03-12-2024, 04:32 AM | #1 |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 8,110
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Stopping by to say "Hi"
I haven't been around in a while. Just figured I would stop in and say hello and catch up.
Almost 2 years ago my life was uprooted by the loss of my job. Up until the last 6 months I was struggling, but not because I couldn't find work. I struggled to find a good employer and decent pay. Too many places want to treat Maintenance workers like they are third class citizens, and pay them accordingly. OR they expect them to do every job in the place, including their own, and then blame them when things don't go the way they hoped. In this time period I had worked for 3 companies before landing my current position In the end it worked out for me as I saw a 52% pay increase over the job I lost that started it all, and I now work directly for the company that produces the machines I used to work on for my previous employer. The funniest part being I will now occasionally go there as a contracted technician I still have my Hawk and my big Viffer. Nothing new in the motorcycle world. I keep thinking of reasons to get rid of one or both a few times over the last couple of years. The Hawk in particular I keep wanting to replace with something else, but it is just so hard to get rid of. Simplifying it and doing the Motocult big bore cylinder and head have really made it hard to give it up. Instead I have been on a health journey. I was diagnosed as diabetic right around the same time as I lost my job. I have since then put most of my time, energy, and focus on my own health, and have been working to be more active and outdoors. For both my physical and mental health. Part of that journey lead me, unsurprisingly, back to bikes. This time in the form of e-bikes. It all started with my 2 stroke build I was sharing here. I rode that for a little bit, but they are so restricted on where you can take them that it was limiting, so I decided to get an ebike. This has been my new journey, and it is REALLY fun. It has been a boon to my cardio fitness, and yes it still does help with getting cardio as you can put it in lower assist modes or just turn it off. Even with assistance, just the rhythmic moving of major muscle groups is still enough to increase cardiac activity. I also rediscovered my love for fishing and the water, and have been spending more time doing that as well. Anyway, hope you all are doing well.
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Hawk Information and Resource guide: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331 2018 Hawk 250 - Full Mod list here. http://www.chinariders.net/showpost....62&postcount=1 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 https://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=34124 |
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03-12-2024, 07:06 AM | #2 |
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: Big Piney, WY
Posts: 615
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Hi. I still kick around the idea of electrifying my cruiser. At least it would be a reason to take it down. Alas, too busy buying RC airplanes at the moment.
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2023 Hawk 250 from XPRO off of Amazon MOUNTAIN MAN RC + MOTO on YouTube "If there were more bloody noses, there would be less wars." - Hagbard Celine John 2:15 So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. |
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03-12-2024, 07:30 AM | #3 | |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 8,110
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Quote:
That picture doesn't do the size of that bike justice (Heybike Explore). That seat is 36 inches high where I have it set and my handle bars with a 3 inch stem riser are almost 48. She is a big girl, which is why I bought it. It suits tall guys well.
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Hawk Information and Resource guide: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331 2018 Hawk 250 - Full Mod list here. http://www.chinariders.net/showpost....62&postcount=1 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 https://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=34124 |
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03-12-2024, 07:35 AM | #4 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Elburn, IL
Posts: 5,973
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Welcome back, Dan.
Congrats on the new gig. And as a fellow diabetic, and a Queen fan, "Get On Your Bike And Ride".
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Cheesy ______________________________________ 07 Hi Bird Enduro-Flown the Coop 07 Ural Gear Up 79 Honda CX500 77 VeloSolex 4600 V3 73 VeloSolex 3800 I'm making this up as I go.-Indiana Jones Telling me something 'is for my own good', is a fast way to a fat lip.-Me I don't even care about my own problems, why should I care about yours?-Quote on one of my favorite t-shirts |
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03-12-2024, 07:40 AM | #5 |
Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Houma, La.
Posts: 11,713
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Welcome back Dan.
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2024 Linhai 300 ATV 4x4 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S (Sold) 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel |
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03-12-2024, 08:12 AM | #6 |
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: De Soto, MO
Posts: 1,976
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Glad to hear from ya.
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2021 Lifan Xpect--sold 2022 Lifan KPX 1972 Honda CT90--The Carrot 1969 Honda CT90--The Tomahto Cheesy is the WDK (workplace drama king). Now retired. Nope, back in the saddle. Nope, finally retired. Climate: The Movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A24fWmNA6lM How our government really works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjadCd0VRBw Question all authority.....think for yourself |
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03-12-2024, 08:13 AM | #7 |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 8,110
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The funny thing is, the new Gig is more or less the same as the old gig, but with 200% less stress, and 57% more money. Just shame everything else costs more now lol.
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Hawk Information and Resource guide: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331 2018 Hawk 250 - Full Mod list here. http://www.chinariders.net/showpost....62&postcount=1 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 https://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=34124 |
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03-12-2024, 08:18 AM | #8 |
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Mooresville NC
Posts: 2,116
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great to hear from you. glad things are going well for you. keep it up! ...and don't be a stranger!
