Calling Hawk riders! New rider in Georgia!

[BlackBike]

Mid grade

[LesterJames]

Thanks for the responses!I appreciate it. I'll put 90 octane in from now on.

[Mudflap]

My Lifan and Zongshen owners manuals say 93 and 91 octane but they're using the European rating instead of the US rating. Equivalent in the US is about 87 octane regular. Using premium or mid grade won't hurt but regular 87 should be fine. If it doesn't ping, all is good.

[Weldangrind]

I've always used regular fuel without any trouble. These are low compression mills.

[LesterJames]

Originally Posted by Mudflap

My Lifan and Zongshen owners manuals say 93 and 91 octane but they're using the European rating instead of the US rating. Equivalent in the US is about 87 octane regular. Using premium or mid grade won't hurt but regular 87 should be fine. If it doesn't ping, all is good.

Hmm, good point. They probably are using Euro grades. Maybe I'll try a little bit of 87 and see what happens.

Another question. Have any of you had the issue of the engine bogging down past half throttle? Like it's not able to ignite all the gas or something. Or maybe it's getting too little gas. Unsure, but there is definitely a loss of power if I roll the throttle hard past half. Thoughts?

[Mudflap]

I believe there are some threads addressing that issue on the Hawk. Usually a matter of jetting and airflow that can be fixed without too much bother.

Originally Posted by LesterJames

Hmm, good point. They probably are using Euro grades. Maybe I'll try a little bit of 87 and see what happens.

Another question. Have any of you had the issue of the engine bogging down past half throttle? Like it's not able to ignite all the gas or something. Or maybe it's getting too little gas. Unsure, but there is definitely a loss of power if I roll the throttle hard past half. Thoughts?

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by LesterJames

Hmm, good point. They probably are using Euro grades. Maybe I'll try a little bit of 87 and see what happens.

Another question. Have any of you had the issue of the engine bogging down past half throttle? Like it's not able to ignite all the gas or something. Or maybe it's getting too little gas. Unsure, but there is definitely a loss of power if I roll the throttle hard past half. Thoughts?

Changing out the main jet to a #110 and the air box mod are a big improvement. Motocheez has YouTube videos on how to do it. Also check your valve clearance. May need adjusting.

[Emerikol]

So I can't sleep. Big surprise, considering the freight company called me on Wednesday and set up my delivery appointment for today between 2:00 and 5:00 pm. This is my excited face! I got the new 17t front sprocket and 39t rear sprocket (I may buy a larger rear sprocket if the 39t saps too much power), as well as a seat pad and carb jets in yesterday's mail. I also have digital cluster from Matt coming in today. I have parts already and don't even have the bike yet...
I was out in Vegas on vacation this past week, and had to reflect on the wonderful world we live in: I was in a casino with the wife I don't deserve, and my awesome inlaws, and ordered a new motorcycle using my cell phone while sitting in front of a blackjack game. I ordered from TXPowersports.com, and so far the experience has been adequate. There wasn't a ton of communication back and forth, just the routine order received and order shipped emails. The only minor complaint I have so far is that there wasn't any tracking info on the order. Not the end of the world, I just like being able to watch the package progress. I'll keep everyone posted once I get the bike unpacked and assembled. I have to go to the DMV to register the other vehicles, so I'll also update what has to happen out here in Carrollton to get a plate. Have a great day, everyone.

[LesterJames]

Originally Posted by Emerikol

So I can't sleep. Big surprise, considering the freight company called me on Wednesday and set up my delivery appointment for today between 2:00 and 5:00 pm.

Awesome! Hope it all goes well for you. Man you went all in! haha. I need to up my game on upgrades.
I'm interested to see what the DMV has you do. For me I got different answers every time I went in. I still haven't gotten my title back from the state. I'll see if they require something more to be done.

