The 1989 Honda NX250: A Motorcycle Ahead of its Time

I got the chance to borrow a 1989 Honda NX250, which as far as I can tell is the predecessor to the CRF250L and CRF300L Rally. It's the first small-bore adventure bike, and nobody bought it. They were still sitting in showrooms years after they stopped selling them in the US. So come along as I ride this small but mighty backroad explorer.
#hondamotorcycles #80s #vintagemotorcycle #dualsport
00:00 Intro
00:38 Cold Start
01:50 Engine
02:27 Wheels and Tires
03:11 Suspension
04:06 Weight
04:40 Brakes
05:10 Fuel Capacity and Range
05:49 The Dash
06:27 So what's it good for?
06:51 Price Then and Now

[@Osski_]

Great video! As a happy owner of one, i can confirm it´s a great bike. Not only for dirt roads but it´s excellent for travel too, it can cruise at 65 mph easily and top speed of 85/90. I´ve the MD21 engine (Same engine as the tuned up version AX-1, which was installed on late NX250´s getting the same engine as the Japanese version). A very capable and fun to drive machine that hold trough the years very good. (Mine has 60.000 miles on the clock and still going, like the first day)

[@AdventurePiggy]

I’m glad you liked it! I had a great time borrowing the bike from a good friend to make this. It’s funny how Honda saved the best version for their own market.

[@MoostacheGroom]

Just picked up a 1989 nx250, pretty excited to get it in really good condition

[@AdventurePiggy]

Congratulations! Such a fun little bike!

[@luisblandonmorales6629]

​@@AdventurePiggybuenas noches herm ,,,estoy restaurando una honda degree XL250S q es similar a la nx y la ax1 ,, me podrías informar donde comprar repuestos ,,, necesito los anillos del piston de 70mm gracias por la información,,,, saludos y bendiciones,,,, soy de Nicaragua

[@AdventurePiggy]

@@luisblandonmorales6629 I would use a site like www.babbittsonline.com/oemparts/c/honda_motorcycle/parts to find the part number and then find the parts one ebay or similar. Everything I saw for the XL250s said the standard bore was 74mm, but I don't know much about that model. Good luck on the rebuild!

[@jonahtravis7841]

i have an 1989 Nx250 its fun, i have had to change the jetting in it, do a valve adjustment, and that thing loves to be reved out to nearly red lining. if you want to do trails i recommend you puting an 11 tooth front sprocket o. :-]

[@AdventurePiggy]

It does love to be revved for sure! This one was on loan from a good friend and sees mostly back road and dirt road duty.

[@tomburdett6639]

👍👍👍😁

[@frostbitevinnie]

I almost bought a 125. Plastics were missing so I passed. Would have been an awesome looking bike!

[@slipstreamcreations]

Love these bikes! Other than the rear shock I think they're fantastic.

[@AdventurePiggy]

Super fun little bike! They should have sold them all with the dual headlights that were on the AX-1.

[@DrAGoNxSL]

You need to ride the more tuned up version of that Honda NX250 Dominator aka AX-1. It is beautiful bike with 2 headlights.

[@AdventurePiggy]

I’d love to ride an AX-1! Where can I find one? I understand they were a Japan only bike.

[@DrAGoNxSL]

importing one is the best option. Its a 1987 bike.

[@jessbailey6718]

These are getting harder to find over the last 10 years. Love the looks and design like the Transalp has, timeless. But, I worry about sourcing parts. Have you encountered problems?

[@AdventurePiggy]

It belongs to a good friend of mine, but I don’t think he has had any problems, but he has also completely rebuilt a Kawasaki H1 so not sure if he is the best barometer 😂 He also says it’s the most dependable of the bikes he has. Plastics on the other hand may be a challenge.

[@grontek]

You are a good driver, but in my view, a little bit crazy boy.
Thank you.

[@AdventurePiggy]

I will take that as a compliment :)