Hawk chain and sprocket.

[Remedylane]

Hey guys, been awhile. I joined last year and had ALL the questions. Megadan and a few others were super helpful. Well, I finally ordered a Hawk. Its not here yet, but soon I hope. I also ordered the Mikuni VM26 and a jet kit. I figure knock it out while assembling. I've read all the how to threads already.

So here's my next question. I will be riding trails (100 acres right across the street) mostly. No hills or anything crazy, but ill also ride the very rural back roads from time to time. Speed limit is 45mph. During assembly would it be smart to go ahead and upgrade the chain and sprockets? Would the 17-45 combo be good for my needs?

[Bill Hilly]

Originally Posted by Remedylane

Hey guys, been awhile. I joined last year and had ALL the questions. Megadan and a few others were super helpful. Well, I finally ordered a Hawk. Its not here yet, but soon I hope. I also ordered the Mikuni VM26 and a jet kit. I figure knock it out while assembling. I've read all the how to threads already.

So here's my next question. I will be riding trails (100 acres right across the street) mostly. No hills or anything crazy, but ill also ride the very rural back roads from time to time. Speed limit is 45mph. During assembly would it be smart to go ahead and upgrade the chain and sprockets? Would the 17-45 combo be good for my needs?

It is pretty much the standard to replace the stock chain on these bikes, but from what you describe as how your bike will be used , I think you will be tickled with the stock gearing on the Hawk. I think I have seen were they come with a 50 tooth rear, and I can't remember the front, but I'm pretty sure they are geared pretty low. If you are going to be on trails, off road, and secondary roads exclusively, then I would welcome the low gearing.

[JerryHawk250]

The Hawk comes with a 15 front and 50 rear which is very low geared. If you are only plan on low speeds and trail riding you might want to swap the front sprocket out to a 17 tooth. As far as the stock chain, they aren't that bad. When you get the bike, take the chain off and let is soak in gear oil. The only reason the stock chain doesn't last long is because there is very little to no lubrication from the factory. The stock chain can last up to 2500 to 3000 miles.

[Skyd]

Originally Posted by Remedylane

Hey guys, been awhile. I joined last year and had ALL the questions. Megadan and a few others were super helpful. Well, I finally ordered a Hawk. Its not here yet, but soon I hope. I also ordered the Mikuni VM26 and a jet kit. I figure knock it out while assembling. I've read all the how to threads already.

So here's my next question. I will be riding trails (100 acres right across the street) mostly. No hills or anything crazy, but ill also ride the very rural back roads from time to time. Speed limit is 45mph. During assembly would it be smart to go ahead and upgrade the chain and sprockets? Would the 17-45 combo be good for my needs?

My riding profile is much like yours, back roads and trails. However I also need to option to cruise at 50-55 for a few miles. I decided on a 16/45 setup. I've not finished working on the bike yet I am like you doing my mods and upgrades right up front. I suspect I'll be happy with that gearing. I also got a Niche X-ring chain for about $50.

[Remedylane]

thanks for the input guys. My bike shipped today. I can always try the stock gearing and change it later if needed. Doesnt seem to be too hard of a job.

[Megadan]

Honestly, if you don't plan on going any faster than 45-50mph, the stock gearing will do just fine. If you want to get the revs down a little bit you can always swap front sprockets like jerry suggests. The 17 front and 50 rear is what the CSC TT250 comes with from the factory and is probably the perfect compromise for a bike that might hit the occasional county highway but not sacrifice too much in off road torque. Even though the Hawk factory chain is generally kind of crap, you could buy maybe a 16 and 17 tooth front sprocket and see what combination you like. The 17 front 45 rear is very popular with us guys that really need that 60-65mph highway capability without losing too much in of road ability, but at that point you do lose a bit of low speed crawl ability in first gear.

[Remedylane]

Originally Posted by Megadan

Honestly, if you don't plan on going any faster than 45-50mph, the stock gearing will do just fine. If you want to get the revs down a little bit you can always swap front sprockets like jerry suggests. The 17 front and 50 rear is what the CSC TT250 comes with from the factory and is probably the perfect compromise for a bike that might hit the occasional county highway but not sacrifice too much in off road torque. Even though the Hawk factory chain is generally kind of crap, you could buy maybe a 16 and 17 tooth front sprocket and see what combination you like. The 17 front 45 rear is very popular with us guys that really need that 60-65mph highway capability without losing too much in of road ability, but at that point you do lose a bit of low speed crawl ability in first gear.

Thanks Dan. I think for now I'll leave it stock and see how I feel about it.