Is The $2,000 Amazon Hawk DLX As Bad Off-Road As You Assume It Would Be? I Find Out!

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(imimotorsports.com/) The "Mighty" Hawk DLX cost just $2,000 when we bought it off Amazon, but can this dirt bike actually go off-road without falling apart? Roman finds out in this first ride review.
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#Hawk #Amazon #CheapBike

[@dommm111]

This is the video I was waiting for. Good job, nice cheap bike!

[@drdext5454]

you gonna buy it...?

[@dommm111]

@@drdext5454 too expensive for me lol

[@shinthantmaung9476]

Very true, mate. I bought a chinese scooter for 500$ 11years ago and it is still fun to ride.

[@brandonmoreno8340]

I'd go as far as saying for most people this is all you need it takes a different kind of person to own some of the monsters they produce now a days but a cheap entry and learning bike this is perfect you buy this learn maintaince and mods kind of like a introduction/training bike this is a bike you figure uout if you want a step up or if this is good enough happy trails be safe and keep 2 on the ground but for those of you who catch the moto bug good luck once you catch it you'll never look back an always want more

[@ReisterJP]

I have a magician 250cc it was like 1300, and with the gas crunch it paid for itself and is now saving me money and that is what i wanted and needed.

[@HufflerGarage]

We bought a couple of these last spring and put around 1500 miles on them. They've been a blast. Just make sure to go back and tighten and put thread locker on everything. These motors are simple and made to run in developing countries. They may not be fast, but they're work horses.

[@AnyManProjects]

These get much better after break in... power, brakes hugely improved, etc. I've had about every bike under the sun and this is one of my favorites! It's very durable, I don't worry about it when I go somewhere, and if it falls over, I really don't care. Parts are very cheap to replace, and so many parts are easily upgradeable. Heat shield has never warped, welds have never cracked. Buy it, spend $200 dollars on better levers, mirrors, and chain. Mine is a lot of fun running around town and offroad trails. What this is NOT, is a real enduro or dirt bike. It's for messing around with, and still starts on first try, every time. For the money, it's a great deal.

[@Ghost88890REAL]

I’m looking for a chinese bike that has sufficient speed, Im not looking for too fast or too slow, you think this bike might be worth it?

[@michaelbraddy2463]

@@Ghost88890REAL this is a decent commuter bike on the cheap. Don’t expect it to be amazing on or off-road it’s a middle ground with questionable quality and it will need attention and maintenance much more frequently than any other name brand bike. It is pretty low on power as well it’s more equal to a 150cc or 200cc name brand bike

[@AnyManProjects]

@@Ghost88890REAL Depends what speed you need. I can get 65mph out of it, but I would not take it on the highway! Since buying this, I've probably spent $600 improving things I didn't like about it. So even for $2600, I'm pretty happy with it. I have 3 other bigger, name brand motorcycles that I also like, but for different reasons. This one is the most fun because I don't care if it gets beat up... so I take it off road and bottom out the shocks, etc without worrying about it. It's constantly abused and parked muddy. the next time it's always ready to go, and starts right up.

[@nemasisrex3418]

💯

[@KrS14]

Roman: "I'm going to rev this out" ...Gets to 3k RPM, shifts.

[@rider6.0]

Lol you got to wait 6 to 9 seconds after redline and then shift

[@GeneralJameson]

11:49 he says "ring it out" is that what you're trying to quote?

[@bongodave13]

@@GeneralJameson wring

[@barrygoldwater7030]

Numbers don’t matter turns out, I have one of these, first motorcycle, im a grown man, I’ve scared myself on it in second gear several times, not because of blistering speed, but speed is relative to the situation. This dude is shifting super early, my brakes work great, the wheels and tires are nicer than they should be. Bike is heavy, I’m over six foot and over 200 lbs, great farm bike and has great torque and enough room for serious storage on the back. Faster than any utility fourhweeler I’ve ridden when you actually use the full rpm range.

[@jarredl990]

Happy with your purchase? I’m looking at this and the Tao Tao tbr7

[@rolandedrummer9723]

@@jarredl990 What I've heard is basically hawk for a little more offroad or Tbr7 for more street.

[@cmaine6254]

I got one of these for fun, 2 years later due to gas being so high, now a commuter bike. Its been great no problems!

