Author Topic: Wife went away for the weekend ... so I bought this ... (Read 12141 times)

Arthur Dent · « **on:** July 24, 2016, 07:53:37 pm »

The wife went out of town with her lady friends so I bought this little 1991 Honda Nighthawk 250 motorbike.

Has a little 250CC parallel twin. Only 6k miles on it.

Granted its a very little bike but I think it should be a nice learner bike. Now to get a plate, insurance, helmet, etc.

craigq · « **Reply #1 on:** July 24, 2016, 08:25:11 pm »

I was hoping it was going to be awesome/funny from the title. Bravo !

Fobroader · « **Reply #2 on:** July 24, 2016, 09:16:58 pm »

Awesome buddy!!!

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Bubba · « **Reply #3 on:** July 24, 2016, 09:53:27 pm »

PJungnitsch · « **Reply #4 on:** July 24, 2016, 11:57:28 pm »

Nice! Lethbridge is a great place to ride.

johngenx · « **Reply #5 on:** July 25, 2016, 01:34:28 am »

Great little bike. The SOHC engine is an old design that is really robust. Not much to go wrong on that bike. Great starter bike, indeed!

Jaeger · « **Reply #6 on:** July 25, 2016, 05:47:40 am »

Well done!

Gurgie · « **Reply #7 on:** July 25, 2016, 06:47:28 am »

Nice! Enjoy!

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safristi · « **Reply #8 on:** July 25, 2016, 07:55:07 am »

Wifey back YET!!!!!

does it have enuf poke to get ya outta town QUICK

....How many roads must a man go down before he becomes cornered...............

Firm · « **Reply #9 on:** July 25, 2016, 10:57:13 am »

Very cool, good call!

Sir Osis of Liver · « **Reply #10 on:** July 25, 2016, 11:38:49 am »

CB250? Jeeze Arthur, that comes off as being all mainstream for you.

Congratulations man, very reliable bike and very cheap to run.

dkaz · « **Reply #11 on:** July 25, 2016, 11:52:57 am »

Looks great!

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #12 on:** July 25, 2016, 11:53:49 am »

Well the master plan is to learn how to ride on this bike then buy something a bit more off the wall next summer

I visited the Old Motorcycle Shop in Calgary and they have some darn cool stuff. Probably break my heart reliability wise but oh so pretty. Likely not the best to learn on.

Solstice2006 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 25, 2016, 01:13:41 pm »

Nice bike! Getting a motorcycle is on my bucket list. Plan on getting it before I am 40 (within 4 years). Looking at something like this.

Sir Osis of Liver · « **Reply #14 on:** July 25, 2016, 01:19:55 pm »

Quote from: Arthur Dent on July 25, 2016, 11:53:49 am

Well the master plan is to learn how to ride on this bike then buy something a bit more off the wall next summer

I visited the Old Motorcycle Shop in Calgary and they have some darn cool stuff. Probably break my heart reliability wise but oh so pretty. Likely not the best to learn on.

That's more like it!

I think you're right on both points. I used to fix up old barn bikes. Even the Japanese stuff from the 1970s is finicky by modern standards.

dkaz · « **Reply #15 on:** July 25, 2016, 01:47:59 pm »

I'm never buying a carbureted bike ever again. Fuel injection and ABS brakes for me next bike.

Solstice2006 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 25, 2016, 01:51:08 pm »

Quote from: DKaz on July 25, 2016, 01:47:59 pm

I'm never buying a carbureted bike ever again. Fuel injection and ABS brakes for me next bike.

Never even considered carbureted!

johngenx · « **Reply #17 on:** July 25, 2016, 02:04:02 pm »

Quote from: Sir Osis of Liver on July 25, 2016, 01:19:55 pm

Even the Japanese stuff from the 1970s is finicky by modern standards.

In the early 80's most Japanese bikes went to a lot more solid-state electrical components and wow, did bike reliability sky-rocket. They also used carb designs that made throttle response much smoother and riding easier. Add in easy to use wet multi-plate clutches and from about 1980 onward, motorcycling involved a lot more riding and a lot less wrenching.

Things that old Yuro and other bikes frustrate owners with include horrific electrics and all sorts of seals that won't seal. For some reason, the Japanese brands also mastered seals and gaskets in a way no one was able to. Other brands not only leaked oil, but fork seals blew out, rear shocks gave out, swing arm bushings went to crap, and on and on.

dkaz · « **Reply #18 on:** July 25, 2016, 02:19:52 pm »

Quote from: Solstice2006 on July 25, 2016, 01:51:08 pm

Never even considered carbureted!

Yea, fuel injection was my top priority when I bought my first motorcycle. I'm only back to carbureted with my scooter because I got a wicked deal on this.

The CB300F is nice, I just wish it had the four way blinkers the CB500F has. Also with the naked style, your body tends to act like a good wind sail. I found the 300 has just adequate power to overcome that wind resistance. You probably won't notice it as a beginner but may start to if and when you begin to outgrow a 300. Not an issue with the CBR300R with the windshield that directs air around your body. I haven't tried the naked CB500F to see if it's less noticeable with the bigger motor, but the even bigger Suzuki SV650 was not a problem.

I'd still consider a CB300F, with an aftermarket windscreen, to stay in the cheaper to insure under 400cc class. It's not as fun to ride as a Yamaha R3 (better handling, better power, better shifter) but it's a good all round bike with a nicer upright seating position and standard ABS brakes (not available on the R3).

Solstice2006 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 25, 2016, 02:36:01 pm »

I wouldn't use it that much. Right weather conditions, and most rides would be 50-150km. I estimate once a week. Who knows, I may get a job where I could use it as a daily driver, but I doubt it.