Toss-up between to bikes: 88 Honda GB400tt or 91 Honda CB250 Jade?

[Oakie]

I just told Mrs Oakie about this thread and she said "If you want to go like shit, get the Jade". She had one until a couple of years ago and had a ball on it. Used to race me on my CB400 off traffic lights and did alright. Took the bike from Christchurch to Blenheim and return with luggage and had not a problem.

I used to ride it to work when the 400 was in the shop and it was a real hoot to ride. Yeah, it's the model before the Hornet but it's still a damned good wee bike. Cheap to run. I'd have one.

[Spearfish]

as someone whose been fucked around by so called 'buyers' - dick move, you should have asked the question before making 'offers' on two bikes.
That said, here are the specs on a GB400TT, looks like the CB250 might have better power if thats your main concern, but go ahead and look for yourself.
http://www.amy.hi-ho.ne.jp/tachi/eng.../spec_eng.html

That is an interesting read-
is it because its old its on piles?
ground quantity is 0.160, must have a decent top box then?
Starting is a self formula, or kick formula-science was never my strong subject....
Lubricous system?..ah ok, that's because the oil pump is a Truck colloid formula
A wet multi-board coil spring clutch were the shit in their day as long as they were tanalised.
In-variable-speed machine form is another formula of regular engagement
Slowdown machine First is that a spec or a nag sticker? Apparently its easy if you gear form chain
35 deg rudder angles are handy if the puddles a deep.
Braking equipment-Before oil press type disk and Later Mechanical reading tray ring
Suspension system -Front wheel terescopick formula......the translator picks up accents?

[Sable]

These people saying more maintenance unreliable costly etc are full of shit. I've actually owned one. Basic as hell motor, just a sleeved down XR600 essentially. Parts everywhere, single cam, four valve. Very frugal on gas, better than my friend's 250s, probably because the motor is so under stressed. Look nice, not that fast in a straight line, maybe 130 on a flat BUT an XR600 motor will slot straight in if you feel that way inclined. Put slightly firmer fork springs and some decent shocks on and they handle brilliantly. Good bikes.

[Flip]

These people saying more maintenance unreliable costly etc are full of shit.

So speaks the expert who has actually owned one .

[durp]

I went with the 400

[Murray]

not that fast in a straight line, maybe 130 on a flat

Bigger front sprocket and 6 gears (there are 5 & 6 available I believe?) and had the needle at between 150 & 160 on a long straight near Matamata

[Murray]

I went with the 400

Good on you! You might find this old thread interesting

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh.../12860-GB400TT

[Shadows]

Look nice, not that fast in a straight line, maybe 130 on a flat BUT an XR600 motor will slot straight in if you feel that way inclined. Put slightly firmer fork springs and some decent shocks on and they handle brilliantly. Good bikes.

The one I had would just manage about 160 with a tailwind. I can't remember if I changed the gearing on it.
No problem with suspension either, find a road without long straights on it and nobody could keep up with me.
Mind you, it was new at the time and I only weighed about 70kg.
All in all kind of gutless though, the CBR motor would probably out perform it in a straight line.

[durp]

Really its all good. Its more then enough power. Im not looking to race or anything. Just needed something noticeably faster then what i had before. a 250 suzuki. useless on the motorway.

After test riding the 400 i knew it was going to be perfect.

[BuzzardNZ]

owned 3 GB400's over the years. Cheap as chips to run and very low maintenance costs. As others have said, change the oil often and you can't go wrong.

Common problems on these I've heard is that the starter motor can give up ( not a big deal as also has a kick start ) and that the cam chains tend to go on higher mileage bikes ( kind of expected on any high mileage bike ). Only had this happen ( both starter motor and cam chain ) on one of the GB's I owned. Wish Honda still produced this model!

[That_guy]

I think I bought the 250 Jade you didn't want. Very pleased with it. Although, as its my first bike (after a scooter), I've no idea if it is better than the 400. It has been geared down, though.

[Oakie]

I think I bought the 250 Jade you didn't want. Very pleased with it. Although, as its my first bike (after a scooter), I've no idea if it is better than the 400. It has been geared down, though.

Good for you! They're a great wee bike.

[avgas]

also likewise if this model was still made I would own another.
Owned 3, only killed one (it was an accident not engine failure).

But up the suspension. And they change from a nice commuter to something more fun.

[avgas]

Bigger front sprocket and 6 gears (there are 5 & 6 available I believe?) and had the needle at between 150 & 160 on a long straight near Matamata

Where did you get a 6 speed from? Does it bolt straight onto the NC20?
Yeah my quickest one used to valve bounce at just over 160 (on the speedo) down the bombays. So you would have to do some radical gearing to go faster than that.

[Murray]

Where did you get a 6 speed from? Does it bolt straight onto the NC20?
Yeah my quickest one used to valve bounce at just over 160 (on the speedo) down the bombays. So you would have to do some radical gearing to go faster than that.

I brought it of another member sorrelboy - be seeing him tonight and see if he knows. just had it in for servicing and wof and the mechanic's words were "what a little rocket"