So I've stumbled across a hawk for sale and wanted to know the thoughts of anyone with experience with this bike/older hondas.
Craigslist ad:
"I have a 1988 Honda Hawk with 60,000 miles on it. It had been sitting for 13 years before I got it running. It starts right up, but definately needs some love. I pulled off the exhuast to clean it out. It is not pictured but it comes with the bike. This would make a great parts bike or an affordable runner."
His response to my interest:
"The bike is drivable but needs some work, I cant get to one of the spark plugs without a special tool, im pretty sure if I could I would be able to get it running better. It has a new battery and all the lights/blinkers work. The front brake was frozen so I removed it and got it unstuck, but I have not put it back on, I was thinking of bleeding it today. The bike belonged to my fathers friend who was a long time highway patrolman and I think it was his sons who unfortunately passed away, well anyways when he moved I guess it was not worth it for him to take so he just gave it to me. but unfortunately it was outside the whole time. But with a new battery and a little love to the plugs and carbs it actually started right up. (typical Honda)"
My situation is this. My 919 is on the other side of the country and I haven't quite figured a reasonable way to get it to me. I currently have no vehicle here and honestly don't need one with my current living situation as it is. That said, I still want a bike to ride, but don't want to sink to much into it seeing as I do already own my 919.
Now his asking price is quite low and I may even be able to talk him down more. The 60k miles worries me, but I know a well cared for honda can go well beyond that. My questions....Is it worth it? How much do you think I may have to sink into it? If I check it out, what should I look for that would make this a no deal.
hawk gt has always been a dream bike for me... such a cool lil honda... i swear honda should go back to its roots and remake those things id buy one in a heart beat.
i say if the price is right and its running... grab it.
not 100% on your situation, but would the cost of this hawk be equal or more/less than having your 9'ner shipped to you without the trouble of tooling around...?
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02 919, Black w/Red decals, SS Yoshi's, Renthal UL, bar-end mirrors, sometimes a belly pan and windscreen, sometimes not!
01 CBR F4i-SOLD
02 CBR F4i-SOLD
92 Kawi EX 500-SOLD
Yea, I've heard great things about them. That why I'm fairly interested.
As for the price to ship the 919 versus the cost. The cost of the bike with the work that may need done, registration fees, etc, I estimate I'd only be paying a little more to pick up the bike.
I of course need to take a look at the hawk myself. I just don't want to get myself into a situation where it may be a money pit.
i got my bike shipped from newyork, newyork all the way over to about 2 hours south of portland way out in the boonies for around $700. look into shipping estimates, shouldnt cost you more than 300-400 for your 919 to be shipped.
Location: Santa Maria, CA Otherwise known as heaven on earth.
Posts: 1,797
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigdaa
Blow it off and find another something or other closer and less ridden and left out in the cold.
Typical advice from a Kawasaki owner.
As to the Hawk, as with any used motorcycle condition is everything. If you are qualified to do the repairs / reassembly / bring it up to safely rideable and the necessary servicing then go for it, keeping in mind it is 23 years old! If not you will end up with a money pit, but still a nice bike.
I still own the Blue '88 Hawk I bought new the first day it was available. It has 145,251 miles on it, never needed any valves adjusted (I gave up checking them at 100,000 miles), never failed to get me where I wanted to go, and was my sole two wheeled transport from 1988 until I bought the 919 in 2005. From a reliability standpoint it's right off the top of the chart, but nothing is eternal.
Infinitely adjustable, made of the finest materials available, and completely sourced from local suppliers -- gotta support the local economy! Order today and know handlebar Nirvana.
Well, I'm still waiting to hear from the seller concerning more detailed pics and how exactly the time spent outside has effected the bike. He says it runs, but at the same time it needs work...? Has me leary since I don't have any tools or much of a work area at all. So we'll see. If it'll take anything more than some routine cleaning etc, it won't be happening. Before I decide anything I'll have to see it in person anywho.
Buuuuuut... I may be able to get it for around $500. So if its weathered the storm of time fairly well and is running, it may be worth it as a minor project bike. We'll shall see fellas. I appreciate the input.
As to the Hawk, as with any used motorcycle condition is everything. If you are qualified to do the repairs / reassembly / bring it up to safely rideable and the necessary servicing then go for it, keeping in mind it is 23 years old! If not you will end up with a money pit, but still a nice bike.
I still own the Blue '88 Hawk I bought new the first day it was available. It has 145,251 miles on it, never needed any valves adjusted (I gave up checking them at 100,000 miles), never failed to get me where I wanted to go, and was my sole two wheeled transport from 1988 until I bought the 919 in 2005. From a reliability standpoint it's right off the top of the chart, but nothing is eternal.
Rob
WOW........just WOW.............
I loved my Hawk GT, it was the PERFECT in town bike.
red mecury, you can ship your 919 for $500 easy! dont bother with the hawk gt as you said you dont have any tools or much of a work area. this is a no brainer. forget the hawk and just ship your 919 in.
red mecury, you can ship your 919 for $500 easy! dont bother with the hawk gt as you said you dont have any tools or much of a work area. this is a no brainer. forget the hawk and just ship your 919 in.
The more I think about it, the more this seems like the right decision. Oh, how I'd like to have a little v-twin to ride around on. The headache would not be worth it and there are registration fees etc etc etc. You guys brought me to my senses.
The PLUS side -- more money left to put into my 919!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by nd4spdbh
how bout plane ticket to where ur 919 is... then ride it home? sounds like an awesome excuse for a week vacation!
Always wanted one, when this one popped up I jumped on it
I feel like I stole it from the guy $2200, nothing really spectacular just a ton of fun to ride.
Now if I could find a similar VFR I'd be happy, maybe.
Always wanted one, when this one popped up I jumped on it
I feel like I stole it from the guy $2200, nothing really spectacular just a ton of fun to ride.
Now if I could find a similar VFR I'd be happy, maybe.
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