Honda Jade 250?

**Dean** · 23rd February 2009, 19:12

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** · 23rd February 2009, 19:16

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

**Badger8** · 23rd February 2009, 19:24

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** · 23rd February 2009, 19:26

Originally Posted by Hitcher

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** · 23rd February 2009, 19:42

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** · 23rd February 2009, 19:56

The Zeal is definitely the better looking of the two.

**McJim** · 23rd February 2009, 20:04

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** · 23rd February 2009, 20:15

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** · 23rd February 2009, 20:16

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** · 23rd February 2009, 20:34

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** · 23rd February 2009, 20:40

Originally Posted by youngbiker16

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** · 23rd February 2009, 20:40

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

Cool people own them :-)

**Dean** · 23rd February 2009, 20:45

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** · 23rd February 2009, 20:46

Originally Posted by 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.

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 :-)