1997-2005 Honda VTR1000 F SuperHawk (Firestorm) Review - Road Test, History, Specs!
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- čas přidán 16. 02. 2024
- Special thanks to my friend Paul for letting me review this beautiful VTR1000F! The VTR100F SuperHawk (Firestorm) was introduced in 1997 and production ran through 2005. The displacement of the VTRs liquid-cooled, 8-valve, 90 degree V-twin was 996cc. In this road test review video, we'll talk about the history, specs, and performance of the VTR1000F and then I'll bring the camera along as we check out what the SuperHawk is like to ride. Is this the best sounding street bike ever produced? Let's find out together!
- Auta a dopravní prostředky
I just bought a 1999 VTR1000. with 7600 miles. I had a VFR before. When I rode this bike, it felt more refined and felt lighter. I am loving the comfort. I have two replaced knees and have no problem with this.
What a bargain for a beautiful bike. It is yellow with the two brothers and lower cowl. My favorite bike so far. PS, I am 70.
Very cool! Riding fast bikes keeps the mind sharp. Cheers!
I just bought a VTR 1000 Firehawk from 2005 and i love it !!! She is a beast. So much more fun then my Fireblade SC44. I think am in love 😎
@@pwalraad Right on!
Only seen a couple of these on the road, but I'll never forget when a one made stop'n go on traffic lights. That exhaust note is a real head-turner.
Right on! Cheers
I'm looking at 2002 Superhawk right now 24k miles $4k road a new one in 2005 it was so fun
Not a bad price if it's in good condition 👍🏻
У меня 2004 года 96к км , still very good. Отличный мотор.
Хочу себе такое же седение. Попробую заказать по фото видео.
I rode one for a couple of days as a lender bike around 2001 when my GpZ 1100 was at the dealership for service and I have very fond memories of it. I'm a tall guy (6.5") but I can't remember that it was uncomfortable. I loved the rumble and the tork. As a matter of fact, I am considering to sell my current Gixxer in favour of a mint 2001 Firestorm which I have been ogling for a week now...
Right on!
I just pick up an imported ‘97 firestorm (euro name for super hawk). It’s an amazingly fun bike. I’m a tall guy 6’4 but it’s comfortable. Need a brake after about 1-1 1/2 hour but that ok because I haven’t found a gas station it doesn’t liked yet.
😂
The most I have managed is 108 miles before the reserve light flashed on. The VTR is a rather thirsty machine, kinda reminds me of my RG500/NS400r/RD350YPVS days for fuel economy and they were a 2 strokes. At least I don't have to factor in 2 stroke oil. Greta Thunberg would not be happy.😂
I picked up a 1998 super hawk again after 18 years of owning my last one because I got an RC-51 shortly after. I gave her a belly pan from the UK, full black widow exhaust from the UK, new upholstered seat from a company in france named top sellerie I believe, Barnett clutch, new stator and rectifier from ricks electric, manual cam chain tensioners from the UK, and a bunch of small things here and there from the US, Canada, UK Australia, and so on. All I need to do now is very little paint and body work. Also I live in Arizona and I usually go up Mount lemon to sweep in the tires and keep them from getting a flat spot in the center of the tires as well as for fun obviously. LoL. Yes you are very correct on the super chicken (which is their nickname) being in whatever gear that you are in with the torque in play. When I was going up the mountain from the base to windy point which is half way I put her in gear that wasn't too high or to low and I'm cutting through those corners like it was nothing. When I was half way between the base and windy point I looked down and she was going about 86mph comfortably. It really didn't feel like I was going that fast. She is nimble, leans into the corners like she was telling me it's okay I got you, and she has power. I originally wanted to get another RC-51 but they are so expensive now because they only made them for 6 years just like the super chicken. I got mine for $3500.00 from a guy in nappa valley in California and he was a really nice guy and was humble with the price. The super chicken is the detuned version of the RC. I did check ahead of time and even though parts are extremely hard to find the super hawk has a good number of parts like seals gaskets and some engine parts. If you do get one look on eBay and buy 2 of each part if you can because eventually they won't be around very much longer. I'm extremely happy with my hawk and I daily drive her to work or just ride. I didn't settle for my bike because I already knew what she is capable of. I pretty much restored her and I've been happy since then. Sorry for the novel I posted. The super hawk is definitely not boring and extremely fun to ride and very reliable if maintained properly.
Right on, thanks for the post. It's always good to hear feedback from owners of the bikes I review. It sounds like you got the perfect bike for you. Cheers!
