Magician or Hawk. Which is better for commuting only (no off road stuff)?

[mercybloodycroft]

Originally Posted by pete

no offroad... then buy a road bike...

Pretty much anyone would think of that, lol. Unfortunately...

I need a 250 that is somewhat decent. And I do not have more than 1500 to spend. Cannot find a used Japanese roadbike here for that that is at least a 250 and also is dependable with good tread left on tires and padding left on brakes. My options are very limited. And I certainly have looked high and low. I've bought Chinese before, and can turn a wrench. 'Nuff sed.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by mercybloodycroft

Therein lies the reason I am asking for information. It is impossible for me to do this, as there is no local outlet that sells them, I do not know anyone locally who has either one, and I cannot get to a town where they are sold. No transportation, no money for bus, no time to get away.

Thanks for taking the time to post all the information. It is very helpful. Whichever one I get, I know I will definitely have to make modifications. It is good that so many of you have posted such helpful information on these forums.

Where are you located. It's possible that someone on here is within driving distance that would offer you a demo ride.

[mercybloodycroft]

Chandler, TX

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by mercybloodycroft

Chandler, TX

There are a few dealer in the Dallas area. Powerports 360 and Killer Motorsports to name a couple. We should have a few members in that area too. maybe one will chime in.

[Ariel Red Hunter]

Originally Posted by mercybloodycroft

Chandler, TX

Where is Chandler, Texas, per-zactly?...ARH

[Ariel Red Hunter]

Originally Posted by Ariel Red Hunter

Where is Chandler, Texas, per-zactly?...ARH

OK, I found it. It's west of Tyler a little bit. From Dallas east on I-20, to around Van, Tex., then south a few miles...ARH

[mercybloodycroft]

yeppers. dallas is like 100+ miles from me.

but thanks for taking the time to look around. what really sucks is I had a shot at an older honda nighthawk 250 for cheap, but people put up online ads sometimes without phone numbers, and then your emails go unanswered.

[Ariel Red Hunter]

Originally Posted by mercybloodycroft

yeppers. dallas is like 100+ miles from me.

but thanks for taking the time to look around. what really sucks is I had a shot at an older honda nighthawk 250 for cheap, but people put up online ads sometimes without phone numbers, and then your emails go unanswered.

A Suzuki TUX 250 is another good one, but hard to find at your price point...ARH

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by mercybloodycroft

yeppers. dallas is like 100+ miles from me.

but thanks for taking the time to look around. what really sucks is I had a shot at an older honda nighthawk 250 for cheap, but people put up online ads sometimes without phone numbers, and then your emails go unanswered.

May be worth the trip. You might be able to make a deal on a demo model that's already assembled plus the dealership will take care of all the paper work. Just call before you make a trip.

[mercybloodycroft]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

May be worth the trip. You might be able to make a deal on a demo model that's already assembled plus the dealership will take care of all the paper work. Just call before you make a trip.

I cannot make the trip, unfortunately. No transportation, no extra money for bus, no time to get away. I take care of a very sick relative full time.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by mercybloodycroft

I cannot make the trip, unfortunately. No transportation, no extra money for bus, no time to get away. I take care of a very sick relative full time.

Well if I was closer I would take a ride to let you try it out. Sounds like you have a full time job on hand. The Hawk would be a good reliable bike that is affordable. I did a lot of research before buying my Hawk. My decision was based on price, the availability of parts through RPS or CSC at about half the price and of course this site for support.

[BlackBike]

You have painted quite a picture for us. Please keep us updated on what you decide !

[Ariel Red Hunter]

Originally Posted by Ariel Red Hunter

Both of them are very quiet. There are guys on here with 29" inseams that haven't had any trouble, or overcame the issue by mounting it more like you would a horse. Kickstand down, left foot on left footrest, swing right leg over. Learn this mount with the left side near a wall, as that will teach you to not have your weight hanging out too far to the left...ARH

If you have a bicycle, you can set the seat up, and practice mounting it that way. And if you've never ridden a motorcycle, it will also teach you how to stop so as to position yourself to start again and end up in a straight line. Teaching yourself how to stop pointed a little bit left, put your right foot down, so you stay away from that terrible habit of stopping in gear with the clutch disengaged, because your left foot is down. By stopping with your right foot down, your left foot is ready to select low gear when you are ready to go...ARH

[Bill1]

If you have a Honda dealer in town, you can try to sit on a CRF250L. It should be pretty close to how the Hawk would feel.

[mercybloodycroft]

thanks to all for your replies. It's been very helpful.