hawk update

[Richie311]

Originally Posted by Megadan

The stock tire width is technically 4.33 inches wide, but the knobs on the tire make them physically wider. So you can use a 4.10 or a 4.60 width without issue and they are both functional. My Shinko 700 rear is a 4.6 x 18 and works perfectly, but looks narrower than the stock knobby tire too.

I just put some Shinko 244s on mine and did 4.6x18 in the rear and noticed them same thing. Over all it's narrower and shorter but I also put a 42t rear sprocket on so it worked out in the end.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Richie311

I just put some Shinko 244s on mine and did 4.6x18 in the rear and noticed them same thing. Over all it's narrower and shorter but I also put a 42t rear sprocket on so it worked out in the end.

Same with my 700 4.6x18. I am running a 33t rear instead of a 35 to compensate or the smaller diameter. My effective gearing is now the same as the stock tire with a 35. I run a 520 chain setup, if you are curious. 13f and 35r is equivalent to a 17f and 45r with the 428 chain.

[Bill Hilly]

When I put the 4.60x18" Dunlop D605 on my Hawk, it geared me down just a hair. I had recently went from a 16 to a 17 tooth front sprocket, and the difference in the tire is noticable, but I can easily live with it.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Bill Hilly

When I put the 4.60x18" Dunlop D605 on my Hawk, it geared me down just a hair. I had recently went from a 16 to a 17 tooth front sprocket, and the difference in the tire is noticable, but I can easily live with it.

It gears you down about 2 teeth out back.

[Zapkin]

inexpensive mirrors and so much better than stock that its not even in the same ballpark. With these I can actually see behind me and didn't even put em on backwards! they hold their position too..far better than the ones I had which required constant adjustment.

[buzz]

ya it help tp put them on the right way,smoke a another one he he.

[Zapkin]

This is the exact rear tire I bought and I am pretty sure it changed my gear ratio.

edit: according to microsoft copilot this changes my drive ratio by 5.4% which is comforting because I thought perhaps I'd lost my mind.

[Zapkin]

Just took the bike off-road for the first time since getting new tires. Not impressed with them; it's squirrely as hell on grass and useless in mud (which I understand). Also, I was not impressed with it on dirt. I have the same Kenda 270 tires front and back. I thought they were 50/50, but for me, it feels more like 20% dirt and 70% street. Maybe if I were more experienced and the bike were lighter, it would be different, but the stock knobbies were way better than these. I know that's to be expected. Anyway, just wanted to update. Beware if you are considering the Kendas.

[Bill Hilly]

Originally Posted by Zapkin

Just took the bike off-road for the first time since getting new tires. Not impressed with them; it's squirrely as hell on grass and useless in mud (which I understand). Also, I was not impressed with it on dirt. I have the same Kenda 270 tires front and back. I thought they were 50/50, but for me, it feels more like 20% dirt and 70% street. Maybe if I were more experienced and the bike were lighter, it would be different, but the stock knobbies were way better than these. I know that's to be expected. Anyway, just wanted to update. Beware if you are considering the Kendas.

I always thought the K270 tires looked like they would be a pretty good, and versatile tire, and were probably pretty aggressive for a 50/50 tire.
I bought a set of a pretty new , to the market tire, called the Tusk Waypoint. They are one of the cheapest DOT, 50/50 tires. They referred to them as 70dirt/30 pavement, but they remind me a lot of the Dunlop D605, especially the rear. The front is just a hair more aggressive looking the a D605 front, and is directional, the rear is not directional. I had bought them for my KPX, because it wore the front tire plumb out, while the rear was still probably around 3/4 tread. I could not bring myself to trash the rear yet, so, I ended up buying as cheap , and similar to stock front to run for now, and I am saving the Waypoints, but I have a feeling the Waypoints are going to catch on. I will probably put the knobbies off my parts bike on my registered Hawk, next time it needs tires.

[Do©Hawk]

Good to know about the Dunlops. My Trakmasters are all I know. As they wear down, I've been strongly considering a more street friendly tire. That is until last week when I finally got out on a trail. The Trackmasters gave me confidence off-road that I had no business having and I liked it. Even if I only ride offroad 5% of the time, I appreciate that traction. I have a hard time believing the Hawk will blow my mind in the same way with street friendly tires.

[Bill Hilly]

Originally Posted by Do©Hawk

Good to know about the Dunlops. My Trakmasters are all I know. As they wear down, I've been strongly considering a more street friendly tire. That is until last week when I finally got out on a trail. The Trackmasters gave me confidence off-road that I had no business having and I liked it. Even if I only ride offroad 5% of the time, I appreciate that traction. I have a hard time believing the Hawk will blow my mind in the same way with street friendly tires.

I actually think the Waypoints may be the better deal. The D605 price has went up, and the front tire seems to come with pretty shallow tread. Here are a couple of pictures of the Waypoint, and 605 side by side. Keep in mind the D605 have had a good bit of miles ran in them.http://

Here's a shot video of me showing the D605 tires not long after putting them on my Hawk.