Hey all
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hey all
Hey everyone nice to meet you all Just got my 02 hawk brand new from a local dealer. Thought I'd say hi and ask a few questions....What do you guys think is the best first mods to make ??? Can I go to a 190 rear tire is there any advantage other than looks to this. Does everyones gas gauge move quiker at the top part of the tank than the bottom????
Moderator
MotoGP
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,553
From: South Texas
Re: Hey all
Hey Frank,
Welcome and Congrats!
I'm not trying to "shut you up" by any means but your questions are typical of a excited owner of a new superhawk as we've all been there but they are FAQ's. Do a search or just poke around the different forums, LOTS to read.
The SuperHawk is perfect right out of the box and needs absolutely no modifications whatsoever! I kept mine stock. :wink:
Welcome and Congrats!
I'm not trying to "shut you up" by any means but your questions are typical of a excited owner of a new superhawk as we've all been there but they are FAQ's. Do a search or just poke around the different forums, LOTS to read.
The SuperHawk is perfect right out of the box and needs absolutely no modifications whatsoever! I kept mine stock. :wink:
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 318
From: San Jose, CA
welcome aboard.
ride the bike as is for a while, to get used to it first. then, you can think about upgrading the front suspension and front brakes, and by then, you have been around enough to know about all other mods. Until then, enjoy your new bike! don't be rushing to fix what ain't broken!
ride the bike as is for a while, to get used to it first. then, you can think about upgrading the front suspension and front brakes, and by then, you have been around enough to know about all other mods. Until then, enjoy your new bike! don't be rushing to fix what ain't broken!
Member
Squid
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 84
From: Woonona
Re: Hey all
G'day & welcome...I'm new too (as well as being on the other side of the earth)..
DO NOT put a 190 section tyre on a 5.5inch rim for god sakes... stick with a 180 or put a larger rim (6") for a 190.
DO NOT put a 190 section tyre on a 5.5inch rim for god sakes... stick with a 180 or put a larger rim (6") for a 190.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,315
From: Richmond, Virginia
I'm sure there's some forum members in your area you can hookup with.
Ditto everyone on the 190 deal. Basically you'll be pinching the tire in more at the beads & running on a narrower strip of rubber & screwing up the designed profile of the tire. Result: worse performance & nobody really wants that.
As far as the gas guage...it's simple physics. The Superhawk burns fuel so quickly that the acceleration rate of the gas sucks the needle over at a more rapid rate!
Ok, that last bit is BS, but the 'Hawk is known for it's small tank & rapid fuel consumption.
Ditto everyone on the 190 deal. Basically you'll be pinching the tire in more at the beads & running on a narrower strip of rubber & screwing up the designed profile of the tire. Result: worse performance & nobody really wants that.
As far as the gas guage...it's simple physics. The Superhawk burns fuel so quickly that the acceleration rate of the gas sucks the needle over at a more rapid rate!
Ok, that last bit is BS, but the 'Hawk is known for it's small tank & rapid fuel consumption.
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 201
From: Montreal
Re: Hey all
I guys, I'm new here too, so nice to meet you all.
And for the first mod, I recommend a pair of nice looking and lound sound slip-on!
For me it was Micron oval black to yellow fade. But there is several other brand and choice for everyone taste, just need around 1000$ CDN and you are in business to shake up the world! 8)
Ok, ok, cops not always like this, but like VTR owners are most mature guys ( in general ) a good discussion could help many often!!
Cia
IceBud
And for the first mod, I recommend a pair of nice looking and lound sound slip-on!
For me it was Micron oval black to yellow fade. But there is several other brand and choice for everyone taste, just need around 1000$ CDN and you are in business to shake up the world! 8)
Ok, ok, cops not always like this, but like VTR owners are most mature guys ( in general ) a good discussion could help many often!!
Cia
IceBud
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Hey all
I am sure others may disagree as far as first mods go, but I think that a 6mm spacer on the rear shock and a 15T front sprocket should be the first things done. For the cost of both these you would be amazed at how much quicker and "flickable" the bike is compared to stock. I really like the way the bike likes to stay in the corner with the rear spacer installed.
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 201
From: Montreal
Re: Hey all
I must admit it, Wood, you have right!
These mods are the cheapest you can do on your Hawk and they will give you the fastest and greatest effect on your ride.
On the other hand, if there is no dicussion about the rear shock spacer, that could restart the discussion if a smaller spocket in front will make the chain worn-out faster!!
For my part, I was suspicious about this effect on the chain, but now i'm forced to admit that it could have an effect... With only 22 000Km do with the 15T front spocket, my chain is now worn-out to the last adjustment! and during these Km I've made a really good maintenance of it... To compare, with the stock spocket I had no difficulties to make more than 30 000Km with the chain... ( same size and brand of chain of course)
I was thinking to restock in front and put a bigger in rear, but i'm curious and I will make a second try just to validate these results. So, my new chain is ordered. I will make a second test and I willl see the result. I will keep you in touch after 20 000Km...
