In the Market for a Dual Sport!

kirbo7106 · 02-16-2017, 11:59 AM

Greetings from the Sunshine State!

Hi,
I live in the Tampa Bay area, so any Florida riders out there, drop me a line. I started riding back in 1989. Time flies when you are in the saddle! I started off on a 1987 Ninja 250. Followed by a Ninja 600, Katana 750, Buell X1 and a 2003 Sportster. Now I`m in the market for a dual sport to use as a commuter, with a little dirt on the side! I have been looking at the Hawk 250 and the Bashan 250. The main difference that I see is the up side down forks. Other than that, are the bikes the same? After reading and watching, the Hawk has a lot of aftermarket parts. What about the Bashan? One of my fears is getting stuck with a bike with no parts to up grade or repair. Is one model better than the other?

Thanks and have a great day,
Dan-O

culcune · 02-16-2017, 12:27 PM

Both bikes are very good, with the Hawk having a huge nationwide cult following, thanks a lot to here and Motocheez videos as well as other people's videos. It is a given, it seems, that you will more or less HAVE to make a couple upgrades; 1) the carb--some have gotten into the stock one to play with it, while it seems most others have bought a Mikuni clone from ebay due to the east for jetting (the clones take the stock Mikuni jets). 2) Sprockets--change both front and rear to your liking 3) (Optional) digital dash sold by member 'mjstef' 4) more optional--tires

Then you have the Bashan which, depending on which model (there are few) you choose, need far less, but cost hundreds more. The Storm 250 is their dependable, traditional bike with 21/18 wheels, while their Brozz/Shark (the Shark is slightly different) have 19/17 wheels. Initial reports on the Brozz from a few members who have bought one are that it is a great bike, as long as you are not 'offended' by 19/17 wheels. as most members here seem to desire 21/18 wheels with their dual-sports. More recently, a Hawk-like Bashan has been released (the Enforcer) which is what you might be writing about--no one here has purchased one to give us a review. At least the engine is the same as the others, for the most part, since they fall under the same EPA/DOT certification. I am sure it is fine, but buyer beware as a few members who did not buy Storms and instead bought 'lesser' Bashans had minor/major issues with parts (not the engines). But, those were from last year or longer (don't think their models are still available unless they are leftovers) and, again, were NOT the Hawk-like Enforcer.

culcune · 02-16-2017, 12:28 PM

Both bikes are very good, with the Hawk having a huge nationwide cult following, thanks a lot to here and Motocheez videos as well as other people's videos. It is a given, it seems, that you will more or less HAVE to make a couple upgrades; 1) the carb--some have gotten into the stock one to play with it, while it seems most others have bought a Mikuni clone from ebay due to the ease for jetting (the clones take the stock Mikuni jets). 2) Sprockets--change both front and rear to your liking 3) (Optional) digital dash sold by member 'mjstef' 4) more optional--tires

Then you have the Bashan which, depending on which model (there are few) you choose, need far less, but cost hundreds more. The Storm 250 is their dependable, traditional bike with 21/18 wheels, while their Brozz/Shark (the Shark is slightly different) have 19/17 wheels. Initial reports on the Brozz from a few members who have bought one are that it is a great bike, as long as you are not 'offended' by 19/17 wheels. as most members here seem to desire 21/18 wheels with their dual-sports. More recently, a Hawk-like Bashan has been released (the Enforcer) which is what you might be writing about--no one here has purchased one to give us a review. At least the engine is the same as the others, for the most part, since they fall under the same EPA/DOT certification. I am sure it is fine, but buyer beware as a few members who did not buy Storms and instead bought 'lesser' Bashans had minor/major issues with parts (not the engines). But, those were from last year or longer (don't think their models are still available unless they are leftovers) and, again, were NOT the Hawk-like Enforcer.

Merlin · 02-16-2017, 12:29 PM

The Bashan can be reged most everywhere. It is hit and miss with getting the Hawk reged. Parts will be easier to get with the Hawk and there will lots of support for it but the Bashan seems to be a better bike.

