I used to ride one of these to commute 20 miles each way. It was just right for this, fine on A roads, maneouverable in town, good mpg and total reliability. I would still like one now, I like simplicity and small engined motocycles.
I’m in the USA and own a black 2008 model; last year made. Really fun bike around town and in the twisty valley roads near me. I added a front fairing and swapped out the stock handlebars for Superbike bars to make it a tad sportier. CB250 Nighthawks sold in the States only came with drum brakes all around and had an idiot light “dial” in place of the tach shown in this video…really wish US versions had the tach. Prices on used ones here are creeping up as the earlier model years (‘91-‘96) are in vintage territory now. Very little changed over the course of the model’s run (‘91-‘08). Good, reliable, economical performers.
Your spot on about the price, it's the wife's bike i just get a ride now and again. the first one she had we paid £750 for ,she sold it. 12 months latter she wished she had not, the 2nd one cost nearly twice as much. It's a lovely bike for running about on YB
Over the other side where I live, 2 years ago I gotten one of the ex-police (2001 US model) with only drums without the tacho , instead indicator lamps, runs surprisingly well despite leading a hard life before retired from public service. Converted it mildly with off road tyres and with body cowlings removed with all signal lamps replaced tracker style. Easy DIY and lovely light weight adventure bike for me 65 yo man living in S.E Asia. Warm regards.
Always glad the bike went to someone who used it, and used it well. How you getting on with your new bike, I think you hand't had it long, last time we met. Hope you 2 are doing well, and iam sure we will catch up a squires some time.
@@yorkshirebiker1293 We are both well and looking forward to summertime. The new bike is great. Managed to get to Scotland and Norfolk on it and clocked up 4000 last year
@@yorkshirebiker1293 I personally don't ride anything over a 500 I see it as unnecessary power once you get pass 600cc. 250 is a good compromise for me I got very bored very quick on a 125 wringing it's neck to say at 60mph a few years ago. Personally 400s and 500s are the most fun I've ever had on bikes . Stay safe mate
I had one of these as a first big bike after passing my test in 98. Went everywhere on it and did 18000 miles in around 18 months. Also went 2-up with my brother on the back, too! It may only have something like 18bhp, but it was a lovely bike to own and ride.
Me and are lass have used it 2 up, good for a laugh but a bit shot of power. its good fun ,but it's the wife's bike , i'am only aloud to use it when it want's attention, the bit about first big bike was funny to me , as when i was young 250's was starter bikes 😊👌
Thanks for the video. I snipped one of these about three years ago for £650 with about 11,500 miles on it. I have not ridden it that much, but I sold my Street Twin a fortnight ago, and took the Nighthawk for an MOT. It is a decent little runner and I am enjoying back roads bimbling on it. The only concern I have about it is that I have not done the oil screen cleaning job at nearly fifteen thousand miles, and I doubt anyone else has either. It looks a right bugger to do. The oil pump is a devil to get off apparently. I had a go at it when I first got it, and the clutch case was a swine. It would not come off, so I just put the bolts back and put new synthetic oil in.
To be honest, i have not had the filter off as i could not get it off for the hell of it.Now you've reminded me might have another go this winter, as the wife has given up ,it's in my stock yard now.
@@yorkshirebiker1293 Yeah - I just hate to imagine how much of the screen might be obstructed by bits of grot. Your wife's bike looks like a keeper to me - really nice condition.
@@Tonyv1951 It is in very good condition, it only has about 11000 miles on the clock. Last time she gave up riding we sold the one she had, which was mint, and had to pay a lot more for this one.
@@yorkshirebiker1293 Hey now.... If your good lady has given up and the bike is nolonger required - send me a message. We might be able to take it off your hands. Cheers. Enjoy the riding.
What a nice little bike! Very good looking and all round commuter. Power isn't everything, if it can do 60 mph comfortably getting you from A to B, what else do you need?
I had one, briefly. It did 68mpg which is okay but the er5 I owned afterwards did exactly the same economy but with vastly more power. The prob is that the engine offers poor efficiency being a 60s relic.
Depends on rider weight too. On my 2007 Nighthawk I would ride and get 70 MPG when I weighed 170 lbs. Since I am short, I was way overweight anyway. I dropped down to 115 lbs last year which is what my weight should have been. Now I consistently get around 85 MPG.
Had mine now for 9 years,37k on clock ,give it an oli change every 1000k miles ,does around 80mpg,cruises on motorway at 60 65,have had 80,mph out of it!tank holds around 280 miles,downside in is it takes a while to warm up.
