As new as it gets in Ohio

[Aurelius]

Hey All,

I'm as new as it gets. So new in fact I just signed up to take the BRS course to earn my motorcycle license just this afternoon. Interestingly enough, it was reading this forum that pushed me to finally buckle down and get my license.

So here's the deal: I'm in love with the Hawk 250 and I strongly suspect that it's going to be my first bike. I'll be the first to admit that I don't have much in the way for a mechanical background, but what I lack in experience I make up for in stubbornness and enthusiasm. Is there any reading you'd recommend as far as engine or maintenance basics before I go diving headlong into this? Thanks!

[JerryHawk250]

Welcome aboard. Search the Dual Sport section of the forum. There's ton of information on there. YouTube has a lot of videos too. If you can't find what you are looking for just post a thread. Someone will give you an answer. There is no such thing as dumb questions so don't be afraid to ask. We all have to start somewhere and you found the right place to start.

[BlackBike]

Welcome, we all have somethin in common with you. We all had to start somewhere. Bullheaded sob's are first in line around here.

[Megadan]

Welcome! You defintely picked the right bike to learn maintenance and hone your mechanical skills. They are very hands on bikes, but also very simple and unintimidating. The three biggest things to learn about with a majority of bikes is going to be chain maintenance, spoke maintenance (checking and tightening regularly), valve adjustments, cable adjustments, and learning how to tune and adjust a carburetor. Beyond those items you have your basic fluid changes and maintenance - brake fluid, engine oil, fork oil, and cable lubrication.

None of these are very difficult or require any special or expensive tools, and as mentioned there are endless threads and youtube videos on these subjects. Also, as mentioned, never be afraid to ask a question.

As far as your BRS/MSF course, My biggest advice to you is to take a bicycle and practice doing slow, tight, 180 degree turns and some low speed swerving. You would be amazed how much this can help you on the practice course and test. Then, just never stop practicing.

[dpl096]

Welcome aboard.

[timcosby]

the two things that will have to take place is rejet the carb and adjust the valves. if its running ok after rejetting the valves can wait a while. adjusting valves is removing 3 bolts and taking a cover off then rotating the engine to the right spot then loosening two nuts and putting a feeler gauge under the rockers and re tightening. nothing daunting to say the least. everything else is just if you want to type stuff.