Honda VTR1000F

Honda VTR1000F

Manufacturer	Honda
Also called	SuperHawk, Firestorm
Production	1997–2005
Class	Sport bike
Engine	996 cc (60.8 cu in) l/c 90° V-twin
Bore / stroke	98.0 mm × 66.0 mm (3.86 in × 2.60 in)
Compression ratio	9.4:1
Top speed	155 mph (249 km/h)[1]
Power	116 hp (87 kW) (rear wheel)[1]
Torque	64.9 lb⋅ft (88.0 N⋅m) (rear wheel)[2]
Ignition type	Computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance
Transmission	6-speed manual, chain final drive
Suspension	Front: 41mm H.M.A.S. cartridge-type fork with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping, 109mm axle travel Rear: Pro-Link with preload and rebound damping-adjustable gas-charged H.M.A.S. damper, 124mm axle travel
Brakes	Front: Dual 296 mm discs, 4-piston Nissin calipers Rear: Single 220 mm disc, single-piston caliper
Tires	Front: 120/70-ZR17 (58W) (Radial) Rear: 180/55-ZR17 (73W) (Radial)
Wheelbase	1,430 mm (56 in)
Seat height	810 mm (32 in)
Weight	426 lb (193 kg).[3] (dry) 472 lb (214 kg)[2] (wet)

The Honda VTR1000F (frame designation "SC36") was a 90° V-twin sport bike produced by Honda from 1997 to 2005. Known worldwide as the Firestorm, in the USA it was marketed as the SuperHawk.

In 2005, the VTR1000F was discontinued.^[4]

Innovation

The VTR1000F was introduced in 1997 using an all new 90-degree V-twin engine and a HMAS (Honda Multi-Action System) fork and shock. The bike also ushered in several new design concepts for Honda such as the semi-pivotless frame, where the engine is a stressed member with the swingarm bolted directly to it. Other innovations were side radiators, single-casting engine case, connecting rods with cap screws instead of nuts, and 38 mm intake valves, the largest Honda has ever used on a production motor at that time.^[5] It had the largest carburetors ever put on a production motorcycle (48 mm).^[5] In order to overcome response irregularities typical for larger V-twin engines, Honda specified different camshaft profiles and intake manifold dimensions for the two cylinders, and the power control of the engine was praised in motorbike surveys.^[6] Cycle World list a quarter-mile time and speed of 11.03-second/124.26-mph.

Model history

In 1999, the VTR1000F featured new silver wheels.^[4]

From model year 2001, Honda introduced a number of upgrades. These included increasing the tank from 16 liters (4.23 US gallons) to 19 liters (5.02 US gallons), internal modifications to the front forks, black wheels, smaller indicators, and a less extreme riding position (thanks to mildly raked clip-on bars). A new LCD dash display comprised fuel level, engine temperature, dual trip mileometers, odometer and clock. A Honda Ignition Security System (HISS) immobiliser also became standard. The US model "Superhawk" never received the larger tank, instead retaining the original 16 liter (4.2 US gallons).^[4]

Honda VTR1000F pre 01 dashboard

Honda VTR1000F 2005 dashboard

Honda VTR1000F with aftermarket lower fairing

References

1. "Honda VTR1000F Super Hawk – Best Used Bikes". Cycle World. June 10, 2010. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
2. "Performance Index '10" (PDF), Motorcycle Consumer News, Bowtie Magazines, 2010, archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-02-15, retrieved 2016-09-15
3. Edge, Dirck (March 10, 2004). "2004 Honda Super Hawk: MD Ride Review". Motorcycle Daily.com. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
4. "Honda VTR1000F Firestorm (1997–2005)", Motorcycle News, 8 March 2012
5. Fortune, Tom (March 29, 1998). "Honda VTR1000F Super Hawk". Motorcycle.com. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
6. Schröter, Matthias. "Comparison test Aprilia SL 1000 Falco, Ducati ST 4s, Honda VTR 1000 F, Voxan Café racer". MOTORRAD. Retrieved April 10, 2016.

External links