New Bike Must Do List & Questions

Ski_rush · 03-05-2017, 04:41 PM

1. Spark plug (what type and what gap)? Wire too?

2. Brake Fluid. What type. I've read Dot 3 and Dot 4, and I've read they are not compatible. Please help.

3. Oil type and weight. I've read a variety of different weights and brands. I'm guessing it has to do with some personal preference. Or, it there a consensus?

4. Where do you all usually shop for these types of things, Walmart, parts store (like Advance Auto) or an actual motorcycle shop?

jet321 · 03-05-2017, 04:59 PM

For a spark plug, everyone recommends the NGK plugs, you can get them at your local auto store for $3, better spark. I don't remember the gap, someone will chime in.

I recently used DOT4 for a brake flush on my hawk when I changed my levers.

Oil: "15W-40 in the winter, 20W-50 in the summer, if it gets above 85." - ARH

I use synthetic 15w-40, it works great.

I've shopped everywhere, Amazon is great as well as eBay. eBay is your go too imo, just search "chinese dirk bike parts" have fun lol

culcune · 03-05-2017, 05:42 PM

See if it comes with an NGK already; letsride's Brozz came with an NGK, stock. You might be able to hold off on that (not like it's a pain in the $%#, but still...). The consensus on oil is Rotella T 15W-40 cheap diesel engine oil. But, again, not a biggie whatever you buy. I used to use Castrol 4-stroke oil for my TMEC 200, and still use if for my TGB scooter, because I can buy it in 1 liter bottles which was the amount my TMEC and my TGB manuals recommend. But, yes, oil first and foremost--get it started, DO NOT RIDE IT, and let it idle a few minutes, and then drain it out (I never knew until relatively recently this was because warm oil is thinner and drains out easier, but I never did try to make myself off as a mechanic either

). It won't hurt to let it idle with the shipping oil, but could harm the engine riding it, is my theory. Someone might suggest to dump it out cold, and start with fresh oil, or who knows?! As long as you don't get tempted to ride the bike when you first start her up is my suggestion...

ben2go · 03-05-2017, 07:38 PM

These older designed engine take well to Rotella T 15w-40 diesel oil. Just make sure the API label on the back doesn't say energy conserving or resource conserving.

Here's a pic of the labels.

humanbeing · 03-05-2017, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ski_rush

...1. Spark plug ...(what type and what gap)? Wire too?

http://hondacg125.awardspace.com/spark_plug.htm
Decode chinese spark plug: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=14251 | How tight: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=15773

letsride · 03-06-2017, 07:22 AM

Yes, Check to see what the bike has first and THEN go spend your money. The Brozz I bought came from the factory with an NGK spark plug, Genuine Keihin Carb, and Genuine YUASA Battery.

timcosby · 03-06-2017, 06:13 PM

i wouldnt worry with the brake fluid unless its giving you problems it seems ok.

RodneyB · 03-08-2017, 10:57 PM

The owner's manual and the sticker on the engine of my hawk says 15w40 with an SF rating. This has something to do with the requirements of a wet clutch, I suppose. Most diesel oil doesn't have this rating, so I use motorcycle specific oil with the correct rating.

My Hawk came with a Torch spark plug. Never heard of that brand before. It makes the engine run, so changing it isn't a big priority.

I found, like most here, I think, that the most needed modification was carburetor tuning. Plenty of info on that to be found here as well as YouTube.
Also, air box and exhaust mods. Also on YouTube.

Bill1 · 03-09-2017, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodneyB

My Hawk came with a Torch spark plug. Never heard of that brand before. It makes the engine run, so changing it isn't a big priority.

I just replaced my Torch plug with a NGK. Can't say that I noticed a difference.

2LZ · 03-09-2017, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill1

I just replaced my Torch plug with a NGK. Can't say that I noticed a difference.

Probably not. To me it's just peace of mind.

culcune · 03-09-2017, 12:47 PM

If you don't replace your stock plug now (there really is not a need to do so) you probably want to carry one with you for a quick side of the road change; it does happen and more often than not with the no-name 'brands' that come with stock China bikes.

