- Honda VTR1000F
The Honda VTR1000F is a
V-twin sportbike manufactured byHonda . Known in the U.S. as the "SuperHawk", outside the U.S. it is marketed as the "Firestorm".Introduction
The Firestorm was introduced in 1997 after the
Ducati 916 madetwin cylinder sportbikes popular again. It was an early-release 1998model year bike.The Firestorm used an all new 90-degree V-twin. The bike introduced several new design concepts such as the "semi-pivotless frame", side
radiator s, single-casting engine case,connecting rod s with cap screws instead of nuts, and the largestcarburetor s Honda ever put on a motorcycle (48 mm). "Semi- Pivotless frame" meant that engine was a stressed member with theswingarm bolted directly to the engine.One motorcycle magazine suggested (circa 2000) that this bike was the fastest 0-60 mph production bike at the time.
A racing version of the bike was expected from Honda.
Racing variant
In 2000 Honda produced the RVT1000R (RC51) known outside the United States as the VTR1000 SP-1, though the bike had only four engine parts in common with the SuperHawk. The RC51 was an entirely new V-twin racing platform that won the
Superbike World Championship in its first year of racing withColin Edwards and theCastrol team.Improvements
From model year 2001, Honda introduced a number of improvements. These included increasing the tank from 16 liters (3.5 gallons) to 19 liters (4.2 gallons), internal modifications to the front forks, an improved riding position thanks to less steeply raked clip-on bars and an LCD display for fuel level, engine temperature, dual trip meters, odometer and clock. A Honda Ignition Security System (HISS) immobiliser also became standard.
External links
* [http://powersports.honda.com/motorcycles/sport/model.asp?ModelName=Super+Hawk&ModelYear=2005&ModelId=VTR1000F5 Official Honda webpage]
* [http://www.motorcycledaily.com/10march04_2004honda_superhawk.htm Motorcycle Daily] review of the 2004 SuperHawk
* [http://www.motorsports-network.com/HONDA/vtrtest8/Vtrtest.htm Motorsports Network] review of the SuperHawk in 1998
* [http://www.cyclechaos.com/wiki/Honda_VTR1000F VTR1000F Specs and Pictures]
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