The Honda Nighthawk 250 is a Honda standard motorcycle that is used as a beginner's bike.[1]

Honda CB250 Nighthawk
ManufacturerHonda
Production1991–2008
PredecessorHonda CMX250 Rebel
ClassStandard
Engine234 cc (14.3 cu in) air-cooled parallel twin
Bore / stroke53 mm × 53 mm (2.1 in × 2.1 in)
Compression ratio9.2:1
Ignition typeCD type
Transmission5-speed manual, chain final drive
BrakesFront: Disc or drum depending on market
Rear: Drum
Seat height755 mm (29.7 in)
RelatedHonda Dream CB250
CMX450 Rebel
Rebel 250

It has a 234 cc (14.3 cu in) air-cooled parallel-twin engine. While the first Nighthawk (CB650) was manufactured in 1982, the first 250 Nighthawk was manufactured in 1991. With its body being based on the 1991_2003 Nighthawk 750 it utilized the 1985–87 CMX250 Rebel engine with all new wiring and components and reshaped the Rebel cylinder head slightly as well as incorporating a larger carburetor and new valve cover. The motorcycle changed little over the years except for color. The Nighthawk 250 is essentially a light, maneuverable, inexpensive, economical, and easy to maintain bike. It is often used in Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) motorcycle training. Its small size and low seat make it a popular model for riders of smaller stature. It has drum brakes and spoked wheels at front and rear, though later models in the Australian, U.K. and Japanese markets upgraded to front disc brakes and alloy wheels.

In contrast to the Honda Rebel 250, which offers very similar specification, the Nighthawk is considered to be an urban street-use bike, standard street motorcycle. The bike's lineage can be traced back to the Honda CM180/200 Twinstar of the late 1970s to early 1980s, it has the same bottom end and bore at 53mm with an increased stroke of 53mm resulting in a capacity of 234 cc (14.3 cu in).[citation needed]

Reviews edit

In his column in Roadbike, Andrew MacDonald praised the CB250 Nighthawk for its durability, citing the example of an urban commuter who had ridden one for 107,000 miles over a 16-year period as his only mode of transportation, with zero engine work required.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b Macdonald, Andrew (2011). "Runnin' Rebels, Bearing Necessities, And Big Pops". RoadBike. pp. 84–86. Retrieved 2024-04-13 – via EBSCOHost.