[Emerikol]

IT'S ALIVE!! After a friday spent unexpectedly laying new tile in my kitchen (very long story), I have been able to spend today assembling the Hawk. First impressions:
1 - The hawk should really have a comprehensive manual for assembly. I have a bag of nuts, bolts and washers left over, as well as some grommets and wire keepers.
2 - TXPowersports did an excellent job with the order, however UPS Freight was a little lacking. I had to hook up my trailer and go meet the truck. He was in a full size rig, after I told the dispatcher that they would need a pup truck to get into my neighborhood. In any event, I did wind up getting the crate on the day it was scheduled, just had to go a little out of my way for it.
3 - Did I mention an assembly and instruction manual??
4 - The bike starts and runs, but once you get past about 1/2 throttle it starts sputtering and bucking. I have the jets and some washers, I think I'm going to take the carb apart and start playing around.
5 - I installed the digital cluster from Matt (hawkClusters@Gmailcom) and I'm very impressed. I need to tinker with it a bit to get it to face me more directly, and it seems to be canted a little to the right. I have a hacksaw and a welding torch, what could possibly go wrong?
6 - So, about that manual...
7 - The tires are super aggressive on the street, and you can count every knob as they roll over. Haven't decided if I'm going to burn these ones out and go with something a little more street friendly, or keep the bike set up for fun out in the woods. More to follow...
8 - SET THE VALVES!! My rig came from the factory with a valve clearance of 0.00. I set them for 0.05 and they seem to be happy. Noisy, but happy.
9 - I ran it for a few minutes with the oil from the factory to get it warm, and then changed it right away. I used Suzuki 10w40 because that's what I have for the DR. Seems to work well.
10 - Ten bullet points, really? Get on with it already and start a new thread!
11 - DMV will need to wait until Monday, but I'll get back about that. I'm going to heat cycle the engine one more time to finish the break in, then get new sprockets tossed on. Have a fantastic weekend everyone!

[motorcyclelove]

Originally Posted by Emerikol

IT'S ALIVE!! After a friday spent unexpectedly laying new tile in my kitchen (very long story), I have been able to spend today assembling the Hawk. First impressions:
1 - The hawk should really have a comprehensive manual for assembly. I have a bag of nuts, bolts and washers left over, as well as some grommets and wire keepers.
2 - TXPowersports did an excellent job with the order, however UPS Freight was a little lacking. I had to hook up my trailer and go meet the truck. He was in a full size rig, after I told the dispatcher that they would need a pup truck to get into my neighborhood. In any event, I did wind up getting the crate on the day it was scheduled, just had to go a little out of my way for it.
3 - Did I mention an assembly and instruction manual??
4 - The bike starts and runs, but once you get past about 1/2 throttle it starts sputtering and bucking. I have the jets and some washers, I think I'm going to take the carb apart and start playing around.
5 - I installed the digital cluster from Matt (hawkClusters@Gmailcom) and I'm very impressed. I need to tinker with it a bit to get it to face me more directly, and it seems to be canted a little to the right. I have a hacksaw and a welding torch, so I should be able to fix that.
6 - So, about that manual...
7 - The tires are super aggressive on the street, and you can count every knob as they roll over. Haven't decided if I'm going to burn these ones out and go with something a little more street friendly, or keep the bike set up for fun out in the woods. More to follow...
8 - SET THE VALVES!! My rig came from the factory with a valve clearance of 0.00. I set them for 0.05 and they seem to be happy. Noisy, but happy.
9 - I ran it for a few minutes with the oil from the factory to get it warm, and then changed it right away. I used Suzuki 10w40 because that's what I have for the DR. Seems to work well.
10 - Ten bullet points, really? Get on with it already and start a new thread!
11 - DMV will need to wait until Monday, but I'll get back about that. I'm going to heat cycle the engine one more time to finish the break in, then get new sprockets tossed on. Have a fantastic weekend everyone!

Very interested in your DMV experience. Please keep us posted. I'm in GA and close to pulling the trigger on a hawk but seems it's hit or miss here with getting a tag.

