Honda SUPERHAWK reviews

Out of 19 motorcycles I've owned, the 2005 VTR1000 (also known as the Honda Superhawk 996) is the lightest, thinest, most powerful, best-handling, canyon carver I've ever ridden. I'm 6' 0", 185 lbs. For me, the forward-leaning riding position, with a Corbin seat is extremely comfortable. The stock front forks and a Olin rear shock work perfectly with all road conditions. It soaks up bumps like they are not there. The engine is used as part of the frame which makes the whole chassis very ridged so hard cornering is effortless, and fun. I've never ridden a bike that handles better than this Superhawk 996. The engine has so much torque that you can stay in fourth gear from 40 to 120 mph in the canyons with it red lining about 9,500 RPM. You can easily change the exhaust from low and slightly tilted up to high and exiting next to the license plate like the VTR race bikes. The unique radiator setup, one on each side of the bike, keep the engine temperature between 175 and 220 degrees, and keep the bike very thin and easily maneuverable. The gas tank is thin and small and only holds about 5 gallons so the refill interval is about 100 miles, not good for touring but just fine for short trips blasting through your favorite canyon. Show less

After taking a lot of different bikes out for test rides, I think I got it right. The fun I have had so far has been priceless. First gear seems a little lacking, but shift into 2nd and the fun really starts. It's a pleasure to ride and with the sports pipes I had fitted, it sounds great! The handling, I'm still trying to find it's limits but so far it is meeting my expectations. If there were one not so great thing about it, this would be some of the styling. The back end sort of got left behind with the same looks as a dirt bike, but that all comes down to personal likes and dislikes. All in all, I would have no hesitations to recommend one or to update mine from a 99 model to a 2004. Enjoy... Show less

I purchased my Superhawk used, it was the best purchase I've ever made!!!! It sounds great, rides great, and comfortable. There are a few problems though, the clutch likes to chatter when I launch it at the drag strip!! For the street though I don't think you'll ever find anything that turns heads like this ride!!! Show less

My best friend bought a Red superhawk and I couldn't wait to try it out that day, especially of all the good stuff they said about it. So, one leg over, left foot-click, twist the wrist and BAM!! Instant weather forecast. Even though the first thing I did was an unexpected wheelie, I was in control of the beast.....for a good block. I came back around and saw my buddy fainted on the floor, so there was one thing I could have done...........A 20 minute test ride of course!! low-mid end torque is a thrill, what you would expect of a V-twin, so put those gobs of torque in good use around town. The handling was also a nice surprise, almost effortless, just aim and shoot, not bad for a liter bike, and the the throaty grunt out of the exhausts made me rev it on red lights so it can keep on singin' those tunes. The only gripe I have with the Hawk is the ergos, I know that plenty of people say it is comfortable, and I came in thinking it would be, but after that 20 minute tango, the lady in Red knee'd me where it hurts, I tried the ol' thigh master routine on the tank but after awhile you get tired of it. I thought it was just me, but the owner of the Hawk, complained of the same thing, (we are 6' and 5'10")I really do like this bike and for the people who are comfy in it are the lucky ones. So before you buy this beauty, don't just sit on it at the dealer, try to find a way to ride her first, because this is one bike that have some riders comfy, and others hurting. Show less

Bought the pickle in april of 2002, she had been sitting on the showroom for 2 long years. I was in the market for a hooligan bike. I am 39 years old and I didnt think that a sport bike wwas comfortable enough for me. When they knocked 1500 off the sticker and threw in a 5 year unlimited miles warrenty I couldnt say no. This is my second street bike but I have been riding for 30 years and had numerous bikes over the years. Mostly european. I dont know much about sport bike brakes but 2 fingers work for me on this one. I get about 36.5 mpg at any speed. I went to biketober fest this year. I felt as out of place on a japaneese bike as a cockroach at an insectiside party. I can say that this bike begs to be ridden fast. I live 87 miles from the speedway in daytona I made it 70 miles in 30 minutes, and that was taking it easy because of the cops. This bike is so fun to ride. It feels like a big dirt bike. very nimble and narrow for the knees. Comparing an apple to an apple it rules, but one day I thought I was the man and fooled around with a modified gsxr1000. I was shagging ass through the gears with full throttle blast through 1st 2nd 3rd 4th, I was ahead of him and doing 137 and getting ready to shift into 4th when I got passed like a mile marker on the freeway. He passed me doing about 155 and didnt let off until about 180. That day I realised my bike wasnt the fastest,just the funnist. Around town my bike cant be beet even by the big boys. Its perfect for traffic because of the torque, and It looks killer. I give it a 10. The only thing I wish is to be a little faster and the susension a little stiffer. Stil fast enough for the street. I ve had the bike 7 months and put 6500 miles on it. Oil changes every 2000. I could write 5 pages about the pickle, I love this bike. the yellow color is unique. oh and did I mdntion that mine sas the only superhawk that I saw at Biketober fest that day. I definently like that. Show less

Since I've kept this bike longer than any other I've owned I guess It's obvious i really like it. Vance & Hines pipes. Gen-mar bar risers, and Michelin pilot sports have made it the perfect bike for me. A 400mi (each way) trip this spring gave me a severe "ass ache" but not bad compared to my buddy's gxr agony. bike is bullet-proof so far with no maintenance problems at all. If you dive into a turn too fast DO NOT snap the throttle shut-- this is a V twin and the compression will literally lock up the rear wheel and make you mess your pants. Show less

I got my superhawk about 2 months ago. it's actually a 98 not 99 but who cares. If you have never ridden a big v-twin you are missing a whole new experience! I rode my friend's RC-51 and I knew I wanted a V-twin. no need for extreme horsepower, this bike has massive torque from about 3500 rpm's. roll on in any gear and you can feel it... the handling is not the best of the bikes I've ridden but it's very forgiving and feels light and easy despite it's heave dry weight specs. I did a track day on it at Road Atlanta and handling was surprisingly good though ground clearance did become a problem. This would probably never be an issue on the street though. I got a sharkskinz lower, seat cowl and dropped one tooth on the front sprocket (gearing is tall which makes your clutch hand tired riding around town or in traffic) but no complaints here... I love it and would recommend it to anyone Show less

I bought this bike abouy 4 months ago. It is my first sport bike I have had several other old fixer uppers. the super hawk kicks ass, It is an excellent bike to learn on. I have already put 9k on it the stock D204 lasted about 5500 miles then I went to the D207 and soon after that put the 207 on the front also. Changing the tires made the biggest difference they make draging the pegs a normal occurance. I also cut out the baffles in the mufflers with a cutting torch which works very well, put a dyno jet kit in it which boosted it up to 110hp and made it more wheelie hungry. another thing I did was convert all the brakes over to dot 5 fluid and add braided stainless lines all around. Im considering new pipes but i dont know which brand sounds the best and offers peak performance. I also want to know if anyone has put a 2 degree ignition advancer on their 996 and how it worked Show less

Bought my black 99 new in January 2000. Now have 35K miles on the clock. Excellent streetbike. No problems at all. This engine is great for real world riding. Granted it isn't a track platform, but this bike will do anything you need on the street. Love the 1/2 fairing and easy access to the oil filter. I hope Honda will come out with the NAS. Until then, I will stick with the VTR Show less

Buy if: You want lots of low end torque, loads of smooth power, and like back road twisties. Avoid if: You want more than 100 miles/tank, want to beat your friends at the track (R1, GSXR1000, RC51), or have a commute longer than 20 miles... Show less