The Goldilocks Sportbike AKA Superchicken

2002 Honda Superhawk 996 VTR1000F

Purchased from the original owner, who was incredibly meticulous. I have always been smitten with the "Poor Mans Ducati". Honda, sometimes saddled with the reputation of being too appliance like and lacking character, bucked the trend with this masterpiece. It's V Twin isn't modern liter bike nuts, but it still pulls like a beast in the low to mid RPMs. As someone who has owned liter bikes of this ilk, I find that the V Twin powerplant of the "Superchicken" allows for more real world smiles. It is incredibly nimble, reliable as the sun and good examples can be found for a song. They are getting admittedly hard to find in stock form, but persistence can pay off, as it did for me. This particular bike has ~12K original miles and only mods include a custom windscreen, a functional and more than worthwhile Corbin seat and mirror extenders.

I call this the Goldilocks of sportbikes because it is does almost everything just right. Want to TEAR up some twisties on your favorite back road? Check. Mid range tour with some urgency? Check. Turn heads at the gas station? Check. Sleep easy knowing when you go out to turn the key it will start? Check. Two Up riding with your favorite companion? Check. Be unique? Check.

Negatives are few and far between. The range is slightly better than a corded RC car. With spirited riding, I am looking for a gas station before I hit the 100 mile mark. Enjoy pinned sprints in first, second or even third gear? You better enjoy the view of the sky, whether you are ready for it or not. The brakes could be slightly better and the carbs are a throwback to pre fuel injection warm up patience that modern day riders who scoff at slow smartphones might not love. It isn't a super agressive tuck riding position, but if you are like me, this lives in the hit column more than the miss.

Either way, I highly suggest that you test ride one if you can. It is a sportbike with character that gives you most all the fun of those famous red italian steeds at a much more practical usable package and a price that might just make those who splurged on them question their value. *Disclaimer, I still love Ducatis.