[@06colkurtz]

To do a burnout, set the front brake and stand on the ground to unload the rear tire. It will spin

[@skygrey7237]

For some people, this is all the bike you need.

[@raffitchakmakjian]

I want one so I can go explore all the BLM land (Bureau of Land Management) land behind my house. Never ridden before, and not sure if I'll stick with it, but I feel like this would be a good way to get my feet wet. I want to get some bags and take out some ammo, a small meal, my rifle on my back, some targets, I think it could work.

[@okiedouk]

@@raffitchakmakjian If you start you'll probably stick with it a while and even then it's something to come back to.

[@SailingCorina]

I've traveled thousands ofmiles off highways on adventure touring trips. I made a lugage rack to carry all my camp gear. Never had a problem and spent a fraction of the price.

[@ENFORCER_TJ]

Thank you

[@HOMELANDERFEELS]

I'm that kind of guy

[@mq1991]

I put 5000 miles on my carb version, only had a few issues that were easily resolved. Definitely had a lot of fun with it. Could hit 65mph with mine.

[@bermne]

Mine made 74 mph and still alive, there is something wrong with that EFI bikes

[@joey9511]

@@bermne the engine hasn't broken in, hes at a really high elevation and hes kinda heavy so it makes sense it wouldn't be that fast here

[@kinda4728]

Different gearing would help with higher speeds

[@The_Truthinator]

then what happened? did you sell it or did it die?

[@sebastianphillips2772]

Excellent starter bike. Picked up the fuel injected version and now it's sitting at around 2,000 miles. Very easy to maintain, and parts are easy to find. Had previous experience with dirtbikes and 4 wheelers but wanted to get my license, so this is the little fella I used to take the test 👍

[@badgerpa9]

Part of putting together the bike is adjusting many of the issues you are having. Looks like what Japanese bikes where in the 70s. Once you get good oil in it and the engine gets ran for awhile to break in and seal it should feel a little better, 11 horse is never awe inspiring but it is enough to get moving if you are a 160 pound teen. Glad to see you out having fun Roman, that is what matters is to keep living your life as much as you can. Nice camera work Alex. Stay safe and healthy guys.

[@motobc2251]

Tries to start a fuel injected bike while twisting the throttle, typically that doesn’t work well. 16:35 Good video, keep it up.

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

I bet it's more fun than a 125 trail at $4k.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

The "RiderJustice" plugs are awesome in so many ways... and the young kid presenting the info does a fabulous job; he's got a bright future in the media biz. TFL rules!

[@dirtbikeTIMES]

I’ve got one of these with a bunch of modifications - 17/45 sprockets, different swingarm(Brozz 250), shorter rear shock, oil cooler, Renthals, crf250 footpegs... a couple other things. It’s my first, and it’s all I needed to learn on. Definitely wasn’t disappointed.

[@fudgepuppy9683]

Whatd all that run you? And estimated time spent on work? Couldn't be too bad really. Planning to buy a lifan xpect 200 for fun. I plan to do lots of playing around and learning before buying something way more expensive.

[@dirtbikeTIMES]

@@fudgepuppy9683 total cost is around 500-700$ in parts and probably 10 hours total in work. The real challenge is that almost nothing fits out of box, so you need to modify things to fit. Half the fun in my opinion.

[@castiron2932]

I have one. Got it a month ago and learned/learning how to ride. Its a lot of fun and im going to upgrade. I appreciate this balanced and informative video. Thanks!

[@06colkurtz]

Great vid Roman. After spending $77k on the truck, you need a cheap bike

[@johnkrott8829]

Very common moto in Nicaragua main transportation for most families and they cost around $1400 here. It's not uncommon to see 2 adults and 3 kids going down road on them.

[@MrSplibb]

Same in the Philippines

[@kaosbc]

you sure its a hawk and not a Honda nxr150? the hawk is a styling copy of that bike.

[@GabrielGomez-ur2rc]

I've seen a lot of these in Colombia I think it's a clone of an upbuilt Honda CG 125, which should at least make for a fairly reliable engine.

[@R.Nelson]

The tent topper looks like it would come in handy...I like how it folds up ☺.

[@kasinko]

Bleak brown landscape and rehashing some of the previous reviews was nice and all, but what I'm most excited to see is it putting around on a dirt road, going along gently off road with one of the trucks, being used as a city scooter and testing it's durability as the miles rack up! Hell, even an MPG test. This is like the tiniest scrap of content ever lol. I may be chomping at the bit over here :P Anywho, I'm excited to see where this series goes from here!

