Has been difficult to turn over on occasion, but a new battery sorted that.
No other mechanical problems whatsoever.
Decided I wanted a v-twin as I have always had in-line 4's in the past. What can I say, you can't buy so much character and performance for so little.
It is superbly reliable and I have ridden it in all conditions, only tyres and servicing required so far.
I know it's no Duke, but with a performance exhaust it makes the hairs on my neck stand up, I never tire of cracking open that throttle.
Bad Points:
110 miles tank range at most, no gauge only a light (rectified with a larger tank on later models).
42mpg only when on cruise, low 30mpg otherwise.
Brakes are rubbish, fit braided lines.
Suspension is a bit soft as standard, if you go 2 up often you will need to sort out that rear ride height.
Good Points:
Fit a Blueflame/ART/Devil cans and you will have a permanent smile.
Cheap as chips used.
Very well made, lasts well if looked after.
Fit a 15T front sprocket for better pull.
Comfy and does 2 up well.
Confidence inspiring handling.
I would love to have a Honda Superhawk (VTR 1000). It's cool to hear from someone across the pond (I live in Mississippi, USA). Gotta lotta rough roads 'round here, and the bike seems to handle them well. Only thing is y'all seem to get ALL the cool dual sport bikes... no market for them here. Much to my chagrin. Guess I'll just have to go gray market to partake.
I own a 2002 superhawk (red) with sharkskinz lower fairing and tapeworks graphics kit. I love this bike for its monster torque and great handling.
Being in South Florida, most people have inline 4 cylinder bikes. I get lots of compliments, and people are always asking, what kind of bike is that?
Great handling. Comfortable and great for everyday riding.
I also own a Superhawk. It is a great bike.
My only complaints are that the gas mileage is horrrible and parts are rare. Otherwise a great bike.
I would like to find a full lower fairing that looks good.
I am the guy who posted this review, I am glad to say some months on I am still very pleased with the bike. So much so that I have convinced a friend that it's the best way to go after their Bandit. I only have one problem, I love this Honda so much it upsets my dad... he's a Kawasaki Dealer!!
I bought one in 02'. I have raised the rear with a 5mm shim under the shock mount, added 2 teeth to the rear sprocket, and I have a set of 2 bros. pipes on the way. As far as the gnarly backroads go... nothing can keep up. I humble squids on repli racers on a daily basis.
I just bought a 98 Superhawk, and all I can say is I will keep it forever, even if it ever stopped running, it is a collector's piece...
I get a lot of sportbike and Harley guys staring at the sound and look of it; that brings a smile to my face as I ride off!!!
Yup I love my Red Sonja. Her looks are so different to all the others that it will never be outmoded. And what a blast to ride. She doesn't have the outright power of the new liter class bikes (although 110hp still gives the new 600's a run for their money), but there are damn few bikes with torque like that. The number of times I have left a very surprised rider on a supersport class bike in my wake. Acceleration is brutal. Overtaking of cars is almost disdainful, and is over so quickly it still surprises me. The torque is available at any revs, in any gear.
And she purrs beautifully - nothing like a big V-twin. I have standard pipes, but would like to get aftermarket ones. Other similar bikes I have heard with aftermarket pipes have a VERY commanding note - makes the hair on your neck rise. What an absolute pleasure at the price. The bad fuel economy and small tank are nothing - for fun like this at this price.
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