Some experianced insight

[Keiran]

hey there gentlemen, I'm goign to be purchasing my first bike and I really want it to be a Hawk GT. I am lookign at possibly purchasing this one

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcy/206303256.html

And was wondering what some of you experianced guys coudl tell me abotu the mods on it. Obviously I'll need to look at it in person, and the only thing I dislike is the Fairngs (which can come off right?) and the fact that because of the exhaust the passengers pegs can't be on, but IO won't be carrying passengers for a while so that's not a immediate problem. Let me know what you guys think and what I shoudl look for if I do go look at it.

Thanks alot, I look forawrd to hearing your advice.

[Tusk]

Seems a very fair price and the "extras" are perfect.... well, with room to play!

The ONLY thing I well not warn but comment on is the center stand can't be put back on with that exhaust. But most Hawkers take it off anyway. I still have mine on because I'm a practical freak.

The fairing will come off easily. You may wish to put it back on when.... no wait... Your in LA. Nevermind! ops: It doesn't get cold there.

Some things to ask about:
Are sprocket sizes stock or no? If not, what sizes (front and rear)
CBR900RR shock - What spring used?

Otherwise, have at it and keep us informed.

[Keiran]

He says he used the Hawk SPring with no spacers, and he forgets what sprocket size he used, only that it if what wasnt stock then it was only a hair shorter.

I have a few questions to ask you guys, with the rearsets does this change the body position significantly? like is this going to give me the new guy a hgard time, or will it make thigns easier since I am 6`2 and have really long legs?

Also with the rearsets can you still carry passengers? I would liek to have a hot honey riding on the back of my bike someday

thanks for your guys input!

[Tusk]

Rear sets may make it a bit more cramped for taller riders. I don NOT know first hand. But I'd encourage you to try it out first. Stock setups can be had easily as a lot of folks use the rear set pegs. The advantage for rear sets is a higher ground clearance for cornering.
Don't make it a deal breaker and try them out as stated above. If you don't like them at all worst case you could trade a stock setup for someone wanting the rear sets.

Be sure and purchase his "passenger peg" option! The rear sets won't interfere with carrying anyone. And installation is real easy! Remove the cowling and four bolts. Done!

[Ross]

Those are the stock footpegs with an adapter that rotates them up and back, so putting them back in the lower position would be simple. I believe the exhaust interferes with the passenger pegs, so that may be more difficult without changing the midpipe. I'd say it's a good deal the way it is.

[Keiran]

Allright, so i went a nd looked at this bike tonight and I've got to say... wow!

I've seen Hawks in pictures and thought that they were awesome, but lookign at one, feeling the lines of it and hearing it fire up.... I was in love. These bikes are so much more awesome in eprson.

I went to test ride the bike... and being a VERY new rider (just my two days at the Honda riding center) I realized I Need A LOT of practice, after quickly parkign the bike and then following the seller around as he ran it through the loops for me to watch I was impressed.

The Rearsets won't be much of a issue once I get used to them, I actually liked the position that they put me in... I jsut wasn't used to it.

The seller was a very awesome guy, he was straight forward about all the issues with the bike, he's runnign the chain a little loose because the sprocket is a little loppy so it will need to be replaced, it hasn't had the opil changed in a while cause he hasn't ridden it in a bout 3 years, the front forks will need more fluid, and he wasn't shy about tellign me how he laid the bike down, and was totally understanding abotu me not riding it.

I brought cash and a truck because it'd be the only time I could get the bike for few weeks but the seller said that he wouldn't be comfortable sellign the bike to me that night and that he wants me to think abotu it more first, which is awesome. i definatly want to take my tiem and think this over, cause it is a big decision. I knwo that right now I love the bike, but I'ma little shaken by the fact that I looked liek a total goober trying to ride it, but of course I need to get a bike and big empty parking lot and Practice, practice, practice.

The only real concern that I had with the bike though, is that the throttle would stick. The seller said that this is prolly due to it not being greased in a while, or it coudl be an assortment of cable tensions not being right. Should this be an easy fix if I decide to purchase the bike?

[Tusk]

Lubing the throttle cable is easy. BUT easy doesn't always mean fast! Just take your time.

Very Glad your experience was good!

I frequently point out to my wife (a newer rider) how she used to ride. We've all been there. The Hawk (once the throttle behaves) is a great starter bike!

Make sure you tighten it up and get the fluids changed before you start practicing!