Honda Engineering Brilliance

**SwanTiger** · 23rd September 2006, 14:25

Definitely not the quickest, but you can't help but admire the dilligence put into the design and production of the CBF250.

Around $7,000 NZD New, check http://www.honda-motorcycles.co.nz/

KISS. Beautiful.

**Motu** · 23rd September 2006, 14:48

Oh,drum rear brake - that's sure dilligence from Honda - nothing brilliant about that!

**Ixion** · 23rd September 2006, 14:57

A nice little commuter bike. Is that the same engine as the old GB250?. But--- it's twice the price of the GN250. And not much cheaper than the VTR250 .

**SwanTiger** · 23rd September 2006, 17:05

Originally Posted by Motu

Oh,drum rear brake - that's sure dilligence from Honda - nothing brilliant about that!

Yes, rear drum brake. But. My point is the simplicity combined with a semi-modern look and nice dash and a few other things make it the perfect learner / commuter. The GV, GN and VLK7 all have rear drum brakes. Its practical.

Originally Posted by Ixion

A nice little commuter bike. Is that the same engine as the old GB250?. But--- it's twice the price of the GN250. And not much cheaper than the VTR250 .

Aren't Suzuki NZ thinking of dropping the GN?

**toymachine** · 23rd September 2006, 18:04

Originally Posted by SwanTiger

Aren't Suzuki NZ thinking of dropping the GN?

What on earth for? Talking to a honda dealer on friday and he was saying they can't get enough of them... huge sellers...

**k14** · 23rd September 2006, 18:07

Originally Posted by Motu

Oh,drum rear brake

Yeah I see that but please do tell me, what is it used for???

**WarlockNZ** · 24th September 2006, 00:44

I'd just like to say that i'm shocked and appalled ... Swanny, deserting the Hyosung to push a Honda, what are they paying you, come on spill.

**Grantasaurus** · 24th September 2006, 15:29

Definitely not a bad looking bike by any means, but rather gutless by all accounts. I saw a review of it in last months Two Wheels mag.
They've got something pathetic like 20hp, and the front brake is rather weak, which ain't a great thing considering it's only got a lovely, quickly fading, drum brake at the back.
The tech in this thing hasn't advanced since the early 80s

**sAsLEX** · 24th September 2006, 15:32

Originally Posted by k14

Yeah I see that but please do tell me, what is it used for???

I think they are handy in gravel?!

**disenfranchised** · 29th September 2006, 23:22

Any ideas how big the tank is...doesn't look like it holds much

Looks wise I prefer the Hyosung (but I would say that cause I own one)
Brakes wise, I'm not sure the hyosung has much more stopping power than a rear drum brake alone ;-)

**SwanTiger** · 29th September 2006, 23:28

Originally Posted by disenfranchised

Any ideas how big the tank is...doesn't look like it holds much

Looks wise I prefer the Hyosung (but I would say that cause I own one)
Brakes wise, I'm not sure the hyosung has much more stopping power than a rear drum brake alone ;-)

The CBF250 Fuel Tank size is 16 Litres.

The Hyosung GT 250 (Comet) has single front and rear disc braking which is adequate for normal motorcycling. However most people think that it is extremely weeky and suggest better quality brake pads.

The GT 250R however, has twin front disc brakes and provide all the breaking power you'll ever need (I own one).

I've ridden a lot of bikes with rear drum brakes and found that the only times I used the rear brake was on gravel or grass/dirt to get the rear to drag.

As far as I'm concerned the rear brake's purpose is to slow the rear wheel down faster than engine braking while the front brake does all the stopping.

My 10 cents.

**disenfranchised** · 29th September 2006, 23:34

I've found that while cornering I'm happier to use the reat brake then the front....somehow it seems to help with keeping the line btter.

I'm guessing this is this a dangerous tactic??? Especially if it's wet!

It's not like I hit the anchors hard while turning, but somehow a light tap seems to help now and again...I just can't help it.

**SwanTiger** · 29th September 2006, 23:46

Originally Posted by disenfranchised

I've found that while cornering I'm happier to use the reat brake then the front....somehow it seems to help with keeping the line btter.

I'm guessing this is this a dangerous tactic??? Especially if it's wet!

It's not like I hit the anchors hard while turning, but somehow a light tap seems to help now and again...I just can't help it.

When I first got my GTR it was the "first" real road bike i'd had after the GN 250. I used the back brake a lot when cornering, however after a while (5,000 km or so) I stopped using it.

I don't think there is any right or wrong way about doing these things. Just do what feels comfortable and always seek new information and develop your riding style. It'll always change but you'll hold onto certain habits once they are proven in your mind to be "the right way".

I'd say its only dangerous if you are heavy on it and use it in a "fear reaction" should you enter a corner too fast - kind of thing. Trailing through a corner ain't really dangerous. If it's wet, just ride to the conditions.

We all learn differently. Some have more scars and broken arms than others

**sAsLEX** · 30th September 2006, 09:53

Originally Posted by disenfranchised

I've found that while cornering I'm happier to use the reat brake then the front....somehow it seems to help with keeping the line btter.

I'm guessing this is this a dangerous tactic??? Especially if it's wet!

It's not like I hit the anchors hard while turning, but somehow a light tap seems to help now and again...I just can't help it.

Brake on the straight before its too late!

Braking in corner can upset the bike, that said some racers do it to settle the rear when coming on the power....

Anaru what sort of brakes are they on your front? Floating calliper aye?