Need a Pre 1982 Frame to swap into Honda CD250U - Any ideas?

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

I'm struggling to understand the point of this thread.

As far as I can tell, someone wants to put a CD250 engine into a pre-1982 frame to make a ULEZ compliant bike.

From memory, the late 70s to early 80s would be the CB250 superdream. So go and buy one of them.

Whatever you do, the frame is the identity of the bike, so you will be building/buying and insuring a new bike. Costs happen there. It will also be a modified special if you fit the wrong engine, so insurance will be silly.

Also, I known from experience that an early 80s Honda 250 frame is likely to be rusted to nothing between the footpegs. They were built to be cheap 40 years ago. Repairing them is possible, but it is not cheap or easy. Lots of very careful cutting and welding. The cost of blasting it, materials to fix it, and getting it powdercoated afterwards will set you back £400.

trevor saxe-coburg-gotha · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Karma :

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

CD250U's were actually very good bikes, twin cylinder not a single and when they were made back in 89 they were only a few hundred less to buy than a CBR600.
It was so good various Police forces bought them, these ones had a Rickman fairing and a single seat. I know one Police force down south bought 200 and I'm pretty sure a load more were bought for rural sub-stations in Yorkshire.
If you don't believe me, google 'Police spec CD250U'

Most are off the road because the rear hub shatters when the metalastic bushes for the rear sprocket wear just like on the CB250RSA.

As to the swap the engine is a straight physical swap into a couple of the Benly's but not much else is and you would need to be good with electrics to get it to work.

Just buy a cheap 200 Benly and save yourself a lot of hassle.