Azhule · 02-16-2017, 12:30 PM

1989 was the same year I started riding too! Although I only started off riding a Yamaha PeeWee 50... it was the only thing being sold in our area that a scrawny 3 year old would fit on

letsride · 02-16-2017, 02:39 PM

Welcome! I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. The Hawk as was said has a HUGE following, so support is better. The Brozz is a SWEET MACHINE, but I'm Biased. Which I'm about to give it to my son for a Graduation present to take to college. SO I'm gonna have to buy another one. And who knows I may end up with a Blue Hawk. I wouldn't hesitate to buy any of them honestly. Just KNOW, folks have had trouble registering a Hawk in certain states. But if memory serves, I think FL is good to go.

kirbo7106 · 02-16-2017, 04:01 PM

I forgot to mention two things: I'm a sucker for a great cult following and I can't help myself when it comes to upgrading/modding a vehicle!

I have this 1996 Ford Ranger, it's easier to tell you what I haven't done to it. I have to fight the urge to upgrade! I couldn't even leave my beach cruiser bicycle alone! Now it has a radio, cup holder, a front basket (to hold the small ice chest with more beverages), mirrors, and a safety flag that says, "It's 5 o'clock somewhere "! That's starting to sound like an illness! I've also learned that it is better to have an ok bike with a great following than a great bike with no following!
That being said, I'm going to go with the Hawk 250. Here's a couple of questions I've come up with. Are there any differences between the years? I've noticed that some have black engines while some have gray engines. Who would you recommend to purchase a Hawk 250 from? I live on Florida, so that will limit my color choices. Black is just too hot. Red likes to fade to pink. I think my brother is going with green, that leaves me with Blue or white. White being my first choice.
Thanks again,
Dan-O

pistolclass · 02-16-2017, 07:48 PM

Hey Kirbo!

I never seen a white hawk. I think you will either have to copy your bro or get a blue one. Don't forget the seat and the tank are black on all the hawks.

PS my Dad just bought a place in Bradenton. He runs from the white stuff up here in CT.

timcosby · 02-16-2017, 08:36 PM

i think all the hawks are black with diff colored plastics. probably $50 to change all the plastic out for a diff color. if you are both going to order one you can get a better price on two from the dealers but you got to ask. go ahead and order jets at the same time you will need them.

hertz9753 · 02-16-2017, 09:17 PM

The white and orange Hawk you see on YouTube were painted.

Bill1 · 02-16-2017, 09:30 PM

Welcome!
I'm over in Polk county, just on the other side of Lakeland. Unfortunately, I usually only have time to ride to work. I got my Hawk back in December and it's an OK bike out of the box, but with the standard mods it is a lot of fun! Carb, intake and exhaust made it run like a completely different bike. The new sprockets make it much more street-able.

kirbo7106 · 02-21-2017, 05:20 PM

Hi all,
I just wanted to thank everyone for their replies. I just ordered my Hawk from TX Powersports. I decided to go with the blue color. I also ordered the digital dash! I'll be on the website and YouTube looking for my next mod.
See you out on the trails,
Dan-O

BlackBike · 02-21-2017, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirbo7106

Hi all,
I just wanted to thank everyone for their replies. I just ordered my Hawk from TX Powersports. I decided to go with the blue color. I also ordered the digital dash! I'll be on the website and YouTube looking for my next mod.
See you out on the trails,
Dan-O

Be sure to post birthday photos!

kirbo7106 · 02-23-2017, 05:26 PM

UPS called me today. My Hawk will be delivered tomorrow afternoon! That's the good news! I work from 2:30 until 11:00, so I will miss the arrival. No cool photo shoot like Motcheez. 🙁 To make things worse, I'm on call all weekend! Much sadness! I know, my on-call pay is how I can afford to buy toys and play. 😁 I will post some pictures of the unveiling and some of the birthday ride.

02-16-2017, 11:59 AM	#1
kirbo7106 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Holiday, Florida Posts: 672	In the Market for a Dual Sport! Greetings from the Sunshine State! Hi, I live in the Tampa Bay area, so any Florida riders out there, drop me a line. I started riding back in 1989. Time flies when you are in the saddle! I started off on a 1987 Ninja 250. Followed by a Ninja 600, Katana 750, Buell X1 and a 2003 Sportster. Now I`m in the market for a dual sport to use as a commuter, with a little dirt on the side! I have been looking at the Hawk 250 and the Bashan 250. The main difference that I see is the up side down forks. Other than that, are the bikes the same? After reading and watching, the Hawk has a lot of aftermarket parts. What about the Bashan? One of my fears is getting stuck with a bike with no parts to up grade or repair. Is one model better than the other? Thanks and have a great day, Dan-O
	0

