Just wondering if a RC51 shock will work on a hawk? And if so if it any upgrade to stock hawk shock? I hope this hasn't been asked before, as I forgot to look first.

 

Yes it has been asked before and no it does not fit.

I just bought an Ohlins for mine and it was 950

 

Thanks, was just curious.

 

I'm shocked! how does one justify that expense for a shock?

 

Bottom line is the bike is really transformed with a better shock. Plus, you can sell a beatup Ohlins for 550 easy... so ride itm and then sell it seperate form the bike once you move on to another ride.... $400 isn't that bad to make the Hawk a great ride.

There are other options as well... Penske, Wilburs, Hyperpro, etc. which are slightly less expensive.

J.

 

I'm such a noob I wouldn't be able to tell the difference, yet. but the resale is a valid point! I assume these shocks are rebuildable?

 

Yeah rebuildable....

Honestly, I never thought it would be a huge difference, as I had stock suspensions on my first 3 bikes... but after Race-Teching the forks, I noticed how hard the rear was... after putting in the shock I bought, I was amazed how much better the bike felt.

Bottom line... if you like the bike, and have the cash, it's a great upgrade.

J.

 

Works Performance can be added to that list too. Actually, I'm not sure Hyperpro still makes a shock for the Superhawk.

 

Actually, you would notice the difference. You don't need to 'ride hard' to get a benefit out of an aftermarket shock or even a well seup stock shock. They ride better and make normal commuting more enjoyable.

 

it's a common saying that a bike can handle a lot more than you imagine in a panic situation or if you think your over your head to trust your bike.

well the part that they left out was how the bike was set up. for cost reasons some thing are 'marginal' at best. a new rider can find it difficult to progress in their skills because they don't identify the root problem... chassis setup and the need to tune the suspension, which often means spending money to replace the shock & fork internals.

my last bike had GP suspension forks & ohlins shock and when i got the 'hawk i missed how well my old bike handled. i just learned to ride around it's limitations. i'm a happy camper now that i have upgraded both ends.

btw: the penske shock was $750 new and is upgradable to add the high speed circuit if you don't want to drop the $1k in bite.

tim