Dirt bikes like the RPS Hawk 250 have been a blessing to practical yet fun-loving off-roaders. With quality two-wheelers becoming pricier by the second, the ability to get your hands on affordable but reliable rides has never been more appealing and crucial. Learn more about this Chinese bike and how it would fit your needs – whether you are looking to enter the motocross fray or planning an extended outdoor adventure.
The RPS Hawk 250 is an Enduro-type motorcycle manufactured by Chongqing Haosen and Ricky Power Sports. Featuring a Honda-clone engine, 68-mph top speed, and user-friendly controls, this versatile rider can traverse technical trails with ease and is a favorite of dirt bike enthusiasts.
Like big name-brands, the Hawk 250 promises durable components, maneuverability, and performance for a fraction of the cost. But does it deliver according to consumer expectations? Find this out and more in this guide.
About RPS Hawk 250
The RPS Hawk 250 is a 250-cm3 Enduro-class dirt bike first introduced to the public in 2015. Designed for long-distance travel with minimum maintenance requirements, this bike was said to use a Honda-clone power mill originally found in the Honda Elite and Spacey line of motor scooters.
Hawk 250 reviews and forums point to two engine prototypes – a Honda CG125 and a 1985 Honda XR185. The RPS Hawk 250 was equipped with this engine, while the RPS X-Pro Hawk DLX 250 EFI lost the carburetor, replacing it with fuel injection.
With several convenience features, the Hawk 250 became a hot-selling commodity since its inception. At the time, Chinese vehicles were beginning to make a name for themselves, besting more expensive dirt bike options like KTM and Kawasaki in terms of price point. Of course, the aforementioned dirt bikes are still premium in quality, design, and function. But for a two-wheeler of its stature, it did not do too bad.
Stylish & Nimble
Despite its larger degree of control and bulky appearance, the Hawk 250 still looked stylish and was surprisingly nimble. It had that Enduro-styling that made it aesthetic on the road as well as off it. Its half-naked chassis contributed to its rugged appeal that is on-par with its mainstream counterparts. Plus, the optimal placing of the Hawk’s exhaust pipe at the rear not only increased the bike’s good looks but also boosted its performance.
The Hawk 250 is not ready to ride when purchased and is only 70% complete. This means you will have to complete the bike’s proper assembly, which involves handlebar brackets, rear suspension, front wheel and brake, number plate, front fender, and battery (assembly of some Hawk 250 Enduro parts can be a bit tricky).
Inexperienced or first-time dirt bike owners need not worry about voiding their warranty, as they can always opt for a fully-assembled delivery option.
Hawk 250 Specs & Features
Engine
The main differences between the base and the X-Pro Hawks are its fuel systems, power output, and top-end speed. The shift from a carburetor to EFI took away from the bike’s ponies but added to its speed rating. The use of unleaded fuel results in fewer engine deposits and extends the bike’s exhaust system components’ life.
Regular unleaded is okay, but premium unleaded is much better. Furthermore, never use stale or contaminated gasoline or oil-gasoline mixture to prevent severe damage to the engine.
| Configuration | RPS X-Pro Hawk DLX 250 EFI | RPS Hawk 250 Enduro |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Cooling | Air-cooled | |
| Engine Fuel | Unleaded gasoline of at least PON 90, containing MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether), < 10% ethanol, or < 5% methanol w/ appropriate cosolvents and corrosion inhibitor | |
| Fuel Capacity | 14 L/3.7 US gal (reserve – 1.78 L/0.47 US gal) | |
| Fuel Economy | 3.31-4.28 L/100 km (55-71 mpg) | |
| Engine Type, Fuel System | 4-stroke, multi-port electronic fuel injection | 4-stroke, Keihin PE30 carburetor (pushrod design) |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Single cylinder | |
| Valve Lash | 0.05 – 0.10 mm (0.002 – 0.004 in) | |
| Bore x Stroke Ratio | 67 × 65 mm (in) | |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Displacement | 229 cm³ / 13.97 in³ | |
| Horsepower | 11.5 hp (8.58 kW @ 7,000 RPM) | 14.1 – 15.6 hp (10.51 – 11.63 kW @ 7,000 RPM) |
| Maximum Torque | 16.5 Nm (12.17 ft-lb/1.68 kgf-m @ 5,500 RPM) | |
| Top Speed | 68 mph (109 km/h) – marketed | 60 mph (97 km/h) – marketed |
| Engine Oil & Quantity | 1.5 L (1.6 US quarts) of SAE 15W-40, API grade SJ meeting JASO T903 MA standards SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40, 20W-50 – depending on ambient temperature |
|
Drivetrain
Power comes from a 5-speed manual transmission with a 428 X-Ring chain final drive. Later models came with a 520 pitch chain drive. Its heavy-duty clutch allows for seamless progressive engagement and smooth shifting.
