1997 VTR 1000F Super Hawk

DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT

Honda has made its name creating a broad spectrum of motorcycles based on a wide range of popular engine configurations. However, one engine type that has been noticeably absent from the Honda stable is a large-displacement, high performance V-twin designed to Super Sports specifications. Now this is exactly what Honda's engineers have wanted to create: a lightweight, high-performance sports bike built around just such an engine. Unlike the inline four-cylinder engine that Honda pioneered and even now is most closely associated with, the sporting V-twin has many fundamental attractions that are unique to its configuration. Among these are:

The always distinctive sound and feel of individual cylinders firing. Even when at idle, the V-twin feels alive.
Colossal low-to-midrange torque and strong, instantaneous roll-on acceleration from almost any speed.
A slimmer, more compact look and feel from the rider's position coupled with the bigger, more impressive look of the V-twin from the side.
A narrower crankcase that contributes to greater cornering clearance and more rigid frame construction.

Rather than simply modifying the big-bore narrow-angle V-twin engines currently used in Honda's cruisers and road bikes, the Super Hawk's design team set out to develop an all-new engine that can produce a strong, wide band of high-torque power that reaches all the way to a high-revving peak. Thus, the configuration decided upon was a 90 degree V-twin with a single-pin crankshaft, double overhead cams (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder. Another primary goal in the Super Hawk's design was to use the engine as a central stressed member of the frame to achieve both the exceptional rigidity and lighter weight that would be desired in this new road sports machine. With this in mind, the crankcase was specially designed to provide a direct mount for the swingarm, thereby eliminating the need for frame pivot plates or other reinforcement, and making possible a remarkably simple, compact, and lightweight frame design. Based on these two fundamental design goals, the new Super Hawk convincingly achieves high levels of performance in a simple, lightweight, and compact form that never fails to deliver the visceral excitement of a powerful V-twin.

STYLING CONCEPT

To emphasize the machine's positioning as a high-performance road sports motorcycle, its bodywork was designed to provide ample wind protection for the rider, while featuring a flow-through design that ensures excellent engine cooling efficiency. Rather than adapting the full-coverage design used on most full-bore Super Sports machines, the design team created a compact half-fairing with large ported side cowls designed to maximize the flow of air through the VTR's twin sidemounted radiators and away from the rider. The fuel tank was also designed with indents for the hands (at full handlebar lock) and knees to provide optimal riding comfort and positioning ease under most riding conditions. While the VTR's seat cowl displays more of a "solo machine" look, it is still designed to carry a passenger in comfort if the need arises.

MAIN FEATURES

Exotic Super Twin Styling
Three-piece half fairing provides ample rider protection while leaving the VTR1000F's large displacement 9O degree V-twin engine in prominent view. Rounded design projects a strong, purposeful image.
Front fairing ports feed air through to lighten handling at higher speeds and provide a cooling breeze to the rider.
Fins on lower sides of fairing produce downforce at high speeds for enhanced cruising stability.
Fuel tank designed with sculpted indents for knees and handlebars.
One-piece seat cowl features storage compartment built into rear.

Engine

All-new 996cc DOHC four-valve 90 degree V-twin engine features identical, 180 degree reversed cylinders and heads and chain-driven camshafts. Horizontally split crankcase incorporates swingarm pivot and Pro-Link bracket mounts at rear.
"Nutless" connecting rods feature bolts threaded directly into tapped holes in rods. Design is nearly 40g lighter than conventional bolt and nut combination, for a total weight savings of approximately 750g. Carburized rods offer optimal balance of strength and durability.
Lightweight, skinless "slipper" pistons.
Flywheel mass tuned for a strong feeling of V-twin acceleration.
48mm slanted flat-valve CV carburetors are the largest ever used on a Honda engine. Provide sharp, linear response. Fed by large-capacity air cleaner.
High-accuracy, computer-controlled ignition system monitors engine speed and throttle angle for optimal performance throughout the rev range. Includes 10,300 rpm rev limiter.
Slim-tipped NGK VX spark plugs deliver hofter performance and enhanced driveability.
Smooth and easy-shifting six-speed transmission.
Rugged 140mm, ten-plate hydraulic clutch.
All stainless 2-into-l-into-2 exhaust system with a 4.5 liter polished stainless steel canister-style silencers designed to optimize low pressure of wind passing over outer surface of cowling to draw air through from inside. Side positioning permits flow of air to reach cylinders and exhaust pipes for enhanced cooling efficiency, while facilitating front cylinder service. At low speeds, a large right-side fan blows air directly out to the side and away from rider.
Chain-driven water pump located in crook of "V".
High-efficiency oil cooler mounted directly on forward cylinder head for maximum exposure to cooling airstream.

