New 2018 Hawk Prep - Page 3

pete · 08-04-2018, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirkallen143

Well the story continues...

Got the new shock in, 295mm long and has a Schrader valve this time, ALL RIGHT! So, let's go and set the preload on the spring. Put the top of shock and tighten it in the vise, get the spanner wrench and proceed to adjust the nut and... WTF?!! The whole rest of the shock assembly is turning while I am trying to adjust the nut. I think to myself,"GREAT...another quality control issue that china forgot about, and now I have another broken shock." Come to find out, the head/top unit of this shock threads onto the main body section where the preload nut adjusts. I have only delt with shocks milled as one piece unit before. It has one o-ring (maybe 1/8" thick) that seals it up, inside of the head/top unit.

My question is, how many psi of nitrogen should I tell them to add when I get this shock filled? Will it hold 150psi with only one o-ring to seal it? That's the norm or max usually that I hear for shocks. I guess you want at least 100psi? Might start there...hell I'll ask the guys at the Honda shop and see what they think. I'll keep ya updated...

Kirk

you are right...140/150psi is normal....
one 3mm O-ring will hold the pressure..

.

kirkallen143 · 08-05-2018, 03:51 AM

Thanks Pete, much appreciative.

Got shock filled, $31.00 later and 150psi. Having problems keeping bushings in now, seems the o-rings that keep out the dirt are a tad too thick to let them sit right. Yeah, no matter how much grease I put on them they keep falling out when trying to install shock. Maybe my next project is make the sub frame removable, hum, that would be nice? Gonna run to the hardware store tomorrow and find some smaller o-rings, that ought to cure it. Guys, I'll get more than 80km on this bike before you know it...hopefully it won't break me first (money-wise). It's fun though...

Kirk

kirkallen143 · 08-06-2018, 11:05 AM

On to the shock, bushings fit like a dream with the smaller thickness o-rings. Went to a 13/16" x 11/16" x 1/16" size, and packed them with grease. Ended up two clicks back from the most slowest setting on the shock adjuster. The bad thing now, front is softer than the rear. My goal is, you want to try for a balanced suspension front and rear. That's where I can push down on the bike's suspension and both front/rear react the same. I probably have to go with 20W fork oil in the front to slow down the dampening/rebound some, I have 15W in there now. We'll play with it and get it dialed in just right.

Kirk

ChrisWNY · 08-19-2018, 08:50 PM

@kirk - can you provide the link to the 300mm rear shock you ordered? Where did you end up getting the nitrogen charge for it? Does your Hawk sit lower due to the 300mm size (I remember the stock rear shock measuring around 320mm or so from eyelet to eyelet).

I am considering a new rear shock as well because the stock rear shock seems a bit soft (now that I've changed my fork oil to 20W, added 200mL). Would be nice to have one that doesn't sag as much and dampens more so than what came with the Hawk. I have a guy at YSS who can custom build a rear shock for the Hawk but that'll run $275 or so. If I can nab one that works for under $100 I'd rather go that route. Thanks!

kirkallen143 · 08-20-2018, 10:13 AM

Chris, here ya go...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/295mm-12mm-...ty!77868!US!-1

Make sure you ask the seller if it has the Schrader valve. First one did not when I bought it, even though it showed it on the pics.
Got the shock filled w/ nitrogen at any local motorcycle shop/dealer.
I can't flat foot it like with the 280mm shock, but I can still touch the ground with this 295mm one.

Kirk

ChrisWNY · 08-20-2018, 10:19 AM

Presuming it needs some spacers once mounted since the upper/lower bushings are quite a bit narrower than the stock rear shock. I'm surprised the Hawk sits that high with a 295mm shock...then again the stock rear shock sags quite a bit probably because there's little to no gas in it to dampen or stiffen it. Thanks for the link!

** Update: contacted the seller for that eBay page and he stated that they no longer sell those rear shocks with Schrader valves.

ChrisWNY · 08-21-2018, 08:24 AM

I contacted the seller for this particular rear shock and got a confirmation that it does come with a Schrader valve, for those who might be interested in upgrading their rear shock:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1200LBS-DNM...53.m2749.l2649

@Kirk - do you have a recommendation on spacer sizes to use on the upper and lower bushings?

kirkallen143 · 08-21-2018, 11:16 AM

Chris, I used some 3/8" washers for the spacers to take the slack up. It only took 7ea. for the top and the bottom. If I remember right, 3 for the right side and 4 on the left because of the air filter box.

