HAWK11(1,082cc)Owner: R.K.
This article introduces one MY BIKE submitted to Webike Community every week. The model introduced this time is HONDA "HAWK11" and the owner is "R.K."
The Honda Hawk 11 made its first appearance at the Osaka Motorcycle Show in 2022.
Although there were many rumors about this model before its announcement, many riders must have been surprised to see it in person. It is a combat-oriented café racer equipped with an FRP rocket cowl. It had been about 40 years since Honda released a model with a rocket cowl, since the GB400TT in 1985. Despite its retro styling, the power came from a 1,082 cm3 liquid-cooled big parallel twin, similar to the Africa Twin, delivering 102 PS at 7,500 rpm. This model is lightweight, nimble, and athletic, and has an innovative look.
Nevertheless, it is a modest figure compared to the latest on-road mega sports and supersports, and its unique style is quite niche. Some sports machine enthusiasts may shy away from HAWK for this reason, and retro enthusiasts may not be impressed with its organic tank silhouette or electronic controls. However, some riders are into the style and concept of HAWK, and "R.K." introduced here is one of them. From the appearance to the feel of the controls and various other factors, this is a bike for a niche demographic that is unthinkable for Honda these days. If you are just a little curious about it, you should not buy it," he says. However, he also mentioned that it has the potential to become a lifelong partner for riders who fall in love with it and that it is a superb machine for fans.
Equipped with all kinds of electronic controls, this model is different from the modern and fast 4-cylinder SS, and it is a model where you can find a variety of enjoyment.
The model's torquey engine and not-too-heavy (214 kg) chassis can be used for commuting to work and school and is also fun on winding roads.
The one-piece FRP cowl that has been the talk of the town is very unique. The screen is riveted in place, and the attention to detail is evident in every detail.
MYBIKE COMMENT
Motive for purchase
I had been riding a w650 but wanted a bike with a little more room for higher speeds.
Advantages
You won't see the same bike everywhere you go, and you'll be approached by all kinds of people. If you don't want to wear the same clothes as other people, you should buy a Hawk 11.
The design is superb. Not only the one-piece FRP rocket cowl, which is the most attractive feature but also the tail area, which has received a lot of criticism, is a perfect match for my tastes. The OEM under mirror looks better than I expected.
The Honda Unicam's low-speed torque is so abundant that it turns up to the top. On high speeds, you need to be careful not to drive too fast, but on downhill roads, it is fun to keep the RPMs low and let the motorcycle pound and pound, and it is surprisingly easy to control the speed.
Thanks to the lightweight Unicam engine, the vehicle's weight and rating are so light and nimble that it is hard to believe that it is a liter. At 214 kg, it is a little heavier than a 400 cc motorcycle, so it can be used normally for commuting to and from work and school.
Each part is carefully made and of high quality. The way the gears are put into gear is very crisp and comfortable. Even the feel of turning the key on is pleasant. I felt the quality of Honda's craftsmanship.
The significance of the mode selection is clear. The Hawk 11 changes its characteristics firmly by switching modes. In Sport mode, it is easy to feel the acceleration as if the brain is being left behind, and driving through tight mountain passes with full use of the embracing system is a lot of fun. In Rain mode, on the other hand, it shows its true value not only on rainy days but also when driving in traffic jams or when you are fatigued.
Even if you make a mistake in throttle work, the gentle acceleration is safe, and the loose embracing allows coasting (which also increases fuel economy).
The riding position is superb. When you straddle the bike, you may feel a considerable forward lean at first, but thanks to the exquisite step and seating position, you will not feel tired after a long ride. Combined with the cowl, which looks like a decoration but does a surprisingly good job, the bike is more suitable for long-distance touring than one might expect.
Disadvantages
It is still not loadable. Under the seat ends up with documents + α.
The only way to attach a bag is to make full use of the hooks behind the rear fender.
It is not a bike that can be run by the bike itself, as it is not one of the more recent electronic control bikes. (It can also be said that few parts can break down).
As a long-time rider, I would have liked to have had a CC.
Throttle-by-wire, but the throttle is a bit heavy, perhaps due to safety concerns, so a throttle assist or other countermeasure is necessary for long distances.
Although it may be unavoidable due to the design, it would have been easier at high speeds if the height of the cowl were a little higher.
The OEM OP Type-C socket is difficult to insert and remove because it is placed at the back of the cowl (no need to worry about it getting wet is ◎).
Advice for prospective buyers
This bike is aimed at a niche audience that is unthinkable for Honda these days.
If you are just a little curious about it, you should not buy it. However, if you can understand all the development philosophy of the Hawk11, it has the potential to be a lifelong partner. It has been less than six months since I took delivery of the bike, so I still don't know if I am the right person for this bike. With age and experience, I aim to become a rider who is suited to Hawk11.
Maintenance cost is not bad for a liter-class motorcycle. Fuel consumption is more than 20km/L if you use high speed, and the engine area is bare, so it seems easy to maintain.
However, if you roll over and the cowl goes off, you may have to pay up to 2028 USD.
Check out the HAWK11 user reviews.
>Click here to read the HAWK11 user review.
