For my entire life I have been known as a cheap person. I really hate spending money on…almost anything. I have a hard time paying anyone to do something that i could do (which leads to a build up of projects that I never get to). I don’t like to spend lots of money on things when there are cheaper alternatives. That means used cars, used bikes – a new-to-us scratch and dent dishwasher.
This is probably the main draw of a Chinese built motorcycle. They are priced in a way that seems appropriate for an auxiliary mode of transport or a purely recreational vehicle. I think the new Harley LiveWire would be awesome to own, but I can’t imagine a time when I have $30k or $550/month to spend on it, or any motorcycle. Like most, I live in a world were I have some disposable income, but I’m not going into debt to buy a bike.
But that is only part of the reason I am drawn to the Hawk 250.
If you aren’t familiar with the Hawk, it is an dual-sport style clone with a 1970s-era Honda design 229cc making around 14hp. The 5-speed transmission tops out around a usable 60-65mph. 21-inch front and 19-inch rear tires come with some DOT knobbies.
Aside from the low price barrier to entry, what else would draw me to such a bike? I think there are a few reasons.
- It’s a whole lot more fun to drive a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow
- If you have even been on a gokart, you know this is true. In fact, driving my 1990 VW Cabriolet felt a lot like driving a gokart…
- The Hawk opens up the ability to go a little further from the beaten path
- Right now my Vulcan S has a hard time tracking on anything that isn’t just fresh tarmac.
- It is a light machine that will get good gas mileage
- High ground clearance doesn’t hurt either, but lets be honest: you can buy a whole lot of gas for the the price of another bike.
- The purchase price wont keep me from using it offroad and getting it dirty.
- This is a gigantic intangible that shouldn’t be understated. A Versys 300-x would be fun. The new Honda CRF250L Rally looks beautiful. Heck, even a used V-Strom would still be a Bike I was too afraid to use in a way that put my “investment” at risk. Disposable is the wrong term, but it is close to the right term.
- The problems and innate limitations of the bike pose interesting challenges that need to be solved mechanically and creatively.
- Even Sisyphus needed a mountain to climb.
Right now, I could get one delivered to my house for under $1500. It some ways it is crazy to think you can get something to take you 60mph on two wheels for such a low price, delivered to your door! Ever time I am temped to pull the trigger on a purchase or even a used Hawk, it just seems like a silly choice when I could get a used KLR for around $2000.
I’m sure i’ll find a new-to-me bike that will bring new challenges and get me further off-road.
