Honda Jade 250?

[Dean]

Am in the process on upgrading, i was told by many to get the Hornet 250 but its to expensive for me.But anyway i came across a Honda Jade 250 and apparently it has the same engine as the hornet/cbr, and they seem to be cheap, in my price range.
Anybody know anything about these bikes, performance,maintenance costs eg.


But if anyone has any other suggestions or offers- the bike cant be a single cylinder, around 3300-4000.

[Hitcher]

Yamaha FZX250 Zeal. Inline four, six-speed. Full-size frame. A great handling machine.

[Badger8]

The jade was a predecessor to the Hornet. Never ridden one myself, but they seem okay. Not sure how they go for boogie.

How much you lookin at waving around cash-wise? May be about to try and sell my baby hornet real quick, considering my options.

[Dean]

Yamaha FZX250 Zeal. In line four, six-speed. Full-size frame. A great handling machine.

I was told by many they are very underpowered, not much guts in them.But in the past i have enquired about them, i definitely dig their naked frame appearance.

[mattian]

The FZX Zeal is going to have just as much power as any other 250. Just maybe distributed slightly differently.
The zeal is a good option because 1 its cheaper than a hornet and just as reliable. 2, like Hitcher says, its a full sized frame so, when you finally do step up to a bigger bike you are not going suprised by the size. (only the power.....hehe)

[nudemetalz]

The Zeal is definitely the better looking of the two.

[McJim]

Neither the Jade nor the Zeal come up for sale that often but when they do they seem to be underpriced (better value for money). Most people just follow the crowd with the usual Bandit/Hornet (naked options) or ZXR250/CBR250 (faired options).

Another great 4 cylinder naked 250 that pops up from time to time is the Kawasaki Balius - well worth a test ride.

[samgab]

Yeah, KB16, the Jade is a really good bike.
Like you said, same motor as the CBR and Hornet, tuned the same as the Hornet. Basically the same bike as the Hornet (even though Hornet owners probably won't like that fact ;) ), just looks different due to differently shaped tank, seat, exhaust pipe, etc; and the tires aren't as fat.
But what a giant leap forward from the GN!!
The code on the Jade is CB250, and code for the Hornet is also CB250.

[Niko14]

I'm riding a Honda spada (VT250) at the moment, cheap, reliable go ok, look alright and are very easy to ride.
Mines got over 40k on the clock now and still going strong.
They don't come up all that often but are usually $2.5-4.5k depending on condition.
There's heaps of cool little bikes out there, take your time and hold out for a bargain.

-Sweetbix.

[Oakie]

The Honda Jade would be a great choice and I agree are underpriced. Mrs Oakie has had one for 15 months now and I've had the pleasure of riding it when my bike has been in the hospital. Damned enjoyable too!

Peppy wee thing it is and great on the commute. Easy to flick around the traffic and very well behaved handling wise. Power is good enough ... 41hp I think, and certainly enough for my 400 to have been embarassed a few times by her when leaving stop signs in a hurry. Also good on the open road and able to cruise comfortably at 110kph and I must admit to having followed it at 140kph on a couple of occasions. Handled a trip from Christchurch to Blenheim and back with luggage no trouble at all. Tends to get about 25km/l so is pretty light on the pocket. Apart from that, all we've had to do to it in 15 months is oil and filter.

I'm trying but I can't think of a bad thing to say about it.

Seeing the Balius was mentioned I should say that I rode three of them when we were searching for Mrs Oakie's bike. They were all priced at $3300 and the Jade at $3900 but even with the Jade at $600 more, it was a no-brainer. Much easier to ride, less peaky and better brakes. Well worth the extra $600.

The Zeal are a nice looking bike but I haven't ridden one so can't comment further. I actually quite like the understated appearance of the Jade.

If you get the Jade I doubt that you'll be disappointed.

[NOMIS]

Am in the process on upgrading, i was told by many to get the Hornet 250 but its to expensive for me.But anyway i came across a Honda Jade 250 and apparently it has the same engine as the hornet/cbr, and they seem to be cheap, in my price range.
Anybody know anything about these bikes, performance,maintenance costs eg.


But if anyone has any other suggestions or offers- the bike cant be a single cylinder, around 3300-4000.

there awesome Wild west loaned me one for about 2 week's was great i didnt want to give it back hahaah i loved it, same power as my hornet had not as cool sounding tho, or looking, but went great just dont lean it over to far - well thats after me riding on big bike tyres going to that , try leaning x2 as far as you do your gn and you be fine

Love the jade!!!

