Need some input on a Hawk

[xrikester]

I just bought a '90 Hawk for my wife and I would really like some input from experienced Hawk riders.

It needs new tires, any suggestions? Pros and cons?

I also need to replace the seat. Stock or Corbin?

The wheels need to be cleaned, any suggestions on doing that so that I don't damage them.

I notice some guys got rid of the license place holder and tucked it under the tail piece. Does someone make a mount for that or would it have to be fabricated?

Thanks in advance!

[macfartlane]

Tail1.com has a fender eliminator kit for tucking the plate. Looks nice and it's only $44 ish. I have a stock seat (as well as other stock parts) for sale on ebay right now. Only 4300 miles on it. Beautiful!!! Happy bidding. My ebay ID is wantjetta. Happy to help a fellow Hawkster

[xrikester]

Macfartlane,

I've been watching your auction.

I heard from someone that the stock seat tends to push you into the tank. The Corbin seems to be made so that doesn't happen. Anyone ridden with both that can tell me if there is a difference?

[RxRC]

Yes, the stock seat pushes you into the tank. The Corbin is higher in the front, wider, firmer, and much, much, heavier.

I just put a set of Avon AV45/AV46 on. 110/80 in the front and 150/70 in the rear. Incredible steering! Mucho confidence!

[xrikester]

I've been trying to find tail1.com with no success Is that the correct address?

Never mind I found it, it was 1tail.com

[macfartlane]

It's 1tail.com So sorry.

As for the seat...I have ridden both, but never noticed the stock seat pushing me into the tank. No worries though. I'm sure the Corbin is better. Good luck

[bmxr]

I like the stock seat better than either of the Corbins I got. It never pushed me into the tank and it let me move around much more freely. The Corbin was so scooped-out that it locked me in place. It is also very hard and very heavy...

As for tires, replace the stockers with the stickiest radials you can find in those weird sizes and don't look back!

[ccolwell]

Pirelli Diablos in the sizes closest to stock work great. Excellent dry and wet traction, quick break in and warm up. Very confidence inspiring. There are no cons to this tire. Expect about 3000 mi. out of the rear and about 5500 out of the front. (I got over 3500 out of the first rear but then rode home with cords showing -- when the center tread disappears, the wear rate accelerates dramatically.) If you want more mileage out of the rear, I'd try a Diablo Strada.

I generally hate Corbins and I love the one on my Hawk. It came with it and I've never bothered trying the stock seat. It went on the bike sometime before the 500 mile mark and is only just beginning to sack out a bit at 22,500. That has not been my experience with other Corbins. Quite the contrary.

Any wheel cleaner should work.

[Bros507]

If you're interested I've got a fender eliminator plate for 30.00 bucks plus shipping. I have them made out of aluminum and it's brand new.