02-16-2017, 12:27 PM	#2
culcune Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 9,035	Both bikes are very good, with the Hawk having a huge nationwide cult following, thanks a lot to here and Motocheez videos as well as other people's videos. It is a given, it seems, that you will more or less HAVE to make a couple upgrades; 1) the carb--some have gotten into the stock one to play with it, while it seems most others have bought a Mikuni clone from ebay due to the east for jetting (the clones take the stock Mikuni jets). 2) Sprockets--change both front and rear to your liking 3) (Optional) digital dash sold by member 'mjstef' 4) more optional--tires Then you have the Bashan which, depending on which model (there are few) you choose, need far less, but cost hundreds more. The Storm 250 is their dependable, traditional bike with 21/18 wheels, while their Brozz/Shark (the Shark is slightly different) have 19/17 wheels. Initial reports on the Brozz from a few members who have bought one are that it is a great bike, as long as you are not 'offended' by 19/17 wheels. as most members here seem to desire 21/18 wheels with their dual-sports. More recently, a Hawk-like Bashan has been released (the Enforcer) which is what you might be writing about--no one here has purchased one to give us a review. At least the engine is the same as the others, for the most part, since they fall under the same EPA/DOT certification. I am sure it is fine, but buyer beware as a few members who did not buy Storms and instead bought 'lesser' Bashans had minor/major issues with parts (not the engines). But, those were from last year or longer (don't think their models are still available unless they are leftovers) and, again, were NOT the Hawk-like Enforcer. __________________ "They say that life's a carousel, spinning fast you got to ride it well..." TGB Delivery Scooter 150 TMEC 200 Enduro--carcass is sadly rotting in the backyard
	0

02-16-2017, 12:28 PM	#3
culcune Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 9,035	Both bikes are very good, with the Hawk having a huge nationwide cult following, thanks a lot to here and Motocheez videos as well as other people's videos. It is a given, it seems, that you will more or less HAVE to make a couple upgrades; 1) the carb--some have gotten into the stock one to play with it, while it seems most others have bought a Mikuni clone from ebay due to the ease for jetting (the clones take the stock Mikuni jets). 2) Sprockets--change both front and rear to your liking 3) (Optional) digital dash sold by member 'mjstef' 4) more optional--tires Then you have the Bashan which, depending on which model (there are few) you choose, need far less, but cost hundreds more. The Storm 250 is their dependable, traditional bike with 21/18 wheels, while their Brozz/Shark (the Shark is slightly different) have 19/17 wheels. Initial reports on the Brozz from a few members who have bought one are that it is a great bike, as long as you are not 'offended' by 19/17 wheels. as most members here seem to desire 21/18 wheels with their dual-sports. More recently, a Hawk-like Bashan has been released (the Enforcer) which is what you might be writing about--no one here has purchased one to give us a review. At least the engine is the same as the others, for the most part, since they fall under the same EPA/DOT certification. I am sure it is fine, but buyer beware as a few members who did not buy Storms and instead bought 'lesser' Bashans had minor/major issues with parts (not the engines). But, those were from last year or longer (don't think their models are still available unless they are leftovers) and, again, were NOT the Hawk-like Enforcer. __________________ "They say that life's a carousel, spinning fast you got to ride it well..." TGB Delivery Scooter 150 TMEC 200 Enduro--carcass is sadly rotting in the backyard
	0

02-16-2017, 12:29 PM	#4
Merlin Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,107	The Bashan can be reged most everywhere. It is hit and miss with getting the Hawk reged. Parts will be easier to get with the Hawk and there will lots of support for it but the Bashan seems to be a better bike. __________________ Bashan Blaze Mods: Alloy Rim's, Muffler, Mukuni VM26 Carb, Foam Filter, Tachometer, Volt Meter,LED Headlight, LED Blinkers
	0

02-16-2017, 12:30 PM	#5
Azhule Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: CO Posts: 1,525	1989 was the same year I started riding too! Although I only started off riding a Yamaha PeeWee 50... it was the only thing being sold in our area that a scrawny 3 year old would fit on __________________ "Think as you like... but this self proclaimed Professor is always right" - Buckshot "You never know what someone is hiding beneath their smile..." - NinjaTom - R.I.P.
	0