[limbimtimwim]

Jade's are awesome! Indestructible! Run it right into a cow, see if it cares!

Cool people own them :-)

[Dean]

The kawasaki balius once was an option, but because i am urgently searching for a bike the jade has popped up on trademe.Im not to worried about appearance of the bike, i just want my next bike to have alot of guts for a 250 (i dont want to sound squidish) the zeal just wouldnt suit my "needs" i dont think they have much get up and go factor.But it is a big jump to go to any of these bikes from my gn250.But i should have a bike by next week, i have found a jade but quickly please could any one let me know if any other naked 250s 35bhp+ bikes come up for sale 3300-4500 on trademe

[NOMIS]

Yeah, KB16, the Jade is a really good bike.
Like you said, same motor as the CBR and Hornet, tuned the same as the Hornet. Basically the same bike as the Hornet (even though Hornet owners probably won't like that fact ;) ), just looks different due to differently shaped tank, seat, exhaust pipe, etc; and the tires aren't as fat.
But what a giant leap forward from the GN!!
The code on the Jade is CB250, and code for the Hornet is also CB250.

well there not the same at al really diff frame, suspension, brakes, tyres, carbs, intake system, exhuast set up.. it all diff but yes very "alike' and they are tuned the same 40-42 hp depending model (2001 hornet has bigger carbs than a 96) - never found anything on the net about this just Dude at wild west honda told me so, and some japa in japan who was bike mechanic.

anyways good bike :-)

[Ixion]

What ever happened to Weasel. Not weasel the weasel, but the chick who rode the jade.

[Fatjim]

Velox is around somewhere.

[Ixion]

Thaz the one. Ms Vauxhall.

[Ixion]

Actually, come to that what happened to Weasel the weasel? Havent heard anything of him in a long time.

[samgab]

yb16, Try talking to username Sharry, on here. She rides a Jade, and comes to the Wed nite NASS rides. She seems more than happy with hers.

[gijoe1313]

The Jade is an excellent bike, it was what made the Hornet the Hornet ... used as a testbed and reincarnated into the lil'ol'hornet we all know now.

If you can't afford the hornet (which is overpricing itself out of the market now), the Jade is a serious contender for your coin. If you do get it, you won't be dismayed and be pleasantly surprised at what it offers! :yes:

But meh, what do I know about hornets and the Jade! :msn-wink:

[Dean]

yb16, Try talking to user name Sharry, on here. She rides a Jade, and comes to the Wed nite NASS rides. She seems more than happy with hers.

Thanks heaps samgab, i will try to find her, i think i have seen her page before(she has the green one right?)
But i have just now as we speak purchased a Honda jade 250 its red with only 18000kms on the clock,in mint condition.It seems like i will have to travel far to pick it up though so getting a trailer and a car with a tow bar to pick the bike up is another worry.

[SARGE]

another great 4 cylinder naked 250 that pops up from time to time is the kawasaki balius - well worth a test ride.

the balius has the zxr motor in it.. The zeal has the fzr motor.. Good stuff for a 250

[Jeaves]

The kawasaki balius once was an option, but because i am urgently searching for a bike the jade has popped up on trademe.Im not to worried about appearance of the bike, i just want my next bike to have alot of guts for a 250 (i dont want to sound squidish) the zeal just wouldnt suit my "needs" i dont think they have much get up and go factor.But it is a big jump to go to any of these bikes from my gn250.But i should have a bike by next week, i have found a jade but quickly please could any one let me know if any other naked 250s 35bhp+ bikes come up for sale 3300-4500 on trademe

Having owned both a Zeal and a Balius II (GSX250FX) I can tell you there is nothing wrong with the Zeals power in comparison. And besides, the zeal has an ashtray........A F#&KING ASHTRAY!!!!!1!!1. What more could you want :doobey: . And if your slick you'll install a ciggy lighter in there as well.

[VasalineWarrior]

Velox is around somewhere.


Yep, and so is her jade. I would have to say that thing has to have one of the toughest engines I have ever seen. Don't believe me? Ill write a list:

110k on the clock (while it worked, that was about a year ago)
next to no oil in it (ever)
redlined from cold. All day, almost everyday for the last 8 years
60k service intervals
Same sparkplugs in it since it was restored from sitting in a paddock for a year in 01'

And it still goes fine. Blows a bit of smoke if you really give it curry.

[samgab]

Thanks heaps samgab, i will try to find her, i think i have seen her page before(she has the green one right?)
But i have just now as we speak purchased a Honda jade 250 its red with only 18000kms on the clock,in mint condition.It seems like i will have to travel far to pick it up though so getting a trailer and a car with a tow bar to pick the bike up is another worry.