Similarly, its chain-sprocket setup enables riders to traverse technical trails with confidence. The 2018 Hawk 250 has a gearing ratio of 15/50 (3.33) – although other sources indicate 15/40 (2.67).
| Driveline | RPS X-Pro Hawk DLX 250 EFI | RPS Hawk 250 Enduro |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch | wet multiplate | |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual shift type | |
| Drive System | 428 pitch chain drive, 130 links | |
| Primary Gear Ratio | 1st – 2.909 / 2nd – 1.867 / 3rd – 1.389 / 4th – 1.150 / 5th – 0.954 | |
| Final Drive Ratio | 17/45 | |
Ignition
All Hawk 250 dual sport base models have an electronic Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI) with an electric/kick-starter system, while the deluxe X-Pro version has an ECM ignition. Go for a BTL14A240C or Battery Tender BTL14A270CW LiFePO4 Battery (view on Amazon) in the event of battery wear or damage. This replacement fits perfectly in the bike’s existing battery box without modification.
| Electrical | RPS X-Pro Hawk DLX 250 EFI | RPS Hawk 250 Enduro |
|---|---|---|
| Starting System | Electric-kick start | |
| Ignition Type | Engine Control Module (ECM) | Electronic DC-CDI |
| Spark Plug | TORCH D8RTC (gap – 0.6 – 0.8mm) | |
| Main Fuse | 10 Amp | |
| Battery | 12V 9Ah, 5L-BS format | |
| Battery Dimensions (L x W x H) | x 2.81 x 4.19 in (114 x 71 x 106 mm) | |
Tires & Brakes
Stock tires provide maximum grip, making for a comfortable riding experience. Self-cleaning footpegs and a brake pedal provide secure footing. You may opt for Pirelli Scorpion MX eXTra X Tires (view on Amazon) should you need to change your knobbies. Never replace stock rubber with radial tires, as this may affect stability and handling.
| Tires & Brakes | RPS X-Pro Hawk DLX 250 EFI | RPS Hawk 250 Enduro |
|---|---|---|
| Front Tire, off-road/road air pressure | 80/100-21 tubeless, 225 kPa (2.29 kgf/cm2, 32 psi) | |
| Rear Tire, off-road/road air pressure | 110/100-18 tubeless, 280 kPa (2.86 kgf/cm2, 40 psi) | |
| Front Wheel Axle Torque | 61 Nm (45 ft-lb/6.22 kgf-m) | |
| Front Wheel Pinch Bolts Torque | 22 Nm (16 ft-lb/2.21 kgf-m) | |
| Rear Wheel Axle Nut Torque | 88 Nm (65 ft-lb/8.99 kgf-m) | |
| Front Brake Type | Hydraulic discs, hand-operated | |
| Rear Brake Type | Hydraulic discs, right-foot-operated | |
Suspension
For its price point, the front suspension is sturdy and does not easily bottom out. However, if you plan to use this dirt bike for serious racing, you may want to consider doing some Hawk 250 upgrades (discussed in a later section of this guide).
| Suspension | RPS X-Pro Hawk DLX 250 EFI | RPS Hawk 250 Enduro |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type, Travel | 5-way preload-adjustable, double inverted shocks, 8 in (203 mm) | |
| Rear Suspension Type, Travel | Mono shock | |
Dimensions
Apart from being slightly longer and narrower than the base RPS model, the X-Pro version of the Hawk 250 Enduro shares all other measurements with its base-model sibling. The seat height and curb weight increased for later models – at 36 inches (914 mm) and 303 lbs (137 Kg), respectively.