[@WW-wf8tu]

Excellent review. It is perfect for a beginner that needs to learn and not be over powered. Great to see you on a bike giving a dirt bike review. Experienced dirt riders would not want that bike.

[@user-lj5ri3gp5o]

... proud of you Roman. Thought you would've called it junk right away (I would've). A lot of patience shown on this episode.

[@DenverDeCoY]

I got a 2020 Carbed Hawk 250 for $1400 and I absolutely LOVE this bike! Will it win and races? Not in a million years. Can you jump it? Maybe but it may cost you some bones. Otherwise, this thing is fantastic, does great on and off road, and with 1000 miles so far, seems VERY reliable! I LOVE my Hawk 250.

[@roberth3094]

Did you adjust your brakes prior to riding ?

[@colecollins5642]

I doubt he's changed the oil... Got to love pompous idiots

[@aaronbehindbars]

Fuel injection is nice, but there are so many older 250 dual sports you can get fairly cheap on the used market. I really love my 2001 Kawasaki Super Sherpa. I got mine for $350, but ended up replacing tires, tubes, sprockets, chain, fork seals, brake pads, seat cover, mirrors, grips, levers, various odds and ends, and the biggest repair was the one-way starter clutch. I sorta stopped keeping track, but I estimate I have $1100 wrapped up in it including my initial investment. It might look like a 20 year old bike and it has 18,000 miles, but it is a completely solid bike and I still trust it more than a brand new Chinese bike. I give it another 5 years, though, and there will be some genuinely good Chinese made bikes available.

[@toothytube]

From what I've seen of this video, It would seem that the fuel injected version is substantially less powerful than the standard carbureted version. I've watched numerous videos where the carbureted versions were easily capable of doing a "burnout" and displayed much better acceleration than this fuel injected version.

[@sevenmilewhite1407]

No offense but it's the rider here

[@ThisGuyRides]

@@sevenmilewhite1407 yea Roman is a heavy dude for a 229cc

[@md-80enjoyer95]

There are other factors like the weight of the rider as well as the elevation, which causes bikes like these to lose a good amount of power

[@TB-lo9iq]

Exactly why I came to these comments. Roman is ,bluntly, considerably too sizeable for this bike and he rides it like a granny, lugging it (even for a 4 stroke). It definitely needs a larger rear sprocket, some tuning attention, and the 20cc that are missing. Roman needs a lesson in what a flat torque curve actually means. I'd be curious to know how much of this underwhelming performance goes away at sea level.

[@FastSloW-qt8xf]

I own a tbr7 which is a cheaper carbureted version of this. That bike did great. It currently has 10k miles. Actual miles not km. Had rock solid reliability since new. I since got a crf250l which yes is way better in every single way, but is 5 times the cost. And i still keep the tbr7 running as a loaner bike for friends and family up at the cabin

[@ZachDamberger]

Great video! Happy to see you in my backyard. Looking forward to checking out more of your videos!

[@RobbieHerrera]

Nice review. You pretty much get what you pay for, it has its market. Lots of fun on the cheap, and serious transportation for those on a really tight budget.

[@REDCLAYHOMESTEAD]

Gear shifting gets better after broken in, it will rev out slightly higher after it brakes in. I love my crappy china bike, does it compare to my KLX no but still fun. That engine is actually pretty good, its all the other bits that fall off or break lol

[@erikhaw7313]

Good job guys! Loving this channel!

[@barryervin8536]

I believe the power specs are in kw. 11 kw is about 15 hp. I'm usually a fan of fuel injection but I think if I were looking for a very cheap bike like this to play with I'd go with one of the many carbureted versions, like the Brozz. A new replacement carb can be had for about $35, a larger upgraded carb for not much more, and they can be easily re-jetted. But when the EFI on this thing stops working you are probably out of luck.

[@clinthansen469]

I almost wonder if the Carb version would be more advantageous since you could take that extra $200 and plop in a nice Carb and actually tune it.

[@kaosbc]

yes, fact.