Kirk

Had to edit this: the bottom mount is not as wide, so it took 3 washers for the left side and 2 for the right. Oh, and to help inserting the washers on the sides of the shock mount, I ended up welding them together. You can duct tape them or glue them together, either way to hold'em in one piece...makes it easier.

ChrisWNY · 08-25-2018, 10:37 AM

Received the rear shock in the mail yesterday. Definitely has the schrader valve and has gas in it. Going to bring it to my local motorcycle shop to have it topped off with 150 psi of Nitrogen.

@kirk - was there any gas in the shock you received from eBay or was it empty? I also adjusted the shock 2 clicks up from the slowest setting (there are F and S markings on the shock...presuming "S" is the slower, higher dampening setting on the shock). How many wrench turns did you go up for preload?

ChrisWNY · 08-25-2018, 12:30 PM

Had the shock charged, 150psi Nitrogen, $10. The guy at the shop mentioned something about a floating piston, etc. He said the shock actually looks well-built, has quality seals on it, and is rebuildable if needed. He was concerned it may be too stiff but said no way to be certain until the shock is installed on the Hawk.

kirkallen143 · 08-26-2018, 03:25 PM

Chris, if I were you try it with no preload. I am 225-230lbs, have a bunch of tools, a mini-shovel, and a machete on the back (maybe an extra 10lbs), and the shock handles well, but is a little too stiff.

I preloaded the spring with about a 1/4" - 3/8" of thread showing, but I think this spring being stiff as it is, that I may not need any preload. I have yet to measure the sag at the rear with this new shock.

No, my shock had no nitrogen in it when received, the top half of the shock/cap was loose when I got it.

Kirk

JTHawk · 08-26-2018, 03:59 PM

does anyone have a link to a good LED tail light?

**JerryHawk250** · 08-26-2018, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTHawk

does anyone have a link to a good LED tail light?

check the Sticky: Hawk resource guife at the top of the Dualsport section. Should have information on LED's in there.

ChrisWNY · 08-27-2018, 08:21 PM

Here's a lame question...cant figure out top from bottom on the new rear shock. Looks like the valve goes up top? Hard to tell...

Azhule · 08-27-2018, 08:58 PM

Left is the top I believe... should be able to read the "F <--> S" without standing on your head

08-19-2018, 08:50 PM	#4
ChrisWNY Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 212	@kirk - can you provide the link to the 300mm rear shock you ordered? Where did you end up getting the nitrogen charge for it? Does your Hawk sit lower due to the 300mm size (I remember the stock rear shock measuring around 320mm or so from eyelet to eyelet). I am considering a new rear shock as well because the stock rear shock seems a bit soft (now that I've changed my fork oil to 20W, added 200mL). Would be nice to have one that doesn't sag as much and dampens more so than what came with the Hawk. I have a guy at YSS who can custom build a rear shock for the Hawk but that'll run $275 or so. If I can nab one that works for under $100 I'd rather go that route. Thanks! __________________ 2018 RPS Hawk 250cc Mods so far: 1. Mikuni VM26 Carburetor w/#115 main jet 2. 17T/45T JT sprockets 3. JT 428 X-ring chain 4. Air box mod 5. Hawk Digital Cluster 6. Aftermarket IMS shift lever 7. Performance Aftermarket Exhaust 8. 295mm Nitrogen Gas Monoshock, 20W oil front forks
	0

08-20-2018, 10:19 AM	#6
ChrisWNY Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 212	Presuming it needs some spacers once mounted since the upper/lower bushings are quite a bit narrower than the stock rear shock. I'm surprised the Hawk sits that high with a 295mm shock...then again the stock rear shock sags quite a bit probably because there's little to no gas in it to dampen or stiffen it. Thanks for the link! Update: contacted the seller for that eBay page and he stated that they no longer sell those rear shocks with Schrader valves. __________________ 2018 RPS Hawk 250cc** Mods so far: 1. Mikuni VM26 Carburetor w/#115 main jet 2. 17T/45T JT sprockets 3. JT 428 X-ring chain 4. Air box mod 5. Hawk Digital Cluster 6. Aftermarket IMS shift lever 7. Performance Aftermarket Exhaust 8. 295mm Nitrogen Gas Monoshock, 20W oil front forks Last edited by ChrisWNY; 08-20-2018 at 03:03 PM.
	0

