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So as of Monday morning I'm the proud owner of a beautiful (very ugly) 88 Hawk.
I am in love with the bike as far as riding it, we clicked right away! As the God (Degsy) very well predicted on Day1 I was matching my times on the gsxr on Day2 I was actually faster and more consistant.
Doc was certainly great help, and I was told right away to become friends with Gino...
I have heard the hawk community is a great community full of friends and people willing to help each other all the time. I hope I have what it takes to be part of this. The plan is to race the damn thing next year and I'm already pumped about it!
Any kind of tips/hints/ideas/suggestions would be great. I have already been warned that I'm gonna need to learn to do some wrenching and it is kinda scary considering I can't even remove a wheel on my own but I am willing to learn and try! Let's see what this bike brings on the table for me!
i just picked one up myself. i assume degsy went over it with you so you won't run into the headaches i have with rust in my fuel system. i'm just trying to get my ridable right now, altho its very close i think.
Last edited by Doc; 08-29-12 at 02:47 PM.
"I'd rather ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow"
Bikes: Ducati: 748 (Track) Honda: RC31 (Race/street)/ CRF 110 Mini Moto/ Hawk Endurance Racer Kawasaki: ZXR1200R
BOMO Instructor
EX# X
Be careful, doc is an admin over there.
Cliff's Cycles KTM
NETRA enduro B-vet
Close your eyes, look deep in your soul, step outside yourself and let your mind go.
Should I expect to see you on the ULSB grids next year?
A man of many names...Jay, Gennaro, Gerry, etc.
Excellent, yet another Hawk rider breaking into the race circuit! There's a few of us that have been racing/riding them for years and yeah, we're all willing to help with questions etc. The Hawk forum that's posted above is a great resource.
If you haven't already, find a time to get someone like GMD to give it the bouncy bounce and see how the suspension is. There are just a few more track days/race weekends before the season winds down and winter is a good time to get that sorted out before you get into the middle of a race season.
Don't forget to add your new ride to your tag line!![]()
LRRS EX #7
Low Down Racing
- Woodcraft - Armour Bodies - Computrack Boston - Lifeproof -
I didn't ask but you looked happier after riding the hawk
LRRS Am #331
Graphic Tailor / Woodcraft / Armour Bodies / Suomy / Cycle Performance Autobody / Shorai / ChickenHawk Racing
Sometimes HP is not a good thing.![]()
"I'd rather ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow"
Bikes: Ducati: 748 (Track) Honda: RC31 (Race/street)/ CRF 110 Mini Moto/ Hawk Endurance Racer Kawasaki: ZXR1200R
BOMO Instructor
EX# X
absolutely! the difference was incredible. just sitting on the bike I felt more comfortable (although this one doesnt have a seat and the GSXR had a stock one).
First day I was running times as my PB on the GSXR but consistant. Second day I was going even faster and noticed huge (for me) speed differences in T3-4 and 9-10. Still gotta work on 11-12 though :/
Overal yes I am worried about maintaining the bike but I think it can be very fun and it will be a good racing start for me. Happier was the perfect word to describe it Brett!
Download the manual and practice disecting the bike when you have a boring weekend. Taking the tank, tail and carbs off should be something you should be able to do in 3 minutes blindfolded while hopping up and down on one foot singing Ave Maria. It's easy, honestly. At least taking them off. My singing sucks and I don't know the lyrics. If you ever have a chance get Gino to show you how to clean your carbs. Not like a normal mechanic but like Gino. If you're lucky enough to have him show you, you'll know what I mean.
LRRS EX #7
Low Down Racing
- Woodcraft - Armour Bodies - Computrack Boston - Lifeproof -
Gino I am Greek so I can COOK! Got tons of beer and alcohol at home. What else do you like so I can bring you to Worcester?
Trouble: I never have boring weekends. I usually work 40hours Friday-Sunday. But I get what you mean. I do actually have the manual for it.
YOu did make me feel a bit better though lol
Lemme know when you're doing a race weekend or TTD so I can put a face to your screen name. I'm the helmet with a goatee out there usually dangling off a tiny grey Hawk.
LRRS EX #7
Low Down Racing
- Woodcraft - Armour Bodies - Computrack Boston - Lifeproof -
Yup, I can vouch for tail and tank being a cinch. I got them off and on quick enough when I replaced the air filters. Only thing is after you get the tank bolt off, that little spacer is kind of a pain to get out. jcbell gave me a spare one that's threaded on both ends that I replaced the old one with, so it should be easier - you can either use a nifty little magnetic thing like one Scottie loaned me to get the end out and then pry it out the rest of the way with your fingers, or you can find a bolt that fits the threads (has to be a little bigger than the tank bolt, but not sure exactly what size). And carbs didn't seem toooo horrible after Bill and Doc showed me. They'll definitely need a cleaning this winter. I think the biggest thing is going to be that engine switch though :/
Degsy seemed very confident about it. I think we are doing that on the 14th or during the winter...
You have another motor? We can swap it at the track.![]()
"I'd rather ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow"
Bikes: Ducati: 748 (Track) Honda: RC31 (Race/street)/ CRF 110 Mini Moto/ Hawk Endurance Racer Kawasaki: ZXR1200R
BOMO Instructor
EX# X
What is wrong with it? The Ducati switch on the opposite handlebar? It's European!
"I'd rather ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow"
Bikes: Ducati: 748 (Track) Honda: RC31 (Race/street)/ CRF 110 Mini Moto/ Hawk Endurance Racer Kawasaki: ZXR1200R
BOMO Instructor
EX# X
I have stock honda ones.![]()
"I'd rather ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow"
Bikes: Ducati: 748 (Track) Honda: RC31 (Race/street)/ CRF 110 Mini Moto/ Hawk Endurance Racer Kawasaki: ZXR1200R
BOMO Instructor
EX# X
Ok. BUT, You need the narrow type like what is on there with your 1/4 turn throttle. If you go back to a stock honda you will have to twist the grip more. (probably why you were faster so quick)
"I'd rather ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow"
Bikes: Ducati: 748 (Track) Honda: RC31 (Race/street)/ CRF 110 Mini Moto/ Hawk Endurance Racer Kawasaki: ZXR1200R
BOMO Instructor
EX# X
this isnt the first time ive heard of hawks being a fun and the best bike someone has ever owned/ rode. i hear it a lot coming from old school racers who used to race hawks & on to more modern fi bikes but they always say that the hawks are the best they've ever rode. so what is it about these bikes that makes them so good? are parts difficult to source? maintenance? i'm interested.
oh and i believe i've never seen 2 hawsk that looks the same. are people just making custom parts for them? school me on hawks please