Honda VTR 100F Superhawk reviews

I just traded my 900RR for a 2000 Super Hawk -- what a torque monster. I've just added Erion Racing pipes and the sound is great along with an increase in horsepower and torque. This is a bike that you can tour for hours. However be forewarned that if you are used to a four cylinder, the engine turns much slower at 60 (about 3200 rpm). Because of this I got my first ticket in 14 years (at 4000 rpm you're doing 75 mph). I have to admit the bike is real smooth at that speed. I was impressed; the officer was not. The handling is light and she will wheelie at will. If you are ready for a change from a four cylinder, you won't regret it. Just like a Porsche 911, this bike has a mystique that will want you to get back on it as soon as you get off. Show less

In comparing a '99 F4, which is a great bike for all around riding, lots of Fun. The RC51 has "soul," it's alive! The sweet exhaust note from the dual exhaust, and the ever so exotic gear drive whine puts a BIG smile on my face every time I start my baby up. As far as anything negative, it would have to be the "gas tank" being a little to wide in right handed slow maneuvers. Besides that, the handling, power, and looks still command a five star rating. Riding an in-line 4cyl like a F4, is "fun," but the sound and power of this new Honda twin is "FUN, FUN, FUN!" Show less

I own a 1999 Black VTR1000F Superhawk. I have nothing but good things to say about this bike, excluding gas mileage. I commute 20 miles a day 5 days a week. Due to the bike's great ergos the stress on the back & wrist are minimal. As for performance, the 90-deg. V-twin engine offers great torque anywhere in it's power band. The bike is balanced very well not requiring a great deal of effort to toss it around. The bike's suspension is a little on the soft side when riding hard but overall very good. The addition of a steering dampener is a must if enjoy pushing your bike to it's limits. The VTR is not a bike designed for the track but it is more than capable of holding it's own in that setting. Show less

This is a first-class set up. It took a bunch of phone calls to track this one down. To make a long story short, this is one hell of a bike. I have done 2000 miles in the first month and looking forward to many more before the end of the year. You gotta be patient for the after-market stuff -- exhaust etc. This suspension is stiff and secure. It's very predictable in the corners and plenty of get up in any gear at any rpm. You twist she goes. Show less

I've owned a 99 Superhawk for seven months; put 2000 miles on it and absolutely love it. The only modification I put on it is a set of Jardine slip-ons, and a Dyno-jet kit, that seemed to give it that mean, but not too loud sound, but at the same time give's it a good power boost. The only other modification I want to do to it is a bigger fuel tank. Other than that, the only other complaint I have is that I can't get on the bike enough, Cleveland weather sucks!!! Show less

This VTR1000F is not bad, not bad at all. No. People often will complain about the fuel range. Nobody complains about the (equally terrible) range of a Ducati but they don't hesitate to remind you of it on a VTR. No bike is perfect. Well, a Ducati handles a lot better, they will add. True, but a Ducati has Ohlin shocks. This VTR handles great and she will be even better when I put Ohlins on her too (and then she will rank 5 stars). Best of all, valve service intervals are every 16,000 miles- unlike the 6,000 interval those demonic desmodronic valves will require. And, it's a Honda (this means parts work VERY well and are put together properly). True, a Ducati has more character (or, as engineers call it; flaws) and if money were no object I'd prefer the Ducati. But money talks and I couldn't say no to the steal I got on a beautiful new black 1999 VTR1000F ($7,900). It is plenty fast with gobbs of torque but the way it rumbles makes it equally satisfying when I just cruise. For the money, I think this is the best bike on the planet. I just don't know how Honda can sell them for profit at this price. I have been riding 17 years and my past mounts include SuzukiGS550ES, BMWK75S, BMWR100, Harley'77FLH, KawasakiZX6, HondaNX650, Honda'95VFR and now this VTR1000F. The VTR reminds me of a cross between my VFR and the R-bike (BMW). I plan to keep this bike for a long time. Show less

I own a 1998 SuperHawk. The only complaints I have is the suspension is not stiff enough, and the exhaust could have a meaner note to it . But if you want a bike that can wheelie with a flick of the wrist and no clutch action, it is the bike for you. Even though it is soft on the suspension, it handles great. I have put 8400 miles on mine and those are the only complaints. It is the perfect all-around bike for daylong cruises, two up riding, or aggressive riding on your favorite back road. I AM GLAD I BOUGHT IT. Show less

When I first saw spy photos and rumor articles, I knew I must have this bike. Job One: convince wife second bike is necessary. Job Two: slip deposit to dealer six months before bike arrives. Job Three: pick up bike in Spring of 98 and begin a love affair that more than compensates for any suffering or loss incurred in Job 1. The Super Hawk is truly Super Fun. Light and agile yet supremely stable (sensitive to tire wear though). I thought the aggressive riding position might be a bit much for a distinctly middle-aged frame, but I seem to experience no discomfort, especially on the open road. I have done 200-300-mile days and lived to tell about it. Not even one ibuprofen. I love the engines slow revving, torquey, mid-range rich nature. I love effortless wheelies. I love just looking at it while parked. I plain love this bike! Only fuel injection could comlete this package. Show less

I bought my SuperHawk in March, 2000 after doing extensive research between the ZX-9, VFR800 and Vmax. It has more street usable torque than the ZX-9 or VFR, and better handling than the Vmax and has greater limits than I'll ever have. I'd like a little more exhaust sound, but it's good for now. The gas tank is too small, but the bike is nice and narrow and feels very nimble. A gas gauge and brakes with a crisper bite would be nice, too. Otherwise, I love the fact it has huge torque and midrange and also hits the magic 100 HP at the rear wheel. Even fat guys can wheelie this puppy down the block! It's like a civilized Ducati for someone who isn't married to a banker, chiropractor, and mechanic. I can't imagine selling this bike or getting something more hardcore unless I lived near a racetrack or canyon. Show less

I've put 5000 miles since I bought it last year. It has performed beautifully. One thing I don't understand after reading some of the comments about the poor gas mileage of the SuperHawk is that my SuperHawk has averaged 38 to 43 miles per gallon of premium fuel (never below 38 mpg). This is obtained whether I am riding in the city traffic or 85 to 125mph highway speed. One time I tempted fate by running the full tank dry and my bike stalked after 163 miles of riding (a very stupid and dangerous thing to try). So I suspect people who got poor mileage from their bikes probably have been riding at high speed in low gears or something. Show less