Hawk ride description please

[Ancon]

I've been looking into jumping into this Hawk foray for some time now, but need advice.

I think I have a very good understanding that in the twisties, the Hawk is hard to beat. But I haven't dug up much how the bike is for everyday use.

I'd like to know more about:

Hawk's power?
Highway/interstate performance/rollon/passing, etc?

In other words, I'm only allowed to have 1 bike--and the boss, er, wife really likes the price of the Hawk. Would I be happy with owning just a Hawk? (seems like every time one of you guys posts a picture, there's always another motorcycle in the background ).

TIA for your experience and input.

[motorcycleman]

I love mine for everything. But I don't ride two up, and the position is a little hard on this nearly 50 year old and somewhat beat up body for really long rides without a couple of stops. I don't have problems passing, and the bike is very light and nimble. In other words, it is a great ride. I have owned a suzuki madura, yamaha xs 650, yamaha fj1100, yamaha rd 400, yamaha xt 250, harley sportster and still also own a harley softail custom. If I'm going on a trip, I'll take the harley. If I'm going to work or out to romp, its the hawk. If I still owned all those other bikes I'd probably still take the hawk.

[Doc]

I agree, Not a good bike for 2 up.

Hawks will do the "Ton" but that is about it. I think they have plenty of grunt and are great lil bikes.

Notice "lil". Again not good for 2 up so if the missus is gonna ride on the back get a 91-98 Ducati 900ss. Should be able to find one for about $4000.

[MrDude_1]

i have mine geared more toward accleration, so shes a bit buzzy on fast hwy rides, but not horrible.
this also means its no problem passing.. dont even bother downshifing, she can torque past everyone. the powerband is wide and flat.. with it fat enough down low that you can lug it around if you're feeling lazy or quiet.

they're very nimble, so its great in the city or slow traffic.. and they handle excelent at speed too...

you can jump on a hawk, flick the key and go.. ive done it for years.


the real cons i have are:
1. its only a 5spd.. about twice a day i reach for that non-existant 6th gear.
2. wind.. i love it as a commuter/city/playbike.. but if you're going long distance some kind of airbubble to tuck in would be nice
3. passengers suck. they are great single seater bikes.. but having a passenger instantly brings the bike out of balance and highlights its lack of extra power.


but if you want to ride it everyday.. the hawk is a GREAT bike.

[JR]

http://www.drivenandridden.net/trailers/hondabros4001990trailer.wmv

[SkinnE]

+1 on what's been said;

Great bike for solo riding, easy to ride, lets you get away with murder, begs to be ridden fast and chucked into corners. Seriously compromised with a passenger.

If you're coming from a bigger bike/inline four, you may find the acceleration isn't the same. It definitely pulls from quite a wide range of revs, but there isn't really a big rush of speed, like say hitting 10-12k on a Kawasaki. Straightline speed is not what Hawks are about, but I think you already get that.

Many will say that it's not brilliant on the highway, I'd agree, but I wouldn't say the bike struggles. It's just not it's favoured habitat. I also don't have a problem with windblast, but I think that has a lot to do with position and fit.

My Hawk is my Only motorcycle, and I ride it near enough everyday.

Oh, and bear in mind that video review is on a completely stock bike, with none of the necessary suspension upgrades. With modified suspension (and wearing leather trousers) you shouldn't have the particular problem that tester did. Denim tends to slide on vinyl... But a very useful link JR, I had forgot about it.

E

[NT696]

+1 on what everyone said as well.
Another thing to think about it is very affordable as far as insurance goes as well.

[MrDude_1]

Many will say that it's not brilliant on the highway, I'd agree, but I wouldn't say the bike struggles. It's just not it's favoured habitat. I also don't have a problem with windblast, but I think that has a lot to do with position and fit.

for the record, i agree 100% with this btw.. the windblast has everything to do with how you sit.. its only on several hundered mile long road trips that the wind starts wearing down on ya.. really it will on anything short of a true touring bike.

[Swipe]

I like the windblast as it makes the bike feel faster than it is at top speed.

[JR]

Sorry posted wrong link before should have been this one:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx7up9syaEk

[Stevenjhow]

SkinnE wrote:

Many will say that it's not brilliant on the highway, I'd agree, but I wouldn't say the bike struggles. It's just not it's favoured habitat. I also don't have a problem with windblast, but I think that has a lot to do with position and fit.


for the record, i agree 100% with this btw.. the windblast has everything to do with how you sit.. its only on several hundered mile long road trips that the wind starts wearing down on ya.. really it will on anything short of a true touring bike.

I beg to differ guys....I actualy like the wind blast, it holds you up at about 60 mph, it take most of the weight off my wrists and arms. I notice that on a nice long 300-350 mile run, I wont feel fatigued until I slow down in the city, that's when the wind doesn't hold me up anymore.

Anyone else feel the same? also keep in mind that I have lower clipons, maybe if they were stock bars the wind would more of a pain.

[joel]

As has been said:it's all about what you've ridden before and what you want your bike to do.

Compared to my Aprilia or Kawasaki,the Hawks are almost painfully slow...but they are almost effortless to ride and are quite fast enough to have your license taken from you for quite some time.

In terms of acceleration,the Hawk easily beats most cars up to 60 or in the 1/4 mile but hanging out in the breeze at 110-115 isn't that much fun so there's no big deal that it's not any faster.I've toured on Hawks quite a bit-they aren't great for it but many of us have done so;they just add a couple different aspects of adventure and the small tank lets you take a break every hour and a half or so.Obviously,we all think they're great bikes-because they are- but if you really want something that's good for 2 up touring and so on on a budget I'd look towards things like CBR1000F/Bandit 1200/ZRX.However,if you're a new rider or one that appreciates the finer points of a fine handling bike-a Hawk could be for you.

[Ancon]

Thanks guys....

I guess the old theory, "ask and ye shall receive" certainly holds true with this forum. Many great responses and the video was great.

Guess I'd better go get that Hawk I've been looking at. I'll let you all know when I do

Thanks again.

[SkinnE]

I beg to differ guys....I actualy like the wind blast, it holds you up at about 60 mph, it take most of the weight off my wrists and arms. I notice that on a nice long 300-350 mile run, I wont feel fatigued until I slow down in the city, that's when the wind doesn't hold me up anymore.

Anyone else feel the same? also keep in mind that I have lower clipons, maybe if they were stock bars the wind would more of a pain.

I'm with you, the windblast certainly helps hold you up at speed with low bars. I've got clip-ons under the top yoke, and while I have long arms, when I've been sitting at high speeds and slow down in town, I notice the weight falls on my hands more.

[DefTrap]

I ride on a mixture of 90+ motorway and twisty roads every day to work. The Hawk is dead comfortable compared to other, even faired, bikes where you'd think protection from the windblast would be a bonus. It does take a lot of pressure off of the wrists - my TL on the same route is fecking painful.