So I bought a new toy

[Grashopper]

It’s not a Super Four, or a Hornet, or a VTR, but a cute little red Honda Spada. Will pick her up on Saturday. I’m so happy. From its size it seems like the bike was made for me. It is light and has a low seat height. The seating angle is quite a bit different from my GN though, but I will see what I’ll like better. And it looks awesome.
The bike seems to be in a good nick for its age. Will need a good service, though, as it has hardly been used the last few years, and definitely some new tires. The manual says tire size is 100/80-17 (front) and 140/70-17) (rear). I’m now trying to figure out what tires I should go for. I definitely need something that is good in the rain, too. I’m not riding like a twit, but I have confidence issues especially regarding my tire grip in the wet. So I would trust my bike much more if it had tires that I know will hold up on wet road surfaces. Might possibly take the bike onto the track, too. Will be good to get some feeling for it and see how it behaves compared to the GN.

Will upload some pics on Saturday, when I’ve stopped admiring the bike and make it out of the garage. Edit: I finally made it out of the garage Photos are in post #30.

Aside of that, is there anything I should be aware of with these bikes? Aside of that parts might be an issue cause they only have been produced for a couple of years?
Does anyone know what the difference is between the Spada VT250J (mine) and the VT250L (owner’s manual that I found online)?

[Edbear]

Love to see the pics! I rode one many years ago and was amazed at its performance for a little 250!

I don't know anything about them though so will leave it to others to tell you what to look for.

[240]

Yeah a good choice, I reckon Spadas are an awesome looking bike

[Edbear]

One good source of info...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_VT250

[Katman]

Best wet weather tyres for it would be Metzeler Lasertecs.

(Edit: Except that they don't come in exactly those sizes).

Next best pick is Pirelli Sport Demons.

[Grashopper]

Yep, saw that site. Interestingly it doesn't mention the VT250J version at all...

[Edbear]

Yep, saw that site. Interestingly it doesn't mention the VT250J version at all...

It's in the spec sheet under the '84-'85 column which cover the Z,H,J and K models.

[Grashopper]

Best wet weather tyres for it would be Metzeler Lasertecs.

(Edit: Except that they don't come in exactly those sizes).

Next best pick is Pirelli Sport Demons.

We probably have to stick to those sizes, eh?
I've heard good things about both of those. The lasertecs got recommended to me before I think (or at least something with the word laser in them... )

[Grashopper]

It's in the spec sheet under the '84-'85 column which cover the Z,H,J and K models.

Lol, sorry, seems to help if you can read. Weird though, because its an '89
Chassis is MC20, but engine is MC15E

[xXGIBBOXx]

Sport demons for the win ! Had them on my gsx250 love them . Mint in the wet

[ducatilover]

Bloody brilliant!

Tyres:
I ran sport demons, 140/70 rear and 110/70 front. Was the nicest feeling sizes I had on mine over 130km, I think I went through about 7 sets of Sport Demons on it?
There's a MAXXIS tyre that'll work too.

VT250J, J denotes what year it's made in. The L would be a little later, VT250F/Xelvis probably and not a Spada, but, essentially all the running gear is the same. I had a Spada manual on my PC at home, so whenever I go back there I will have a look for you

Service, oil filter is cheap and should come with an o-ring, same filter as a lot of Hondas including the TRX500FA and most other VTR250s (to name two of about a billion...)
Plugs are easy to do it you use the right length extensions or otherwise you'll be there for five years lol

Awesome little bikes them, enjoy it (and please let me play on it)

[st00ji]

i went through a bunch of sport demons too, good tyres i reckon.

did wear out fairly fast though. price you pay i guess?

[Maha]

Did you get the one from Wellington Motorcycles?.. keeping the GN or time to say bye bye ?
Good choice of bike too, you'll be well happy.

[unstuck]

Yes to the sports demons, best ones I have had on my VF so far.

[Grashopper]

Did you get the one from Wellington Motorcycles?.. keeping the GN or time to say bye bye ?
Good choice of bike too, you'll be well happy.

Nah, that one is still there. I found one in Rotorua. Was a bit closer and and the bike had less k. About the same price though.

For the time being I will keep the GN. It is still a fun ride. And I'm not yet sure about that sporty riding position on the Spada. Will probably take a bit getting used to. So I will at least keep the GN for a few months more. My garage will look much nicer with two bikes in anyway