why I need to be on a diet in the first place).
Yes that is exactly correct about the spacer. Because of the linkage/leverage involved in the rear suspension, you get a lot more than 6mm of difference at the rear wheel.
You can also do the same with the front forks, these can be slid up through the triples by up to 10mm or so (not too much or the top of the fork legs could hit the lower triple, or the horn and mudguard make contact) which lowers the front and also steepens the rake. I haven't bothered with that on the VTR but have done on my VFR (in conjunction with a 6mm longer DMr shock).
The only downside of the shim is that you may find the VTR leaning over further than you'd like on the sidestand. I swapped in a stand off an 04 CBR1000RR which fits straight in and uses the same sidestand switch.
Good luck with the salads and lean meat; I think the best thing you can do for weight loss is drop out as many carbohydrates as possible. Such a shame as I do like bread, pasta, rice, potatoes and sugar (and that is probably why I need to be on a diet in the first place).
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
Low carb works but I sure miss crunch stuff like crackers and toast.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,544
From: New South Wales Australia
Big Jim,
Do you have an ignition advancer fitted?
I don't run a water pump gear or chain as I have an electric water pump fitted and still my bike makes some noise in the water pump area.
I am used to it now. Maybe it is because I have no anti rattle gear either.
I am used to the sound now but wish it wasn't there as it wasn't there before I did a heap of engine mods.
Do you have an ignition advancer fitted?
I don't run a water pump gear or chain as I have an electric water pump fitted and still my bike makes some noise in the water pump area.
I am used to it now. Maybe it is because I have no anti rattle gear either.
I am used to the sound now but wish it wasn't there as it wasn't there before I did a heap of engine mods.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
Big Jim,
Do you have an ignition advancer fitted?
I don't run a water pump gear or chain as I have an electric water pump fitted and still my bike makes some noise in the water pump area.
I am used to it now. Maybe it is because I have no anti rattle gear either.
I am used to the sound now but wish it wasn't there as it wasn't there before I did a heap of engine mods.
Do you have an ignition advancer fitted?
I don't run a water pump gear or chain as I have an electric water pump fitted and still my bike makes some noise in the water pump area.
I am used to it now. Maybe it is because I have no anti rattle gear either.
I am used to the sound now but wish it wasn't there as it wasn't there before I did a heap of engine mods.
It's really good to know that yours make this sound too.
I removed the anti-rattle gear on mine too. But I have to admit that I did so because I couldn't figure out the proper way to fit it. As best I could figure the anti-rattle gear put pressure on the clutch basket gear to always maintain contact. The first position I tried had no effect and produced no pressure. It seemed that it would just add noise. The second position, moving the gear one full tooth, compressed the springs a great deal more than seemed correct. I could be wrong but I removed it not wanting to fish broken springs out of my motor all for something with limited effectiveness.
I'll just live with the racket. I can't hear it at road speeds, with my ear protection in and the Two Brothers cans blasting away. I just hear at idle.
Last edited by Big_Jim59; Sep 21, 2015 at 10:17 AM.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,544
From: New South Wales Australia
Maybe it's the removal of the anti rattle gear that causes the noise.
If I ever go back in there which I hope I don't I am going to fit a washer the same thickness of the anti rattle gear and see if that takes care of the noise.
Problem is that if I do that then it may sound different again and my paranoia will start all over again , Ha Ha bloody Ha!
Glad to see your enjoying your bike and keeping it.
They really grow on you after a while.
Having owned a swag of Italian bikes a mate asked me why I persist with the VTR ?
I told him that it was a contradiction, sort of like a Japanese kid that speaks better Italian than most Italians without the temperament.
I noticed on your vid that you don't seem to rev the bike much.
Next time you go out give it some in 3rd and 4th and you will see a different bike.
Keep on riding and enjoy the satisfaction of resurrecting a great bike.
Cheers mate!
If I ever go back in there which I hope I don't I am going to fit a washer the same thickness of the anti rattle gear and see if that takes care of the noise.
Problem is that if I do that then it may sound different again and my paranoia will start all over again , Ha Ha bloody Ha!
Glad to see your enjoying your bike and keeping it.
They really grow on you after a while.
Having owned a swag of Italian bikes a mate asked me why I persist with the VTR ?
I told him that it was a contradiction, sort of like a Japanese kid that speaks better Italian than most Italians without the temperament.
I noticed on your vid that you don't seem to rev the bike much.
Next time you go out give it some in 3rd and 4th and you will see a different bike.
Keep on riding and enjoy the satisfaction of resurrecting a great bike.
Cheers mate!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
I have enough trouble keeping the beast confined to the legal limit without giving it some stick! The trouble is it is not like my VFR which feels docile and sedate at anything under 6 grand. The VTR feels monstrous just off idle.
I will rev it and report back with my findings.
I will rev it and report back with my findings.
VTR virgin
Superstock
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 447
From: Auckland, New Zealand
Glad to see your enjoying your bike and keeping it.
They really grow on you after a while.
Having owned a swag of Italian bikes a mate asked me why I persist with the VTR ?
I told him that it was a contradiction, sort of like a Japanese kid that speaks better Italian than most Italians without the temperament.
They really grow on you after a while.
Having owned a swag of Italian bikes a mate asked me why I persist with the VTR ?
I told him that it was a contradiction, sort of like a Japanese kid that speaks better Italian than most Italians without the temperament.
Rex Kramer-Thrill Seeker
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,312
From: Brookfield, WI
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,544
From: New South Wales Australia
Thanks Crux,
Shoot there goes that idea!
That's what I enjoy about this forum, the fact that like minded people can be bothered to help their fellow brethren out.
I appreciate the information and pics.
I have had a hankering to do a clear clutch cover lately and will definitely check it out when I go in there anyway.
Don't hold your breath as I have other things to do before that happens.
Shoot there goes that idea!
That's what I enjoy about this forum, the fact that like minded people can be bothered to help their fellow brethren out.
I appreciate the information and pics.
I have had a hankering to do a clear clutch cover lately and will definitely check it out when I go in there anyway.
Don't hold your breath as I have other things to do before that happens.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
I didn't know where to put this since I didn't want to start a new thread just for this but I did want to show it off. I have a friend in Coloradao, Debby, who is a motorcycle nut of the first order. She has 6 bikes including two Nortons, a Ducati Monster and a Suzuki GS1000 to name four. She does her own work and her bikes are really nice. She went to the British Enclave but didn't show her bike. Knowing my afinity for the Superhawk, she did send me this picture of her bike parked beside an SH.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
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