02-16-2017, 02:39 PM	#6
letsride Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Leesville SC Posts: 832	Welcome! I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. The Hawk as was said has a HUGE following, so support is better. The Brozz is a SWEET MACHINE, but I'm Biased. Which I'm about to give it to my son for a Graduation present to take to college. SO I'm gonna have to buy another one. And who knows I may end up with a Blue Hawk. I wouldn't hesitate to buy any of them honestly. Just KNOW, folks have had trouble registering a Hawk in certain states. But if memory serves, I think FL is good to go. __________________ My Stable- 2022 Lifan KPX250 , 2023 Royal Enfield Himalayan, 1992 Honda GL1500 Goldwing, SSR 70 Auto, Kymco Mongoose 90, Honda Four Trax 300
	0

02-16-2017, 04:01 PM	#7
kirbo7106 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Holiday, Florida Posts: 672	Thanks for the quick replies! I forgot to mention two things: I'm a sucker for a great cult following and I can't help myself when it comes to upgrading/modding a vehicle! I have this 1996 Ford Ranger, it's easier to tell you what I haven't done to it. I have to fight the urge to upgrade! I couldn't even leave my beach cruiser bicycle alone! Now it has a radio, cup holder, a front basket (to hold the small ice chest with more beverages), mirrors, and a safety flag that says, "It's 5 o'clock somewhere "! That's starting to sound like an illness! I've also learned that it is better to have an ok bike with a great following than a great bike with no following! That being said, I'm going to go with the Hawk 250. Here's a couple of questions I've come up with. Are there any differences between the years? I've noticed that some have black engines while some have gray engines. Who would you recommend to purchase a Hawk 250 from? I live on Florida, so that will limit my color choices. Black is just too hot. Red likes to fade to pink. I think my brother is going with green, that leaves me with Blue or white. White being my first choice. Thanks again, Dan-O
	1

02-16-2017, 07:48 PM	#8
pistolclass Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: connecticut Posts: 978	Hey Kirbo! I never seen a white hawk. I think you will either have to copy your bro or get a blue one. Don't forget the seat and the tank are black on all the hawks. PS my Dad just bought a place in Bradenton. He runs from the white stuff up here in CT.
	0

02-16-2017, 08:36 PM	#9
timcosby Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: robertsdale alabama usa Posts: 1,007	i think all the hawks are black with diff colored plastics. probably $50 to change all the plastic out for a diff color. if you are both going to order one you can get a better price on two from the dealers but you got to ask. go ahead and order jets at the same time you will need them. __________________ 1991 harley heritage softail classic 2016 hawk kaw h1 400 tripple 13' long chopper in progress 2009 johnny pag bar hog 2004 hd electra glide ultra classic shriner edition 1997 harley davidson 1200 sportster 1972 harley davidson amf sx250
	0

02-16-2017, 09:17 PM	#10
hertz9753 Join Date: May 2016 Location: Bismarck, ND Posts: 868	The white and orange Hawk you see on YouTube were painted. __________________ 2015 and 3/4 RPS Hawk 250. Most people would call it a 2016 but the MCO didn't.
	0

02-16-2017, 09:30 PM	#11
Bill1 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: FL Posts: 95	Welcome! I'm over in Polk county, just on the other side of Lakeland. Unfortunately, I usually only have time to ride to work. I got my Hawk back in December and it's an OK bike out of the box, but with the standard mods it is a lot of fun! Carb, intake and exhaust made it run like a completely different bike. The new sprockets make it much more street-able. __________________ 2016 RPS Hawk 250, exhaust, Uni Filter, Mikuni VM-26 clone w/ 120 main & 30 pilot, MSR shifter, 17/45 sprockets, JT chain, digital cluster...
	0

02-21-2017, 05:20 PM	#12
kirbo7106 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Holiday, Florida Posts: 672	Just ordered my Hawk! Hi all, I just wanted to thank everyone for their replies. I just ordered my Hawk from TX Powersports. I decided to go with the blue color. I also ordered the digital dash! I'll be on the website and YouTube looking for my next mod. See you out on the trails, Dan-O
	0

02-23-2017, 05:26 PM	#14
kirbo7106 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Holiday, Florida Posts: 672	I got THE call! UPS called me today. My Hawk will be delivered tomorrow afternoon! That's the good news! I work from 2:30 until 11:00, so I will miss the arrival. No cool photo shoot like Motcheez. 🙁 To make things worse, I'm on call all weekend! Much sadness! I know, my on-call pay is how I can afford to buy toys and play. 😁 I will post some pictures of the unveiling and some of the birthday ride.
	1