Likes and Dislikes of your Superhawk

[dug]

If it's got the stock pipes on it, wait 'til you open up the exhaust for the real song. A bafflectomy goes a long way towards lettin' the music out, if you don't wanna pop for new pipes just yet.

[Hams51]

Werd. Actually, the previous owner did that already and it sounds great. It's not as loud as aftermarkets, but it's still a lovely tone. I don't want pipes until after I move out of my current location. I don't want to attract too much unwanted attention.

[AZZKIKER]

Well congrats on the bike. I hope you enjoy it for many many miles to go.

[Hams51]

As promised, it's time for my comparo between the two liter twins.

First off, the Shawk is an extremely fun bike to own and ride. The sound, the torque, it's good looks are often overlooked by potential buyers. However, this Shawk didn't get away from me. I reeled it in and I'm glad I did.

The Shawk is a great performing bike. It's less focused in the suspension department than that of the Five-One. I haven't got a chance to take it to any nearby twisties, but so far, it's compliant. I'll have to adjust the rear shock a bit, but it handles pretty nicely. It came with a front steering damper, which I think helps reduces any shakes up front. The Five-One is truly a racebike, so undoubtedly, its handling surpasses that of the Shawk.

Let's talk about the motor a bit. The Shawk has the delightful rumble of the twin, but there is one thing I dearly miss from the Five-One; and that is the subtle whine of the gear driven cams. Every time I went on a ride, I'd drool at my ears at the sound of it. The Shawk is missing that. No fear. Everything else is great! The power delivery from the Shawk surprised me. It came with some change in sprockets, but it seems as if the Shawk has more juice down low in the powerband. Excellent for fast launches and hammering out of bends. Nice!!! The speedo is off due to the gearing, but it's no slouch, that's for sure.

Brakes. Hmm...more to be desired coupled with the softer forks. The rotors are warped/bent so I have to change them, so I'm trying not to be too hard on them. I'd hate to grab a handful over some light sand and have it acting like ABS. You guessed it, the Five-One wins hands down here also. I don't do stoppies, but I miss the two finger lightness of the Five-One's setup. Mind you, the Shawk's brakes will stop the bike fairly quick, as long as the rider takes a little more into account fork dive and road conditions. I might upgrade to HH pads, synthetic brake fluid, and if need be, SS brake lines.

Overall, I'm very pleased with my choice. The gas range is about the same as the Five-One so I not complaining. Here is a pic of her.

[AZZKIKER]

I am glad you are enjoying the bike. I recommend the 6 piston setup from the gixxer with the master cylinder, big improvement and 1 finger braking. Check www.superhawkforums.com for any info on modifications. A lot of knowledgeable guys are on that site. You wanna hear the true vtwin sound, you need some aftermarket pipes and you will shit your pants, trust me.

[jim schmidt]

With a slight modification for clearance, front calipers and a master cylinder from an RC, 929 or 954 will bolt up.

[AZZKIKER]

+1 that too, jim is right. He is the man to call when you gotta problem with the SH.

[Hams51]

Right on! Thanks fellas. I'll be on the lookout for them calipers. I've seen you guys on the superhawk forum. Traffic is pretty slow though compared to this site.

BTW: The Shawk is spot on with respect to my type of daily riding. The Shawks suspension is well suited for the streets.