Honda 250cc A-Z

[Barts]

Hi.

I've been doing a bit more research on my first bike and have spent the last 30 mins on Trademe looking specifically at Honda's this time around.

Please can someone tell me the main differences between these different Honda models?

1. CB 250 Hornet
2. CB 250 Jade
3. CBR 250 R MC19
4. CBR 250 RR MC22
5. CBF 250
6. VTR 250

Thanks

Barts.

[blackdog]

1-4 all have essentially the same IL4 engine

5 is a gutless single

6 is a v-twin.

the hornet is my pick of the bunch.

[sleemanj]

Please can someone tell me the main differences between these different Honda models?

The first 4 are 4 cyl. For a learner, I'd be inclined to go with the twin (VTR).

Multiple small capacity cylinders generally mean a few things...
more parts to break
more expensive
more top end power
less smooth range of power (ie power at the top is disproportionate)

None of these are particularly conducive for learners in my opinion, a twin gives you more even power throughout the whole (engine rev) range and especially lower down, which is where learners will be generally speaking.

That said, many learners do just fine on small capacity 4 cyl.

[YellowDog]

I think this is a V-Twin usable power versus IL4 smoothness question.

IMO - For the sake of becoming competent enough to get a full licence, the IL4 would be my preference.

I agree with the more things to go wrong comment.

[BladeBoy]

Yea go the IL4 , Ive gotta CBR250 MC22 on trade me at moment, awesome bike , I learnt on a old VTR250 ( was my first bike) and out grew it very fast, the higher reving 4 cylinder bike are good fun , and you can still take it easy unitll you get the hang of it aye. And definatly go the honda for realibility.
My opinion anyways.

[Rocket]

how you rate say a 95 zx2r kawasaki up against those CBR250's in way of quality of product and performance?

[CRF119]

If it were me id be trying very hard to find a MC22 CBR250RR that hasn't been dicked with.

By that i mean:
Carburators have been a problem on every CBR250RR ive seen a fixed for mates.
Reasons:Parts for them aren't cheap or easy to get and by now most have got perished seals.

A good CBR250RR should rev to 20,000 rpm with no flat spots. It should also do 200kmph. If you find one that can't reach 180kph its rooted or at least mostly rooted. (Get a experianced rider for this test)

Electrical:
Damage to looms caused by corrosion or crash damage. Ive seen both and fixed both

Mechanical.

Engine should start easy, Run smooth no odd noise from engine.

Gear box should change easy and not jump out of gear

They are fast but great for learning because they are so dam slow untill 10,000 rpm. So once you are confident you wont have to upgrade until you get your full

[Grantman_]

the MC22 is the flagship of the bunch being a fully faired sportbike and sports the RR designation. The bike will start surging forward at 6000 revs upward, impressive considering a 19000 rev range. You don't need to operate around 10000 revs to get acceleration for general riding. Overtaking yes. Gear driven cams = no issues with the timing belt maintenance of other 250's like the ZXR. Design and styling is downright cool, second to none.