Can I ask Neil, did you ever clean the oil strainer under the oil pump? I had a half hearted go at this when I did the first oil change on it, and I could not get the clutch cove to let go. This is not the hardest part. Apparently, removing the screws that secure the oil pump is a REAL pain. Many people can't get them off and butcher them. I am hoping that thousand mile oil changes and full synthetic oil will keep sludge build up away and keep that strainer clean. If there are any tips you know of for cleaning that filter screen, please let me know.
@@Tonyv1951 no never cleaned the oil filter,it's a pain to get to,I just keep the oil clean with regular changes and I've done around 10 k miles with no filter clean,no issues.
I had the lowers opened up on both sides to replace oil seals that started popping loose. 60000miles and we pulled the screen to clean it. Not a spot on it. 3000mile oil changes. Conv Havoline motorcycle oil that costs $6 a qt (used to be $4.50). Easiest oil change ever. One bolt, easy place, 1.5us quarts. $10 DIY change.
I'm surprised how many of these sold as they were really expensive, not a lot cheaper than GS500s. They're nice but AVOID the ones with white wheels as the paint chips off and they look scruffy. Understand that sixty is effectively your top speed and they're great.
it's the wife's but it's a lovely little thing, From memory if you ring it's neck i think i've seen 75, Hope to hell the wife doe's not read this else im in the sh!!!! YB
The UK's 125cc learner limit rolled out in the early eighties killed the market for 250cc motorcycles. I learnt to ride on a 1979 CB250N "Superdream", I passed my test on it in 1980. The Superdream was a nice machine but it was bloody sluggish, my mate used to see me off on his knackered 1973 MZ250! The MZ looked like it was designed by Stevie Wonder, it was a bloody ugly thing and it smoked more than a Beagle in a laboratory. Do Squires Cafe still sell the tea in a pint pot with the leaves floating on the top?
It's a nighthawk bro. Here in the US we never replaced drum brakes all the way up until 2008 when it wasn't being made anymore after that. In the EU market, front disc brakes were added sometime earlier. This bike is 100% like mine (the US version) which is 100% a nighthawk, with the front drum. That's the only difference. I have a 2007 CB250 Nighthawk and it still has front drum brakes, but I also know that the EU/UK market had disc brakes on the front before 2007. There is no difference in power as far as I'm aware. I can cruise fine at 80 mph and if I push it up to 95, but this bike is light and I don't feel comfortable going over 70 to be honest.
The American version had other differences than the front drum brake: Spoke wheels rather than cast ones which the European version had and the European ones had the tacho with the information lights on a small console between the two clocks.
@@Tonyv1951 I weigh 120 lbs and I'm 5'4. Trust me, 95 is DOABLE. In fact, when I lived in the UK I used to own 125cc 2-strokes. I had a TZR125 with Power Valve System that could push 100 quite easily, and an 92 Suzuki RG125 Gamma that would push 107 mph. I also had a Honda CG125 that would push 70. I've also had Yamaha TW200 that would easily reach 80 mph. Rider weight is critical. These bikes weigh a couple of hundred pounds and when you add 200 lbs on top of that, speed drastically decreases. My friend who weighs 195 lbs, on the same bike, maxed out the TW200 at 68. Light bikes + Light Rider = Quite impressive speeds on low BHP and CC bikes.
Had an 03 plate one of these, pile of shite, not that well built, slow as hell, a 125cc bike of almost any other brand would easily be a match for this overrated thing!
I used to ride one of these to commute 20 miles each way. It was just right for this, fine on A roads, maneouverable in town, good mpg and total reliability. I would still like one now, I like simplicity and small engined motocycles.
Cost an arm and a leg now for some reason,
but like you say bullet proof, and cheap as chip's to run.
Great bike. Cb250 lots of fun. I just finished building a cafe racer with one. Don’t need to go fast to have fun. Cheers for Australia 🇦🇺
Really enjoyed your company, thanks for an enjoyable ride out. Paul in Wales.
cheers
I’m in the USA and own a black 2008 model; last year made. Really fun bike around town and in the twisty valley roads near me. I added a front fairing and swapped out the stock handlebars for Superbike bars to make it a tad sportier. CB250 Nighthawks sold in the States only came with drum brakes all around and had an idiot light “dial” in place of the tach shown in this video…really wish US versions had the tach. Prices on used ones here are creeping up as the earlier model years (‘91-‘96) are in vintage territory now. Very little changed over the course of the model’s run (‘91-‘08). Good, reliable, economical performers.
