Faults:

Nothing much, header and silencer nuts vibrate loose.

General Comments:

The CB250 has exceeded my expectations. I bought it for a few hundred pounds with the idea of exploring local lanes and hamlets, as my other bike, a GSXR 1000, has the turning circle of a super tanker and is a pain to ride at low speed. The Honda meets my requirements as it has a low seat height, is light and very easy to handle. It is also very economical and cheap to insure.

Although I bought it mostly for pottering the local lanes, I thought I would try it out on a long day trip. The 270 mile journey consisted of a mixture of motorway and A and B roads. The bike cruised happily at between an indicated 65 to 80mph. The only real problem was not having a great deal of speed in hand when passing lorries on the motorway. The bike managed over 80mpg for the 270 miles, and it was only the last 50 that I found uncomfortable, but that may be related to my age (75). I am of average height and build (5ft 10in and 180lbs in full motorcycle kit). I fitted a louder horn particularly so I may be heard by oncoming white van man racing round the lanes. With the exception of an LE Velocette, it is the quietest bike I have ever ridden.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong. Stone reliable.

General Comments:

I bought this for my son to learn on. He moved on but I kept the bike. I had one in the early 1990s after I gave away my 450 Nighthawk with nearly 80,000 miles. Back then I commuted 45 miles round trip to work on the 250, so I decided to do the same with the newer one.

It's a comfortable bike, but the seat was low. I added a born-behind-barz gel seat and it fits me better. It accelerated and held 65 MPH, but I switched out the front sprocket to a 15T. It now cruises much more comfortably at 65, and I've even held 75 MPH for many miles. My record so far is 250 miles in a day. I can still walk afterward. Haven't carried a passenger, but plenty of luggage.

I average 70 to 80 MPG, with lower results the faster I go. It hasn't needed any work and I don't expect it will. It's a Honda, after all. I plan on using it for short tours and it's small enough to throw in my van and take with me if I go farther or the weather is bad. I have driven it in thunderstorms and it is remarkably stable. A keeper for a man who will enter retirement soon.

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

Bought this for my son to learn on. After he got his license, he took my 250 Ninja, leaving this to me. I've done a couple of 200 mile days on the Honda with no problem. You can't beat a Honda for reliability. I'm considering buying a 500 Ninja or a Suzuki GS 500F for the extra power, but I may see if I can add a rack to the back of the Nighthawk to carry some luggage. I owned a 450 Nighthawk in the 1980s. That bike was the perfect size, and I drove it over 70,000 miles without an issue. I think I can make the 250 work if I don't have to carry a passenger, or get where I'm going too quickly. Why don't they make standards anymore?

Faults:

Bought it with the right fork seal in bad condition.

General Comments:

Awesome motorcycle. Easy mechanic and inexpensive parts.

I came from a 125cc so this is a little heavy for me, but I got used to it.