IceBud
These mods are the cheapest you can do on your Hawk and they will give you the fastest and greatest effect on your ride.
On the other hand, if there is no dicussion about the rear shock spacer, that could restart the discussion if a smaller spocket in front will make the chain worn-out faster!!
For my part, I was suspicious about this effect on the chain, but now i'm forced to admit that it could have an effect... With only 22 000Km do with the 15T front spocket, my chain is now worn-out to the last adjustment! and during these Km I've made a really good maintenance of it... To compare, with the stock spocket I had no difficulties to make more than 30 000Km with the chain... ( same size and brand of chain of course)
I was thinking to restock in front and put a bigger in rear, but i'm curious and I will make a second try just to validate these results. So, my new chain is ordered. I will make a second test and I willl see the result. I will keep you in touch after 20 000Km...
IceBud
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Hey all
I do agree that a smaller sproket on front will more than likly wear the chain a bit faster. I got about 20,000 miles out of my chain with a stock rear and 15T front. What I am going when I replace my chain and sprockets is go back to stock 16T on front but go up 3 teeth in rear to a 44T. here is some gearing numbers to make you think:
16 / 41 = 2.56:1 stock
16 / 42 = 2.62:1
16 / 43 = 2.68:1 common selection
15 / 41 = 2.73:1 "Most Common" but hardest on chain
16 / 44 = 2.75:1 Not so common(from what I have read) but closer to the "most common" selection of gearing and out of the five the easiest on the chain and the shortest wheelbase so good for a quicker turn-in.
I think that anything lower than 2.75:1(16/44) is just too low for the big twin. First gear would become all but useless and it would really be tough to launch hard without lifting the front(already have to finness it with gearing @ 2.73:1(15/41) This gear selection of 16/44 also makes the wheelbase the shortest of the above selection. It will want to wheelly more but because it is the shortest it would be great for really slow tight corner.
I think if you are into high speed but want to regear to redline 6th then 15/41 is your best bet. It is a bit harder on the chain but it gives you a tad longer wheelbase which is more stable at higher speeds.
In gearing our VTR's there will always be a compramize. You just need to decide what kind of riding you will be doing and how you want the bike to handle and make the best gear selection for YOU. Because YOU are the one riding it
16 / 41 = 2.56:1 stock
16 / 42 = 2.62:1
16 / 43 = 2.68:1 common selection
15 / 41 = 2.73:1 "Most Common" but hardest on chain
16 / 44 = 2.75:1 Not so common(from what I have read) but closer to the "most common" selection of gearing and out of the five the easiest on the chain and the shortest wheelbase so good for a quicker turn-in.
I think that anything lower than 2.75:1(16/44) is just too low for the big twin. First gear would become all but useless and it would really be tough to launch hard without lifting the front(already have to finness it with gearing @ 2.73:1(15/41) This gear selection of 16/44 also makes the wheelbase the shortest of the above selection. It will want to wheelly more but because it is the shortest it would be great for really slow tight corner.
I think if you are into high speed but want to regear to redline 6th then 15/41 is your best bet. It is a bit harder on the chain but it gives you a tad longer wheelbase which is more stable at higher speeds.
In gearing our VTR's there will always be a compramize. You just need to decide what kind of riding you will be doing and how you want the bike to handle and make the best gear selection for YOU. Because YOU are the one riding it
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 470
From: titusville, fl
Re: Hey all
hi guys! another newby here.
the gearing thing is spot on. a smaller front sprocket is hard on the chain and you can always get a lightweight, but larger, rear and save some weight to boot.
first i've heard of the shock spacer. 6mm thick I understand. what diameter?
thanks.
the gearing thing is spot on. a smaller front sprocket is hard on the chain and you can always get a lightweight, but larger, rear and save some weight to boot.
first i've heard of the shock spacer. 6mm thick I understand. what diameter?
thanks.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Hey all
hi guys! another newby here.
the gearing thing is spot on. a smaller front sprocket is hard on the chain and you can always get a lightweight, but larger, rear and save some weight to boot.
first i've heard of the shock spacer. 6mm thick I understand. what diameter?
thanks.
the gearing thing is spot on. a smaller front sprocket is hard on the chain and you can always get a lightweight, but larger, rear and save some weight to boot.
first i've heard of the shock spacer. 6mm thick I understand. what diameter?
thanks.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 470
From: titusville, fl
so, about a 10mm slot/hole should do the trick. thanks. i'm running too much rear preload but wasn't sure of shim size. will hit the ACE tomorrow. I agree that dropping the front is a bad idea, what with ground and fender clearance issues.
i'm about to try set of stock SV650 fork springs, $10 on ebay, hope try make me happy. i put racetech recommended springs and emulators in my concours and feel the springs are too stiff.
i'm about to try set of stock SV650 fork springs, $10 on ebay, hope try make me happy. i put racetech recommended springs and emulators in my concours and feel the springs are too stiff.
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