[@KENPOCHOPPER]

I would think fuel injections more reliable? Can you swap an oem carb to upgrade carb for a fair amount of power and reliability? Im just about to buy a cheap bike so im curious .thx

[@kaosbc]

@@KENPOCHOPPER I specifically bought the carbed hawk because the thought of having some obscure fuel injection part or pump go bad out on the trail is unfixable roadside... not to mention can you even find that obscure Chinese part to repair your Chinese fuel injection components? I just don't trust Chinese electronics or wiring or Parts availability Chinese bikes have a bad reputation and most of that has to do with shotty electrical parts and cheap engineering.... almost any buddy can fix carbs eadily enough.. hell u can install all five different types of carbs on the same bike as long as you tune it and it fits the openings... but where you gonna get that chinese fuel air sensor?

[@sjames3819]

@@kaosbc They sell the fuel injection parts on the website where they sell the bikes. I know people buy the carb hawk then as soon as they get them they buy an amazon carb and swap it out. Theres a guy on youtube that has 11 bikes and he tests them out too. He seems to love the fuel injection vs carb. I was just trying see if any other differences. Im also looking at enduro vs dirt only. i like the idea of just riding to a train rather then loading it up. I think for most part the dirt vs enduro are the same except lights. Unless I am wrong?? It might be the enduro only that has the fuel injection too.

[@christopherking2012]

All sorts of old school performance tricks for these 229cc engines. Being able to tune for them easily I see as an advantage.

[@stephendee7839]

Hey, roman, the elephant in the room is the elephant on the bike! Hire someone who has graduated past "novice rider" to do your motorcycle testing.

[@douglasminor2559]

totally agree, how can they even call this a review, when the "test rider" can barely keep the bike upright and obviously has little experience riding off road.

[@maverickkartracing]

@@douglasminor2559 He also said they were a mile above sea level, and any bike would need some compensation for that. He probably isn't much of a mechanic either. Starts off the video bragging about how much his truck cost like a pretentious A-hole.

[@andrewsmith9575]

Nice to meet Alex and Roman the other day at IMI. These guys will give you honest info on all they test. Been a fan of TFL truck and TFL car. Now a bigger fan of TFL bike!

[@TFLbike]

Thanks and great meeting you as well.

[@crookstonsucks]

I bet if you adjusted the valves, bled the brakes, cleaned the rotors, and scuffed up the pads it would be like a whole different bike. My 2017 brozz 250 is basically the same bike and it stops well and does about 70mph top speed. Also it would behoove you guys to get the oil changed. They come with a shipping oil in them and it isnt really meant to be run with it. They can be reliable fun bikes if set up and maintained properly.

[@kobemoss1624]

Dude ik it’s been a year but do you mean bleed the brakes when you get it I’m thinking ab getting one and would like to know

[@Robguru]

@@kobemoss1624 yes, that's what he means...in the video he was complaining about how much you had to pull the brake lever to get them to work. It's very possible there was air in the lines...

[@speterbilt]

I'd ride it a few miles to the bar and back. I like it. Plus some are saying, on Amazon reviews, to re-tooth it and it will run 75 easy

[@useritscarrot]

Maybe with a different secondary. I dropped the primary to a 12t on my apollo 250rx and it will wheelie and break traction off the line now. Before it wouldn't like in the video. I also richened up the pilot jet 35 and 115 main. Phx az running 91.

[@master_X_72]

Hey...um... maybe break it in then test power and speed? That engine is still tight. Brakes do suck but thats what down shifting is for. Can't have champgne on a beer budget, it has it's place.

[@JoshTordsen]

The complaint with the brakes is what stood out. I watched the videos where the bike was assembled but it looks like nothing was adjusted - especially the brakes. Because you had to assemble the bike, it isn't going to be like buying one off the showroom. Everything needs to be adjusted and tightened. With cheap bikes even more so.

[@siraff4461]

Exactly what adjustment would you like them to do on a hydraulic brake set up?

[@JoshTordsen]

The pull on the brake lever - in my experience - is adjustable. Usually it is a cable adjustment or adjustment to the lever itself. So instead of applying full brakes at 95% it will apply at 50% of the lever travel. I should say that I have only done this on a few different bikes and I can't be sure if the hawk is the same. But it seemed Roman picked up on exactly this issue.

