A New Beginning.

[Megadan]

So, while I sit here still waiting for shipping confirmation on my Hawk, which means it won't be here this weekend, but hopefully next weekend, I decided to order the stuff with the money from selling my welder. I decided to make a few changes from the last time, which proved a challenge with the desire for certain upgrades that were more expensive and having a restricted budget.

So here is the breakdown of everything going on my Hawk during assembly, or sometime shortly after - depending on shipping times.

I still have parts that I removed or didn't install yet on my last Hawk.
Carburetors - I have a collection lol. PZ30 Pumper, PWK30 and 32mm, Mikuni VM30-83.
Intakes - CRF230 and TT250.
I will likely run the TT250 intake with the pumper carb because it will be the easiest to setup and run for break in. Then switch to the PWK32 or VM30 on the CRF intake.

Ported Head - being installed during assembly. Sorry, but I don't care to wait anymore.

Oil cooler setup
Jerry's brand Skid plate (so glad I removed those two items).
3 wire CDI coil and new spark plug wire kit - never got around to installing it.
Honda sprocket studs
Fork Brace - another part I never got around to installing.
TT250 cargo rack

Another item that I have had for a couple of years, originally purchased for my Goldwing, that I have decided to install on my Hawk is a set of 4 Motogadget M. Blaze Pin turn signals. I already own them, so it saves me money, even if they are kind of a pricey part to put on a Chinese bike.

Changes from the last bike.
Mighty Max gel battery YTZ7S: Another price compromise. Saved me $100 over getting another Lithium battery. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Shinko 700 Tires. 4.6x18 and 3.0x21
Tubliss Gen 2 front and rear 18/21 kit. - Managed to get a 20% discount on this one.
Outlaw Racing "Bark Busters" https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
YSS PD238 fork valves
KEOGHS 320mm rear shock from Aliexpress https://www.aliexpress.com/item/KEOG...65974c4do9cbnT
Similar style rear muffler to what I installed earlier this year, but with a metal tip instead of plastic, also an Aliexpress item and cheaper than the one from Ebay by $2 after shipping. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/CNC-...65974c4do9cbnT

Then of course, replacing the same parts as the last time.

IMS Shifter
13 tooth front sprocket (already have a 33)
Another DID VX2 520 chain.
Goodridge Brake switch banjo bolt
Pro Grip 737BK grips
The cheapie alarm - heck why not.
Adjustable levers.
Wolo Horn
NGK DPR8EIX plug
6awg Ground Strap.
Inline Blade Fuse to replace glass fuse. - I had to buy a 10 pack, so I will
have extras if interested
Renthal Fat Bars and Pro Taper Riser adapters from Aliexpress

I decided against the round headlight idea for now, so instead I ordered one of Superbright LEDs fanless H4 LED headlights. Not as bright as something like the OPT7, but much lower power draw and an internal driver. Will make for a much simpler install. https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...eat-sink/3930/

This should be a pretty fun assembly process.

The best part is, I have $6 left from my welder sales money. Now I can go get a burger lol.

Anyway, I decided to start this thread and then update it as the bike comes in and the process begins. I will likely be doing written and video updates during the process on this thread.

[Riggs]

Were all rootin for yah Dan!

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Riggs

Were all rootin for yah Dan!

Rooting for me to assemble my bike again?

It's weird, but a part of me is looking forward to it, and the other half doesn't want to go through it all again.

[JerryHawk250]

Have fun. We all know that assembly is the best part about these bikes.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

Have fun. We all know that assembly is the best part about these bikes.

It can be for sure. That is also a lot of stuff to do at once, but also the best time to do a lot of those mods/upgrades as well.

I will probably get it off the crate, and then strip it down to almost nothing and build it back up. Just start at one end and work to the other, or do things in segments. IE. Wheels/Tires, Suspension, electrical, etc.

I want to try and be as efficient as possible without the assembly process turning into total chaos.

I do know that this time around I am focusing more on the Hawk being utlity based and off-road capable. I want to use it as a camping/adventure bike as well as a way to get to work.

[JerryHawk250]

That rear shock look nice. I found my rear shock is getting a little on the soft side. That looks like a good replacement. Glad to see your going to put that ported head to good use now. lol Best time to swap it while she's stripped down. I still have the original glass fuse. Good idea to swap out to the blade fuse.

[ben2go]

These glass fuses are getting hard to find around here. I had to go to a specialty electronics shop to get mine for a different project.

