Honda CB250N - First Ride attempt, will this be successful? Project Bike - Part 59

I aim to take the bike out on the road for the first time, but hit various issues and challenges, but is this now a usable bike?

[@philthymiller]

I bought a brand new cb250n aged 17 in 1980 from Sports Motorcycles in Manchester. I kept it until 2003 & had no trouble with it whatsoever 👌

[@RyansGarageUK]

That's great to hear, these Honda's do have a good reputation for reliability.

[@philthymiller]

@@RyansGarageUK Definitely. They'd never win any land speed records but if you want reliability they're brillo 👌

[@kevowski]

Back in the 80’s we all ran around on 250’s on L plates😊 I had a mildly tuned X7 with Terry Beckett expansions and a mate had a Super Dream with a two into one which he claimed made it go so much faster it would beat my X7😉 Needless to say I left him inhaling a blue cloud of Bel Ray🤣 Great to see a Super Dream still going, enjoy! I’ve got an S reg X7 which I’ve been restoring for years and will hopefully finish it one day?

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thank you. That sounds like great memories. Good luck with your project!!

[@kevowski]

@@RyansGarageUK Cheers 👍🏻

[@sinorman231]

there couple comments down about the oil breather i think is correct,, but hey for first ride its a win, any test ride where dont end up pushing the bike home is a win,,well done

[@RyansGarageUK]

Cheers Si, i agree with that. 😀

[@kalaharimine]

Not a complete disaster, a lot better than pushing it home. Much was learnt, good luck Boet.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks for your comment. 👍🏻

[@papachis9535]

I bought one of these new in 1981 and ran it for over 6 years until I swapped it for a car. Never missed a beat. When it’s running right it should sound like a sewing machine and rev all the way to the red line. Your throttle response is poor and it sounds like it’s bogging badly. I agree with some of the comments: strip the carbs again and make absolutely sure they’re clean. I assume you checked the tank for debris, and that fuel lines are not clogged. Check timing and valve clearances. Check your HT leads and plugs. Good luck! It will be worth it!

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thank you. I am continuing to work to get this bike running as good as i possibly can.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

It's always two steps forward & one step back with these projects. Hang in there Ryan you're almost there.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks. I was pleased it was still running when I got home. So just a few remaining issues to sort out.

[@dcdriving2463]

So many happy memories watching this video. Had one back in 1980 DGY871T.

[@johnsteele6379]

It makes a change it not raining, like your videos had both the 250N and 400N back in the eighties, brilliant bikes these are.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks John, Don't worry! the rain is back today.

[@thomaspenman4101]

I had the 250n superdream twin i polished it everyday i used to love washing it my best hobby was getting old bikes that not run for years my friends used to laugh at me and say what the hell have you bought that scrap they never laughed when they saw it all cleaned up and the chrome gleaming❤

[@RyansGarageUK]

Sounds like you had great fun from one of these! I certainly enjoyed the sense of making something from almost nothing. 😁

[@thomaspenman4101]

@@RyansGarageUK them brllo pads are magic hot soapy water rub away and rust will vanish cleaned loads of bikes using them👍👍👍

[@gordonwalker7792]

Seems pretty smooth, I wondered though why the speedo didn't seem to be moving!😂Currently restoring a Honda CB125RS, might be on the road sometime (!) Can't beat the old school Hondas........!!🙂👍👍

[@RyansGarageUK]

Good luck with your build.

[@CZ350tuner]

I repaired a friend's immaculate CB250N Deluxe (X Reg), back in the early 1990's and rode it 8 miles to an MOT station (it passed with flying colours). They are supposed to rev to 10,000 RPM, though the meagre performance (when compared to the Yamaha XS250 and Kawasaki Z250 Scorpion) quite normal for the CB250N. In fact, the bike was often slated in the motorcycling press and in the 1980's biker lore for it's poor power to weight ratio (it was the heaviest 250cc bike ever produced). Honda must have done something right, however, as t was Britain's top selling 250cc bike in 1979, with the slightly less slow (and considerably cheaper) CZ250 being in second place in the 1979 UK 250cc bike sales figures..

[@RyansGarageUK]

Hi, Thanks for your input. These bikes did certainly sell in big numbers, but they are obviously not quick. Although, I do find the engine surprisingly smooth, even when mine isn't running perfectly.

[@gordonwalker7792]

The RS was better, had one (!)

[@RustyWrecks]

Breather pipe should go into the air box on the left hand side and the oil collects on the small space in the airbox and the oil vapor keeps the filter oiled, although you do still have to keep oiling the air filter every 5-6K miles, flint starts well so maybe slight adjustment to the mixture to get it revving higher ?

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks Pete, but it seemed to push out far more oil than i would have expected. Although i will try to connect it up correctly and try again.

[@paulgrep3193]

@@RyansGarageUK 250 breather just vents down to the road as you have it- its the 400 breather that connects to the airbox....

[@RyansGarageUK]

@@paulgrep3193 thanks Paul, im going to take a good look on my airbox to see if there is a connection available for the breather. My bike has an unknown past and arrived in boxes, so its not impossible i have a 400 airbox.