[@siraff4461]

@@JoshTordsen You're talking about cable brakes which are almost obsolete on motor bikes these days. This is hydraulic so if there is pressure (and the fact they work suggests there is) then they are self adjusting as they will pump up when the lever is released. You see him pulling the brake a few times and it doesn't get better which suggests poor tolerances and possible a bent/warped disc. On hydraulics there is usually no manual adjustment on cheaper set ups and only lever throw adjustment on the better ones. Once they are bled thats pretty much it and the fact they aren't pumping further out after a few pulls says there isn't air in them. They are just trash brakes.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

I think you guys should give it to Alex and see if he can improve it on the cheap. Regearing, better brake pads(adjusted properly), and maybe an exhaust and a better air intake.

[@spartanchirho]

Thanks for finally doing a review of that bike.

[@pauljarvis5374]

It looks like this bike was designed as a city commuter bike for the Chinese market. It's just a simple motorcycle and isn't trying to be anything else.

[@caiuspostumiusturrinus1024]

With just a few mods. This thing will be a beast for the budget rider.

[@robertyoung8289]

If you weren't being kind you would call it JUNK. lol

[@EngineersHomestead]

Is there reflective heat shielding on the "heat shield"? It's not uncommon for side covers to be plastic with adhesive heatshielding underneath.

[@SailingCorina]

After watching this review I am so glad I got a carburetor version because I weigh 250 and get mine to 65mph on the street after changing the sprockets. I'm also getting around 19hp. Brakes are easily adjustable so complaining about the brakes without adjusting them is silly.

[@marvinwilbur9903]

Hope you changed the oil an checked the vales clearance..

[@useritscarrot]

Honestly Roman it's not made for a experienced rider like yourself. I have the apollo 250 rx dirt bike version of the hawk. I noticed I couldn't break the tire loose until I changed the front sprocket to a 12t. Now my topspeed is 50mph. This bike is perfect for someone who doesn't want to drop and break something expensive. It's also a good bike for a starter because they can't throw themself off the bike by opening the throttle up on dirt turns. Anyways I love how you guys bought one of these hahaha

[@TylerGibsonSIRdipsALOT69]

Plastics can be bought from CSC motorcycle's based out of California. They are for the CSC TT250, but fit the Hawk 250

[@roberth3094]

Your too big for a 250 to expect much performance from that 2k bike .

[@siraff4461]

Most of the 250 crossers have 3 times the power and weigh just over half. You can't expect much for $2k but its not because its a 250. Its because its based on an engine design from the 70's and then built to terrible tolerances with the cheapest materials possible. Cheap for a reason.

[@bongodave13]

@@siraff4461 You'd be better off buying an older Japanese bike of a comparable type. They're built much better, with better materials, and the brakes work. These bikes are crap, only suitable for total beginner novices like Roman and son. They ditched it, as they should have.

[@mazdaweeb3]

@@siraff4461 The engine design being from the 70s is irrelevant. It was designed by Honda to withstand the harshest conditions the third world could offer. The engine is also made by Zongshen which is a huge company that manufactures quality motors and motorcycles. The engine is the one reliable thing about this bike.

[@siraff4461]

@@mazdaweeb3 I'm glad you read the press brochure. Back in the real world 70's design means designed for the tooling, tolerances and fluids (fuel/oil) available back then - along with the missing 50 years of development since then. On a 250 like this the difference is about double the power, about half the fuel use and about twenty times the longevity.

[@mazdaweeb3]

@@siraff4461 You're talking like the factories producing these engines are using tooling and tolerances from the 70s. These engines were designed to keep running with basically zero maintenance. That coupled with the modern tooling, tolerances, and metallurgy used to produce them now means they'll be even more reliable than in the 70s. CSC is a well known importer of Zongshen bikes, and all their bikes have gotten lots of praise, including the tt250 dual sport which uses the same engine. Those bikes have been put through hell and still run strong. As far as power and fuel efficiency goes, it's not much less than a modern air cooled 250, and nowhere near the half you claim. The only air cooled 250 singles making 32hp, if they even exist, are in race bikes.

[@ericharrison619]

Even the EFI models look to run lean and restricted. My clapped out carb version of the Hawk will easily clutch up the front wheel in second and has decent brakes for what it is. It looks modern but performs (after a carb/pipe swap/valve adjustment) like a 70s machine. For around $1300 shipped and about $130 in e-bay parts I can't complain. I'm guessing since they are compliant with US emissions the bikes get shipped running lean and restricted to pass. The engines are Honda clones for the most part. Are they fast? No. Yet they are nowhere as bad as this guy wearing my Mothers sunglasses say's they are. Thread locker and a bit of mechanical know how is a must if you want to ride on the cheap. Go check out MotoCheez if you want to know more about these bikes.

