The Honda CB250 nighthawk is technically my second bike if you consider my horrid time with a 33BHP restricted 600 bandit which I had for a week (see review).
Purchased a N reg (1996) red "two fifty" model with white 5 spoke wheels and 35,000 miles on the clock. The machine had a full dealer ... Read review
This review already contains more than 120 words. As a Ciao member you could earn up to £5 with this review.
Doesn't pass 75mph, single cylinder so vibey, gets blown around in high winds
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
The Honda CB250 nighthawk is technically my second bike if you consider my horrid time with a 33BHP restricted 600 bandit which I had for a week (see review).
Purchased a N reg (1996) red "two fifty" model with white 5 spoke wheels and 35,000 miles on the clock. The machine had a full dealer service history, original tool kit and appeared in pretty good condition. I paid £800 for the little beast from the dealer who serviced the machine which was a price I was willing to pay due to my limited experience with bikes.
Such a great feeling pulling away from the dealer on the machine. Having come from four wheels belonging to my Toyota Mk1 MR2 the bike felt extremely nippy and was no slouch. I was immediately forced into filtering down a long cue of cars at the traffic lights which I fount very capable upon this lightweight machine.
This bike is perfect inside of town. Due to my commute to London on a Saturday I decided upon the nighthawk due not only to its cost effective nature but also its relatively low thief appeal (this doesn't mean give them the chance though). The bike inspires confidence due to its low powered delivery and low weight.
However the CB250 gains much of its reliability from its primitive design. The single cylinder means at speeds higher than 60 the bike produces vibes. Due to the heritage of the CB250 belonging to the 80's there is no damper to quell the vibes however in my opinion the vibes are by no means a significant downside to purchasing this bike as they can be lived with.
The primitive nature also applies to the breaking system which consists of a drum brake at the back and disk at the front. These brakes are adequate but are far from refined. However with experience and forward planning the brakes can be applied smoothly. Once again however the brakes should not put you off this lovely bike as they do the job.
The gearbox on my bike does appear to be very clunky. However the bike has done 35000 miles so I suspect it will need changing sooner rather than later. Yet due to the simple design of this bike I feel confident with my limited knowledge and a haynes manual I will be able to repair the majority of problems should they happen.
This is what this bike is all about for new riders. The bike is there to harness new skills not only regarding riding but also maintainance and servicing.
All in all I am happy with the bike as my first one. Having had the unpleasant week with the restricted 33bhp bandit I would recommend new riders who aren't concerned with speed and kudos to buy the CB250 nighthawk.
PS I will add fuel figures, cost of parts when I have more experience with the bike. Please leave a comment and have a look at my other reviews cheers
This is a superb no-nonsense commuter ! Maybe the best you could get ??
I had a 1995 'N' reg for a daily 80 mile commute to work which the bike absolutely took in its stride without a hitch . I racked up a lot of miles and the bike did not flinch !
very very nimble through the town and the traffic lights and a decent pick up to 50 / 60 mph
On the open road she wont break any records !- you can sit at 75 mph at a push but overtaking has to be planned carefully !
However how many bikes can you take a twisty A road on with the throttle wide open ?? - I rest my case !
Indestructible engine and fantastic fuel economy .
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Fun, simple and reliable Disadvantages: drum brakes
The Nighthawk 250 is the most fun you can have under 55 mph. This is the bike that backs up the saying "that bigger is not always better". I've owned a GPZ 1100 and you can keep it, I'll take the Nighthawk. If you want to have a smile from ear to ear everytime you ride, get a Nighthawk. This bike is not about egos, it's about fun. Yes , it has drum brakes and neutral is hard to find. So what, i'll get by. I get guys with much bigger bikes cheaking ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: The original middle weight naked, good looks, comfort Disadvantages: Bit of a porker, a dog when restricted to 33BHP
...such as the crash mushrooms, restrictor kit etc.
I am sure the bandit would prove a lovely bike to own unrestricted but in my experience its a dog to own when restricted.
My advice is if your considering the bandit as your first bike below 33bhp dont do it. I took the more conservative route and have purchased a HondaCB250nighthawk for £800 to cut my teeth on while picking up basic maintainance skills that will come in handy in the future after the dreaded 33BHP hurdle.
If Honda, Kawasaki or Triumph are reading this start making some 250cc machines that reach the 33bhp limit as standard without being a 2stroke and dressed up in tarty fairing. Much appreciated....
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
30.03.2006
