Hawk vs Hawk X vs RXE 250 Help a Newbie

[Fefrank]

I've been so indicisive right now. I need to make a purchase but don't know what to get. I got my 10 year old son an xpro storm and he wants me to ride on dirt with him. I've always ridden on the road I've had many motorcycles during my lifetime (Suzuki Gs1000, Shadow 1100, Magna v65, Vstrom 1000 now)

I am so confused with these Chinese bikes, they all look the same and there is not a lot of information online. I really like the price of the RXE in powersports max
https://www.powersportsmax.com/product_info.php/products_id/25729

But I read somewhere on facebook that it is just a hawk clone made with cheaper parts? what is cheaper, the frame? it has a counterbalance engine according to the link below, so I don't understand the "cheaper" aspect of it

Also heard that the Hawk X is a highway version of the normal Hawk with the counterbalanced engine.

https://www.powersportsmax.com/product_info.php/products_id/25501

https://www.powersportsmax.com/product_info.php/products_id/17701

What's the deal with the counterbalanced engine? Does it deliver more power? is it a better engine overall?

This is not going to be my main bike, this is just to putter around with the kid. Im not really concerned about performance, though I am a little worried that my 280 pounds is gonna be too much for these little bikes.

Then there's the magician bike:

https://www.powersportsmax.com/product_info.php/products_id/20647

Man, I am overwhelmed!!!

[Sport Rider]

counterbalance only assists with dampening vibration. doesn't affect anything one way or another.

Any of your choices will work just fine off road with your son. NONE of them will be very good above about 45MPH. Yes, you can push them to 55, 65 and maybe faster (with other sprocket choices), but in the end, neither I nor my hawk were very comfortable with it.

if money is not your primary concern I'd suggest a Hawk DLX with injection and USD forks. However, I started with a basic hawk and it did just fine for me. I'm not aware of any significant difference with the RXE and the others.

I really think you're going to be fine regardless of what you get. Many of us had a bad case of overthinking too, so don't worry...you're in good company!

[david3921]

A couple of differences on the Magician to be aware of;

The style is based on the Yamaha Tricker (that wasn't sold in the U.S.). It's a pretty faithful copy except that the engine is pretty much the same as the Hawk but not counterbalanced.

It's set up to be more comfortable for a shorter person. The Hawk style bikes have 21/18 tires while the Magician has 19/16.

It has a much smaller gas tank compared to the Hawks. It holds less than 2 gallons while the Hawk variants hold more than 3.

[slithica]

Many of the newer model magicians are counterbalanced now.


I love my magician, it does have a small fuel tank though.

About 100 miles of range when tuned properly making 20+ HP. That does suck a lil, so I have an extra fuel tank attached.



The counterbalancing does matter. On a long ride I can feel it in my hands. It's literally the biggest detriment for me.


65mph is the max safe speed in general for one of these chinese bikes.



Hawks are cool though, same engine. Parts are slightly easier to get though and more states allow for it's registration.



Hawk is generally recommended.

[david3921]

Many of the newer model magicians are counterbalanced now.


I love my magician, it does have a small fuel tank though.

About 100 miles of range when tuned properly making 20+ HP. That does suck a lil, so I have an extra fuel tank attached.



The counterbalancing does matter. On a long ride I can feel it in my hands. It's literally the biggest detriment for me.


65mph is the max safe speed in general for one of these chinese bikes.



Hawks are cool though, same engine. Parts are slightly easier to get though and more states allow for it's registration.



Hawk is generally recommended.

Thanks for the update on the newer Magicians.

[Fefrank]

Thank you so much, guys! I'm leaning towards the hawk 250 base.