[Emerikol]

As if assembling a motorcycle and getting it fired up isn't enough, there's more! I tore into the carb and loaded up a 110 jet and shimmed the needle up with a single#6 washer. Word to the wise: Be very careful with the needle retaining clip. I shot mine across the shop and never found it. I have a cut-down water bottle lid keeping my needle in for the time being. I do have to say that I'm very impressed with the way the bike runs after having reworked the carby. I also put on the 17t front sprocket and 39t rear. The bike has a grand total of 33 miles on it, and that sprocket combination let's me hang at about 60mph or so. After lurking on every site I could find about the Hawk, it seems that the engine will really start opening up around 200-300 miles. I should have the exhaust swapped out by then, too. All this back of the envelope math says I should be able to hit 70 or so comfortably. Honestly, I like this bike so much (granted, it's only been a day), that if I would have picked this up first, it's possible I wouldn't have even jumped on a DR650. I'll be hitting the DMV as soon as the paperwork comes. I'll keep everyone posted.

[LesterJames]

Ya, it is a really fun bike. I'm sure enjoying mine. How's it do on hills with that sprocket combination? I'd love to be able to get up to 70 but I'm afraid some of the uphill streets I take to work would be a challenge.

Yes, I think it did open up more after the first several hundred miles. I'm around 600 now and it's doing great. I need to swap the carb and tune it cause I'm having that half-throttle problem too.

Keep us updated!

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by Emerikol

As if assembling a motorcycle and getting it fired up isn't enough, there's more! I tore into the carb and loaded up a 110 jet and shimmed the needle up with a single#6 washer. Word to the wise: Be very careful with the needle retaining clip. I shot mine across the shop and never found it. I have a cut-down water bottle lid keeping my needle in for the time being. I do have to say that I'm very impressed with the way the bike runs after having reworked the carby. I also put on the 17t front sprocket and 39t rear. The bike has a grand total of 33 miles on it, and that sprocket combination let's me hang at about 60mph or so. After lurking on every site I could find about the Hawk, it seems that the engine will really start opening up around 200-300 miles. I should have the exhaust swapped out by then, too. All this back of the envelope math says I should be able to hit 70 or so comfortably. Honestly, I like this bike so much (granted, it's only been a day), that if I would have picked this up first, it's possible I wouldn't have even jumped on a DR650. I'll be hitting the DMV as soon as the paperwork comes. I'll keep everyone posted.

Glad it's all working out. I would try putting the 15 back on just to see if it helps. 17/39 may be too high of a ratio. I have the 15/40 combo and took it up to 74mph. Good luck with the DMV. Not sure if Georgia has them but here in Louisiana I went to a Notary shop which issue licenses, titles, registration and so on.
Had all my paperwork already notarized from APCSUSA and my proof of insurance and was in and out in 15-20 minutes.

[Emerikol]

I was able to take the Hawk out for another ride last night, albeit a short one. The gearing feels pretty good at 17/39. I had a slight hill I was going down and hit 72mph. It seems like the bike is unlocking a few mph every time I ride it. I think that once the new exhaust gets in I'll be set with a perfectly suited bike for around town jaunts and short adventure rides. I got the MCO in the mail yesterday from TXPowersports. I called my insurance broker and got the insurance started on it. She had to add it to my progressive policy, and she said that it took, but it might not stick when a human actually reviews it. It cost me a whopping $6 from now to the end of my policy, and next year when it renews it will be $62/year. I have to travel to SC today for work, and then I'm flying to Mississippi Wednesday, so it looks like Thursday is the soonest I'm going to be able to hit the DMV. I have about 50 miles on the bike so far, and I've noticed that the seat is very comfortable (the seat pad I bought my find it's way onto the DR instead of the Hawk), the mirrors are about useless, the bike doesn't buzz or vibrate as bad as everyone said, the brakes are as effective as dragging a stick on the ground, and the headlight could use some improvement. Did I miss anything? I'll keep everyone posted as the week unfolds and I find out about the DMV. That's the biggest piece of the puzzle I have left.