Operation: Red Hawk - Skyd's Build thread

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by DohcBikes

Cool I'll leave it alone then. Coulda got deep discounts through me but looks like you dont want to.

Are you always so emotionally over reactive? I don't care if you offer it or not,

I was posting it out there just so people are even aware of it instead of sitting around waiting for some kit that already exists. That's all. Chill out.

[Skyd]

Originally Posted by Megadan

Are you always so emotionally over reactive? I don't care if you offer it or not,

I was posting it out there just so people are even aware of it instead of sitting around waiting for some kit that already exists. That's all. Chill out.

Ya I found the numbers, was thinking maybe he meant a kit that included everything for a package price, but the prices are already pretty decent. But, unfortunely they are out of stock.



Looking at some Nachi ones now.



PS - I'm not dignifying his response with a response. You're all good here

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Skyd

Ya I found the numbers, was thinking maybe he meant a kit that included everything for a package price, but the prices are already pretty decent. But, unfortunely they are out of stock.



Looking at some Nachi ones now.

Yeah, that's the one downside. Thankfully, you can also find said bearings and seals through other suppliers. The stem bearings are pretty universal across a large number of Honda dirt bikes, so there isn't anything fancy or mysterious about them.

Wheel bearings and wheel seals are even easier to source, so take your pick as they say.

[Skyd]

Originally Posted by Megadan

Yeah, that's the one downside. Thankfully, you can also find said bearings and seals through other suppliers. The stem bearings are pretty universal across a large number of Honda dirt bikes, so there isn't anything fancy or mysterious about them.

Wheel bearings and wheel seals are even easier to source, so take your pick as they say.

Ya, they appear to be incredibly popular bearings in multiple industries. I totally forgot about the seals, I don't think the Nachi's come with seals so I'll have to find the part number for those separately. Glad you said that

[Megadan]

Wheel Seal dimensions.

Rear
25x47x10 1 each.

28x42x7 1 each.

Front.
23x37x7 1 each.

[Skyd]

Happy Saturday morning from NH. So I thought I would expand on my plans and get some ideas and feedback.

I'm going to consider these things "Stage 2". So that means they're probably not going to happen before I start to ride the Hawk.

So here we go, in no particular order.....

Some Fat bars: here's 2 I'm considering
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3295...816c2e0er9KZ4Z
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3278...816c2e0er9KZ4Z

I'd also like some bar risers to go with them so I'll need to locate some of those. My DRZ had some that raised and moved the bars forward and it made a huge difference me.

Handguards
Not sure what I want....just something to keep the brush and bugs off my knuckles. open to suggestions for cheap/reasonable options here

Rear Shock
This one's a biggy and I'm wondering if I should get one on the way. I feel like with my size and wanting to use this more off road than on this would be a worth while upgrade. I also wouldn't mind raising the seat height an 1". So I need to look at options for this....suggestions are welcomed

Exhaust
This one I keep going back and forth on. I dont' want to draw unwanted attention or have a "loud" bike but I'd like the performance upgrade and a nicer tone. I could gut the cat, and I might go that route but I'm seriously considering this system....
https://carcustomonline.com/direct-b...al-sport-bike/

If anyone has this can you speak to it's sound level and just overall how you like it? It appeals to me more than some of the others I've seen because it looks stock, not racy, and word is it's an easier install.

So here's just a few other things to throw out there:

LED Headlight bulb (H4 right?)
LED Tail/Brake light (anyone know what one to get?)
Footpegs (maybe we'll see)
IMS or MSR Shifter
Adjustable CDI
TT250 Seat (will see how I like the stock hawk seat)

I'm sure I'll think of more, HAHA. I want to figure out some sort of rear rack so I can mount a bag or small hard case without spending a fortune.

Till next time - Keep the shiny side up.

[tknj99]

I have that same exhaust - Stonemen exhaust - got on Amazon at the time for $85.. fitment wasnt bad, had to notch out the header flange with angle grinder and drill one mounting hole.. nice jump in power.. sound is tame at idle but on the loud side when getting on it.. i felt the stock exhaust was way too quiet so this was great for me

[Megadan]

SKyd,

I have the second set of bars on my Hawk, had the same ones on my last Hawk as well. Amazingly good quality for the price. I often think they are from the same plant as the actual Renthal bars as the strength and finish quality are just that good. I doubt either set will do you any wrong.