03-05-2017, 04:41 PM	#1
Ski_rush Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 449	New Bike Must Do List & Questions 1. Spark plug (what type and what gap)? Wire too? 2. Brake Fluid. What type. I've read Dot 3 and Dot 4, and I've read they are not compatible. Please help. 3. Oil type and weight. I've read a variety of different weights and brands. I'm guessing it has to do with some personal preference. Or, it there a consensus? 4. Where do you all usually shop for these types of things, Walmart, parts store (like Advance Auto) or an actual motorcycle shop?
	0

03-05-2017, 04:59 PM	#2
jet321 Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 100	For a spark plug, everyone recommends the NGK plugs, you can get them at your local auto store for $3, better spark. I don't remember the gap, someone will chime in. I recently used DOT4 for a brake flush on my hawk when I changed my levers. Oil: "15W-40 in the winter, 20W-50 in the summer, if it gets above 85." - ARH I use synthetic 15w-40, it works great. I've shopped everywhere, Amazon is great as well as eBay. eBay is your go too imo, just search "chinese dirk bike parts" have fun lol __________________ 2015 Hawk 250 ~ Aftermarket Exhaust/K&N/LED everything/16/44T/Shinko 705's
	0

03-05-2017, 05:42 PM	#3
culcune Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 9,035	See if it comes with an NGK already; letsride's Brozz came with an NGK, stock. You might be able to hold off on that (not like it's a pain in the $%#, but still...). The consensus on oil is Rotella T 15W-40 cheap diesel engine oil. But, again, not a biggie whatever you buy. I used to use Castrol 4-stroke oil for my TMEC 200, and still use if for my TGB scooter, because I can buy it in 1 liter bottles which was the amount my TMEC and my TGB manuals recommend. But, yes, oil first and foremost--get it started, DO NOT RIDE IT, and let it idle a few minutes, and then drain it out (I never knew until relatively recently this was because warm oil is thinner and drains out easier, but I never did try to make myself off as a mechanic either ). It won't hurt to let it idle with the shipping oil, but could harm the engine riding it, is my theory. Someone might suggest to dump it out cold, and start with fresh oil, or who knows?! As long as you don't get tempted to ride the bike when you first start her up is my suggestion... __________________ "They say that life's a carousel, spinning fast you got to ride it well..." TGB Delivery Scooter 150 TMEC 200 Enduro--carcass is sadly rotting in the backyard
	0

03-06-2017, 07:22 AM	#6
letsride Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Leesville SC Posts: 832	Yes, Check to see what the bike has first and THEN go spend your money. The Brozz I bought came from the factory with an NGK spark plug, Genuine Keihin Carb, and Genuine YUASA Battery. __________________ My Stable- 2022 Lifan KPX250 , 2023 Royal Enfield Himalayan, 1992 Honda GL1500 Goldwing, SSR 70 Auto, Kymco Mongoose 90, Honda Four Trax 300
	0

03-06-2017, 06:13 PM	#7
timcosby Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: robertsdale alabama usa Posts: 1,007	i wouldnt worry with the brake fluid unless its giving you problems it seems ok. __________________ 1991 harley heritage softail classic 2016 hawk kaw h1 400 tripple 13' long chopper in progress 2009 johnny pag bar hog 2004 hd electra glide ultra classic shriner edition 1997 harley davidson 1200 sportster 1972 harley davidson amf sx250
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03-05-2017, 07:38 PM	#4
ben2go Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 1,335	These older designed engine take well to Rotella T 15w-40 diesel oil. Just make sure the API label on the back doesn't say energy conserving or resource conserving. Here's a pic of the labels.
	2

03-08-2017, 10:57 PM	#8
RodneyB Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Kansas Posts: 10	oil The owner's manual and the sticker on the engine of my hawk says 15w40 with an SF rating. This has something to do with the requirements of a wet clutch, I suppose. Most diesel oil doesn't have this rating, so I use motorcycle specific oil with the correct rating. My Hawk came with a Torch spark plug. Never heard of that brand before. It makes the engine run, so changing it isn't a big priority. I found, like most here, I think, that the most needed modification was carburetor tuning. Plenty of info on that to be found here as well as YouTube. Also, air box and exhaust mods. Also on YouTube.
	0

03-09-2017, 12:47 PM	#11
culcune Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 9,035	If you don't replace your stock plug now (there really is not a need to do so) you probably want to carry one with you for a quick side of the road change; it does happen and more often than not with the no-name 'brands' that come with stock China bikes. __________________ "They say that life's a carousel, spinning fast you got to ride it well..." TGB Delivery Scooter 150 TMEC 200 Enduro--carcass is sadly rotting in the backyard
	1