From Dan Libby:

"The front forks are partly sprung with air (11 plus or minus 3 psi). The problem is that they slowly leak down. Quick fix? A once inch piece of plastic water pipe on top of the standard springs adds enough pre-load so that no air pressure is necessary! It also helps keep the oil seals from leaking.

I've found the pressed steel wheels to cause the tubeless tires to lose air more rapidly than they should. Check the pressure often! My only other gripe is the seat. It doesn't spread the weight of taller riders across the thighs, so I get butt-burn too soon. Maybe I'm just getting soft in my old age! You'd be surprised how many people write me about the Hawk! Everyone who has one loves it!"

From Andreas Goetzfried:

"I noticed the air pressure does not seem to hold in the front fork. I have not taken it apart yet. Mechanically it seems to run well. I have only taken it out for few short runs, but once it warms up, it pulls strong, no smoke, plugs are clean. It is a very easy bike to ride."

From Clancy Fiendell:

"Change the oil! When I first bought the bike I didn't know that you should change the oil. I changed the rear wheel to a com-cast from a '85 Nighthawk. I had gone though 2 com-star wheels. The sprocket was too weak for me and kept snapping the c-clip that is used. The extra weight of the wheel made a world of difference. I lowered the forks exactly 2 inches. I added a "shoe" fairing (Model: FM2, discontinued) and a couple of mirrors (from a Kawasaki GPZ) using a fabricated aluminum plate to the underside of the fairing. The clutch is something I had to change a lot too. The Honda CM has the same engine as the Hawk. Honda started making them (not sure) around '78."

From Scott England:

"Since the Hawk is getting up there in age, it may not want to always start right up. What works for my bike is simple. Turn off the gas, pull the choke all the way out, push it back in, pull it out again, and then turn the throttle all the way once. I do this if my bike has been sitting for a day or so. Works every time!"

From Joel Roltgen: "Drive one and you'll understand."