08-21-2018, 08:24 AM	#7
ChrisWNY Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 212	I contacted the seller for this particular rear shock and got a confirmation that it does come with a Schrader valve, for those who might be interested in upgrading their rear shock: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1200LBS-DNM...53.m2749.l2649 @Kirk - do you have a recommendation on spacer sizes to use on the upper and lower bushings? __________________ 2018 RPS Hawk 250cc Mods so far: 1. Mikuni VM26 Carburetor w/#115 main jet 2. 17T/45T JT sprockets 3. JT 428 X-ring chain 4. Air box mod 5. Hawk Digital Cluster 6. Aftermarket IMS shift lever 7. Performance Aftermarket Exhaust 8. 295mm Nitrogen Gas Monoshock, 20W oil front forks
	0

08-25-2018, 12:30 PM	#10
ChrisWNY Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 212	Had the shock charged, 150psi Nitrogen, $10. The guy at the shop mentioned something about a floating piston, etc. He said the shock actually looks well-built, has quality seals on it, and is rebuildable if needed. He was concerned it may be too stiff but said no way to be certain until the shock is installed on the Hawk. __________________ 2018 RPS Hawk 250cc Mods so far: 1. Mikuni VM26 Carburetor w/#115 main jet 2. 17T/45T JT sprockets 3. JT 428 X-ring chain 4. Air box mod 5. Hawk Digital Cluster 6. Aftermarket IMS shift lever 7. Performance Aftermarket Exhaust 8. 295mm Nitrogen Gas Monoshock, 20W oil front forks
	0

08-27-2018, 08:58 PM	#15
Azhule Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: CO Posts: 1,525	Left is the top I believe... should be able to read the "F <--> S" without standing on your head __________________ "Think as you like... but this self proclaimed Professor is always right" - Buckshot "You never know what someone is hiding beneath their smile..." - NinjaTom - R.I.P.
	0

08-05-2018, 03:51 AM	#2
kirkallen143 Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 84	Thanks Pete, much appreciative. Got shock filled, $31.00 later and 150psi. Having problems keeping bushings in now, seems the o-rings that keep out the dirt are a tad too thick to let them sit right. Yeah, no matter how much grease I put on them they keep falling out when trying to install shock. Maybe my next project is make the sub frame removable, hum, that would be nice? Gonna run to the hardware store tomorrow and find some smaller o-rings, that ought to cure it. Guys, I'll get more than 80km on this bike before you know it...hopefully it won't break me first (money-wise). It's fun though... Kirk
	1

08-06-2018, 11:05 AM	#3
kirkallen143 Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 84	On to the shock, bushings fit like a dream with the smaller thickness o-rings. Went to a 13/16" x 11/16" x 1/16" size, and packed them with grease. Ended up two clicks back from the most slowest setting on the shock adjuster. The bad thing now, front is softer than the rear. My goal is, you want to try for a balanced suspension front and rear. That's where I can push down on the bike's suspension and both front/rear react the same. I probably have to go with 20W fork oil in the front to slow down the dampening/rebound some, I have 15W in there now. We'll play with it and get it dialed in just right. Kirk
	1

08-20-2018, 10:13 AM	#5
kirkallen143 Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 84	Chris, here ya go... https://www.ebay.com/itm/295mm-12mm-...ty!77868!US!-1 Make sure you ask the seller if it has the Schrader valve. First one did not when I bought it, even though it showed it on the pics. Got the shock filled w/ nitrogen at any local motorcycle shop/dealer. I can't flat foot it like with the 280mm shock, but I can still touch the ground with this 295mm one. Kirk
	2

08-21-2018, 11:16 AM	#8
kirkallen143 Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 84	Chris, I used some 3/8" washers for the spacers to take the slack up. It only took 7ea. for the top and the bottom. If I remember right, 3 for the right side and 4 on the left because of the air filter box. Kirk Had to edit this: the bottom mount is not as wide, so it took 3 washers for the left side and 2 for the right. Oh, and to help inserting the washers on the sides of the shock mount, I ended up welding them together. You can duct tape them or glue them together, either way to hold'em in one piece...makes it easier.
	1

08-26-2018, 03:25 PM	#11
kirkallen143 Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 84	Chris, if I were you try it with no preload. I am 225-230lbs, have a bunch of tools, a mini-shovel, and a machete on the back (maybe an extra 10lbs), and the shock handles well, but is a little too stiff. I preloaded the spring with about a 1/4" - 3/8" of thread showing, but I think this spring being stiff as it is, that I may not need any preload. I have yet to measure the sag at the rear with this new shock. No, my shock had no nitrogen in it when received, the top half of the shock/cap was loose when I got it. Kirk
	1

08-26-2018, 03:59 PM	#12
JTHawk Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 1	does anyone have a link to a good LED tail light?
	0