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Dave Bikes I've owned: Suzuki GS450T, Yamaha XS500, Honda V45 Sabre, Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic (2), Suzuki VX800, Kawasaki Ninja 650, Triumph TT600, Honda Superhawk, Kawasaki Concours 1000 (3, including a sidecar rig), Buell XB9R, Kawasaki Nomad 1500, Concours 14, Honda Goldwing (2), Housen Hawk, Suzuki Intruder 1400, Kawasaki KLR650, Victory V92TC. |
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03-12-2024, 08:24 AM | #9 |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 8,110
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Thanks guys. I am sure I will be around a bit more. I have somewhat lost interest in my Hawk, and have considered selling it. Just get what I can get for it and pick up a 150 scooter of some sort, or I have toyed with selling both of my bikes and getting some new mid-range motorcycle (650cc-ish) to replace both. It's either that or I am going to pick up a new car this year sometime this summer if my plans go accordingly. My Nissan is becoming a 10 year old car with 10 year old car problems and is starting to need more and more work. I normally don't mind, but one grows tired of always having to repair a vehicle after a while.
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Hawk Information and Resource guide: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331 2018 Hawk 250 - Full Mod list here. http://www.chinariders.net/showpost....62&postcount=1 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 https://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=34124 |
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03-12-2024, 08:42 AM | #10 | |
Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Houma, La.
Posts: 11,713
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Quote:
The Vulcan S is really the perfect all around bike. Lots of fun factor and not over powered.
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2024 Linhai 300 ATV 4x4 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S (Sold) 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel |
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03-12-2024, 09:14 AM | #11 |
Join Date: Oct 2023
Location: Western PA
Posts: 307
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Glad to hear things are looking up. The maintenance sector is tuff. Seems like getting treated like a 2nd class citizen is almost a prerequisite. It really fuels an "us vs. them" relationship. I'm in it for my kids. All those folks that look down on me/us, and there are many, can rot in hell.
Also, the hobbies struggle is real. I keep adding more, but I don't seem to be thinning any from the herd.
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2022 Hawk DLX EFI * 17T Front / 47T Rear / 428 x-ring chain * Kenda K-760 front + rear * Banjo brake light switch * LED headlight + front turn signals * Custom cutting board skid plate * Debadged (I don't like to brag about the superior strength!) * Top speed, GPS verified, as equipped: 68 mph (so far) |
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03-12-2024, 09:24 AM | #12 |
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 2,733
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It's good to hear from you Dan. And I'm glad you found a decent employer
I converted my ancient Stumpjumper Sport to a cross trainer. I can't believe it's 40 years old, but it's still easier on the knees than running and keeps my legs tuned up. How about a 650 Suzuki Bergman??
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No matter where you go, there you are Last edited by Thumper; 03-12-2024 at 09:59 AM. |
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03-12-2024, 09:47 AM | #13 | |
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: Big Piney, WY
Posts: 615
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Quote:
I'm still paying attention to the Hawk. Put a skid plate on it and bought the pipe, have yet to install. I think I finally understand what you guys mean when you say you use a soda can on the seams where they slip together. I'm guessing held in place on either side with a hose clamp? I got some nice exhaust pipe coupler thingies. The muffler side coupler simply doesn't fit. It's REAL close, but just won't comply. The mid-section seems like it might work, but man, they are bulky. Soda can seems simpler/leaner. I plan to at least do the stage one kit, might go crazy and do the big bore.
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2023 Hawk 250 from XPRO off of Amazon MOUNTAIN MAN RC + MOTO on YouTube "If there were more bloody noses, there would be less wars." - Hagbard Celine John 2:15 So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. |
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03-12-2024, 12:10 PM | #14 | |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 8,110
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Quote:
I am still fairly heart set on a Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor. I just want a low rpm simple aircooled twin. Either that, or an MT03. They are about the same in performance. The MT03 actually fits me fairly well, but I do need lower pegs to ride the thing as the tank fairings lock my legs in place. I have to flare my legs out to use the shifter or brake lol. Plus, I can get into one cheap. I don't want a big scooter like the Bergman. I just want to downsize from the VFR mainly. I love the thing, but it's so hard to enjoy without fear of catching a felony speeding charge because I sneezed and blipped the throttle. I will keep the Hawk as a good fun/alt bike, even though there are many new Chinabikes I would love to have. I just have a connection to the Hawk. Those are a couple of big bikes you are looking at Jerry. Looking to do some iron butt challenge style riding?
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Hawk Information and Resource guide: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331 2018 Hawk 250 - Full Mod list here. http://www.chinariders.net/showpost....62&postcount=1 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 https://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=34124 |
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03-12-2024, 12:12 PM | #15 | |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 8,110
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Quote:
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Hawk Information and Resource guide: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331 2018 Hawk 250 - Full Mod list here. http://www.chinariders.net/showpost....62&postcount=1 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 https://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=34124 |
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