Introduction
The TGB Hawk looks just dandy sitting in a fading light. The bright red paintwork and racing decals are a real point of difference, a head turner even.
You may have heard of the 303 RS range which has been carrying the flag in the midrange for TGB. The Hawk is the next generation and with a fresh lick of paint it sure does look a world apart, contemporary even.
TGB Australia have released the Hawk 150 at an aggressive $3290 + ORC. This is just a few hundred dollars more then the Hawk 125, and one of the most inexpensive 150 cc scooters on the market today. Does this make it a true value proposition? We find out.
Features
Its hard to get away from the style of the Hawk. Bright solid colours, racing decals and sporting lines. On this model certainly not overdone, quite contrasting actually, the Hawk immediately laying down its sporting intentions.
Feature wise the TGB is all about form and function. So I think its best we start with the 13 Inch Maxxis rubber and dual rear shocks. Nice combination and you immediately feel the impact of these two items working together. A TGB Hawk 150 gets the upgrade from the single shock rear of the 125 and 50 cc siblings.
The Hawk 150 puts up a good argument for storage. A flat floor combined with a simple bag hook for looking after the "mother-load". Under the seat you will find room for most full face helmets and two extra helmet hooks if required. Cant forget the rear rack that whilst simple, is ready and waiting. Attach a top box easily, strap anything or tie down a bag. May all look simple but you will be thankful for the convenience.
The 150 cc motor is a tried and trusted unit with more then enough around town performance. Rated at 8.0 Kw the output is 1.5 Kw's up on the 125 and it's immediately noticeable. Brakes perform as you'd expect, disc up front and steadying drum at the rear.
The dash on the TGB is somewhat sparse, unchanged from models in the past, it gives you the basics like speed and fuel. It would be nice though to add a clock into the package.
Quality, fit and finish looks the goods. Switchgear feels and works well. Actually you take a walk around the TGB Hawk 150 and everything fits nicely and looks like its meant to be. The aliminium footboards have always been a nice touch.
The Hawk 150 has a spring loaded sidestand, of course it has the regular centre stand. The Hawk is not that heavy weighing in at just 118 Kg. The fuel tank holds 6.8 Litres.
On the RoadOn the road the TGB Hawk delivers where it counts. Acceleration from standstill is fiesty. Gearing is aimed squarley at start to 80 Km/h and thats just what the doctor ordered for city trips.
The seating position is high, forward, and for those a little shorter to the planet, you may find the Hawk 150 a little tall. Sitting tall gives you quite a good view of everything ahead, ground clearance is also enhanced. A tall thin scooter will always give you the sensation of quick turn in and fast transitions side to side. The Hawk 150 is no different and all this is complemented with the 13 Inch wheel package.
You will find it hard to run out of rubber, cornering is the strong point of the Hawk. Twin adjustable shocks at the rear will help make for a compliant ride. The Hawk 150 will remain balanced across all types of road conditions with only larger potholes reaching the limits of the suspension.
Braking is sufficient for the size and weight of this machine. The seat is broad and comfortable, a nice all round package. TGB have had plenty of time to get this one right.....
ConclusionThe Hawk 150 makes a strong case for your dollar. All it really lacks is a clock and 12 volt charger, of which it has a blank ready to fill. What it does do well is start, stop and go with a solid clarity that ensures workhorse status. The twin shock rear, 13 inch Maxxis rubber and a tallish short wheelbase ensures the TGB Hawk has all the answers in the handling and ride quality department.
The fiesty engine and short gearing make it a real pleasure off the lights. Of course it looks a treat as well. A massive differentiation from those regular solid black, red and white colourways we see so often.
A winner for me is the price versus everyday usability comparison. The Hawk is your everyday warrior, a scooter that will perform the commuting task with ease. Plenty of practicality in this machine.
A Taiwanese built scooter the Hawk 150 offers real bang for your buck at just $3290 + ORC. Its tried and its trusted, honest in everyway. And for a few hundred dollars more then the 125 you'd take the 150 version every-time. (If registration costs in your state suit....)
So there you have it. Great value for money, the TGB Hawk has both show and go down to a fine art. If your after an everyday workhorse that will answer the call of the commute with a little flamboyance thrown in, then thats the TGB Hawk 150.
published 1/07/2010