Hi Jon another very nice bike. I wish modern bikes looked as good. Thanks for the video.
Thanks Andrew! My friend Paul keeps his bikes really nice. Cheers!
I have had a firestorm for 19 years now and have customized to eliminate any little issues with ohlins suspension and scotts/ohlins steering damper I love it a lot . I have looked at getting a new bike but nothing jumps out at me.
Right on! Ohlins suspension goes a long way on any bike! I would love to ride a Firestorm with that setup. Cheers!
Fantastic review man. Superb. 👏
Thanks, Johnny!
still have your 2008 concours 14 cant get rid of that great review..thankyou
Right on! Thank you!
Exactly as I found my vtr, had 10 years off bike sold 750s and goldwing 2003,2009 got CB 450 dx,then 2020 got vtr what a difference 😂 still getting used to it, love it,
Very cool, Brian! Cheers
Excellent sound quality on the ride. Great vid. 👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you!
Great review. What a classic. Jem.
Thanks, Marko!
Beautiful bike, awesome sound.
Right on, Levi! Cheers
Love the look of this bike!
Right on! I like it in blue with the mods my friend Paul has made. Cheers!
Thanks it has lot of refinement to my personal taste as my other HONDA on my stable.
I have a blue '03. Only problem I have had with it is the auto tensioner let go (snapped the spring in it) and bent a couple of valves. Luckily no other damage and I have since replaced with manual ones. Plenty of power for me and will lift the front wheel in first gear. Sounds amazing right up to the redline especially above 7000rpm, even with stock exhaust.
Right on, Michael! I've converted to manual cam chain tensioners on several of my bikes. The Superhawk is a great machine. Cheers!
Very nice bike. Looked at a new red VTR in 02 , but couldn't vision myself going touring comfortably, so I kept on looking. RIDE SAFE OUT THERE JON!
Thanks, Henry! I agree. With that long reach to the bars, it really wasn't a tourer. Cheers
Try a VFR GEN 5 with a few mod's the red one Jon reviewed previously is my long tour bike & I have a 650 GT HAWK heavly modified that he will review later on .
@paulfurst5837 Have a 96 red Gen 4 , that I purchased a year ago with 15,000 miles on it. Very sweet ride. Thanks for the comment.
If I could find a decent example, I would buy it in a New York minute. Circumstances forced me to sell mine back in 2003 and I have missed it ever since.
Right on! They are neat bikes. Cheers!
They are immensely fun to ride and have lashings of useable torque, but be prepared to refuel every 100 miles or so, though by then my old wrists need a rest. The two main weak points are the cam chain tensioners and rectifiers. I swapped out to manual CCT's and the rectifier had already been replaced. Otherwise if you keep on top of servicing, corrosion etc they are very reliable. I'd also look very closely at the suspension on a bike of this vintage. The one I bought a couple of years ago had a newish rear shock but I found the forks had a horrible tendency to initially dive when off the throttle or grabbing a handful. To be fair this was a common complaint from new. As I was intending to pull out the forks anyway to change the oil I replaced the springs with K-Tech linear fork spring matched to my weight for sporty riding. This transformed the front end, and as long as you are willing to do the work yourself does not cost a lot. I think the springs were around £90 (UK).
Right on, those are great suggestions! I've put better springs in many of the bikes I own and it makes a world of difference in the handling. The more a bike dives and rises with brakes or throttle, the more the suspension geometry changes, and the less precise the cornering line. Thanks for the tips. Cheers!
Beautiful and iconic- and I'm a 916 guy.
Right on! Cheers
Love my VTR :-)
Right on!
Ironically, as much as I love them, the big sporty VTwins were never in my stable. I had the first year Interceptor, but immediately didn't gel with it. Owning an RD350LC at the time, the V4 just felt too big, too heavy, and I hate to say this, but it was kind of boring in sound and power band. Especially compared to the crazy little Yamaha, lol. My replacement for the VF750 was the small displacement CX. It was actually heavier than the 750, but it felt completely different somehow. The powerband of the Turbo was virtually identical to my 350LC, except the CX just felt like a giant comfy, cushy, elegant and refined couch version, that went berzerk with great whooshing sounds instead of crackling expansion chamber noise. My only shaft drive bike, it forever spoiled me for it's zero maintenance excellence. My favourite bike of all time hands down, not even a contest.
Very cool 😎! Thanks for sharing the memories and your experience with the CX. I really want to review one someday. Cheers!
