• Honda described the 1998 Super Hawk as a bike that "grabbed the essence of what Americans want in a big, sporting V-twin. The distinctive sound and feel that makes a V-twin seem alive." The motorcycle came in red. No other colors were offered.
  
  

The Engine

• The twin V, four-stroke engine displaces 996 cubic centimeters and develops 110 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 70.8 foot-pounds of torque at 7,000 rpm. Honda gave it the biggest carburetor and intake valves in Honda history. The big intake valves and carburetor give the bike a top speed of 158 miles per hour, but lowers gas mileage. The engine couples with a six-speed gearbox and is cooled by a liquid cooling system using side-mounted radiators instead of the usual front-mounted ones. Honda said that the side mounting avoids the problem of "dead spots" encountered in front mounting.
  
  

The Frame, Suspension System and Tires

• The engine performs an active role in the stability and rigidity of the motorcycle. Honda didn't drop the engine into the frame as a load to be hauled, it made it part of the frame. The rear swing arms bolt directly to the engine. This saves weight and uses the inherent rigidity of the engine to add to the stability of the bike. The Super Hawk uses a 41-millimeter HMAS cartridge fork for the front suspension and a Pro-link HMAS single shock in the rear. The front tire is a 120/70ZR-17 radial and the rear is 180/55ZR-17 radial.
  
  

The Basics

• The bike has a wheelbase of 56.3 inches, a ground clearance of 5.1 inches, a seat height of 56.3 inches and a weight of 423.3 pounds. The bike uses a chain drive, dual disc front brakes and single disk rear brakes.