Honda VTR 100F Superhawk reviews

It's my second season on the Superhawk, and I am enjoying the bike even more this year than last. That is partly due to reaping the rewards of modifications I made to the VTR. The key to the value of the VTR1000 is that it is an excellent street liter-bike that is obtainable for $7000...that leaves $2000 to $3000 for aftermarket purchases to correct the few flaws that the Superhawk has before reaching list prices of the new Y2k streetbikes. And the VTR's powerband is superior to those bikes on the street. The VTR responds extremely well to such enhancements, taking a very good streetbike and making it OUTSTANDING for reasonable add-on costs. My modifications to date include: 1) Mirrors: dangerously unacceptable -- replace or extend -- I did GenMar extenders $55 2) Bars: still too low and mis-angled -- replace with Heli Bars 1 1/18 additional rises $239 3) Exhaust System: Honda intentionally restricts the Superhawk motor (why Honda?)ﾗTwo Brothers full exhaust system $1089, rejet w/Dynajet Kit $90, K&N Airbox $94. Do replace headers, as they have restrictive internal flanges (looks very intentional on Honda's part) Performance results are HUGE (22 LB off the bike, 12 rear wheel hp and 70 FP torque comes on board) There are no more flat spot and buzzing past 6500, instead charges hard right to redline. Say goodbye to those well meaning but annoying "golden retriever" performance analogies in the magazine reviews. YEEOWWW 4) Tires: When you wear-out the last generation stock D204s, upgrade to Dunlop D207s or Michelin Pilot Sports $280-$350, a BIG DIFFERENCE in handling & traction. 5) Suspension: VTR spring soft, sags and wallows in front, rear shock bangs butt on ripple roads--fix completely with Race Tech Gold Valve/rebound kits for front and rear -- RaceTech $630. Handling and ride improvement is outstanding!! A must do. 6) Brakes: Brakes work OK for me but are rated average---improved with Steel/Kevlar brake lines $150-$180 and EPS or DP Sport pads $45. 7) Comfort yet to do's -- Corbin seat $389, Gel grips $12 Show less

I had my Hawk for 4 months now and I love it. Everybody talking about the gas mileage on the bike, but it is averaging, just about the same as touring bike. The problem is that the gas tank is a little bit small. My friends and I rode from Washington DC to Myrtle Beach SC for sport bike week back in May and all they had 4 cylinder sport bikes. We were averaging 90 to 110 miles per hour and we all had to stop about 125 miles for gas. My gas light didn't even come on. At the pump it took about 3.2 gallons to top it off. That was the average gallon of gas used to top off all the other bikes. The Hawk perform sweet I just put it in 6 gear and let it role Show less

I've had my Superhawk for 2 yrs now and love it as much as the day I drove it off the dealer's lot. It's a great commuter as well as a super-fun, pavement rippling-hooligan machine. Previously, I've owned several 4-cylinder Japanese bikes, and after owning/riding the Superhawk, I'll never go back to a 4-cylinder bike. The v-twin's torque and shear acceleration is awesome.... Unless you're recording lap-times at a curvy track (somewhat weak braking and a slightly soft suspension), this bike does it all and does it very well. If they would have only made the fuel cell larger... Show less

I HAVE HAD MY Hawk for 2 months now. I love it's torque, and slim feel. I get on a big bore 4 cylinder now and it feels to fat. The hawk has moderate comfort, not as comfy as my old Katana but a hell of allot faster. I got a great deal on a leftover that I didn't even plan to buy that day. In summary a great street rocket!! Show less

Serial #20 is in the garage and definitely worth the wait. My dealer was first rate, no gouging, sold at list, no horror stories. Honda did it right as usual. Suspension is a little stiff for the street, but not inconsistent with intended role. Power band is broad and strong. Handling in the twisties is extraordinary. Riding position seems a little more forward than most bikes and comfortable to me. Show less

I'm in love with this motorcycle. Torque monster ala carte. One funny thing though, rather than being a Ducati knock-off, do yourself a favor and park it next to the old 650 Hawk. You'll see that the Superhawk really is the 650 Hawk's big brother. Very cool. I'm planning to have a long relationship with this one. Anyone got some extra cash for some booming pipes? Show less

Retread rider, this is my 5th bike. Those were a 94 FZR1000, 1200 Bandit, CBR900RR and my return bike, CB750K. I love the VTR. 90% of my trips are 100 miles or less, I live right next to the foothills west of Denver. The VTR was designed for this environment. I am 5'9", so I find that the bars are a bit far away which requires that I sit on the gas tank. In spite of that fact, it always leaves me with a big smile. Gas mileage is lousy, 35mpg, but the bike is new. I expect that will change with synthetic oil, air filter, cams and jet kit. OEM tires seem to be a bit dated. Overall, I am pretty happy, but will probably buy a RC51 when I can afford it. Show less

I have broken in plenty of new motors in my time and all of them had a recommended 1000-mile break in time. The Honda manual says 300 miles. I don't know what is different in the engine, but it makes me a little nervous. Other than that, a very precise (although very stiff) suspension with a strong mid range should make it for a great canyon burner. The frame is about the stiffest I have every felt (a good thing). Although I won't be selling the R1 any time soon (monster motor). Show less

OK, I've had this bike for a whole 2-months and I'm still smiling! I have everything adjusted to my needs and I have added a Two Brothers C2 Aluminum slip-on set...wonderful! It's a tad loud, but the bike now breathes much better and sounds like a NASCAR contender. The brakes are a little week after I got used to them. I will try pads first, then steel lines if necessary. I get a lot of comments wherever I go, and still love to just look at it after a good detailing. I highly recommend this bike to anyone in search of a great commuter/Sunday sport bike. It is clearly designed with a little more comfort and every-day usability, unlike some other more hardcore sportbikes. Show less

I got mine about a month ago, in two weekends I put on a little over 500 miles. Awesome low end grunt, don't recall having this much fun on my 900RR during break-in period. Bike has a sweet sound and "feel" to it and the trans...WOW. NO MORE clunks. The bike didn't really make an impact on me till I got mine in the garage and really looked it over. It really is all that. The attention Honda gives there bikes is practically unheard of now days.....I think Big Red hit a homerun with this one and it shows in about all the racing circuits as well!!!!! Show less