Honda Nighthawk CB250 Cruiser reviews

I bought a 2002 CB250 in 2004 and have kept it ever since. They're often dismissed as 'beginners bikes,' and they do serve well in that function - but it's also one of the last small, basic Honda motorbikes that you can find - simple, low maintenance drum brakes, super easy oil change, cheap tires - everything about them is basic and fun. We've done a few tours through the western mountains and deserts, and this little bike has never let me down. It did blow an oil seal once (common with Rebels, which share the motor), but this was fairly easy to repair and has given me no trouble since. These make great city or suburban bikes as well as lightweight touring machines. I replaced the front sprocket with a 15 tooth to give a little better freeway performance, but otherwise it has remained stock (with an aftermarket rear luggage rack). Parts are dirt cheap (should you require them) and maintenance is bone simple. A cool little Honda like they used to make them - zippy, fun, simple and economical. Show less

I have always wanted a Nighthawk and more specifically one of the 84 through 86 models. Of all the Nighthawks I felt these were the best of the breed. Not only are they the best of the breed, they are one of the best bikes ever built. Things about this bike that really took me by surprise were the little things like self adjusting valves, anti dive front suspension, shaft drive, and dual disk front breaks. The ride is excellent and the power comes right on when you twist the throttle. Even two up riding is not a problem. I live in the northeast where we have many twisting turning climbs and this bike has yet to let me down. That said the bike is a little give and take. don't expect sport bike handling and power and don't expect touring bike comfort. The faring provides no wind protection at all. It is more of an aesthetic piece. Finding parts for these bikes is an exercise in patience and persistence. Ebay and salvage yards will become your friends when you get one of these. What you get in return, though, is one of the best engineered, lowest maintenance engine transmission combinations ever created. Shifting is smooth and the engine feels solid. The riding position makes this bike a very easy bike to maneuver and inspires you to really want to get out there and see what it can do. Living here in VT we have many unpaved roads and this bike handles them with ease. Two substantial upgrades I have made are adding a Corbin seat and Progressive Suspension springs and shocks for both the front and rear. The Corbin allows you to ride a lot longer than the stock seat ever would and the Progressive Suspension makes the bike come alive in the corners and is better for two-up riding. I find myself riding this bike far more than I intend to. I do have a new BMW R12GS which I truly love. That bike will be the one we take on vacation in a couple of weeks. Never the less, if you are new to motorcycling or an experienced rider such as myself, don't pass one of these by they are too much fun! Show less

I purchased my black/red (type A) 85' Honda Nighthawk CB700SC 5 years ago. Since that time, I have changed the oil, air filter, front tire, plugs, and cleaned the carbs (because the tank was rusted - had that Kream'd). My only complaint is that the tank rusted even though I use fuel treatment, and always keep it topped-off. What stands out about this bike? The technology you get for something made in '85: adjustable Trac (anti-dive) front shock control, front disc brake, oil cooler routed through the frame, shaft drive (that doesn't have that chain 'whine'). The handling and weight balance is terrific - I am able to come to a complete stop and then take-off without touching the ground. I see these guys cruise up to and away from stops with their feet off the pegs nearly touching the ground, and chuckle. I very seldom take my feet off the pegs for a stop sign. The speed is invigorating above 6,000 RPM - a blast hits when the main jets kick-in. I would highly recommend this bike to anyone who can find one in good condition. I have learned that you cannot use a K&N filter without changing the carburetor jets, and it's best to use the Honda OEM air filter - not a Uni or any other aftermarkets. Also, have the tank lined (if it's not already) immediately! Another side note: With the age of this bike, I have found that consumable parts are still readily available, but things like gas tanks, side plates, OEM stickers, and the like are no longer available. My next bike? Honda ST1300 with ABS. Why did I rate the bike only 4 stars for comfort... Goldwings take the cake! Show less

