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!!

I changed the forks as the seals were leaking when I got the bike. I put rubber gators on to help protect the fork seals.

I upgraded the side light to an LED bulb, and also put some CREE LED lights on under the headlight for day time riding.

I changed the standard bulb for an H4 halogen

General Comments:

Hi there,

I have a Honda CB250 Super dream 1997, which I purchased October 2012 as a winter hack. It had 27000 miles on the clock.

My BMW K750S is a great bike, but getting a bit expensive & heavy for the commute, especially in snow/ice. This gets used maybe 1x for my commute week if the weather's good (a condition of my insurance).

The little Honda is an absolute cracker. It's like a motorised push bike! Great for use in the winter in the snow/rain/ice (I didn't see many big bikes used during that time!!)

Good points:-

1) Cheap to insure & tax.

2) Approx 110-130 MPG for my commute of 13 miles each way to London & back from my London suburb.(keeping the chain lubed aids this); I easily get 350+ miles before the reserve tank needs to be used.

3) Parts are inexpensive & readily available from non Honda outlets

4) Light (approx 130 Kg) and easy to maneuver in the rush hour & around pot holes.

5) No expensive oil/filters required... simple gauze that can be cleaned and replaced.

6) Doesn't use any oil.

7) Fun to ride & can park it (locked) almost anywhere without fear of theft.

8) Easy to maintain by novice rider. Can find plenty of maintenance tips on YouTube.

9) Air cooled.

Bad points:-

1) Chain to clean/lube (guess I am used to the shaft drive of my K75s).

2) Feels a little under powered for my 95 Kg body :)... or maybe it's my bike?. Many small scooters zoom away from me at the traffic lights!!

3) On the motorway, you can feel large vehicles overtake. Max speed is approx 70mph... but it's not a great idea to do this type of speed.

4) No windshield on my bike (yet) as standard.

5) No cig lighter socket for GPS/ heated grips.

6) TOO quiet!!... cars/pedestrians can't hear you coming!!

If you want a solid reliable bike to commute on or just get around, I would highly recommend the CB250 (try and get one with a top box... SO useful).

I might consider a scooter as an alternative, but that's only because I don't like to lube the chain (assuming that it gives me the same MPG).

I am thinking of upgrading all the remaining bulbs to LED when I get around to it.

I hope that this helps.

Safe riding.

Regards, Ben.