[@djsin5254]

Can you wheelie these things? I’m looking for a cheap bike just to ride wheelies on so I don’t destroy my pan America.

[@tobiaslyons5470]

@@djsin5254 you can tune the dlx through the obd2 port . An yes they can wheelie but it feels weird ,like a big pit bike.

[@jareddegood8313]

@TFL bikes - CSC motorcycles imports the TT250 which I believe is very similar if not identical. Anyways, they sell individual body panels; you may want to check it out, might end up working.

[@dommm111]

The Raptor is a so DAMN good looking truck

[@jamesanderson562]

Iv seen these roaming around, they are pretty cool and I might grab one, I picked up a drz400sm because I have to cruise at 55-60 on main roads all the time when I'm not on the trails, wonder if you changed the oil, and gave it a tune up before you road it. Breaks need to be adjusted out of box as well

[@REDCLAYHOMESTEAD]

Did you Squeeze the front brake when you were trying to do a "burn out"? My china bike will and its a smaller displacement.

[@BeachAutomotive1]

Bring those RPM's up it will burn out or lift the front wheel... I purchased one of these. Carb version... Made a few changes to it and love it ... Did 150 miles back roads last weekend . Installing the 16 tooth gear to go with my 45 rear I have already installed. This bike is a blast to ride and cheap. Brakes work good but will need upgraded ...

[@alexchavez9083]

They sure made it look pretty 😍 I love the digital Gauges

[@sincity7005]

Is that $77,000 Craptor worth it...? Did you get what you paid for from it...?

[@Hooner77]

Nice review. I am not sure what used motorcycle prices are around Denver but I did a quick check around Portland, Oregon and found a few dual sports in the same price range as the Hawk.

[@kaosbc]

non running heaps are $1000 in my area... hawk is terrific for anyone in my neck of the woods.

[@LushmanGB]

Great review unfortunately we can’t get those in the uk. I would consider getting one if we could, maybe just upgrade some of the bits like fitting a braided hoses for the brakes and decent tyres

[@UltraSS-nj8kd]

Having fun is the most important 🤘🏻

[@rustysinkler5918]

I have a 2020 and it runs and rides great it does burnouts and wheels great and im 6’1’’ 235 lbs

[@elliotwells4958]

Reminds me of japanese bikes in the 70s. I'm sure back then folks were nitpicking and talking about how cheap they felt. But they worked, they got better every year, and they opened up the market to millions. We know how that went!

[@ericharrison619]

It's exactly what they ride like too! I got the carbed version. Ran really lean out of the box. They just need a few cheap mods to really wake up. Engine is a older Honda clone even.

[@eddiehill6665]

That's exactly what I was thinking what you said about used bikes. Just 5 years ago I bought a low miles XR650L for $2500. The same bike today they want $4k.

[@OtterPup_]

Good video , I might by the carborated bike today

[@BaracW]

One hint for loading/unloading bike on a Ford solo, do it further to one side or the other of the step (not in the middle) and don't use the handle. You can align the bike in the bed by lifting and sliding. Much easier than coming down in the middle and trying to use only a few inches of the step.

[@jjustj]

and securing it to the truck with a tiedown from lower rung to hitch area prevents sliding.

[@moparnut91]

So glad this bike came to the American market, aswell as the other "china" bikes. Love these things. Very reliable when you apply common sense and basic mechanical and electrical knowledge. My friends dad has one and he's put over 7000 miles on his loaded with gear finding any road he comes across to adventure on. Give this thing the benefit of the doubt they are a blast with friends 😂🤘

[@oakeydoakey1]

You would have had a much better experience if you did the proper preride prep for a fresh Hawk. The chain looks way tight, valves sound bad and did you change the shipping oil out. Also you need to clean the rotors with thinner first to get the shipping lube off. They'll actually stop.

[@leonstancliff7218]

The CG engine in these bikes is a 30 year tried and tested design, but it is set up for the California exhaust codes out of the box, which it was never intended to meet. It absolutely, positively must be properly tuned and opened up by the builder. Putting on the wheels and handlebars is not the end of setting up this bike. By the way, 11 Newton/meters is the power rating, which translates to 15HP. But even the distributers get that point wrong quite often.

