New Owner
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 11
New Owner
I'd posted a couple of times that I was lookin for one of these, love their sound. Finally found one north of Denver, so took Amtrak west to Fort Morgan, CO (about 50 mi east of Denver) and met the seller. 2001 with not quite 19,000 miles. About 95 % stock, maybe 98%. Not sure, it might have bar risers and does have a Zero Gravity double-bubble screen. Has manual CCT's. The grips are CRAP, they slip and are "gooey" sticky. Drive my hands crazy. I rode it back to Omaha that day, 460 miles. About killed myself with sore butt and hands until I loaded up with Tylenol and began a frequent-stop regimen. Made it fine, but the thing feels less than stable in corners, which I'm not used to at all. I need to have someone familiar with these bikes ride it. My XR650L feels far more stable in corners than this thing does (I have Avon Distanzia tires on my XR, so it's far more capable on-road that it was with the OEM 50/50 tires). Took a couple of weeks before I had the chance to clean it up. I'll try to post a couple of photos. Wish it had non-OEM exhaust, it's so quiet I'm rather un-nerved about it.
Wait a minute, how do I post photos to this site? Hmmmmm...will have to do a little playing around.
One thing which cheered me up during my ride east to Omaha was the looks I got when I'd pull my helmet off. People think the bike's a "crotch-rocket" so when this 63 yr old with gray hair and beard appeared I got more'n a couple of "WHAT the..?! looks. Pretty funny.
OK, now to trying to figure the photo thing out.
John
Wait a minute, how do I post photos to this site? Hmmmmm...will have to do a little playing around.
One thing which cheered me up during my ride east to Omaha was the looks I got when I'd pull my helmet off. People think the bike's a "crotch-rocket" so when this 63 yr old with gray hair and beard appeared I got more'n a couple of "WHAT the..?! looks. Pretty funny.
OK, now to trying to figure the photo thing out.
John
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,871
From: Phoenix, AZ
Nice, and welcome! People have plenty of preferences on the seat and how to make it work for them with this bike. 460 miles is a pretty good run on a new to you ride!
Easiest way to post photos is to upload to a host site (such as photobucket), then copy the image link they provide and paste it over here.
Easiest way to post photos is to upload to a host site (such as photobucket), then copy the image link they provide and paste it over here.
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 176
Check your tire pressure as well. I rode a friends Gixxer for the first time all season and the bike was all over the place. I checked the pressure and they were in the mid 20s. I topped them off and it was completely different. The Hawk takes 36psi in the front and 42psi in the rear.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 466
From: SF Bay Area
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 11
Thanks for your comments, guys. I, too, found very low pressures after I arrived in Omaha (yes, I know, utterly stupid not to have confirmed prior to hitting the road, I know better and still forgot to take this most-basic step). Once set to spec the bike was MUCH better, but it's still somewhat unsettling to me at times. I do think I'm becoming used to it and such is making my experience better with each ride (pretty much daily until weather prevents). The tires are mis-matched and I will see to that as soon as I can. I'm glad for that advice. I'll also check out that tire pressure article.
Does anyone know of a good way to modify the OEM exhaust for a little more sound?
Thanks again!
John
Does anyone know of a good way to modify the OEM exhaust for a little more sound?
Thanks again!
John
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 972
Thanks for your comments, guys. I, too, found very low pressures after I arrived in Omaha (yes, I know, utterly stupid not to have confirmed prior to hitting the road, I know better and still forgot to take this most-basic step). Once set to spec the bike was MUCH better, but it's still somewhat unsettling to me at times. I do think I'm becoming used to it and such is making my experience better with each ride (pretty much daily until weather prevents). The tires are mis-matched and I will see to that as soon as I can. I'm glad for that advice. I'll also check out that tire pressure article.
Does anyone know of a good way to modify the OEM exhaust for a little more sound?
Thanks again!
John
Does anyone know of a good way to modify the OEM exhaust for a little more sound?
Thanks again!
John
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,510
I've used these ProGrip grips for about 13 years on various bikes because I love them so much. Model 699 Gel Grip.
Black PROGRIP Closed End Sportbike Gel Grip Model 699 | eBay
If you can find a set of Erion exhaust cans - get 'em! They are amazing.
Sargent will redo your seat for not too much money. Top quality, and they do closed cell foam inserts if you need it to ride better.
Welcome!
James
Black PROGRIP Closed End Sportbike Gel Grip Model 699 | eBay
If you can find a set of Erion exhaust cans - get 'em! They are amazing.
Sargent will redo your seat for not too much money. Top quality, and they do closed cell foam inserts if you need it to ride better.
Welcome!
James
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 740
From: Pa
John
Welcome to crew - enjoy the Hawk they are great motos
After you sort the exhaust - (I agree w/ James about Erion cans)
I would suggest Hot Grips - nothing like having warm hands on a chilly ride.
And of all the mods I've done - suspension was the best. Depending upon ur weight, stock VTRs were made for someone about 170 lbs.
I'm 230 and the Ohlins rear & Racetech springs were a night & day difference.
Enjoy & Be Safe
Welcome to crew - enjoy the Hawk they are great motos
After you sort the exhaust - (I agree w/ James about Erion cans)
I would suggest Hot Grips - nothing like having warm hands on a chilly ride.
And of all the mods I've done - suspension was the best. Depending upon ur weight, stock VTRs were made for someone about 170 lbs.
I'm 230 and the Ohlins rear & Racetech springs were a night & day difference.
Enjoy & Be Safe
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 11
You guys are FABULOUS. Thanks so much.
I'll look into the Erion exhaust, I don't know anything about those, just know I wasn't about to spend the money for some of the more expensive systems.
I really appreciate all the tips.
John
I'll look into the Erion exhaust, I don't know anything about those, just know I wasn't about to spend the money for some of the more expensive systems.
I really appreciate all the tips.
John
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 972
John bafflectomy on stock pipes is economical and you take it as far as you want to go. I like the looks of the stock mufflers personally. The way they are angled and the excellent workmanship. Have you taken a look at knowledge base here?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
