2000+ Miles and RPS Hawk Performing Great

[Slofun]

Just wanted to report that I’ve had this bike for almost 2 years and put just over 2,000 real miles on it (not Hawk kilometers) and it’s running great. Nothing has broken or failed. I change the oil every 500 miles using 10w40 or 20w50 depending on the outside temp. I ride between 32 and 95 degrees F. The air filter and plug get changed once a year. Everything is still stock on it except:
1) Switched to digital cluster
2) Switched to shorter Brozz shock
3) Shortened kickstand
4) Added fuel filter
5) Switched to 17/45 tooth f/r sprockets

I never had to re-jet the carbs because I live at 5,200 feet above sea level and ride between 4,400 and 9,000 feet.

My only issue is difficulty shifting down into 3rd and 2nd when stopped.

Sorry. I’ve tried rotating my pics on my phone and they still come in wrong.

[Megadan]

Stop coming to a stop in 3rd gear. Downshift as you are rolling to make sure you are already in first when you stop, or at least second.

[Slofun]

Originally Posted by Megadan

Stop coming to a stop in 3rd gear. Downshift as you are rolling to make sure you are already in first when you stop, or at least second.

Yeah. That’s what I’ve had to do to go down to 2nd or 1st coming to a stop and that works fine. But shouldn’t it shift smoothly into all gears at a stop?

Thanks for your comment.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Slofun

Yeah. That’s what I’ve had to do to go down to 2nd or 1st coming to a stop and that works fine. But shouldn’t it shift smoothly into all gears at a stop?

Thanks for your comment.

No, no bike will shift through all gears at a stop. Constant mesh gears and a sequentially shifted transmission means that there are no syncronizers. Bikes transmissions are dog engagement, which are big rectangular teeth. If a shaft isn't turning even a little bit the dogs won't find a way to align. That is why you have to rock the bike back and forth or feather the clutch a tad to get the next gear.

Proper shifting technique is to downshift when coming to a stop. Ideally you should be in first or be shifting into first right as you come to a stop.

[Slofun]

Thanks so much!! Good to know!

So now I can say the bike works perfectly!

I should have said before
6) Replaced battery.
7) Replaced fork oil with 15w