Just about a year and a bit over 2000 miles on my green 2021. I ride it about 8 to 16 miles daily to n from work. I absolutely enjoy the bike! put your recommended shifter on it, CB500 levers, upgraded chain and sprockets. I figured the tires would be garbage after a couple months so I ordered a set of Kenda tires. As yet they are still unmounted and the stock tires are wearing almost not at all. This surprised me!
Thanks a ton for doing a suspension video! Fellow S.E. Ohio hawk rider here. I've had mine for going on 3 years, Perry state Forrest is one of my favorite places to ride, I usually just take my yz because it seems to beat me up pretty well on the hawk lol, but I like to ride over to Perry and plunk around on the ole red bird from time to time with a couple other buddies who have Hawks. I love it for camping!
Haha sweet! I really like perry too! The hawk is definitely an awesome bike! I honestly cannot believe how good it is all around. Thanks for commenting!
Btw, I've done the full aftermarket exhaust, 30mm carb with better jetting , pod filter, 15/40 sprockets, heaver fork oil, ect. But Ive been needing to find a better rear shock
@@Flavorsonlyyy 38mm Full Exhaust Muffler System Slip On For CRF150F CRF230F 2003-2013 Fits: CRF230F Brand New $85.30 Buy It Now Free shipping Last one Sponsored
I just noticed how compressed the spring is today sitting next to my DRZ (why I’m checking out your video). I thought I missed a step putting together...lol! Glad I’m not crazy
Nice vid Bud......I have an aftermarket rear shock thats nice and soft but does bottom out on occasion.....The stock rear shock would completely bottom out just getting on......It would of been nice if the rear shock was mounted so you could adjust it without taking soo much stuff off.
nitebird scuffle that’s exactly how my bike is!! as soon as I get on the bike the rear shock is pretty much bottomed out! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Someone needs to heavily HEAVILY modify The crap out of one of these hawk 250’s. New wheels, front and rear suspension, carb, exhaust all that good stuff. anyone seen one modded?
Howdy Hoss...! Professor Jeff here....🎵🎓🎶 As you know I have the 2020 250 hawk (carbureted) I Weight Around 235 ....🙄 depending on what day it is...😹😹😹 anyhow after watching your video it makes me wonder if maybe they changed the suspension on the 2020 model...??? I have hopped around on mine a little bit nothing horrible but just feeling out the suspension.. And I have not had mine ( Bottom out ) ,yet it makes me wonder if they adjusted the suspension a little harder on the 2020 models ...? I don’t know but for some reason I have not bottomed my Hawk Out .... Go Figger....? Prof. Jeff 🎵🎹🎶🎸🎼🎻🎓
@@goodolboys713 Yeah I have not had any problem with my suspension but maybe I’m too old , and not Romping it quite as hard as you...😹😹😹 I’m basically just cruising around town and in the country I’ve taking it on some trails but they are kind of like sightseeing trails...! Last week I did take it to an area where they’re doing about a miles worth of land clearing and construction, but I did not have any problem with the suspension there....!
Yes! The rear suspension is INADEQUATE! It’s hot very short travel and is too soft... what can ya do, it’s a $1400 bike lol. I honestly can’t complain, my hawk as carried me 4,300 miles at this point and it’s still running strong 💪. Thanks for watching!
That’s a very good question. There was some one on chinarider that completely rebuilt the front forks. From what Iv heard the best place to get parts would be TXpowersports. Wish you the best of luck with your bike. If I ever have to go through the same thing I will make a video on it. Thanks for watching!
@@goodolboys713 No problem dude. Its all I do now is watch these China bike videos. I was wondering because you look about my size. I'm 180 something so. And I may have a backpack half the time. Im going to mod my airbox like you did. That' video rules.
@@JoeKavey awesome! Thanks for the support! The airbox mods will no doubt help the longevity of your bike, I’m glad you like and found that video helpful! Thanks for watching!
The front you can change the oil and the springs, the back has no adjustment. Keep in mind there are different versions of the hawk 250.. so you’ll have to take a look at your bike and see what can be done. In all honesty I am trying to ride the bike just the way it is, I am doing a proper test of the stock hawk 250 lol. It is great to ride it the way it is because it’s a lot cheaper that way lol. If you go through my vids you’ll see that I have not really done any mods unless Iv absolutely had to.. happy trails!