The LC350 was one of a kind.
My brother bought one brand new and I rode it a few times.
It would hit the redline no problem in top gear doing 180kmh indicated and keep going. For a small guy they were all the bike you could ever need. My mate had an RZ350 full fairing model which would do 200kmh no problem.
Insanely great bikes.
I have an 84 VF750F interceptor, Brown CX500,GL500 Silverwing, CX500 & CX650 Turbos. All awesome bikes!
@@patrickb133 Right on, Patrick!
@@redtobertshateshandles I bought a a brand new RD350YPVSN2 in I think 1986. At the tender age of 17. It was wizard, though I lost my license for 3 months within a few months of ownership. I didn't learn my lesson though and bought a NS400R.😂
Have ridden one here in NewZealand yes great torque curve love the V twin sound and feel make for a great road engine. The s hawk prob run out of a bit of puff up high but that’s not where most riding is done 110 hp quoted on NZ ones but that could b at the crank
Right on! I've read multiple power output figures for the Superhawk and went with an American magazine test figure specifically listing the rear wheel hp. The mods on this bike probably increase that figure a bit. I'm used to the big 4-cyl bikes with more of a building top-end rush. In comparison, the Superhawk power curve feels different with minimal difference in pull between 4k rpm and redline when you open the throttle. It gives it the soft, high rpm feel you mention. I would love to ride in NZ someday. What a beautiful country. Cheers!
Ram air & air box mod's, jetting , two Bros pipe just WORK better than other comb O.
@paulfurst5837 Right on! The jetting and your modifications worked very well together. Cheers!
Greetings from Bulgaria vtr is a great and very fun bike. 😉
I agree! Cheers from Pennsylvania, USA!
I’ve had mine about a month and I love it. Previous owner swapped front end with ‘07 cbr 1000 to give a little better front suspension and braking. I got original with the bike but I kinda love the way it is. Smooth ride and so much fun. Only complaints are tank range, but that’s ok cause after an hour I kinda need a break anyway. And it’s an import so speedo only Kmh so I gotta do math while I ride to make sure no tickets. Otherwise amazing
Awesome! I'm sure the CBR1000 front end makes it even better. I imagine that figuring out how fast you're going would be interesting until you get used to it. Cheers!
Ive ridden a few of these and have seriously considered owning one as they are so cool in so many ways but difficult riding position for longer rides and very thirsty/short range as you noted. I had a 2000 Suzuki SV650S which was the most flickable bike I've owned, but ultimately was a tough size for a 6 foot guy.
Right on, John! You bring up a lot of great points. It's hard to find the perfect bike. And if you do, it may not perfect for someone else. Good luck in your search! Cheers
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
That is why I now have 3 different bikes 😁
This bike seems to have a lot of character, which a lot of Hondas lack owing to their pursuit of perfection.
I’m sure the difficulty in turn-in is related to the tires. Great ride-along as usual. I always liked the Super Hawk.
Right on, thank you! New tires would certainly help. Cheers!
Which is funny because if I remember correctly one of the chief complaints about the VTR (aside from the odd-sized front wheel) was it’s sewing machine nature. The mags almost always mentioned the TLS as having more character. Lol
@cbrsawyer Right on! Because of those reviews, the TL1000S was my dream bike when it first came out. Rereading the reviews after later owning the TL1000S, I think the reviewers were drinking spiked Coolaid. One review in particular said the TL1000S would be easier for an average rider to ride around the racetrack than a GSX-R750. What absolute rubbish. It was a very difficult bike to ride quickly. I could do it, but I was never able to relax and trust the TL. Compared to the Superhawk, the TL1000S is faster and more powerful, but it's also more abrupt on and off throttle, the suspension is less communicative and the seating position is more aggressive, which gives it an edginess and excitement that some might call "character". For me, wondering if a bike is going to chuck me off is a "character" trait I can do without - and more isn't better. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I only rode a GSX R750 once. A friend was looking to buy one. I test rode it about a mile and found out why always rave reviews. The thing was sublime but the riding position was way to extreme for my old bones. As for a bike's character such as what the TL had, I’d rather not either.
In retrospect, I think it was far too easy for perfectly competent motorcycles to “disappear” beneath the bums of spoiled moto-journalists who would then take a liking to any bike with “character” as you described it. The Superhawk has tons of character for those who don’t swap saddles all day long as their job. Plus, that “sewing machine” nature most often translated to being dead reliable for the common folk. Good times. Oh, how I miss the 90s and glossy monthly motorcycle rags. Sigh.
