Can someone help me pick which bike to get?
 

Hi everyone, great forum.

I was looking to buy a bike mainly for dirt roads/2 lane roads sometimes trails in the woods but nothing very intense. I might take it fishing etc. I live in WV.

Here are the 2 bikes I was considering: the rps hawk and another bike (Fleetwood or lancer) 250 that has a rack and rectangular headlight. Here are links.

****** 1 *******
https://www.txpowersports.com/New_ha...bike-250cc.htm

****** 2 *******
https://www.motobuys.com/fleetwood-2...ro-db07-k.html

As I see it, the rps hawk advantages are: lots of them around, more support, parts easier to get, more online help and videos etc, just more popular.

The advantages of the "Fleetwood" or "lancer" is at least for me the rack on the back. Also I think the tires might suit me better. I am a little concerned about finding parts.

For me, at least a rear rack is essential, but maybe that could be added on to the hawk without too much trouble.

Does anyone have any advise regarding this decision?

Thanks everyone for taking the time to look at my post and any advice.

Don't be thrown by all of the different names. Most of these bikes share many of the same parts and can be purchased in many places. The blanket name for them is 'Hondoid". Just steer clear of the old gen Hondoids and you should be good with any. That said, steer clear of TXPS also.
The other question is can you register a Hawk for the street in your state?

Some people have had problems with txps. I did not. It was a good transaction.

I really like the look of the one from Motobuys. Looks like it comes with all the proper paperwork for registration too. 48 state legal.

I should have opened the link. The one at motobuys looks nice but it's old gen Hondoid. Sketchy rims and spokes, hard plastics that like to crack..

I've bought from these guys and have had decent luck, some others have not.
They have a lot of the new generation CB's including the Hawk, Storm, Shark, Brozz, etc... All safe bets.

https://www.superiorpowersports.com/category_s/145.htm

If it is within your budget, then get the CSC TT250 and then buy and install their rear rack. It comes with less aggressive tires tnan the Hawk, and a bunch of improvements.

If it is not within your budget then get the Hawk, install the TT250 rear rack - it bolts right on, and then install whatever tires suit your fancy. Shinko 700 or 244 tires are both great choices and not very expensive. This will also give you a chance to upgrade the tubes, because the stock tubes suck.

I got the Storm for the counter balanced engine and front and rear disk brakes.
It also has a sweet rack that I have not used yet.

Thanks
 

Ok thank you for the advise. I’m sure i can get some help finding parts if needed then. What are the most common ‘wear parts’ like brake shoes sprockets etc people buy. Or do most parts outlive the bike?

Here are some other examples of bikes i ran across:

https://www.superiorpowersports.com/...50mc-rte-r.htm

https://www.superiorpowersports.com/...50db-shark.htm

http://www.saferwholesale.com/Hawk-4.../gsi-hawk4.htm

As popular as the hawks are you’d think someone would have a rear rack for sale for them. That would be helpful. (update: CSC TT250 rack was recommended earlier in thread)

With this additional advice I’m going to do a little more searching and post back soon. Looking to buy in next week or 2.

And if anyone has advise about delivery i live in a residential area. If needed i could have crate loaded onto a 4x8 trailer i have and pull into garage. Not sure how cumbersome delivery to home is.

I second the suggestion of a CSC TT250. Got one a few weeks back and really happy with it so far. First CB so I can't really make a fair comparison, but customer service so far has been A+ with CSC.

I'm not sure if this is older or newer generation. What is the best way to tell?

http://www.saferwholesale.com/DF-250...-df-250rte.htm

I noticed that some of the older one's had rear drum brakes. And how bad are the older generation bikes? Do the rims fail frequently, do the engines tend to fail more frequently? I guess if I found an old gen I really liked for a good price, how strong would the recommendation be to not buy. I definitely don't want a lemon that doesn't run well or breaks down very easily. But if a rim failed, I could replace.

Another member had a similar question regarding delivery. Here is a youtube video.
https://youtu.be/Hcnx2uo65TA

I looked at them all and decided on the CSC TT250. It’s a few hundred dollars more but you get a far superior bike with exceptional dealer support. I have mine just over a month and already have over 1000 miles on it with not a single problem. 60 mph, 60 mpg and 60 smiles per day. It’s wayyyyyy fun.

Maybe check out the RPS Magician. It has a rack, less aggressive tires, lower height. Still a dual sport but more road then trail. Small gas tank.

My wife's doesn't arrive until Monday so no 1st hand experience yet.

It's more like $1000 more than a Hawk, but you get some nice improvements for your money. Upgraded charging system, better factory carb tuning, adjustable suspension, better quality control, assembly is included in their price and is actually assembled well instead of just slapped together.

Most importantly, as mentioned, is the dealer support. That can be worth the increased cost all on its own.

I would argue that you get a "far superior" bike. It is still a Chinese made motorcycle. I think it would be more fair to say that you definitely get a better finished product. The Hawk requires a little more attention and effort on the end users part, but when done right can be every bit as reliable and capable as the TT250.

Choice on bike will also depend on you height or inseam measurement. The Hawk/TT250/Enforcer with 21/18" wheels is tall and more for the 5'10" and taller. Storm and Magician with 19/17" wheels is more for the vertically challenged.