[@craigchadwick2504]

You said “there’s no reason to drop a bike” then you show a bike that’s been dropped.

[@danbartlett8033]

My 2023 Dlx easily does burnouts on dirt. I weigh 180. My brakes work just fine. Counter balanced crank etc. This is a cool Chinese bike.

[@Desertfox92308]

As long as you keep expectations real low this bike will do for a beginner! I would be worried about long term reliability? Welds breaking, pieces falling off, parts availability, etc..my kids first bike was a Honda CRF70 which was indestructible!

[@gregferris9378]

I had a 1982 Yamaha XS 850 that actually was 826 cc's. I wish I still had it. So numbers have been fudged many times.

[@mariodesmo]

For future videos about this bike I would suggest: How To Improve Performance 1- Bleeding the brakes to see if they improve 2- Find new brake pads, rotors, stainless brake lines, etc 3- Engine mods to increase power (port polish head/FI tuning/exhaust work) 4- Improve suspension performance (adjustments, fork oil change, spring rates, etc) 5- Frame strengthening (gussets, bracketing, etc)

[@siraff4461]

All good suggestions. Only one problem. By the time you swapped everything on this to get it to a similar level to a Japanese bike you will have spent more than just buying one.

[@andrewschooler5959]

Howdy. Wondering what track you're at? I see the colorado temp tag. I'm located in longmont wondering if this is close

[@chicago1680]

Would a sprocket swap help with the power? I have never ridden and I want to get into it but I do not want to spend lots of money. I just want to do some trail riding and take it out on the sand. I live out West so we have plenty of spots. When I want to get crazy I take my Can am x3 RC Turbo R out and rip it up. It's either this hawk or the Appolo. I don't know if I want to mess with a carb set up but the carb is 300 cheaper

[@danielslaughter104]

Geared down, new carb and tires, it's really not a bad bike. Hits about 70mph, much quicker than stock, and has a smooth ride after the knobbys are taken off.

[@Kenny_K2323]

Picking one up for my 18yr old just for occasional weekend dirt rides together... will be just fine!... 👍👍

[@pmoney6696]

You gotta change the exhaust to get more air flow going, change the gear ratio to gain more torque, change the tires and tubes, stock tubes and tires are cheap and they coke stock with 80/20 tires so it’s not going to perform fantastic on the dirt when the tires are built more for the street

[@xMrBlack]

I wonder if you could slowly upgrade the bike over time. Like instead of slowly buying pieces to eventually assemble or keep saving for something better, just pick up something like this and use it as is and slowly drop better parts into it.

[@hblack6493]

Damn Roman you couldn't let the younger guys do this review

[@johnb4921]

It may have to do with whoever dropped the bike...

[@henrynegessai3528]

Yeah why not let the younger guys do the review cmon geez I like seeing case and alex such handsome young man they are.

[@yorkchris10]

Will Tommy do a Mg test? Amazon sells inexpensive turbos.. It'd be interesting to see if pads change brakes. I don't mind epoxy graphics.

[@nymetsfan912]

My friend just got one and I was curious to see a review before I tried his out. For the price it seems like a great deal but those welds really scare me and I’d rather spend the 2k on a used DR-Z400 or something comparable.

[@smartacus88]

I get your sentiment, but good luck finding a used Japanese bike, especially a DRZ400, in the $2,000 range that doesn't have 50k miles on it and still runs good. I see Japanese dual sports on marketplace all the time with tens of thousands of miles on them and small issues (clogged carb, bald tires, shot breaks etc) going for $4,000+ dollars just because they still run. You can not get a Japanese bike in good condition for $2,000. Not unless it's a child's bike 125cc or less, and especially one that's road legal. You can get a good condition Japanese cruiser for that money (think Honda Rebel, Suzuki Boulevard) but not a dual sport. Good luck.

[@nymetsfan912]

@@smartacus88 these days you’re right but there was definitely bikes to be had for 2K a couple years ago. Remember this post is from a year ago too!

[@GordinJ]

I have one. Nothing wrong with it. Just don't expect too much. It's not a dirtbike. It's a small displacement street legal motorcycle that can go off road. But not serious offroading. Easy riding. Have fun , that's all.

[@WDGFE]

I’m thinking this might be inexpensive enough for someone (like me) with zero dirt riding experience to learn on, without worrying much about the cost of dropping it.