| Dimension | RPS X-Pro Hawk DLX 250 EFI | RPS Hawk 250 Enduro |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2,134 mm (84 in) | 2,090 mm (82.28 in) |
| Width | 813 mm (32 in) | 920 mm (36.22 in) |
| Height | 1,400 mm (55 in) | |
| Seat Height (Unloaded) | 864 mm (34 in) | |
| Ground Clearance | 211 mm (8.3 in) | |
| Wheelbase | 1,370 mm (53.94) | |
| Curb Weight | 126 Kg (278 lbs) | |
| Maximum Weight Capacity | 150 Kg (330 lbs) | |
Exterior
Hawk 250 Enduro dirt bikes are composed of a steel frame and plastic body material in black, red, green, and blue. The center pod contains the speedometer, along with other instrumentations. The engine kill switch, start button, and ignition switch are found on the right handlebar, and the rest of the controls (headlight dimmer switch, turning signal switch, and horn button) are found on the left – both sides with rear-view mirrors. A right-side cover provides the battery and fuses splash protection.
| Instrumentation | RPS X-Pro Hawk DLX 250 EFI | RPS Hawk 250 Enduro |
|---|---|---|
| Speedometer | Standard | |
| Trip Odometer | Standard | |
| Tachometer | Standard | |
| Engine Kill Switch | Standard | |
| Fuel Gauge | Standard | |
Lighting
The RPS Hawk 250 is street-legal and equipped with a headlight, brake light, taillight, turn signal lights, horn, and reflectors. It is not indicated in the owner’s manual if the lighting is Halogen or LED.
Should you need to secure a title for your two-wheeler, aftermarket Hawk 250 parts are available through parts dealers and online resellers. Make sure to get in touch with your state’s Department of Transportation for specifics.
| Lighting | RPS X-Pro Hawk DLX 250 EFI | RPS Hawk 250 Enduro |
|---|---|---|
| Headlight | 12V 35W/5W | |
| Brake Light/Taillight | 12V 5W/21W | |
| Turn Signal Light | 12V 10W | |
| Indicator Lights | 12V 3W (neutral, turn signal, high beam) | |
Hawk 250 Pricing
The list price of an RPS Hawk 250 ranges from $1,477 to $1,999, depending on whether you get the carbureted or the fuel-injected version. These figures do not have discounts offered by resellers and dealerships factored in.
Similarly, these base values are exclusive of an optional glove compartment, sunglasses, handgrips, and gloves provided with the package for added riding convenience.
You may purchase the RPS Hawk 250 Enduro via Amazon and other reseller sites. PowersportsMax is quite popular among enthusiasts due to its perks, which include free residential delivery, free expedited MSO/MCO processing, free 3-month parts warranty, and lifetime toll-free technical support – all at an estimated value of $270. While this price is extremely appealing, U.S. residents should note that the Hawk 250 is not legal for sale in California.
RPS Hawk 250 Upgrades
Out of the box, the Hawk 250 already has street-legal components and would only require completion of paperwork for you to be able to ride it on the highway. Because it is nearly dirt-cheap, what buyers often spend their extra money on is replacing flimsy Hawk 250 Enduro parts meant to improve the aesthetics and durability of the bike.
If you have recently bought a Hawk 250 and are thinking along these lines, here is a non-exhaustive list of suggested upgrades to choose from:
- Cylinder head porting
- Replacing spark plug with an NGK Iridium plug
- Oil cooler with custom CRF oil filter inline
- 30-mm FAT bars
- CNC Aluminum Alloy Back Rack
- Cycra 1CYC-7408-12X Ultra ProBend CRM Handguards (view on Amazon)
- Shift lever replacement – the stock shift lever looks funny and flimsy for some riders.
- Custom S.S. muffler core – upgrading the exhaust requires adding washers to ensure some lateral clearance.
- Seat height adjustment – some riders find the seat height a bit low (although still comfortable enough to allow maximum movement and ride.