Wow, good purchase. Is it the red one from cyclespot in Takapuna?
Looks good. My bike originally came from there.
Why don't you get dropped off there and ride it home?

[samgab]

As it was Jap only, you may have trouble finding good info on the Jade online.
Here's a Japanese factbook on it from Honda Japan, translated by Google:
http://translate.google.co.nz/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.honda.co.jp/factbook/motor/JADE/19910300/008.html&ei=yHyiSYr7GIGEsQO-n73cCQ&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=2&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3Djade%2Bhonda.co.jp%26hl%3Den%26safe%3 Doff%26rlz%3D1C1GGLS_enNZ313NZ313%26sa%3DG

[Dean]

Wow, good purchase. Is it the red one from cyclespot in Takapuna?
Looks good. My bike originally came from there.
Why don't you get dropped off there and ride it home?

Nope its not from cyclespot, its down in bulls -mconline, it comes with a 6month wof and reg, about a 7 hour drive/ride one way if i were to get dropped of there i wouldnt have the slightest clue on the directions to get back.I might try riding it back but i have never been down that far.

[mnkyboy]

Nope its not from cyclespot, its down in bulls -mconline, it comes with a 6month wof and reg, about a 7 hour drive/ride one way if i were to get dropped of there i wouldnt have the slightest clue on the directions to get back.I might try riding it back but i have never been down that far.

Bulls isn't seven hours.

If you end up getting it let me know - I'm always looking for an excuse for a pootle in the countryside. I'd follow you back. Hell I'd even pillion you down if you wanted too.

[limbimtimwim]

Nope its not from cyclespot, its down in bulls -mconline, it comes with a 6month wof and reg, about a 7 hour drive/ride one way if i were to get dropped of there i wouldnt have the slightest clue on the directions to get back.I might try riding it back but i have never been down that far.Bit of a ride for a beginner. I do remember getting tired a lot quicker than I do now.

But Bulls is in fact on SH1, you wouldn't get lost.

Good choice, now just remember to bash a hole in the exhaust (With a bullet is the style) so that it sounds awesome.

[hannes]

I bought a '93 Honda Jade as my first bike a few months ago... so I don't really know but think it is pretty good. It can get to 100km/h in first gear. It wines at 11'000rpm for 130km/h though and feels a bit uneasy especially with wind, but again I don't know, that's probably normal for a 250?

The only problem over here is getting parts or even information - that's how I found this forum. I've found a bit by translating Japanese sites etc, but in the end as long as the engine is ok, most of the parts are interchangeable with 400's or 600's.

[Mom]

Thanks heaps samgab, i will try to find her, i think i have seen her page before(she has the green one right?)
But i have just now as we speak purchased a Honda jade 250 its red with only 18000kms on the clock,in mint condition.It seems like i will have to travel far to pick it up though so getting a trailer and a car with a tow bar to pick the bike up is another worry.

Whereabouts is it mate. Not out of the question for someone like me to go and get it and ride it back for you.

[Dean]

Ummm mnky boy and Mom, i dont really know either of you, but that could work if one of you ride it back or follow/pillion.I have had an offer from a mate of mine on kb already to show me the directions on the way back.
Pm me if you are serious, i think i have some leftover money to pay for the help/petrol,food
cheers

[Gubb]

I'll pillion Tank down to Bulls, and he can ride it back.

Sorted.

You can thank us later.

[Badger8]

i'm looking at picking up a bike just near bulls once mine sells... Road trip? :2thumbsup

[Sharry]

Road trip on......
I would come for the ride just to help you all blend together.

You won't regrete buying the Jade mate. She goes quick off the line and sits on 110 real comfy. She's a very affectionate bike and will give you more back than you give her.

[Sharry]

I'll pillion Tank down to Bulls, and he can ride it back.

Sorted.

You can thank us later.

NO NO PILLION ME :done:

[Dean]

I dont really know how to get down to bulls but getting back would be easier, i dont really have much financially to pay for your guys petrol and food.
But we can turn this into a road trip, bulls is a fair way away i have been told 6-7 hours one way but i dont know exactly.Does anybody know of any good backpacker places in or around bulls?
I might go with a mate im still unsure, already about 5 people want to ride my bike back from bulls (nothing wrong with ya ringing its neck of for me just dont crash it!)

[R6_kid]

To get back from Bulls you just follow SH1, it's the main road through town, and will take you all the way back through Auckland and up to Whangaparoa.

