Hello there, I just traded a friend for a 90 hawk gt 650. It has 42,000 miles on it. Ive messed with different bikes over the last 8 years, and this one looks the best. Just curious what kind of maintence should I preform before taking it out.
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The members here have a wealth of knowledge on these bikes. I'm no expert. Just wanted to welcome you to the forum. Depending on how long the bike has been sitting, it will determine the work. These engines unmodified are robust. I suspect others may tell you to change fuel, clean carbs, fuel lines (depending).
Post pictures will also help other assess the bike and help make suggestions.
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Is it currently running? Certainly I would change the oil and filter, drain as much gas as possible and put in fresh non-ethanol gas. You also might add some Seafoam cleaner additive to the gas. You would also want to check the brake fluid levels and tire pressures. PM me and I can email you a service manual. If not running, then you have a bigger job.
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Welcome! … and adjust the chain (not tight) and lube the chain, too!
Bi-Coastal U.S.A.: Los Angeles, CA and Long Island, NYComment
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Maintenance before taking it out? Check oil, chain, tires, brakes, throttle action, coolant level, make sure wheels spin. Don't think there's anything unique to the hawk that needs special attention.
After that, it's up to you and how well you think your friend kept up on maintenance. Head bearings, fork oil or rebuild, shock replacement, cush drive rubbers, check tank for rust, brake pads/rotors, air filter. If you want to be real fancy, pull the rear spindle and eccentric and give the needle bearings a cleaning and re-grease.Comment
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what tire pressures are you planning to run ? how old are they ?"It's only getting worse."
MY rides: '97 VFR750, '90 Red Hawk, '88 Blue/Black Hawk, '86 RWB VFR700 (3), '86 Yamaha Radian, '90 VTR250, '89 VTR250 (2), '73 CB125, '66 Yamaha YL-1
Sold: '86 FJ1200, '92 ZX-7, '90 Radian, '73 CB750, '89 all-white Hawk, '88 blue Hawk, '86 FZ600, '86 Yam Fazer 700 , '89 VTR250, '87 VFR700F2, '86 VFR700F.Comment
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Unless they have been replaced in the past couple years I would look for replacement brake lines, rebuild calipers, with new pads, and flush the brake system completely with fresh DOT 4 fluid. Inspect the rotors for wear with 42K on the clocks as well, they may have grooves or be beyond the wear limit. Likewise inspect closely your coolant hoses for any cracking, check the coolant levels and fuel lines for cracks and leaks, and then check for fresh fuel filter and replace as necessary. Obviously you want to change the oil and filter. I usually stick with the EMGO brand but also use Mobile 1 so there is always going to be debate on oil filter quality. Use what you trust I always say. I doubt you will run into issues as long as its a quality unit.
One item you may want to check is the spark plugs but its a little work if you don't have the OEM tool kit, especially the front plug on the clutch lever side. It's a downright bitch so a lot of times guys ignore it when doing a tune-up, especially if they do not have that plug tool. If you don't have the tool kit and that plug tool might want to shop for at least the spark plug tool and the rear eccentric tool if you can find one just to make your life easier when it comes time to adjust the chain and change the plugs..
If the bike has been sitting any amount of time (maybe more than 6 months) with modern fuel you are probably going to need to pull apart the carbs and clean, as a bare minimum. Other than that maybe inspect the tires for any cracks or cupping if they are older and check the clutch and throttle cables for adjustment. One final task it to check over your chain for adjustment. If it doesn't look loose its probably too tight as everyone likes to say here, and sadly it is kind of true. If you look through the sticky points in the forums there is a good video on how to adjust, but may not be optimal if your bike has the stock shock and center stand still. All those things are a good saturday job and prep for a ride on Sunday if you find no major issues.88 Blue Hawk GT - Under construction but rideable (guest approved)
89 BlackHawk 2.0 - On the lift and being assembled
90 Hawk GT (color as to yet be determined) - Still on the shelf in cratesComment
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Why a "loose" chain isn't loose enough:
How to check Cush play:
If you were looking for a support group you're barking up the wrong tree. This place is fulla enablers dude. - Shooter77us
The bitterness of low quality lingers long after the thrill of a low price has gone. - RacerX450Comment
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Did anyone mention the cush rubbers? They disintegrate on all of them.
Check em
Congratulations on the hawk!Don't spend money and buy, spend time and learn.Comment
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Congrats on picking up a Hawk.
There is a ton of information on this site about getting your bike in tip top shape.
Once your bike performs well, you will really love riding it.Comment
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88 Blue Hawk GT - Under construction but rideable (guest approved)
89 BlackHawk 2.0 - On the lift and being assembled
90 Hawk GT (color as to yet be determined) - Still on the shelf in cratesComment
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Welcome! Everything the others said are the fundamentals, heed their advice.
Flock of Hawks | '13 Tacoma | '69 Falcon (currently getting reassembled!)
I've spent most of my money on women, beer, cars and motorcycles. The rest of it I just wasted.Comment
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