If you want to reach a retail price point with a product, there is only so much trash you can throw on a machine, and still reach your price point. In order to sell motor cycles to the great unwashed (meaning those that don't know a lot about motorcycles), it has to look zoot, and that means money that could have been spent on upping quality had to be spent on "bling". Like plastic pieces to direct air to non-existant radiators. And a locking gas cap. And a fuel guage that doesn't work very well, anyway. And switches galore. The only switch they seem to have neglected to put on the Hawk is the one that changes the babies (or grand babies) diapers. And let us not forget those wonderful plastic footpeg covers. In order to have money to spend on that stuff, we get barely adequete wiring, poor switch quality, and skimpy spokes in the wheels. But, for all of its faults we love 'em anyway. Because it is still the best bang for the buck!!...ARH