I love many things about the CB250 Nighthawk: it's lightweight, agile around town, super-reliable, cheap to run and insure, easy to ride, easy to work on, easy to park, low-maintenance, durable, versatile, good-looking and FUN! I get gas mileage of 80-90 mpg, and with a California-version 4.3-gal. tank, my range between fill-ups is 300+ miles (non-Cal bikes have 4.8-gal. tanks). Last but not least, at the end of a long riding day I'm just as comfortable as I was in the morning. No other bike offers all these advantages. Some say you will want more power. I'd say you might, but I personally don't and never did. The CB250 is no roadburner but has more-than-adequate power for daily riding, and can be made to run even better with a couple of simple fixes. The only downside in my opinion is that the MSRP has crept upward in recent years. There are now two or three bikes in the marketplace priced lower than the Nighthawk, but there's still nothing that comes close to matching its all-around competence. This is THE motorcycle. Show less

I have owned several motorcyles over the years, including at this time and 883 Harley. I wanted something that was light weight and simple and chose the Nighthawk. Its small, and fast. 70+mph is a simple task for this black machine. I have recently had a small windshield installed, and looking for some saddlebags that will work on this bike. I wish more companies made items for this bike. Have been able to find much for the honda rebel cycle but nothing for the Nighthawk. Wonder why... it is a much better looking cycle without the add-on's. Anyhow, I love it. Show less

The Nighthawk is my first motorcycle to drive and own. I already have 2,200 miles on it in only 6 weeks using it to commute to work and school. It has been getting about 160 miles/2.3 gal of gas - about 80 mpg. It has saved me over $350 on gas versus driving a car. My insurance is low and after the first 2 weeks the seat was comfortable. I haven't pushed it past 75 yet but maintains speeds well at 65-70. The only thing is that it is lightweight (300lbs) so you may have to slow down in blustery weather. I'm already thinking of getting a second bigger bike so I can go on multi-state trips. Show less

This bike is so simple. Easy to work on. Handles well. Gets up there, fast enough. Low maintenance. In short, this bike rocks. Show less

Having owned three 250 Nighthawks, I'll give you my thoughts on the machine. Although I've years of experience on large displacement motorcycles, there is a certain unique grin factor that can only be experienced on a small displacement, lightweight motorcycle. Honda's CB250 has been keeping me grinning since it's introduction in 1991. The bike is brilliantly engineered, well made, and dependable as daylight. It's engine is about as complex as a lawnmower with a two-into-one intake manifold (only one carb), two valves per cylinder, and self-adjusting cam chain. The bike has enough power to easily stay ahead of traffic, does 80mph wide open, handles neutral in the twisties, has great ergonomics, and sits comfortable enough for 300 mile rides. It's an ideal bike for commuting to work or school, or just rolling down a quiet back road on a Saturday afternoon. Show less

I have owend my CB700s for two years has 13000 miles on clock this bike has never let me down. I have been to Wales & Devon on it brakes/handling/comfort all FANTASTIC. Why do you yanks get all the good bikes. The main and only problem will be when i do need spares which are hard to get in UK for import bikes. (long time away i hope) happy biking Show less

Two years ago I sold my trusty Kawi 550 Zephy because I needed money (same old story). Last year my financial situation had improved to the point that I decided to go bike shopping. I was out at a local dealership drooling over the new bikes when I saw the old Nighthawk 750 in the used bike section (they imported the bike as a 750 in Canada). When I walked over to take a closer look at the red and black beauty I couldn't believe the condition of the bike. It had less than 5000 miles on it, and had obviously spent most of its life in a nice, dry garage. A few days later I rode the new old bike home. It was love at the first twist of the throttle. What a great sounding snarl that comes out of those big, black mufflers! The bike suits my style of riding almost perfectly (I don't think that I'd be comfortable on a new sport bike or cruiser). The bike performs pretty well for a machine with 16-year-old technology and the shaft drive and hydraulic valve gear make it a very low maintenance bike. My only complaints are the lack of wind protection (a slightly larger Rifle fairing should cure that) and slightly soft acceleration off the line (not sure what I'm going to do for that, yet). I'm really happy with the bike and hope that I will never get in the situation where I have to sell it. With a few up-grades it will make a great all-around bike. Show less