@@goodolboys713 Same here, I'd like to keep it as stock as possible. I do notice mine has an adjustment on the top of the shock, I can use it because I'm on the short side and featherweight. I have the 2020 version and the rear is stiff.
The simple answer is yes.. but then unfortunately the front suspension would be lacking.. In all honesty the hawk would need new suspension all the way around to be any better.. and for me I honestly like the bike just the way it is, plus I couldn’t justify the cost of all new suspension on a 1300$ bike.. makes sense right? Anyway thanks for watching!
That’s a great question. I’m not 100% sure, I’ve heard certain versions of the hawk250 are legal in California. However I’m not 100% sure so don’t quote me on that. Thanks for watching!
Great question! I’d say it really depends on your intended use for the bike. Only down side to the hawk is that parts are a little harder to find, otherwise both bikes are great!
The short answer is yes, but unfortunately it’s more complicated that that. A lot of other people have put replacement rear shocks on the hawk.. my thing is that the front suspension is lacking too, so if you fix the rear shock the front shock immediately needs replaced too lol. With how cheap the bike is I can’t justify spending much money or any money on a rear shock.. but who knows, I might try a different rear shock some day lol.
Firstly the hawk POS delivered to your door not set up is $2,390 once you get your POS china hawk you will need to put 800.00 in it to be kinda safe and reliable. Secondly you will be vibrated beyond belief and you need to invest in loctite and ensure while you ride 50 mph it's kinda safe you could invest in a Kawasaki 230 klx for 4500 safe and reliable. Moral to the story is save for a quality bike!
You have a right to your one opinion but it’s sad you feel that way. The hawk has been a great bike for 5,500 miles for me. It gets beat and abused every day of the week just like any of the Japanese bikes I have. Weather you want to believe it or not the hawk is a solid bike. Btw the crf250l is better 😉 and I found one for $3500 the other day.
hahahaha! 'more modern simple' I HOPE you realize that a 'MULTI-LINK" rear suspension is in another universe compared to a straight monoshock. The REASON you keep bottoming is because the hawk does NOT have linkage rear suspension. Multi link suspensions are what allow motocross riders to fly 30ft in the air and land without breaking the frame. Otherwise good vid!
First I want to thank you for the complement! I can’t help but feel like you missed the point of the video 🤦. This is not about mono shock vs linkage, not about the fact that the hawk is 223cc and the 250l is 249.6cc, not about the fact that the hawk Chinese and the 250l is Japanese. This video is about how the suspension feels, how it compares, how it rides. Now a days there are bikes like the KTM 500 exc with successful mono shocks. The hawk bottoms out because of short suspension travel and the fact that it’s NOT a motocross bike. You better check your facts next time ;)
I adjusted (reduced) my 2020 RPS Hawk 250 rear shock spring tension and it improved the ride significantly.
Just about a year and a bit over 2000 miles on my green 2021. I ride it about 8 to 16 miles daily to n from work.
I absolutely enjoy the bike! put your recommended shifter on it, CB500 levers, upgraded chain and sprockets.
I figured the tires would be garbage after a couple months so I ordered a set of Kenda tires. As yet they are still unmounted
and the stock tires are wearing almost not at all. This surprised me!
Thanks a ton for doing a suspension video! Fellow S.E. Ohio hawk rider here. I've had mine for going on 3 years, Perry state Forrest is one of my favorite places to ride, I usually just take my yz because it seems to beat me up pretty well on the hawk lol, but I like to ride over to Perry and plunk around on the ole red bird from time to time with a couple other buddies who have Hawks. I love it for camping!
Haha sweet! I really like perry too! The hawk is definitely an awesome bike! I honestly cannot believe how good it is all around. Thanks for commenting!
Btw, I've done the full aftermarket exhaust, 30mm carb with better jetting , pod filter, 15/40 sprockets, heaver fork oil, ect. But Ive been needing to find a better rear shock
What exhaust?