Your spot on about the price, it's the wife's bike i just get a ride now and again. the first one she had we paid £750 for ,she sold it. 12 months latter she wished she had not, the 2nd one cost nearly
twice as much. It's a lovely bike for running about on YB
Over the other side where I live, 2 years ago I gotten one of the ex-police (2001 US model) with only drums without the tacho , instead indicator lamps, runs surprisingly well despite leading a hard life before retired from public service. Converted it mildly with off road tyres and with body cowlings removed with all signal lamps replaced tracker style. Easy DIY and lovely light weight adventure bike for me 65 yo man living in S.E Asia. Warm regards.
your spot on its a lovely little bike, it's my wife's bike to be honest, i get the odd ride and all the maintenance
Your right it's not bad, and it keeps the wife happy , as you know or will find out😊
Thanks for the mention. The first nighthawk that you sold me was brilliant. Hope you're both doing well x
Always glad the bike went to someone who used it, and used it well. How you getting on with your new bike, I think you hand't had it long, last time we met. Hope you 2 are doing well, and iam sure we will catch up a squires some time.
@@yorkshirebiker1293 We are both well and looking forward to summertime. The new bike is great. Managed to get to Scotland and Norfolk on it and clocked up 4000 last year
Very good motorbike
Just about to pick a 98 one of these up for a winter hack to get me 20 miles to work and back. Thanks for the review
Never had a minutes bother with it
And it keeps the wife happy which is all ways a good thing
@@yorkshirebiker1293 I personally don't ride anything over a 500 I see it as unnecessary power once you get pass 600cc. 250 is a good compromise for me I got very bored very quick on a 125 wringing it's neck to say at 60mph a few years ago. Personally 400s and 500s are the most fun I've ever had on bikes . Stay safe mate
I had one of these as a first big bike after passing my test in 98. Went everywhere on it and did 18000 miles in around 18 months. Also went 2-up with my brother on the back, too!
It may only have something like 18bhp, but it was a lovely bike to own and ride.
Me and are lass have used it 2 up, good for a laugh but a bit shot of power. its good fun ,but it's the wife's bike , i'am only aloud to use it when it want's attention, the bit about first big bike was funny to me , as when i was young 250's was starter bikes 😊👌
Honda say it has 20 bhp and 18 newtons of torque at 6000 rpm.
Thanks for the video. I snipped one of these about three years ago for £650 with about 11,500 miles on it. I have not ridden it that much, but I sold my Street Twin a fortnight ago, and took the Nighthawk for an MOT. It is a decent little runner and I am enjoying back roads bimbling on it. The only concern I have about it is that I have not done the oil screen cleaning job at nearly fifteen thousand miles, and I doubt anyone else has either. It looks a right bugger to do. The oil pump is a devil to get off apparently. I had a go at it when I first got it, and the clutch case was a swine. It would not come off, so I just put the bolts back and put new synthetic oil in.
To be honest, i have not had the filter off as i could not get it off for the hell of it.Now you've reminded me might have another go this winter, as the wife has given up ,it's in my stock yard now.
@@yorkshirebiker1293 Yeah - I just hate to imagine how much of the screen might be obstructed by bits of grot. Your wife's bike looks like a keeper to me - really nice condition.
@@Tonyv1951 It is in very good condition, it only has about 11000 miles on the clock. Last time she gave up riding we sold the one she had, which was mint, and had to pay a lot more for this one.
@@yorkshirebiker1293 Hey now.... If your good lady has given up and the bike is nolonger required - send me a message. We might be able to take it off your hands. Cheers. Enjoy the riding.
@@Tonyv1951 thanks for the offer, but if I got rid she may decide to try again, and ill end up in the same boat as last time 😅
Just the thing for nipping up to Squires for a cup of tea perhaps not so for going down to the local for a pint wit lads, the Trophy is fer that
What a nice little bike! Very good looking and all round commuter. Power isn't everything, if it can do 60 mph comfortably getting you from A to B, what else do you need?
your not wrong, i should use it more 😁😁👍👍
I had one, briefly. It did 68mpg which is okay but the er5 I owned afterwards did exactly the same economy but with vastly more power. The prob is that the engine offers poor efficiency being a 60s relic.
Are lass ride it like miss daisy, no revving above 6000, and it keeps her happy 👍
Depends on rider weight too. On my 2007 Nighthawk I would ride and get 70 MPG when I weighed 170 lbs. Since I am short, I was way overweight anyway. I dropped down to 115 lbs last year which is what my weight should have been. Now I consistently get around 85 MPG.
@@johnnyboy13642 I ve got cbr250 now. That bike will cruise at a real gps 70mph and does 85mpg (uk gallons) . I weigh 230.
Had mine now for 9 years,37k on clock ,give it an oli change every 1000k miles ,does around 80mpg,cruises on motorway at 60 65,have had 80,mph out of it!tank holds around 280 miles,downside in is it takes a while to warm up.