Hi! Great review, very sleek looking unit, nicely kept! On the reason why these (Suzi & Honda) V2 where built, I heard it was because of race regulations, giving advantage to the Italians (in European race series??), so eventually the Japanese got so unnerved by the Italian advantage (V2 was allowed more displacement I think, as a main advantage), they decided to beat them on their own ground.
I don't know if it's true, but the Honda SP1 and SP2 where only the required quantity of roadbikes to participate in some race series, so there is reason to believe it's true.
Kind of. The RC51 and TL1000R were intended to race against the 750cc four cylinder bikes in the US and elsewhere where the Ducatis were enjoying success. The Superhawk/Firestorm and TL1000S were intended as street machines from the start. Though the TL1000S and TL1000R share the same engine configuration and displacement, there are few interchangeable parts. Same story with the RC51 and Superhawk. Cheers!
My favorite tyrp of bike, sporty 90 degree v twin.
Right on!
Can't say i like the styling of the bodywork, but definitely a cool/ unique bike !
Right on! It was a privilege to get to review the Superhawk. Cheers!
The Japanese never design a bike that you want to drool over. They want you to get sick of it and buy a new model.
@@redtobertshateshandles Z1 900 Kawasaki, ZX-7R, RC-45, CBX, H2R... I'm drooling as I write!
Opinions vary .@@redtobertshateshandles
Having owned a 70s Ducati V-twin, I can only imagine how much better the Honda is.
Right on! I'm sure the Superhawk is superior in any measure of performance or reliability. Though some of the 1970s Ducatis are really going up in value. Cheers!
It was cool when they started making twins to hurt down Ducati’s. I’ve owned ducatis and I’ve never had a chance to ride the vtr or the rc30. Great review to give some insight
@@mmotorcycles9497 Right on! The Superhawk & TL1000S look good when compared performance-wise to the 900SS. Only the RC51 was able to compete successfully (for 1 year) with the Ducatis at the track. I've ridden or owned most of the V-twin sportbikes: Ducatis, Aprilias, Hondas, Suzukis. At 6'-4" tall, most were torture racks for me. From a riding standpoint, my favorite was the V-twin Aprilia Tuono. Cheers!
Japanese bikes lack character that you get with Ducati or Harley. My mate still has his TL1000S. I find it boring. It's not big four cylinder fast either.
@@redtobertshateshandles You might get some differing opinions on that topic 😉! Cheers
I'd say it's tyres. I have Michelin Road 5's, and my forks are rebuilt with heavier springs and 7.5w oil. Handles a dream!
You're probably right. I agree, the Michelin Road 5s are great tires. Cheers!
Hola Jhon .muy linda la VTR. Nunca pude probar ninguna. Pero coincido con vos en la entrega de potencia del motor V2.( tuve solamente un transalp 600) . La RC51 se vendió al publico en EEUU? Muy bueno tu video como siempre.saludos Ricardo
¡Gracias Ricardo! Me gustaría probar la Transalp en algún momento. El RC51 se vendió en Estados Unidos. He tenido uno. Era literalmente una bicicleta de carreras con luces. Terrible para una conducción normal en la calle, pero increíblemente rápida cuando se presiona un poco. Planeo revisarlo en el futuro. ¡Salud!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 ME ENCANTARIA VER ESA PRUEBA. YA QUE NO ME ACUERDO DE ELLA. SOLO VI ESA FOTO QUE PASASTE EN EL ÚLTIMO VIDEO!!
The famous sc36
Right on!
I have a nice 98 ,these are fantastic and are light and handle well with great motor, they suck gas and have low range, factory fueling is great on huge flatsides but the do backfire in occasion, the 60 to 80 time is what matters and it is fast.The rake ,trail and wheelbase are exact duplicates of the Ducati 916 with a better motor , it handles like a 916 with soft suspension and short 56 inch wheelbase makes turning tight sweepers great....carry a spare voltage regulator and also when the kickstand plunger safety goes out it will disable the bike so buy a spare ,with 60000 miles on mine I know a little about them and I just bought one more .
Awesome, Paul! Thanks for sharing the Superhawk insights. Cheers!
Love mine, the rectifier issue was also an issue with the Vfr 800 from the same vintage.
@@davapod lots of cheap replacements that get hot and burn up, the only real dependable fix is a Yamaha big job with fins and a heat sink.
@@davapod Yep.
