Honda first introduced the VTR1000F (known as the Superhawk in the US, and as the Firestorm around the rest of the world) in 1997 in an effort to challenge Ducati’s sportbike dominance. The model was intended to combine the soulful performance of a big V-twin with the trusted reliability of Japanese manufacturing.
At the time of its debut, the Superhawk boasted some pretty state-of-the-art technology, including a twin-spar aluminum frame, front and rear disc brakes, a set of side-mounted radiators, and a larger fuel tank to extend the range. Expectedly, the press loved the thing — in its first year of production, the VTR1000F made its way into Cycle World’s ‘Ten Best Bikes’ along with its ‘Sweet 16’ roundup.
For all of its engineering prowess, though, the Superhawk was never marketed as a racing platform. And yet, this seller has managed to turn this example (VIN: JH2SC3601YM200535) from a 100% stock survivor into a pretty convincing track bike. Beneath the sharp paint scheme and angular fairing, it hides the front end from a 2004 CBR1000RR, a Moriwaki-esque rear subframe, a custom two-into-one exhaust, and a Penske shock (amongst a long list of other changes). There are also plenty of race-ready touches, including a carbon lever guard, some brake cooling fins. Staggeringly, the seller states that the brake and clutch master cylinders are from a 2000 Marlboro Yamaha MotoGP bike (they won the Manufacturer’s Championship that year with Max Biaggi or Carlos Checa). Just as surprising? The seller says they haven’t taken it to the track, with a note that it is “99% complete, just needs a minor bit of buttoning up and then taken to the track.”
Find this custom Super Hawk for sale in Allen, Texas with an unmet opening bid of $4,000 here on eBay.