I'd offer to pillion you down, but wouldn't want you to feel gay or anything :Pokey: - oh, and i dont have a road bike atm!

[ducatilover]

I'm riding a Honda spada (VT250) at the moment, cheap, reliable go ok, look alright and are very easy to ride.
Mines got over 40k on the clock now and still going strong.
They don't come up all that often but are usually $2.5-4.5k depending on condition.
There's heaps of cool little bikes out there, take your time and hold out for a bargain.

-Sweetbix.

thats what i suggest

[ducatilover]

Thanks heaps samgab, i will try to find her, i think i have seen her page before(she has the green one right?)
But i have just now as we speak purchased a Honda jade 250 its red with only 18000kms on the clock,in mint condition.It seems like i will have to travel far to pick it up though so getting a trailer and a car with a tow bar to pick the bike up is another worry.

ive seen that one, good onya :headbang:

[MentalFacility]

get Ural man.

[Dean]

If anyone is by any chance heading down that way if i could please hicth a ride, getting back should be alright as r6 kid said i just have to follow sh1.
I could hicth hike on the road but i trust fellow kbers more than some random cager picking me up.
Even if i could get a fraction of the way, that would be a great help.
I wont be annoying, ill be asleep like a wittle baby:baby:

[R6_kid]

www.nakedbus.com

$54 to Palmerston North, arrange to stay the night with one of the local KB'ers and get a lift with them to Bulls (about half an hours drive) the next day.

Alternatively its $34 to Fielding if you go midweek. Fielding is closer to Bulls, and I know atleast two KB'ers live there.

$40 for their troubles and I'm sure everyone will be happy?

I'd suggest you do Bulls - Waiouru - Taupo - Tirau - Auckland. This is the normal SH1 route, but be sure to stop in Waiouru, Taupo and Tirau for food/drink/strech/shit. I know you haven't been riding for a while and it's a fairly big trip to do in one whack without having a proper stop every couple of hours.

[Gubb]

I'm going to Taupo on Thursday afternoon. Free lift there.

[samgab]

Wow, KB community is awesome! Where else would you get so many helpful people offering free rides such a long way?
Good stuff.
You guys rock :D

[Dean]

I'm going to Taupo on Thursday afternoon. Free lift there.

hmmm i dont know about that, out of all people you and Tank offer to help but i have some suspicion.
Whats the trick, what are you up to, i know Tank- my arch nemesis, is planning something.
This is serious i dont want any trouble, i think i might cacth an intercity bus or go with a mate.
Sorry but Tank is angry at me and hates me as far as i know, and you have wanted to take on me also.I just want to pick up my bike and to get it home safely.
But thank you for offering help

[Reido]

hmmm i dont know about that, out of all people you and Tank offer to help but i have some suspicion.
Whats the trick, what are you up to, i know Tank- my arch nemesis, is planning something.
This is serious i dont want any trouble, i think i might cacth an intercity bus or go with a mate.
Sorry but Tank is angry at me and hates me as far as i know, and you have wanted to take on me also.I just want to pick up my bike and to get it home safely.
But thank you for offering help

people are different in person than they are on a forum.. i dout he'd do anything... in general people dont go out of their way to do something "evil" to others.

we can go friday and come back saturday.

[Tank]

hmmm i dont know about that, out of all people you and Tank offer to help but i have some suspicion.
Whats the trick, what are you up to, i know Tank- my arch nemesis, is planning something.
This is serious i dont want any trouble, i think i might cacth an intercity bus or go with a mate.
Sorry but Tank is angry at me and hates me as far as i know, and you have wanted to take on me also.I just want to pick up my bike and to get it home safely.
But thank you for offering help

I didnt offer anything. I think that you will find all of the offers here genuine.

Im not planning anything. I don't hate you, and Im not angry at you. I give you some shit because you type silly stuff - its humour get over it. Seriously - you do worry to much.

Of course the PM's about going to my house while I'm at work and the comments about fucking my wife and sister don't exactly make me want to like you - but again its the Internet.

If we ever meet up in real life - Im not about to start belting you to a pulp - I wouldn't give you the time of day, but thats completely different.

So lighten up a little and worry less - you will enjoy your time here more.


By the way - I see you are posting during the day when you are supposed to be at school (again) - Seriously (again) - you complain about being behind in all the subjects then you keep skipping school. You arnt helping yourself. Remember that later in life - you make your own destiny - and at the moment you are throwing away opportunities.

