CB 250 2003 with 20,000 miles

[Scootaloo]

Hello all

Looking at a CB 250cc

Need to use it to commute and for use in work as well.

Looks to be a good example, everything looks clean.

Just wondering if anyone has an first-hand experience of the CB 250?

- How is it for reliability?

- How is it for the price of consumables?

- Hows the ride?

Any input is welcome, even alternative suggestions.

Cheers, Scootaloo
____________________
(CBF125 - 09) (CBF125 - 11) (CB-1 - 89) (CBF500 - 06) (Push Bike) (CB-1 - 90) (XL125 - 01) (VF500 - 83) (GPZ500 - 94) (GPZ500 - 95) (GPZ500 - 87) (XV535 - 94) (XV535 - 94) (GPZ500 - 87)

[P.addy]

What version.

There are LOADS of CB250s, if its a "Two Fifty" parts seem a bit scarce but available with patience.

Not fast at all, 80mph, 85 at a push.

[Scootaloo]

[P.addy]

It is indeed.

I'm selling mine with no mot or tax for £400 with 28,000 miles on it, slightly tatty but nothing too bad.

Bike itself runs quite nice, seems a doddle to work on and will pull up to about 60mph with no fuss, motorway would seem alright but extended journeys would piss me off.

I'd aim for a CB500 instead personally.

[Scootaloo]

[P.addy]

[Scootaloo]

[Sako]

going to throw a spanner in the works in regards to the fuel efficiency of a 125 vs larger capacity bike.

the 125 would need to be ridden like a granny at very low revs in order to get decent fuel economy, but this would mean the engine would be struggling with the load, in order to maintain decent pace you need to keep the revs high on a 125 - not good for fuel economy.

Vs.

a larger capacity bike will be able to run in a much lower rev band and not be having to strain to maintain reasonable speeds, so will be more frugal on consumption than a revved out 125.

[Scootaloo]

[Sako]

good friend of mine has a suzuki 600 bandit, the thing has been used daily and through winter without any big issues.
its a decent looking bike the bandit, plus has a decent midrange for longer journeys and some fun on the twisty stuff, i also really rate the older yamaha fazer 600's too (half faired models of each).

[Teflon-Mike]

That CB-Two-Fifty is MASSIVELY over-priced.
For the same money you could get a similar age GS500 or other full 500 commuter twin, & it will be pretty close on fuel, & easier to live with vis bits.

As Paddy says the CB-Two-Fifty is 233cc version of the Benley engine, on a single carb, and it isn't that much more balsy than a 125, with a 'claimed' 19bhp, if in good order. They were ecconomical though & test reports suggested regular 90mpg was possible from them. Which is actually better than the less powerful 125 & 200cc versions.... though real-world rider behaviour induces more variance.

CB Two-Fifty is more inclined to be ecconomical, becouse that's how you will ride it, becouse thats what you bought it for!

Good news is that many bits & service spares are generic small honda parts bin; it IS the 'Benley Engine' common to loads of bikes.

Bad news is that it wasn't popular here in the UK; and many bits are model specific and harder to come by.

Nice, tidy, uninspiring, think of it as a twist & go scooter masquerading as a propper motorbike, you wouldn't be dissapointed, but NOT at that money. £900 TOPS.
____________________
My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

[The Shaggy D.A.]

[numpty2]

I have owned one of these for 8 years and done around 55,000 miles on it, so for once I know what I am talking about. Mine is from 1994 and has done 62,000 miles. It gives 90 mpg and is quite happy at 65 mph. Cosmetics are now appalling, but it runs every day, all year round. These bikes are slow, and it does take a certain old fart mindset to enjoy them, but I'm looking to replace mine with another one so that has to be the best recommendation. They are very reliable and easy to work on. I know of one that has done over 100k miles, and I reckon my engine could as well. I heartily recommend them. Think of it as being a big brother to the CG125.

But the advert you reference is heavily overpriced. You shouldn't pay more than maybe £1200 for one in very good condition. They were often bought by old blokes who really looked after them, don't be put off by age or mileage. Look on Ebay & Gumtree. Bugger - that means you might be bidding against me.

[DrDonnyBrago]

That's CB500 money.

CB500 is a much better bet, someone on here was getting about 65mpg from one. PLus it is faster, can do motorways properly, more numerous so parts are easier and when you come to sell it, more people are likely to want to buy it from you.

[theatty]

I had a CB125, a CB250, a CB500 AND a CB1300.

Ok so the 125 (1985 US import) and the 1300 are kinda irrelevant, but the 250 (02) Was very boring, extremely reliable, very fuel efficient and didn't break down once in 3 years. The CB500 (00) was not so reliable, not as fuel efficient, but more fun, quite a challenge to corner, but satisfying when accomplished. I ended up snapping a valve on the CB500 and wrecking the big end, end of that bike. The 250 is still going, years after I sold it I see it going through the village every once in a while.

250 all the way, just don't pay that much, jeez.
____________________
The truth is out there.

[.Chris.]

They're good bikes, but for that money, I wouldn't bother. For some reason, they do seem to hold onto their value unfeasibly well.

I had a CD250U, which is a very similar bike, just a bit more of a classic style. The engine's the same, albeit with twin carbs. It was the best bike I've ever owned - lovely to ride, 70mpg, comfy, felt like a quality bike. I'd love another some day, although some parts were annoyingly hard to get hold of. IMO the CB250 with the cast wheels doesn't look as nice - in America they got a version with wire spoked wheels and a front drum, which suits the bike better to my mind.

However, there's just too much other choice at £1700 to make that bike a worthwhile purchase.
____________________
Chris
1985 Kawasaki Z550F