Which carb for upgrade?

[The_DJ_Remixer]

Hey all,

2018 Hawk 250 -


I searched the forum but couldnt figure out if its the VM26 or VM30 Mikuni carb that some of you have replaced the stock carb with? Ive seen prices from 30-90$ - anyone got a link or two? How about the jet kit? I plan to do the airbox mod, and Ive bought the aftermarket exhaust. With this carb upgrade, I do not have to change the stock rubbers on in and out? Thank you for any info!

[The_DJ_Remixer]

Also,


I am looking to replace the rear brake light to an LED. Will this cause electrical pulses (like on my old Kawi's)? Does anyone know which socket/led bulb to use? Thanks again, I tried searching but couldnt find the answer.

[Jeff Richardson]

Originally Posted by The_DJ_Remixer

Also,


I am looking to replace the rear brake light to an LED. Will this cause electrical pulses (like on my old Kawi's)? Does anyone know which socket/led bulb to use? Thanks again, I tried searching but couldnt find the answer.

Mine are currently unavailable but https://www.amazon.com/Viesyled-Bril.../dp/B07DN7GB1X are pretty awesome. Hopefully you can find comparables in the 1157 size. And no, leds will save your stator before they hurt it.

[Jeff Richardson]

VM 26 Mikuni for sure

[Jeff Richardson]

https://www.amazon.com/Mikuni-Carbur.../dp/B07CN36W65

We can help you with the jets. 👌

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by The_DJ_Remixer

Hey all,

2018 Hawk 250 -


I searched the forum but couldnt figure out if its the VM26 or VM30 Mikuni carb that some of you have replaced the stock carb with? Ive seen prices from 30-90$ - anyone got a link or two? How about the jet kit? I plan to do the airbox mod, and Ive bought the aftermarket exhaust. With this carb upgrade, I do not have to change the stock rubbers on in and out? Thank you for any info!

For the LED bulb. I have this guy in my tail light, in Red. Very very bright brake light and very distinct difference from the low and high functions. https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...car/1166/2761/

As far as the "Mikuni" goes. The most common style used here is a VM26 "30mm" clone carb. Link: https://www.amazon.com/Hwbnde-Carbur...SIN=B07CN36W65

It's not really any different than the stock carburetor other than it uses Mikuni main and pilot jets and the carb bore is centered on the flange vs. the Keihin bore offset the stock carb uses, and thus lines up with the intake port perfectly.

Now, if you want to spend the money on a Genuine Mikuni VM30 (Smooth bore, round slide) you can use a CRF230F intake to mate it to the head. The CRF intake will need to be ported to match the cylinder head and carburetor outlet however.

[The_DJ_Remixer]

Thank you all for the info! Its tough asking questions without the bike here yet...so on my old Kawi's and my old Honda the bottom of the brakelight lends is clear (which lights up the license plate)...is that how the Hawk 250 is also? In that case I wouldnt want a red LED, but a white one. If its an 1157 socket, I think I have an extra one in my shop from one of my other builds! Thats great

I am going to buy that knock off carb, and the jetkit that fits it. Im excited to get the bike, its been a while since I had a proper street/trail bike!


Thanks again for the info, you guys rock!

[The_DJ_Remixer]

Originally Posted by Jeff Richardson

Mine are currently unavailable but https://www.amazon.com/Viesyled-Bril.../dp/B07DN7GB1X are pretty awesome. Hopefully you can find comparables in the 1157 size. And no, leds will save your stator before they hurt it.

After putting in a 1157 rear LED bulb on my 74-76 Kawi bikes I would get a "pulsing" on the brake light warning light on the dash/tach. It did not mess with the performance per sey, but it did prematurely burn out the little 12v bulb in the tach for the brake light warning. Was a problem until it burnt out, now I dont pay attention to it much haha!

[BrandonT]

Can someone throw in an Amazon link for the pilot jets? I’m buying the carburetor and the main jet kit, but can’t find the pilot jets. Sorry I’m new. Still learning.

[NzBrakelathes]

Originally Posted by BrandonT

Can someone throw in an Amazon link for the pilot jets? I’m buying the carburetor and the main jet kit, but can’t find the pilot jets. Sorry I’m new. Still learning.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hawk-250-Ke...s/303077495104

This might be a better bet for learning and initial set up.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by BrandonT

Can someone throw in an Amazon link for the pilot jets? I’m buying the carburetor and the main jet kit, but can’t find the pilot jets. Sorry I’m new. Still learning.

Yeah, here, let me give you what you actually asked for... Amazon links to the pilot jet used by the Mikuni clones. Notations are just for size reference. For most bikes, the 25 pilot works perfectly in most scenarios.

22.5 Pilot Jet (likely not needed, but providing a link)
https://www.amazon.com/Carburetor-In...omotive&sr=1-1

25 pilot jet. (best overall size for a stock or slightly modded bike)
https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Mikun...RB7ACYCJQ2ET6Z

27.5 Pilot jet (works with full mods at lower elevations and colder weather, but may be a bit rich in the hotter months)
https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Mikun...omotive&sr=1-1

30 pilot jet (full mods at sea level and/or cold weather).
https://www.amazon.com/Carburetor-In...omotive&sr=1-6

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by The_DJ_Remixer

Thank you all for the info! Its tough asking questions without the bike here yet...so on my old Kawi's and my old Honda the bottom of the brakelight lends is clear (which lights up the license plate)...is that how the Hawk 250 is also? In that case I wouldnt want a red LED, but a white one. If its an 1157 socket, I think I have an extra one in my shop from one of my other builds! Thats great

I am going to buy that knock off carb, and the jetkit that fits it. Im excited to get the bike, its been a while since I had a proper street/trail bike!


Thanks again for the info, you guys rock!

Hawk tail light lens is fully red with a separate license plate light. If you note on the link I provided for the bulb, the Red version of that 1157 is just as bright as the white with the full array lit (420 lumens), but dimmer when only in the running light mode (100 clear vs. 26 red). This provides a much more clear distinction between running and brake, and trust me it does make a difference. The running light is still more than bright enough for people to see, but the clear distinction when the brake light comes on is critical for safety.
To put it into relative terms. The red bulb becomes 16 times brighter when the full array is lit vs 4 times with the white bulb. They designed it this way intentionally for use as a running/brake dual purpose light.
The white light will also pink wash through the red lens.

[The_DJ_Remixer]

Alright! Thats great to know. So my next question is what is the bulb for the license plate? For me, it only makes sense to have a led on the headlight, taillight and license plate light. Oh good morning from SW PA!

[The_DJ_Remixer]

If I cant buy the proper led replacement, Im going to buy 2 of those studded led bolts that hold the plate in place, and disable the factory one...

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by The_DJ_Remixer

Alright! Thats great to know. So my next question is what is the bulb for the license plate? For me, it only makes sense to have a led on the headlight, taillight and license plate light. Oh good morning from SW PA!

I never converted mine over to LED, but I do know that another member here used T10/194 bulbs to convert his bike to full LED and he mentioned the license plate light. It would make sense since that is a common light for that type of application.