[@dmo848]

Buy an old used farm dirt bike. That's what I did. But found out it had power band. Lol not good for someone how knows nothing of it.

[@fordwayne3833]

If they lied about 250 cc, how do we know they're not lying about 229 cc?

[@chadcarroll6341]

Why is it that every hawk that gets a review on youtube is a lemon.. The thousands of us other folks got a far superior bike than has been reviewed. For what the bike is, CARB version included it's fantastic and plenty as well as completely reliable.

[@GigiDuruDuru]

Exactly, I just got mine today.

[@maydaverave]

The first thing you used to do with these bikes before even starting them is replace the carb. Fuel injection is going to complicate that.

[@TracyTsVideos]

I can’t watch all of this. I have a Bashan Brozz, a carbureted version of this bike with a few other features. Mine may be the Cadillac of the many Honda clones like this. Hawk, Bashan, the TT250, and 2-3 other makers are all clones of an older Honda air cooled bike. Mine was shipped to my door for $1950.00 in 2021 and came with inverted front fork, luggage rack, braided brake lines, front and rear disk brakes, factory installed alarm with motion sensor, and even remote electric start. They are light, but not as light as a dirt bike. But they are full size. Many aftermarket parts are available by mail order. And as for replacement parts, easy to get and cheap! New mirror with bracket: $10.00. New clutch lever: $12.00. A whole new engine complete with spark plug is under $500. They are easy to work on, but do come in a crate, and mechanical skills are needed to assemble and tinker on one. Is it fast? Max is 60 mph for most models. Gearing changes are optional. These bikes are all over the world, yet just catching on here in the US. I love mine. Call Jeff at Brozz250.com. Tell him Tracy from Maine sent you.

[@GabrielGomez-ur2rc]

It's a good alternative to an around town scooter if you want something that might go over 50mph and rides off road. The question is reliability.

[@ArtstradaMagazine]

i think it's a good desert bike for the cheap. just a trail bike that could get groceries . not bad for 2k

[@michaelb.42112]

I didn't know Gabriel Byrne rides Hawkes.

[@JWDesert]

It would be really interesting to see this compared to an old, used, Japanese 250 dual sport that’s around the same price!

[@marshaldowns8957]

THIS

[@relyenterprisestx]

It would be no comparison, a used Japanese bike would smash this thing. It can’t even spin the back tire when you dump the clutch. This thing is basically disposable, it will start falling apart. The plastics already broke😂. China always makes copies of Japanese bikes but made out of inferior materials, shit engineering and cost cutting. Buying one of these is basically lighting $2k on fire.

[@603adventures9]

@@relyenterprisestx lmao crackhead have one these has 12k miles on it no issues have a crf450 as well these are great to beat on and use for camping ect

[@rileytavares4087]

@@relyenterprisestx you lying and never rode one of these. I did a whole front flip on a ramp with a hawk 250, literally only my foot brake broke, front tire got bent a little. And the b!tch still started and runnning. People’s opinions will make others blind until they experience it for themselves

[@MoSportsUSA]

I think with a few tweaks and adjustments, the 230cc Mighty Hawk could be not just better but safer.

[@siraff4461]

Starting with at least some rebound damping on the rear...

[@thoughtsfromaidiot5928]

The engine is pretty much the same one that's in most Chinese "250" cc bikes. The carb version is better if you want to really improve them since you can switch jets or even buy a larger carb.

[@AdamBogan]

I love my hawk! :) Great Video

[@michaelklinge1857]

great video the bike is a good value for the money wish I could say the same for the Raptor 77k I'll keep my Tundra

[@anthonyrossi3869]

I really want to purchase this bike but I’m 5’3 would I be able to lower it like 5 inches?

[@VenomClawz]

i just ordered one yesterday, hopefully iwont be disappointed, i've rode street bikes before gsxr 750s, cbrs, and started on a magna, never been in the dirt before so i feel like the low power levels are gonna keep me in check for sure.

[@kanetalks5434]

How is it

[@VenomClawz]

@@kanetalks5434 it's real good honestly put almost 4000 miles on in past months, you have to change some things up, sprockets/carb/fluids etc but as long as you can grease everything that rotates and measure oil and torque specs you wont have a problem with it, they're dead reliable motors, can do a valve check in 15 mins etc, it's nothing thats gonna blow your socks off but i've had just as much fun as i've had on 100hp bikes.