- Frame restoration – powder-coating the frame and engine housing (mostly for pre-owned Hawks or in the event of scratches acquired during the bike’s transit). I personally recommend UV-resistant paint as Chinese bike paint is known to fade rather quickly.
- Carburetor upgrade to a Nibbi PE30 with 115/35 (main/slow) jetting or Keihin PE30/30-mm VM26 Mikuni (view on Amazon) with 125-130/38 (main/slow) jetting
Carb Upgrade
The stock carburetor can be difficult to get running in a pleasurable and consistent setting. Depending on the weather, owners often find themselves adjusting the idle screw constantly on the stock carb. Hence, a carb upgrade solves some of the known Hawk 250 problems.
Additional benefits of upgrading the carb are as follows: cold-starting becomes much easier, and throttle responsiveness and torque dramatically improve. A 115 main jet works great alongside a new carburetor without any exhaust mods or airbox mods. However, remember not to underestimate how much airflow your bike is getting, which may lead to the bike running lean.
High-Performance Gearing
One other form of upgrade that deserves its own section is gearing. Like any other dirt bike, the Hawk 250’s gearing ratios can go many routes and should be adjusted within the confines of the bike’s limits. You would not want to overdo it to the extent of having loose nuts, bolts, and tooth fillings. Conversely, an underpowered two-wheeler is just as bad.
Rider size, riding style, technicality of the terrain, keeping/changing stock tires, and personal speed preference are factors to consider when tinkering with stock gearing.
Setup
According to veteran owners, a 2.6 ratio is the sweet spot for a Hawk 250, which translates to either a 15/40 (2.67) or a 17/45 (2.65) front-rear sprocket setup. These ratios would allow you to conveniently cruise between 55 and 70 mph without an uncomfortable loss of torque.
You will not see more than 70 mph unless you port and deck the head and go for a slightly bigger carb upgrade. If you weigh less than 150 lbs (68 Kg), a 2.5 ratio will be your Goldilocks zone. As such, 16/39 (2.44) should be good.
To use the given sprocket combo, you will need to remove a couple of links from the stock chain. Do not skip measuring it out for yourself. Think about changing the front sprocket as well if you do not want to cut the chain.
Pushing the Limits
If you like to push the limits of top-end gearing ratios your dirt bike can accommodate, head porting, bigger carbs, and hot cams can help but only by a little bit. Ultimately, the real benefit of high-performance gearing is gaining back some of the lost acceleration by running higher ratios or stretching out your motor’s useable rpm range with an existing gear ratio or cam.
On this note, do not get too experimental by running a 17/39 setup. Otherwise, you are risking coming off your bike in a spectacular conflagration or, at the very least, getting a severe case of death wobbles comparable to that of a Jeep Wrangler.
If you aim to blast around town on surface streets and rip through desert sands with death-defying speed, then you need something larger than a 250-class Enduro as the Hawk 250 would be too small to keep you steady and safe on the trails.
About RPS
RPS or Ricky Power Sports, LLC is a Texas-based American manufacturer that distributes imported products predominantly made in Taiwan and China and is the distributor of the Hawk 250 dirt bike produced by Chongqing Haosen. As Chinese products are not well-known for their reliability, RPS and its team of experts aim to change consumer mindset by evaluating imported products and ensuring they are of quality and viable for the U.S. market.
Conclusion – Hawk 250 Enduro Review
Although underrated, the Hawk 250 has slowly made its way to the hearts of serious off-roaders and daily commuters with its good quality and low price point. Despite being a new player in the dual-sport bike segment, this Chinese dirt bike has earned itself quite a following due to its capabilities on- and off-road.
But that is not all this bike offers. It provides a three-year warranty covering technical assistance, parts repair and replacement, and aftermarket support for the benefit of both avid and skeptical consumers. It may have borrowed styling cues and a cloned engine, but it surely delivers. Indeed, the future of the Hawk 250 looks promising – all we have to do is give the dual-purpose machine time and trust.
Kris is an avid off-roader and outdoor enthusiast who loves to brave the elements and take on challenging terrain. He also enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with others so that they, too, can appreciate the ride.
About Kris