[MarkH]

I dont really know how to get down to bulls but getting back would be easier, i dont really have much financially to pay for your guys petrol and food.
But we can turn this into a road trip, bulls is a fair way away i have been told 6-7 hours one way but i dont know exactly.Does anybody know of any good backpacker places in or around bulls?
I might go with a mate im still unsure, already about 5 people want to ride my bike back from bulls (nothing wrong with ya ringing its neck of for me just dont crash it!)

According to www.wises.co.nz to go from Bulls to my place in Onehunga it is 493kms, almost all of it is open road and I would think 5 to 5 1/2 hours worth of riding if keeping to legal enough to not get pulled over.

I would also be happy to volunteer to ride it back - riding for 500kms is not a chore!

[Gubb]

hmmm i dont know about that, out of all people you and Tank offer to help but i have some suspicion.
Whats the trick, what are you up to, i know Tank- my arch nemesis, is planning something.
This is serious i dont want any trouble, i think i might cacth an intercity bus or go with a mate.
Sorry but Tank is angry at me and hates me as far as i know, and you have wanted to take on me also.I just want to pick up my bike and to get it home safely.
But thank you for offering help

Meh. No skin off my nose. Just offered a ride part way there, if you don't want it, you don't need to imply that I must "be up to something" and am trying to hurt you. Quite often people, particularly bikers go out of their way to help each other out, there's nothing suspicious in it.

[SPman]

Miss Velox used to give her Jade heaps, didn't she? And it's still alive!

Amazing.......

[miikael]

Hi fellow bikers,
I'm finnish, but living in Sri Lanka. Here good bikes are hard to get and choice is very narrow. For the past few weeks I'm looking for a good road bike and during the test drive of my friends Jade it made a very big impression on me, very well balanced bike
and excellent for Sri Lankan small roads.
I have an opportunity to buy one which looks and sounds good. Only thing I am a bit worried about is the VIN number.
VIN is mc23-1215880.
So far I've seen hornet and jade VIN's in which the first three numbers after mc23 are 100,105,115,120 and 125 and never any other. So I am concerned about the originality of the chassis.

Jade was a Japan only bike and in any other country they are grey or black imports - I have failed to contact the japan honda branch, no answer there.

Any toughts on that matter?

Thanks,
Mikk

[Oakie]

My wife's Jade's # was MC14E-1205xxx. Actually it was recorded as the engine number and the chassis number was recorded as 7A88G4F1106005xxx. Take what you will out of that.

[quickbuck]

My wife's Jade's # was MC14E-1205xxx. Actually it was recorded as the engine number and the chassis number was recorded as 7A88G4F1106005xxx. Take what you will out of that.

Just another case of an error in the NZ motor vehicle register.....

[quickbuck]

Any toughts on that matter?

Thanks,
Mikk
Well,
If it looks like a Jade, and rides like a Jade, and has an MC14 engine..... I wouldn't worry at all.

It may well be a parts bin special from Honda, but who really cares....

I know, nobody in NZ would... Not sure about Sri Lanka though.....

[Mully]

I thought Dean was back for a second.

Gutted.

[miikael]

Thanks for replies.
Sri Lanka is a land of copymakers, as long as you don't make a copy of local registered product nobody cares.

Engine and everything looks ok, but it is the first time for me to actually ride a jade so I can't judge fully.

I just hope the chassis is durable, wherever it is made.

[lankyman]

The Zeal is definitely the better looking of the two.

Actually, based on those two shots, I disagree with you

[Gubb]

I thought Dean was back for a second.

Gutted.
I humbly concur.

[Mom]

I thought Dean was back for a second.

Gutted.

You and me both just now when I saw his name. Brought back wonderful memories.


I humbly concur.

Humble? *snigger*

[miikael]

Zeal looks like a tin opener to me, I dig classic naked bikes.

[altcycles]

Dean, did you get the Jade ?
There is one for sale in vancouver and am considering down scaling from a sv650. The Sv is just too easy to get going fast on....or maybe I just want the variety...low down torque and high revs. I had an Rg250, 2 stroke. It was a riot but too uncomfortable and stinky.
So what are tJades like to ride ?
Are ther any comparisons out there between Jades , Spada, and CBR ?

[Gibbo89]

Dean, did you get the Jade ?
There is one for sale in vancouver and am considering down scaling from a sv650. The Sv is just too easy to get going fast on....or maybe I just want the variety...low down torque and high revs. I had an Rg250, 2 stroke. It was a riot but too uncomfortable and stinky.
So what are tJades like to ride ?
Are ther any comparisons out there between Jades , Spada, and CBR ?

the honda jade is a naked version of the honda cbr. spada is a v twin, so different type of ride. jade and cbr are the inline 4 style.