As far as the exhaust, many of us have that style if not that exact version with the CG flanges. How loud it is will be subjective to the person. They are definitely loud enough that it will get peoples attention when you have the throttle cranked, but puttering around and part throttle and idle it isn't too bad. If you want to take the edge off the noise you can always install a quiet insert for a Pro Circuit T4 (4" can) that will help tame it a little without too much affect on the overall flow of the system. They come in a few sizes to allow you to choose how great the baffle effect is. https://www.procircuit.com/stainless-quiet-inserts.html

Yes, the headlight is H4.
As far as tail light, I would link the one I have but they stopped selling it. I tend to use SuperbrightLED stuff, but take your pick of 1157 LED lights, just make sure to get red color to avoid pink lens.

The shifter is worth it, especially if you have big feet. It also moves the peg more inboard to get it out of harms way. The stock shifter is... silly.

You could probably skip the adjustable CDI and just stick to the timing key and be happy.

The TT250 seat is definitely an upgrade over the stock seat, but you could also look into having a shop put better foam and covering on your original seat. Might cost more, but you will also end up with something much better overall.

Originally Posted by tknj99

I have that same exhaust - Stonemen exhaust - got on Amazon at the time for $85.. fitment wasnt bad, had to notch out the header flange with angle grinder and drill one mounting hole.. nice jump in power.. sound is tame at idle but on the loud side when getting on it.. i felt the stock exhaust was way too quiet so this was great for me

The difference here is, the one he linked, which is the one I often link to people, has a CG250 specific header flange on it. No cutting, notching, or drilling required.

[Skyd]

Great info as always - I think I might just pull the trigger on the exhaust, the thing is this is the "Live free or die" state and they're pretty lenient.....you should hear the Harley's around here that are straight piped.

Good to have some feedback on the bars too.

Thoughts on a rear shock? I go back and forth wondering if it's a smart idea to just do it up front.

I think I'll just order the shifter also - sounds like I'm gonna want it. I wear a 13.

Also I was thinking of doing the adjustable CDI in place of the timing key, but either one will be a down the road item I think. I've heard of some of those timing keys on bikes shearing off before, not necessarily the hawk but just in general.

And the seat, I'll see what I think of the stock one before making any rash decisions to throw more money at this....haha

[Oldenslow]

Somewhere in your list you need to include "Check tightness of front and rear wheel spokes". I say this because I have now put together one Chinese bike for myself plus 2 bikes for others, and in all three cases one wheel had spokes as tight as banjo strings while the other's spokes were so loose they were barely staying in place when the bike was standing still. Fail to do this one and all of your other upgrades will be for naught...

[Skyd]

Originally Posted by Oldenslow

Somewhere in your list you need to include "Check tightness of front and rear wheel spokes". I say this because I have now put together one Chinese bike for myself plus 2 bikes for others, and in all three cases one wheel had spokes as tight as banjo strings while the other's spokes were so loose they were barely staying in place when the bike was standing still. Fail to do this one and all of your other upgrades will be for naught...

Ya, that's sorta included in my (besides the obvious). Check and tighten everything loctite, lock washers, etc. I'll check the rims for true as best I can also. I'd like to upgrade spokes and rims at some point as they seem to be a weak point on these bikes but that'll be maybe next year

[zero_dgz]

Originally Posted by Skyd

Till next time - Keep the shiny side up.

Ha. You might want to watch that if your bike is being shipped by Saia...


I got an LTL shipment from them at work just the other week. These guys turned up with a large and expensive piece of our equipment upside down on its pallet. This thing is shipped as an assembly... three boxes on one pallet, strapped together and to the pallet. My best guess is some genius in their division cut the straps and tried to rearrange the boxes to make more room, knocked over the main box (which was also completely exploded) or it tipped over while driving, and he and just scooched it back onto the pallet real quick without, y'know, looking at it first.



I rejected it and these idiots had the gall to show up a couple of days later with the same unit, but they had taken it back to their dock, flipped the box over, and tried to pretend like nothing happened. Also tried to say I could not refuse the shipment now because there was "no damage." Uh-huh, I had pictures of the same serial number on the same box for the same unit, upside down, with a picture of the inside of the blown out box they'd since taped up for said item showing the unit inside... damaged.


Inspect your bike very carefully before you allow that truck to pull away, is all I'm saying.

[Skyd]

Good to know - It is being shipped by Saia, I actually had never heard of them before. Their closest depot is a 2 hour drive from me. Alot of times it depends on the driver too, they don't wanna do the paperwork for damaged items. I've seen that before, but I've seen good drivers that'll help you inspect the stuff and even point out damages working for the same trucking company.

Good tip though, I'll be sure to check it over

[Skyd]

Tracking update - My hawk has made it's way to New York, so I suspect I shall see it before the weekend! WOOHOO

[trez00d]

bought my hawk the same day as you, hasnt left the dealer yet. currently living my hawk tales through you