@@Flavorsonlyyy eBay crf230 exhaust it's unbranded but it's a copy of fmf
@@Flavorsonlyyy you can find them on Amazon or eBay but it's a for a Honda crf230f
@@Flavorsonlyyy 38mm Full Exhaust Muffler System Slip On For CRF150F CRF230F 2003-2013
Fits: CRF230F
Brand New
$85.30
Buy It Now
Free shipping
Last one
Sponsored
I just noticed how compressed the spring is today sitting next to my DRZ (why I’m checking out your video). I thought I missed a step putting together...lol! Glad I’m not crazy
No sir lol, it’s just the way it is, I really wish they would have made room for a longer shock. The hawk really needs it! Thanks for watching
You should do a review on how good helmets work.
I’d love to!! It would be more of a whistlindiesel episode😂
But all seriousness, look into the new hawk dlx rear shock. It does have the preload adjustment.
Love these hawk 250 and camping videos bud 👍 keep it up
Evan Cunnignham thanks!!
Nice vid Bud......I have an aftermarket rear shock thats nice and soft but does bottom out on occasion.....The stock rear shock would completely bottom out just getting on......It would of been nice if the rear shock was mounted so you could adjust it without taking soo much stuff off.
What shock did you go with?
nitebird scuffle that’s exactly how my bike is!! as soon as I get on the bike the rear shock is pretty much bottomed out! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Good video very intuitive!
Thanks!
Someone needs to heavily HEAVILY modify The crap out of one of these hawk 250’s. New wheels, front and rear suspension, carb, exhaust all that good stuff. anyone seen one modded?
That would be one sweet bike!
I'm working on that now with my bashan storm 250 just got it
Cannibal Nectar look at oddballperformance here on TH-cam. He's on his second Hawk. He's even ported the head, nibbi carb, suspension...everything.
2019 hawk 250 dlx they upgraded a lot.
Howdy Hoss...!
Professor Jeff here....🎵🎓🎶 As you know I have the 2020 250 hawk (carbureted) I Weight Around 235 ....🙄 depending on what day it is...😹😹😹 anyhow after watching your video it makes me wonder if maybe they changed the suspension on the 2020 model...???
I have hopped around on mine a little bit nothing horrible but just feeling out the suspension.. And I have not had mine ( Bottom out ) ,yet it makes me wonder if they adjusted the suspension a little harder on the 2020 models ...? I don’t know but for some reason I have not bottomed my Hawk Out .... Go Figger....?
Prof. Jeff 🎵🎹🎶🎸🎼🎻🎓
That would be excellent if they upgraded the suspension, the hawk definitely needs it! I fell ya! Thank for watching!
@@goodolboys713
Yeah I have not had any problem with my suspension but maybe I’m too old , and not Romping it quite as hard as you...😹😹😹
I’m basically just cruising around town and in the country I’ve taking it on some trails but they are kind of like sightseeing trails...!
Last week I did take it to an area where they’re doing about a miles worth of land clearing and construction, but I did not have any problem with the suspension there....!
With the stock setup It bottom after landing wheelies
Yes! The rear suspension is INADEQUATE! It’s hot very short travel and is too soft... what can ya do, it’s a $1400 bike lol. I honestly can’t complain, my hawk as carried me 4,300 miles at this point and it’s still running strong 💪. Thanks for watching!
@@goodolboys713 that’s awesome great vids loved your winter video
Do you know if the new dlx with efi upgraded the rear suspension any?
Unfortunately I don’t, that would be a good question for motocheese, he’s on TH-cam here. Thanks for watching!
What do I do about springs for the forks? Where to get parts?
That’s a very good question. There was some one on chinarider that completely rebuilt the front forks. From what Iv heard the best place to get parts would be TXpowersports. Wish you the best of luck with your bike. If I ever have to go through the same thing I will make a video on it. Thanks for watching!
I don't remember if you mentioned your weight. Sorry if I missed it, but how much do you weigh?
I’m 190. A lighter guy might have a better chance at not bottoming out as much. Thanks for watching!
@@goodolboys713 No problem dude. Its all I do now is watch these China bike videos. I was wondering because you look about my size. I'm 180 something so. And I may have a backpack half the time. Im going to mod my airbox like you did. That' video rules.