@@paulscountry456 Right on. Mine came with a replacement rectifier with a big heat sink. Though not a Yamaha one, I think it was Tour Max (Japanese)
Hola excelente video me ha encantado la forma en que se abordan los temas.
Estoy considerando comprar esta motocicleta, podrían darme un consejo. Muchas gracias 🙋🏻
¡Gracias! Me alegra que hayas disfrutado el vídeo. Al igual que con cualquier compra de motocicleta usada, tenga paciencia y compre solo una en buenas condiciones. Prefiero pagar un poco más por una moto realmente bonita que comprar una barata y en mal estado e intentar dejarla bonita. Si va a ver uno a la venta, lleve a un amigo motociclista experimentado para que lo revise. ¡Buena suerte!
Holy smokes, just noticed. Tell Paul those auto cam chain tensioner are a well known fail point and typically grenade the front cyl when they pop. Manual are easy…
Thanks, I'll pass that on. Cheers
I almost bought one of these - but I found the Blackbird a far more compelling option.
They sound and look great. I love those side rads.
I do still like them. (Maybe I should just own both!)
I read in an article that they have the biggest carbs ever fitted to a standard production bike. Which explains the fuel use
Right on! Variety is nice. I've never know a Superhawk to pass up a gas station ⛽️. Cheers!
The Blackbird definitely makes more sense and is a super ride. I bought a Firestorm a couple of years ago as a relatively cheap way back to biking and also trying the big v-twin experience for the first time after a decade break of biking. My previous form includes bikes such as the RD350 YPVS, TDR250, NS400r, GSXR750 SRAD, ZX9r, ZX12r, 954 blade, VFR800fi, FZ6, Z1000 (2005). I'm having a blast with it, though I always liked the TL1000s more.
@@davapod I'm hoping to do a ride review of the TL1000S soon...
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Fantastic, Just be careful 😂
@@davapod Right on!
Great video! I've always liked these bikes. Which bike did you like better between the Superhawk& the VFR? Which bike has the more upright seating position, if I remember correctly the VFR was a little more tour friendly. I might be able to look for another bike and those 2 are high on the list.
I prefer the VFR personally. I just wish it was 1000cc. But, then again, that would only get me in trouble! They're both great bikes. Good luck with your decision. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 There is a 2007 25th anniversary with the luggage bags for sale locally I'm going to inquire about. I think it had 15k on it
@@RichardPeck-ei1bd Awesome, I hope that works out for you! Cheers
Ive always wanted one and been considering buying one now but as an older rider I'm wondering if the ride position is a bit on the sporty side for errr, senior riders?
Great question, Peter! That depends on the senior. My friend Paul, who owns this Superhawk, is in that category and still enjoys it. I personally prefer a more upright riding position. Try one out if you get the chance. Cheers!
Hi Peter, the VTR has a riding position that isn't as extreme as a Gixxer. Nonetheless I find my wrists need a break after 100 miles. By then you need to refuel anyway. Saying that, with a stop for a coffee or two I have comfortably covered 250 miles a day. I'm in my mid 50's at around 5ft 10. If that helps. As fun as it is it really isn't the bike to tour in comfort.
@davapod Thanks that's great info. 😀
No worries, don't let that you stop riding one though. A good example is a blast to ride. Just not for hours on end.
Where could i find that lower engine cowling? Is it custom or standed for the u.s. version?
It's a custom aftermarket product. I will check with the owner of the Superhawk and get back to you. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 that would be awsome thanks heaps and loved your review on the firestorm.
@@benomeara2315 Thanks, I appreciate the feedback!
I just heard back from the owner. The lower fairing is a Sharkskins part. Part # 1070. They have street and race versions (I think they differ in thickness). I hope that helps.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 thanks for getting back to me
Sounds like gear driven cams.
I was thinking that as I drove it. Cheers!
Twin 48mm carbs
Thirsty carbs! Cheers
these bike have great stock exhausts ... nevermind the two brothers crap
To each his own 🙂. Cheers!
Really the weight loss & power gain were worth every dollar & pound. Just remove stock muffler & center stand on most Honda net near average 20 lb.loss , pounds per HP is the magic and then handling.
Two Brothers had the best sound
@@markmallinson935 Right on!
I agree .
Ive just bought one as my first motorcycle (yes i know)
If you respect it as you would an airplane, you should be fine. Cheers!
Sadly not EFI
True. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538I think the choke adds appeal to the bike.
Excellent sound quality on the ride. Great vid. 👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks for the feedback! Cheers