Honda Bros (Hawk GT) post-MOT first ride

First thing I want to say is that I won't always be flogging the engine like this!! I was just so excited to hear the bike sing again I couldn't help myself 😊
In fact I've realised now that unless I spend loads of money replacing the engine or doing some other significant work, it's no fun trying to go fast on this bike, it vibrates too much! So I plan to slow my roll when I'm on the bike and make it more relaxing to ride until I have the opportunity to do something about that. I think I'll add a front sprocket that is one tooth bigger, soften off the Nitron shock and look at replacing the clip-ons with a conventional handlebar.
I'm so happy that it's back on the road now though 😁
If there are one or more adverts at awkward points during this video I'm sorry... because it's less than eight minutes long I cannot control the mid-roll ads.

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

classic flasher drop from those 80's 90's bike with soft rubber accordion booth... with time it harden and the plastic end just discover freedom and fly off to a better place.

[@gradywilson3006]

Great video. Your Bros sounds great. And you're right, performance wise, there is nothing spectacular about the Bros/Hawk but riding one is just plain good for your soul.

[@RikkyTang]

Yep owning this bike just makes me happy 👍

[@FunAllDayLong4353]

I've always had a thing about the Bros, sweetly styled with Honda reliability. Glad you're enjoying it Rikky!

[@joshrandall3632]

Super stoked to see you back on the road. Congrats on a great rebuild.

[@RikkyTang]

Thank you Josh! The bike hasn't seen much action recently but still, I'm really happy that I got it back on the road again 😊

[@marcbrasse747]

Congrats! I personally think nobody needs more then this. 50 to 60 hp at 180 kg is more then enough to have fun at realistic road speeds. The rest is overkill!

[@RikkyTang]

Thanks Marc! I don't *need* more power, but I do *love* more power 😁

[@marcbrasse747]

@@RikkyTang Well. I personally think anything that needs software to keep the rider from killing himself is nonsense. Yesterday I saw an off the shelf Suzuki GSX-S950 in a magazine. It has lost lost 102 hp compared to the otherwise almost equal GSX-S 1000 so one can ride it as a 35KW / 48 hp class beginners bike. Maddness!

[@dinosaurdude5668]

Congratulations! That’s a great bike and blast to ride.

[@RikkyTang]

Thanks Dude! Yeah I love the little thing!

[@plghsamuel]

I’ve had five of ‘em, including one 650 (love that engine!) BUT living in London with ULEZ coming in this year I’ve had to get rid of my last one which was a superb example that the previous owner had completely refurbished. Agree with you that the riding position is awkward and archaic but I love that V twin engine! If they made a modern 21st century one I’d buy it in a heartbeat! Meanwhile my CB500X will have to do. It’s very er, worthy but doesn’t excite. Sniff sniff!

[@RikkyTang]

Hi Gerry great to hear your Bros story! Such a frustrating situation that the ULEZ is forcing you to make decisions about what you own vs. where you live. I've never touched the pegs down on this bike so I might try to lower them one day! But every time I ride it I'm reminded why I don't want to sell it. Never ridding a Honda CB500 but I'm sure it still manages to put a smile on your face 😊. If you haven't ridden an SV650, I suggest you give one a try! Even the current model doesn't feel dated and it's loads of fun!

[@TheirishHornet03]

Honestly seeing and hearing the 650 version of the Bros bike does make me a little bit jealous lol, hope to see more about this!

[@andrewlucas6214]

Well done for getting the bros on the road. I had the same throttle/clutch cable probs on my Cagiva raptor 650. After I put slightly higher bars on. May not be faster than the Tesla but, when he hits the traffic jams, you would sail by. That why we ride.

[@RikkyTang]

Very true Andrew, the benefits in traffic and the joy the bike brings me outweigh the disadvantages! I'm going to slow down on this bike now, enjoy the journey more. The problem with my throttle was down to one of the two cables - it's a push-pull type and the push cable was badly routed. In any case they are tricky to sync together but the good news is the bike can run just happily with the one cable... so the push cable has been given the push 😁

[@A.AInc.]

I recently bought an 89 reg honda bros 650.. I'm hoping to get a full licence at the beginning of next year and ride as my 1st big bike 😊 I also have a 2020 Aprilia RX 125 so will probably ride both.. Will just stick with my gilera runner for now / until I get gear confident

[@RikkyTang]

The Bros is a pretty easy bike to ride - good engine torque but not too fast - I don't think it'll take you too long to get the hang of it. Good luck!

[@THE-UNKNOWN_7163]

two wires sticking out.... ummm yeah that would explain it 😂

[@kalytakoko171]

Hello brother ! I want to know your bike ! Is the rediator cooler fan work or not?

[@andyand100]

When was teenager (80s)use go Bat motorcycle s full of jdm nuggets two bike caught my as very cheap bros 650 with 40 k think it was 1100£ took for test ride blimey I was surprised how much fun it was

[@RikkyTang]

Trust me its still fun today 😊

[@user-cj3qw8eg6g]

Bat motorcycles!!! Lived just up the road from their shop in South Norwood and bought a 400 Bros from the warehouse in Biggin Hill. Loved the bike, A2 licence in early 90’s, rode it to Cornwall first weekend I owned it😀. Fantastic memories, wish I still owned it.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Not to forget. First like on this one. :)

[@crumblymal8479]

Good one but oh dear not good when things start droppin off Rikky how did that happen then ?. and is this a keeper or will you move on to another project for the challenge . : )

[@RikkyTang]

These indicators come from a different bike (my old Bandit 1250) and the housings kind-of clip into place rather than bolt in... looks like that one wasn't clipped in properly!

[@choompa]

What year is the bike, Ric?

[@RikkyTang]

This is an 88 I think, one of the earlier models (you can tell because it has external oil lines on the engine)

[@MrLou8888]

Just a small problem. Nice video.

[@RikkyTang]

Thanks Louis

[@gunnyhartman2]

I always regret selling my Bros!

[@RikkyTang]

I'm currently in the air about selling mine now that I have three motorbikes... but every time I ride it I remember why I love it so much!

[@simiangimp2282]

Cirencester!

[@RikkyTang]

Yep! Worked there for 20+ years 😊

[@wakajawaka44]

"Oops" !!

[@RikkyTang]

The indicator was the only thing that fell off on this ride... not bad for something I put together! 😂

[@wakajawaka44]

RikkyTang! I am surprised you lost the assembly. I am thinking the attached electrical connections should have prevented the entire assembly from disappearing!

[@RikkyTang]

@@wakajawaka44 To be honest I'm glad it fell off quickly and didn't bounce around and damage the paintwork!

[@masterzvmmvvve9529]

Ivanka

[@flechette3782]

You know it is a European video when the very first thing they talk about is getting all the taxes paid for before riding.