@@JoeKavey awesome! Thanks for the support! The airbox mods will no doubt help the longevity of your bike, I’m glad you like and found that video helpful! Thanks for watching!
Have you changed fork oil?
Have you made any suspension adjustments? My weight has no effect on the rear suspension and I'm about to inspect it for an adjustment.
The front you can change the oil and the springs, the back has no adjustment. Keep in mind there are different versions of the hawk 250.. so you’ll have to take a look at your bike and see what can be done. In all honesty I am trying to ride the bike just the way it is, I am doing a proper test of the stock hawk 250 lol. It is great to ride it the way it is because it’s a lot cheaper that way lol. If you go through my vids you’ll see that I have not really done any mods unless Iv absolutely had to.. happy trails!
@@goodolboys713 Same here, I'd like to keep it as stock as possible. I do notice mine has an adjustment on the top of the shock, I can use it because I'm on the short side and featherweight. I have the 2020 version and the rear is stiff.
I don't know much about dirtbikes. Can you not just put a stiffer shock spring on the back?
The simple answer is yes.. but then unfortunately the front suspension would be lacking.. In all honesty the hawk would need new suspension all the way around to be any better.. and for me I honestly like the bike just the way it is, plus I couldn’t justify the cost of all new suspension on a 1300$ bike.. makes sense right? Anyway thanks for watching!
are these bikes STREET legal in CALIFORNIA
That’s a great question. I’m not 100% sure, I’ve heard certain versions of the hawk250 are legal in California. However I’m not 100% sure so don’t quote me on that. Thanks for watching!
Hey is this 250cc hawk better then 125cc grom
Great question! I’d say it really depends on your intended use for the bike. Only down side to the hawk is that parts are a little harder to find, otherwise both bikes are great!
Oh ok thank you for the info
Can't you just put a longer shock in?
The short answer is yes, but unfortunately it’s more complicated that that. A lot of other people have put replacement rear shocks on the hawk.. my thing is that the front suspension is lacking too, so if you fix the rear shock the front shock immediately needs replaced too lol. With how cheap the bike is I can’t justify spending much money or any money on a rear shock.. but who knows, I might try a different rear shock some day lol.
@@goodolboys713 wonder if the csc tt250 has the same issue
Brandon Costner that is a good question!
Is that a tiger behind you bro?
YES! It was the same one that ate Carol Basking husband. Whacked him 😂
The bike is too high for me how to bring it down some
People put shorter rear shocks on the hawk. I wouldn’t recommend it myself, my factory shock lasted a long time.
Firstly the hawk POS delivered to your door not set up is $2,390 once you get your POS china hawk you will need to put 800.00 in it to be kinda safe and reliable. Secondly you will be vibrated beyond belief and you need to invest in loctite and ensure while you ride 50 mph it's kinda safe you could invest in a Kawasaki 230 klx for 4500 safe and reliable. Moral to the story is save for a quality bike!
You have a right to your one opinion but it’s sad you feel that way. The hawk has been a great bike for 5,500 miles for me. It gets beat and abused every day of the week just like any of the Japanese bikes I have. Weather you want to believe it or not the hawk is a solid bike. Btw the crf250l is better 😉 and I found one for $3500 the other day.
hahahaha! 'more modern simple' I HOPE you realize that a 'MULTI-LINK" rear suspension is in another universe compared to a straight monoshock. The REASON you keep bottoming is because the hawk does NOT have linkage rear suspension. Multi link suspensions are what allow motocross riders to fly 30ft in the air and land without breaking the frame. Otherwise good vid!
First I want to thank you for the complement! I can’t help but feel like you missed the point of the video 🤦. This is not about mono shock vs linkage, not about the fact that the hawk is 223cc and the 250l is 249.6cc, not about the fact that the hawk Chinese and the 250l is Japanese. This video is about how the suspension feels, how it compares, how it rides. Now a days there are bikes like the KTM 500 exc with successful mono shocks. The hawk bottoms out because of short suspension travel and the fact that it’s NOT a motocross bike. You better check your facts next time ;)