Frame and Suspension

Engine-mounted swingarm eliminates the need for conventional pivot-plates, making possible innovative "pivotiess" twin-spar aluminum frame that contributes to the VTR1000F's relatively light 423 pound dry weight. Features massive dual-box "D"-section spars and curved box-section engine hanger rails that reach back from the steering head to anchor directly on the engine joining at the back to provide a solid mounting point for the top end of the rear damper and the bolt-on rear seat rail.

Centralized engine positioning combines with a slightly tall caster angle to keep front handling light and responsive while providing ample room for front wheel.
Swingarm mounted directly on engine. Footpeg holders mounted on ends of swingarm pivot shaft, and sidestand attached to lower rear engine bracket.
New-design "hybrid"-style swingarm features extruded aluminum spars and cast pivot section for exceptional rigidity without excessive size and weight.
41 mm HMAS cartridge-type front fork offers adjustable spring preload and rebound damping. Provides excellent balance of handling performance while contributing to overall slimness at front.
Responsive Pro-Link rear suspension system features large-volume 40mm damper and adjustable spring preload and rebound damping. Lower Delta-Link anchored by arm directly to bracket mounted on rear of engine case.
Lightweight, hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminum wheels project an image of modern, solid-looking strength.
Wide-profile "jointless belt-type" radial tires provide optimal balance of high-speed handling and cornering control. Recent manufacturing technology ensures "ZR" rating for confident long-term performance.
Dual floating front disc brakes feature powerful four-piston calipers mounting sintered metal pads. Lightweight 296mm rotors mated to their aluminum hubs with eight inserts (down from the conventional ten). 200mm rear disc brake stopped by single-piston caliper.

Equipment

Single headlight features new "Free Form" multi-curvature reflector shining through a clear lens for optimal brightness within its pre-focused illuminated area.
Newly designed instrument panel features attractive new needle shape and digital odometer, coolant temperature gauge and 0.7 gallon "reserve" LED warning lamp.
New, multi-reflector taillight provides an attractive, high-visibility view from the rear.
Attractive, wide-view triangular rearview mirrors mounted on solid, die-cast aluminum stays instead of steel brackets with rubber boots.
12AH Maintenance-Free (MF) battery is 4OOg lighter than standard 14AH types while providing ample power.
Forged aluminum foot pegs and levers, aluminum die-cast stays, and forged steel sidestand.

SPECIFICATIONS VTR1000F (ED-type)

Engine: Liquid-cooled four-stroke eight-valve DOHC 90 degree V- twin
Bore x Stroke: 98 x 66mm
Displacement: 996cc
Compression Ratio: 9.4:1
Carburetors: Two 48mm slanted flat-slide CV-type
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance
Starter: Electric
Transmission: Six-speed
Final Drive: "O"-ring sealed chain
Dimensions: 80.7 x 27.8 x 45.5 inches (LxWxH)
Wheelbase: 56.3 inches
Seat Height: 31.9 inches
Ground Clearance: 5.1 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.2 gallons (including 0.7 gallon warning light reserve)
Wheels: Hollow-section triple-spoke aluminum cast
Tires: Front: 120/70 ZR17 (Radial)
Rear: 180/55 ZR17 (Radial)
Suspension Front: 41 mm HMAS cartridge-type fork with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping, 4.3 inches axle travel
Rear: Pro-Link with preload and rebound damping-adjustable gas-charged HMAS damper, 4.9 inches axle travel
Brakes Front: 296mm x 4.5mm dual hydraulic disc with four-piston calipers and sintered metal pads
Rear: 220 x 5mm single hydraulic disc with single- piston caliper and sintered metal pads
Dry Weight: 423.3 pounds

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.

Suggested Retail Price: $ 8,999 (US)

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