Faults:

It is difficult to find neutral when coming to a stop.

The speedometer tends to come loose or stop working over the years.

Loose connections at the ignition switch or sudden loss of spark while driving.

The exhaust system easily accumulates external corrosion if the bike is parked outdoors.

General Comments:

Its best feature is undoubtedly its reliability and simplicity; it seems very unlikely to break down. It is lightweight and easy to handle. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a light, agile motorcycle. It is more versatile than it looks. It is incredibly quiet! Even with a modified exhaust, it remains the quietest bike ever built.

The engine is a larger version of the CB200's engine. It is responsive and surprisingly smooth at high RPMs. Inevitably, you have to rev it hard to overtake trucks on the highway. Top speed is between 112 and 136 km/h (indicated), depending on conditions. Sometimes it is faster in fourth gear than in fifth if conditions (wind and a slight incline) are unfavorable. It cruises easily at 90–100 km/h (indicated) in good weather. For solo riding, first gear is probably too low (40 km/h max if you care at all about mechanical longevity). Mine has a pleasant, quiet, and precise gearbox, the best Honda gearbox I’ve ever used. It is very economical; I’ve seen 145 km/h, and it manages 120 km/h in daily use while consuming very little oil. Mine is fitted with a Motad exhaust.

It doesn't come with much standard equipment. The center stand is useful, and the mirrors are good. It could use a clock, though, but I managed fine without one.

The ride quality is good, and the brakes are adequate for the speeds I usually drive at. It starts easily in any weather, and the low seat height allows me to sit with my feet flat on the ground.

This Honda might not be flashy, but it is an honest, well-built motorcycle that simply gets the job done (without glamour, ostentation, or a host of modern gadgets) meaning any minor issues that might arise are easily fixed.

It was my first bike, and I honestly had a lot of fun with it. It’s affordable, reliable, simple, and easy to maintain.

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.