I agree with everything you say, as I've said before I only get a go when the wife let's me, which coincides with the Mot and service
I agree with all you said as I've said before I only get a go when the wife let's me which coincides with the Mot and service 😏 🤔
Can I ask Neil, did you ever clean the oil strainer under the oil pump? I had a half hearted go at this when I did the first oil change on it, and I could not get the clutch cove to let go. This is not the hardest part. Apparently, removing the screws that secure the oil pump is a REAL pain. Many people can't get them off and butcher them. I am hoping that thousand mile oil changes and full synthetic oil will keep sludge build up away and keep that strainer clean. If there are any tips you know of for cleaning that filter screen, please let me know.
@@Tonyv1951 no never cleaned the oil filter,it's a pain to get to,I just keep the oil clean with regular changes and I've done around 10 k miles with no filter clean,no issues.
I had the lowers opened up on both sides to replace oil seals that started popping loose. 60000miles and we pulled the screen to clean it. Not a spot on it.
3000mile oil changes. Conv Havoline motorcycle oil that costs $6 a qt (used to be $4.50). Easiest oil change ever. One bolt, easy place, 1.5us quarts. $10 DIY change.
Can't agree with you more Pete
I'm surprised how many of these sold as they were really expensive, not a lot cheaper than GS500s. They're nice but AVOID the ones with white wheels as the paint chips off and they look scruffy. Understand that sixty is effectively your top speed and they're great.
it's the wife's but it's a lovely little thing, From memory if you ring it's neck i think i've seen 75,
Hope to hell the wife doe's not read this else im in the sh!!!! YB
Hey mate where did you get your mirrors from? Thanks
They were on the bike when we bought it , I think they are the original's 😊👍
The UK's 125cc learner limit rolled out in the early eighties killed the market for 250cc motorcycles. I learnt to ride on a 1979 CB250N "Superdream", I passed my test on it in 1980. The Superdream was a nice machine but it was bloody sluggish, my mate used to see me off on his knackered 1973 MZ250! The MZ looked like it was designed by Stevie Wonder, it was a bloody ugly thing and it smoked more than a Beagle in a laboratory. Do Squires Cafe still sell the tea in a pint pot with the leaves floating on the top?
Still do the big pots but there extra.. I did my test on the CB250 K4 in the 70's, not sure what year can't remember. now where am I 😊
Saludos amigo yo tengo una igual pero esta msltratada no encuentro refacciones en cabo san lucas b c s
Dave Silvers in the Uk. Hope thats some help, Pete
Im from Yorkshire lol
Gods county
You nicked Helen’s bike?x
No she had to pay me big bucks
How tall are you mate? Would a six footer fit one of those?
I recon not comfortably, its the wife's bike and shes 5' 2" tall and its just right for her
@@Mart16g sorry iam 5,9"
@@yorkshirebiker1293 cheers pal. Shame as they look a decent playtime option…
asked a mate who had one, he was 5' 11", he said it was ok. Bit short of power, spot on for messing about down country lanes,
Hi, what gear ratio do you have?
Never had the cover off,so I would guess standard, At 11000 miles its probably original chain and sprockets
@@yorkshirebiker1293 Thanks motorcycle brother. Sorry for my bad English. Greetings from Argentina
It's not a nighthawk tho, it's a two fifty, nighthawks were a lil less powerful and didn't have front disc brake
Sorry it's a Night Hawk , we have had two of these i think it was the Rebel and the early Hawk which had a front drum
It's a nighthawk bro. Here in the US we never replaced drum brakes all the way up until 2008 when it wasn't being made anymore after that. In the EU market, front disc brakes were added sometime earlier. This bike is 100% like mine (the US version) which is 100% a nighthawk, with the front drum. That's the only difference. I have a 2007 CB250 Nighthawk and it still has front drum brakes, but I also know that the EU/UK market had disc brakes on the front before 2007. There is no difference in power as far as I'm aware. I can cruise fine at 80 mph and if I push it up to 95, but this bike is light and I don't feel comfortable going over 70 to be honest.
The American version had other differences than the front drum brake: Spoke wheels rather than cast ones which the European version had and the European ones had the tacho with the information lights on a small console between the two clocks.
@@Tonyv1951 I weigh 120 lbs and I'm 5'4. Trust me, 95 is DOABLE. In fact, when I lived in the UK I used to own 125cc 2-strokes. I had a TZR125 with Power Valve System that could push 100 quite easily, and an 92 Suzuki RG125 Gamma that would push 107 mph. I also had a Honda CG125 that would push 70. I've also had Yamaha TW200 that would easily reach 80 mph. Rider weight is critical. These bikes weigh a couple of hundred pounds and when you add 200 lbs on top of that, speed drastically decreases. My friend who weighs 195 lbs, on the same bike, maxed out the TW200 at 68. Light bikes + Light Rider = Quite impressive speeds on low BHP and CC bikes.
Had an 03 plate one of these, pile of shite, not that well built, slow as hell, a 125cc bike of almost any other brand would easily be a match for this overrated thing!