HAWK 11 performance prediction from base model
From the Webike Community's My Bike, the "Owner Review Summary" introduces various motorcycles based on the opinions of owners who actually ride or have ridden them. In this issue, we bring you performance predictions for the new 2022 HAWK 11, based on reviews from owners of the base model!
What kind of performance does HAWK 11 offer?
Just a few days ago, Honda made an official announcement. The famous Hawk is finally coming back as the HAWK 11. The revived HAWK 11 will share the body and other parts with the existing models. We would like to predict the performance of the new Hawk based on its base motorcycle.
The former Hawk was a 250cc or 400cc naked model, but the new model to be unveiled will be an 1100cc model. Its base motorcycle is the CRF1100L Africa Twin. It will be a naked model sharing the same chassis and engine.
Let's take a look at what users of the base Africa Twin (including the 1000L) have to say about its riding performance. First of all, the fat torque is well received. The acceleration out of curves is very good, and it feels good (from the 1000L). Fuel economy is also excellent in normal driving. It seems to record high fuel economy of 30km/L in relaxed driving (1100L). There is also news that the Hawk will also adopt DCT. Although the seasoning will be different, the DCT is said to be very easy to operate for experienced riders (1100L). And of course, the chassis rigidity is also well received (1000L).
Even though it is an off-road vehicle, the Hawk is likely to benefit considerably from the fact that the Africa Twin itself is designed to be quite tough and capable of gutting rough roads. The engine, with its abundant low-speed torque, should be easy to use in the city, and in mountain passes, it should be able to open up and stand up as hard as it can in curves. The highly rigid chassis will, of course, stabilize the vehicle well during high-speed cruising and reduce rider fatigue.
In summary, despite its large size, the Hawk may be a motorcycle that is surprisingly good at low speeds. Honda has a CB1000R in the same class, but in contrast to the 1000R, which shows its power in the high-rpm, high-speed range, the Hawk is a motorcycle that can be opened up from the normal range. Incidentally, the NT1100, a tourer model also based on the Africa Twin, has been announced, and I believe that the Hawk will be a sports-oriented motorcycle that will have a different character from the NT. Anyway, I can't wait to see the specs!
Base model "CRF1100L Africa Twin" owner's voice
Umayuki
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | I switched from the Yamaha Raid because I felt that it was the only time I could ride physically and I wanted to try a new category (adventure). I bought this motorcycle for high-speed touring with my local friends and for flying on flat dirt roads in Hokkaido, where I have been riding for the past several years. |
|---|---|
| Pros/Satisfactory | The cowl and seat are exquisitely sized and do not tire even after riding long distances. Regular gas and good fuel economy for a liter motorcycle. (over 23km) The rigidity of the frame does not cause any torsion, even when fully loaded with luggage, and the maneuverability of the frame. ABS and Traction Control that can be used properly on dirt roads. Stability and high top speed on dirt roads. (Area where the weight of the motorcycle feels positive) |
| Cons/Dissatisfactions | The vehicle weighs over 230 kg, making it difficult to maneuver. Especially when fully loaded with gas, the center of gravity feels high. If you knock it down on a forest road with poor footholds, you will have a hard time. Therefore, I hesitate to drive on dirt roads other than flat dirt roads. (The weight of the motorcycle is a negative factor in this area.) The hook part of the plastic carrier has a thick tapered shape, so the rubber band slips and the metal fittings cannot be hooked. Also, the paint is peeling off. The rear tire is a 150-size tube tire, so when repairing a flat or changing a tire, a bead dropping tool is required. (They will not fall off even if you step on them with your foot.) |
| Advice for prospective buyers | It is comfortable and tireless on-road, but when riding it on dirt roads, it requires a certain amount of equipment, skill, and determination. Especially because of the weight of the motorcycle, you need to understand and make the most of it to get the most out of this motorcycle. The recommended use is to leave your luggage at the campsite and ride on the flat dirt roads with no luggage. |
Yamachan
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | It looked good. So called design. Electronic Suspension Various electronic controls are excellent. Many setting screens. |
|---|---|
| Pros/Satisfactory | Since I have rheumatoid arthritis, I chose DCT because of the strain on my left hand and left fingers. It is convenient. The gauges are great. It is as good as a car. A nice feature for a pensioner with old eyes. Many electronic control setting screens. It may take a lifetime just to learn them. It is a perfect adult toy. (^_^) |
| Cons/Dissatisfactions | I chose DCT. It is convenient, but I cannot use the clutch. Convenience and ease of use are prioritized there. The instruction manual is no good. Honda, the motorcycle is great, but please do something about the instruction manual. It is hard to understand. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | If you are mainly touring, the new Africa Twin Advance Sport ES DCT is a good choice. You should own an iphone 7 or higher phone, and if you have an intercom, you can play Apple Car Play. |
Africa Twin
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | I wanted a large off-road vehicle. |
|---|---|
| Pros/Satisfactory | Overall looks, driving performance, displacement, good cornering as good as the RELEP, fast start-up, etc., and a surprisingly fast top speed of over 200 km/h! |
| Cons/Dissatisfactions | Nothing in particular, but if I had to say, I would say that it has poor leg support. The seat height is naturally high due to the high minimum ground clearance, as it is designed for enduro racing. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | The body shape is naturally determined, but why don't we prove that even a short person can ride with us? With a lowered seat, even a little guy can put one foot on the ground. With both legs, you will be a ballerina, but once you start riding, you will be able to compete with your arms. |