[Buffalorider]

Congrats on getting another! Im happy for you to say the least. I see you really love the Hawk since you're getting another one. Look forward to pics and your videos! I ordered on the 31st so I'm waiting for my storm!

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

That rear shock look nice. I found my rear shock is getting a little on the soft side. That looks like a good replacement. Glad to see your going to put that ported head to good use now. lol Best time to swap it while she's stripped down. I still have the original glass fuse. Good idea to swap out to the blade fuse.

We will see how good that rear shock is. In the ideal world, I would rather use something else, but the main thing I am after is the more linear spring rate and the preload adjustment. Who knows... often you find Gems in the world of cheap parts. Those Renthal Bars are one example. I know they aren't genuine Renthals, but they survived a crash and didn't even bend a little bit. $25 for a set of aluminum "fat bars" that are actually strong = score.

As far as the fuses go if you would like one or two just let me know. I had to buy a 10 pack of the darn things to get the wire gauge I wanted which was 16ga. Closer to the same wire size as the original. Capable of up to a 20A circuit, which should be more than enough. These guys. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
(Have a laugh at the picture showing the fuse installed backwards too lol)

Oh, and I lost the message that had your shipping address if you want to send it to me again. I should get these Friday, so I can toss one in the box with the muffler if you want.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by Megadan

We will see how good that rear shock is. In the ideal world, I would rather use something else, but the main thing I am after is the more linear spring rate and the preload adjustment. Who knows... often you find Gems in the world of cheap parts. Those Renthal Bars are one example. I know they aren't genuine Renthals, but they survived a crash and didn't even bend a little bit. $25 for a set of aluminum "fat bars" that are actually strong = score.

As far as the fuses go if you would like one or two just let me know. I had to buy a 10 pack of the darn things to get the wire gauge I wanted which was 16ga. Closer to the same wire size as the original. Capable of up to a 20A circuit, which should be more than enough. These guys. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'll wait for your review on the shock and see how it works out.
Yes, throw one in the box when you send the muffler.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by ben2go

These glass fuses are getting hard to find around here. I had to go to a specialty electronics shop to get mine for a different project.

If you want, I can send you one of the inline blade fuses when they arrive. Just PM me your shipping info.

Originally Posted by Buffalorider

Congrats on getting another! Im happy for you to say the least. I see you really love the Hawk since you're getting another one. Look forward to pics and your videos! I ordered on the 31st so I'm waiting for my storm!

I do love the Hawk. It's a very durable, reliable, and versatile bike and it allows tinkering and customizing fun on the cheap. You just need to iron out the kinks and make a few upgrades to have something you can use every day.

[ben2go]

Originally Posted by Megadan

If you want, I can send you one of the inline blade fuses when they arrive. Just PM me your shipping info.



I do love the Hawk. It's a very durable, reliable, and versatile bike and it allows tinkering and customizing fun on the cheap. You just need to iron out the kinks and make a few upgrades to have something you can use every day.

Thanks. I'm stocked up on inline blade fuses. My old Buick still has tube fuses.

[JerryHawk250]

One thing I noticed missing on your list. What about better foot pegs. I know someone posted on here some bigger and nicer foot pegs. I've worn the search button out on here. lol They were a direct swap.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

I'll wait for your review on the shock and see how it works out.
Yes, throw one in the box when you send the muffler.

Yeah, I figured I would be the test rabbit for this particular experiment.

The way I see it, it can't be any worse than the stock one in terms of quality/longevity. The stock shocks dual rate spring made the rear sit lower than I liked and made the bike handle odd (to me at least) over bumps/dips, and a lack of preload adjustment did not help.

I also like the gas charge port, meaning I can tailor the shock to my liking as well with the same pump I will have to carry for the Tubliss inner bladder.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by Megadan

Yeah, I figured I would be the test rabbit for this particular experiment.

The way I see it, it can't be any worse than the stock one in terms of quality/longevity. The stock shocks dual rate spring made the rear sit lower than I liked and made the bike handle odd (to me at least) over bumps/dips, and a lack of preload adjustment did not help.

I also like the gas charge port, meaning I can tailor the shock to my liking as well with the same pump I will have to carry for the Tubliss inner bladder.

It has to be better than stock. I think I just wore it out from the rough trails out at the Spillway. I don't exactly take it easy on the rough stuff. If it weren't for the shake reduction setting on my camera the videos I shot would be a big blur.