Hawk Shock

[Zapkin]

How much can I expect to be able to lower the hawk using the adjustable shock?

[jeffrey]

Some years ago MegaDan or one legged rider talked about shock sizes one of them said for every 10mm shorter the shock is it will lower the bike 1 inch. So if you have a 300mm shock and change to a 290mm you will lower the rear 1 inch. The adjustabal shock set soft will sag more when you get on it and be bouncey like a pogo stick. Or I could be totaly wrong. Just find a shorter adjustable shock.

[buzz]

What jeffrey said,mine is 290mm and thats as short as i can go. Its bottoms out if riding to hard,but works for me.

[Zapkin]

okay so the adjustment on the shock is not to lower it but to control its dampening? to be honest mine feels a little rough. I dunno maybe in future I will get a shorter shock and the 10mm washers i need, or else...I have a friend with a collection of medieval torture devices...i could have myself stretched on the rack...seems extreme but it would be free!

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Zapkin

okay so the adjustment on the shock is not to lower it but to control its dampening? to be honest mine feels a little rough. I dunno maybe in future I will get a shorter shock and the 10mm washers i need, or else...I have a friend with a collection of medieval torture devices...i could have myself stretched on the rack...seems extreme but it would be free!

The adjustment on that shock is for adjusting preload to help set or correct ride height for different weights of rider and equipment. It's not really meant to lower the bike as the less preload, the less compression travel you will have.

How much do you wish to lower the bike? A Bashan Brozz rear shock is 295mm, which will lower the rear about 2 1/2 inches, and also has the preload adjustment on it. Meaning your bike would sit similar to mine.

Part 13. https://brozz250.com/Shop-Online/Cat...sorber-2000386

Older picture, but it hasn't changed much. The seat ends up more level and it honestly rides so much nicer like this vs. stock.


I have a Brozz swing arm with a 280mm Fast Ace shock. Since the Brozz lower mount sits higher than the Hawk about 20mm, it ends up sitting the same as a Hawk with a Brozz shock.

[Zapkin]

Originally Posted by Megadan

How much do you wish to lower the bike? A Bashan Brozz rear shock is 295mm, which will lower the rear about 2 1/2 inches, and also has the preload adjustment on it. Meaning your bike would sit similar to mine.

I want to drop it a couple of inches. That's a great price on that shock; I'm definitely going to get it. I've read some threads about changing out the shock on the Hawk, but you know me—I like to hear it straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak. I'm gradually learning, but I'm a slow study in anything that's not a computer (LOL). On a side note, I convinced my son-in-law to order my daughter a 140cc Tao Motors dirtbike. It's neat as heck and purple, and she is excited, but totally new to riding.

After witnessing how far Chinabikes have come and considering what I've been able to achieve with the Hawk, it was easy to persuade him. Plus, he enjoys tinkering! So, I'll be researching that bike soon. (for anyone in the dirtbike forum I will try not to ask too many stupid questions..i promise)

Thanks, Megadan. I think that's the one. Do I need anything else to make the Brozz shock fit?"

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Zapkin

I want to drop it a couple of inches. That's a great price on that shock; I'm definitely going to get it. I've read some threads about changing out the shock on the Hawk, but you know me—I like to hear it straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak. I'm gradually learning, but I'm a slow study in anything that's not a computer (LOL). On a side note, I convinced my son-in-law to order my daughter a 140cc Tao Motors dirtbike. It's neat as heck and purple, and she is excited, but totally new to riding.

After witnessing how far Chinabikes have come and considering what I've been able to achieve with the Hawk, it was easy to persuade him. Plus, he enjoys tinkering! So, I'll be researching that bike soon. (for anyone in the dirtbike forum I will try not to ask too many stupid questions..i promise)

Thanks, Megadan. I think that's the one. Do I need anything else to make the Brozz shock fit?"

The only stupid question is the one not asked. That's what this forum is for. I think the only question that will get you mocked around here would be "what oil should I run/is best."

The Brozz shock should just bolt right up at both ends. Nothing else needed. That's one of the reasons why it is probably the best/easiest way to lower the rear. It's also got the right kind of spring and spring rate to work with the rear suspension.

If you want to spend a bit more you can always emulate my setup, but the rear shock alone is about $100. Then you need the complete Brozz swing arm, axle, spacer, and adjusters to go with it, which IIRC cost me about $80. Completely worth it, but definitely not as cheap as the Brozz shock.

An alternative option is to use a Kawasaki Ninja rear shock. This video goes into some detail. Definitely a good way to get a higher quality shock than anything on ebay, and likely better than the Brozz.

[Megadan]

Oh, and do yourself a favor and coat the shock bolt shoulders with a waterproof/marine grease when you re-install.

[Zapkin]

Originally Posted by Megadan

Then you need the complete Brozz swing arm, axle, spacer, and adjusters to go with it, which IIRC cost me about $80. Completely worth it, but definitely not as cheap as the Brozz shock.

The Brozz swing arm's been out of stock since I bought my hawk (last may) otherwise that would be something to do.

anyway I will do the brozz shock its only 45 bucks and I like bargains.

thanks again Megadan.

[tknj99]

I had the challenge recently of lowering my daughter's new Storm DLX 150 as she is a beginner rider learning the ropes and the stock 35" height had her on her tip-toes. I decided to cut the shock.. since i had done it in the past on another bike, it wasn't my first time.. its not a glamorous solution by any means but it dropped the rear by 1" and now is at 34" and is just right for her to feel more planted on the bike.. best of all, free