What to look for in a used Superhawk (FireStorm)

[Gearbox Paul]

Looking at buying a 1998 Superhawk (FireStorm in US). 59000 km, red, aftermarket high mount slip on cans (Delkevic I think), Corbin seat. Rest appears to be stock. Bike looks clean but i haven't seen it yet. Would like some comments from the group on the general reliability of these old Superhawks and any items I need to look for when I see it. Obviously I'll inspect the tires, chain/sprocket, fork seals, brakes, etc. I am aware that the auto CCT's on these bike are prone to failure and need to be changed to manual CCT's. Also aware that the R/R's are prone to failure (replace with Mosfet R/R ?). Anything else?

I'll ask about when the valve clearances were checked last but too many owners are clueless about this, so I'm not expecting much of an answer.

Looking forward to your comments.

[MacV2]

First off welcome.

Secondly... http://vtr1000.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php ... a6#p304637

Have a read of the link above..,

My advise is apart from the items you have mentioned...

Check the rear shock linkage all the bearings need to be checked & lube'd up at least every 2 years as general maintenance. Seals & bearings replaced if ness.

The headstock bearings can be dry after 20 + years check & regrease or replace with needle type.

Coolant will need a flush & replace.

Fork oil might be 20+years old so that's another one to strip clean & fresh oil.

Depending on if the bike has been in use or standing for some time the carbs may need a strip & clean, check the petcock as well.

Good luck keep us posted on your Storm adventure...

[sirch345]

Welcome aboard Paul

It looks like most things have been covered between you and Mac.

Generally going on, as you have mentioned, the CCT's and Rectifier/Regulator are the weak points,

Good luck,

Chris.

[Gearbox Paul]

Thanks for those replies. The link mentioned above is really thorough. That will be helpful, if I do end up buying the bike. Looks like a great group and forum. Hoping to join the Storm family soon!

[fabiostar]

Welcome along paul. the guys have pretty much covered all you need to know.. keep the oil and filter changed and these big tractors will run for a very long time

[tony.mon]

Nah, just ride it. They're cheap; you can just buy another one if something goes wrong.


( I buy broken ones for pennies , if you need it out of the way).

And welcome!

[Gearbox Paul]

Well I didn't buy the bike. Mechanically it was fine, as far as I could tell. But the fairings were in bad shape, all scuffed up, several cracks, and held together with tie wraps through holes that one of the owners had drilled. I didn't expect the fairings to be in prestine condition, but they were just in too bad a shape for my liking. I would have to purchase a complete fairing kit (and decal kit) for the bike. I passed.

[sirch345]

Well I didn't buy the bike. Mechanically it was fine, as far as I could tell. But the fairings were in bad shape, all scuffed up, several cracks, and held together with tie wraps through holes that one of the owners had drilled. I didn't expect the fairings to be in prestine condition, but they were just in too bad a shape for my liking. I would have to purchase a complete fairing kit (and decal kit) for the bike. I passed.

It sounds like you did the best thing by not buying it, I'm sure the right bike will come along,

Chris.

[fabiostar]

Well I didn't buy the bike. Mechanically it was fine, as far as I could tell. But the fairings were in bad shape, all scuffed up, several cracks, and held together with tie wraps through holes that one of the owners had drilled. I didn't expect the fairings to be in prestine condition, but they were just in too bad a shape for my liking. I would have to purchase a complete fairing kit (and decal kit) for the bike. I passed.

when it comes to storms its a buyers market, the right bike will come along