Honda CB 250 (1974-1977) Review: A Timeless Classic for the Everyday Rider

Introduction

The mid-1970s were a golden era for motorcycling, and the Honda CB 250 stands as a testament to an age when simplicity and reliability ruled the roads. Designed as a workhorse for urban commuters and weekend adventurers alike, this air-cooled parallel twin carved its niche with unpretentious charm. Even by today's standards, the CB 250 remains a fascinating study in balanced engineering - a motorcycle that prioritizes function over frills without sacrificing character. Let’s dive into what makes this 249cc legend endure in the hearts of riders.

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Design & Styling: Form Follows Function

The CB 250’s design philosophy screams “purposeful.” Its teardrop fuel tank (11-liter capacity) flows into a flat bench seat (840 mm / 33.1-inch seat height), creating a rider-friendly profile that accommodates everything from quick errands to all-day rides. Chrome accents on the fenders and exhaust pipes add just enough flair to remind you this is a Honda - a brand that mastered the art of making affordable machines feel premium.

The instrumentation is minimalist: a single dial housing the speedometer, warning lights, and ignition switch. While modern riders might miss a tachometer, the 1970s ethos shines here - you’re meant to feel the engine’s rhythm rather than obsess over RPMs. The 175 kg (386 lbs) curb weight feels surprisingly nimble once you’re moving, though pushing it out of a garage requires some leg muscle.

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Engine & Performance: Smooth Operator

At its heart lies a 249cc SOHC parallel twin, producing 27 PS (20 kW) - modest by today’s standards but peppy enough to hit 130 km/h (81 mph) when pushed. What it lacks in brute force, it compensates with buttery-smooth power delivery. The 180-degree crankshaft ensures minimal vibration, making those 70-mile highway sprints less fatiguing than you’d expect from a vintage twin.

Key Ride Impressions:
- Low-End Grunt: The 16/38 sprocket combo and 96-link chain prioritize acceleration over top speed. From 0-60 km/h (0-37 mph), it feels zippy and responsive, perfect for city traffic.
- Mid-Range Sweet Spot: Between 4,000-7,000 RPM, the twin sings a harmonious note through its twin exhausts. This is where the CB 250 feels most alive, pulling strongly through winding backroads.
- Fueling Nuances: The stock Keihin carburetors (adjusted to 1-1.25 turns out on the air screw) require patience in cold starts but reward you with crisp throttle response once warmed up.

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Riding Experience: Where It Shines

Swing a leg over the CB 250, and you’re greeted by an upright riding position that’s neither sporty nor cruiser-slack. The wide handlebars offer light steering, making tight U-turns a breeze despite the 1,300 mm wheelbase.

Handling Highlights:
- Suspension: The “TeleGabel” telescopic forks (180-190 ml oil capacity) and twin shock rear setup are softly sprung, absorbing potholes with a muted thud rather than harsh jolts.
- Braking: Drum brakes front and rear demand planning, especially with period-correct tires (1.8 bar/26 psi front, 2.5 bar/36 psi rear). It’s a reminder to ride proactively - a skill every motorcyclist should hone.
- Long-Distance Comfort: That bench seat feels like a plank after two hours, but the neutral ergonomics reduce wrist and back strain compared to modern sport-oriented nakeds.

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Competition: How It Stacks Up

The CB 250’s contemporaries were a mixed bag of two-stroke screamers and budget-focused commuters:

1. Yamaha RD250 (1973-1975):
2. Pros: 30 PS from its oil-injected two-stroke engine, sharper handling.
3. Cons: Higher maintenance, smoky exhausts, and a racier (less comfortable) riding position.

4. Verdict: The RD250 is for thrill-seekers; the CB 250 for those valuing longevity.

5. Suzuki GT250 (1976-1977):

6. Pros: Liquid-cooled two-stroke engine with 32 PS, disc brake option.
7. Cons: Harsher vibrations, complex cooling system repairs.

8. Verdict: More powerful but less refined than the Honda.

9. Kawasaki S2 250 (1972-1975):

10. Pros: 32 PS triple-cylinder two-stroke, exotic exhaust note.
11. Cons: Frequent rebuilds, thirsty fuel consumption.
12. Verdict: A tuner’s dream vs. the CB 250’s “set it and forget it” reliability.

The Honda’s four-stroke engine and conservative tuning made it the sensible choice for riders who prioritized low running costs over outright speed.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Legend Alive

Owning a 50-year-old motorcycle requires diligence, but the CB 250 is famously forgiving. Here’s what to watch:

1. Valve Adjustments:
2. Intake: 0.05 mm (0.002 in) cold
3. Exhaust: 0.10 mm (0.004 in) cold

4. Frequency: Every 3,000 km (1,864 miles) or annually. Neglect this, and you’ll hear a telltale tick-tick at idle.

5. Oil Changes:

6. Capacity: 2.0 liters (2.1 quarts) with filter
7. Grade: SAE 20W-40 or 10W-30 for warmer climates

8. Tip: Skip modern synthetic oils - they’re too slippery for the CB’s wet clutch.

9. Carburetor TLC:

10. Clean pilot jets every 12 months to prevent ethanol-fuel clogs.

11. Set idle speed to 1,150 ± 50 RPM using the throttle stop screw.

12. Chain Care:

13. The 96-link chain needs regular lubrication and 15-25 mm (0.6-1.0 in) of slack.

14. Replace worn sprockets (16T front, 38T rear) as a set to prevent accelerated wear.

15. Brake System:

16. Flush DOT 4 fluid annually to prevent moisture buildup.
17. Adjust drum brake shoes before resorting to replacements.

Pro Tip from MOTOPARTS.store:
Upgrade to NGK B8ES spark plugs (0.7-0.8 mm gap) and a high-flow air filter for smoother cold starts. Stock up on OEM-spec gasket kits - these old twins weep oil when seals harden with age.

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Conclusion: Why It Still Matters

The Honda CB 250 isn’t about nostalgia; it’s a masterclass in accessible motorcycling. In an era dominated by electronic aids and hyper-specialized bikes, this 1970s stalwart reminds us that joy can come from mechanical simplicity. Whether you’re restoring a barn find or modding one into a café racer, its robust engineering welcomes tinkerers and purists alike.

At MOTOPARTS.store, we keep these legends rolling with a curated selection of parts - from vintage-style tires to period-correct decals. Because some motorcycles aren’t just machines; they’re heirlooms on two wheels.

Ride safe, wrench often, and keep the twin’s heartbeat alive.

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Specifications sheet

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