[@paulgrep3193]

@@RyansGarageUK There will be a connection as the airboxes are common to the 250/400.- usually blanked off on the 250's with a rubber cap and spring clip. Inside the airbox you will also have an internal box that on the Swiss 400's ONLY had a mesh filter and catch sump- UK 400's the space is empty.....

[@janndate92]

The breather from the rocker cover goes straight towards the back, along the right hand side of the frame then down a channel in the right side of the air box, behind the starter solenoid and out by the engine end of the swing arm along with the carb breathers. Brilliant videos Ryan. I’m restoring a 250 Superdream so your videos are invaluable 👍

[@beatlloydy]

This was my first bike in October 1979 bought brand new for $1550 aud. In Australia the CB250N was called the Super Hawk and came in Candy apple red and. Silver. I had the Red one as they go faster. All on all a good entry bike. I sold it and bought a 2 stroke GT550 Suzuki which made the Honda quite pedestrian.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thats cool, i think these were many people's first bike back in the days. Maybe I should change my paint for that extra speed? 😁

[@timparker9235]

Ryan, you are a star... I've been with you on this journey from almost day 1 and I am over the moon you've finally got Flint back on the road - congratulations, you deserve this success ! 👍

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thank you Tim, it was a real roller coaster of a journey, and I'm far further along than I could of hoped when I started. just the last few issues to get sorted.

[@gordonwalker7792]

Thank-you 👍

[@user-bj2nd8ge7x]

brill job congrates not far to go keep it up

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks Malcolm.

[@jimbo9310]

Great to see you out on it Ryan. Didn’t seem correct when twisting the accelerator but I have no idea how to fix that, also noticed your headlamp was pointing upwards slightly so may need adjustment when you have fixed the other problems first. Look it’s great that you have achieved all this and I am in ore with what you have achieved Ryan well done. You will succeed and get it out and about and always look forward to your videos, many thanks 👍😊

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks Jim bo, suspecting the carbs still need setting correctly, and I hadn't used or aligned the headlight yet, but I'll be sure it's not too high before it is used.

[@tombartram7384]

Fine looking bike, the Superdream.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thank you Tom.

[@NatsNackersYard]

Getting close mate. Looks tonnes of fun

[@RyansGarageUK]

Cheers Nat, it was honestly a far smoother ride than I expected, and I mean almost no engine vibration which did surprise me.

[@johnsteele6379]

That's ok.😁👍

[@jd6549]

Ryan well done you put a lot of time and effort into this bike and it is great to see it being ridden. My advice would be to balance the carbs, recheck the oil level and make sure there is not to much in it. Drop the level a bit if there is too much. Ride the bike for a while to let everything bed in and see if the issues rectify themselves, you may be pleasantly surprised. All the best John👍🇬🇧

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thank you John, that all seems like very sensible advice to me.

[@onemanhisdub1969]

If you think that's a disaster, you should have followed me on my first shakedown. It was more of a shake off! Keep the faith and keep on filming 👌 Carburettors can be an absolute pain in the bottom and wallet, as I know from my ongoing project. All the best David.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thank you David, I'm getting pretty fed up with working on Carbs, but think im almost there. Cheers.

[@normanmcfarland2484]

It sounds like your oil level is to high when the engine gets hot it expands the oil I had that bike for years and they are brilliant another thing you should do is take it out and run it full throttle with chock fully open for a few seconds then close it it will blast the carburetors clean I know them super dreams inside out also it sounds like the cam chain is a little tight

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thank you for the tips. I will try the choke trick and double check the oil and chain.

[@thesoupdragonat121]

Great videos. I had a Superdream 250N in the late 70's, loved it. Have this week just bought another. A simple classic bike, sweet to ride, what more can you ask for? Thanks for your work.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Hope your new purchase is either in great condition or great fun to work on! 👍🏻

[@derekdingwall]

I agree most likely fueling issue ,if its a little overfill on oil it will throw it out the breather Ryan 🤔👍

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks Derek, ill connect the breather up proberly. And try again, keeping and eye on the levels.

[@BongbongA99]

How wonderful to see 'Flint' on the road Ryan! I bet you didn't want to finish the ride! I don't know about you, but I've always felt that gear no. 1 is a bit too highly geared. You get used to it though - just a few more revs, slow-ish with the clutch and off you're off. I wonder what's holding the performance back though. Mmmm...

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks, I was spending so much time expecting it to die again, that I didn't give much thought to the gearing. But I'll pay more attention next time.

[@siz2271]

Sorry if this is not going to be very helpful, but ... from my memory of riding these, that 250N is not sounding like I remember it. There is nothing of that Honda ting-ting-ting at at high end. And low down, it sounds painfully agricultural - as if something is going to go bang at any moment. But I have no idea how to fix it! (I said I was not going to be very helpful (embarrassed face)). Really looking forward to you getting it going again properly though.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Hi, just seen this comment, thanks for your feedback. It certainly wasn't running right at this point in time. 👍🏻

[@InTheShedUK]

Love the interesting camera angles! Lacking revs/power... Too rich? dirt in float valve stopping it closing (been there!) or float height. Also check the auto advance unit is not sticking, check ignition timing. Should only be getting vapour from the breather, too much crankcase pressure? some bikes have a breather valve (not sure if the cb250 does), oil level too high?

[@RyansGarageUK]

Sorry for the awful camera work.. I'm going to check oil levels etc and try a few more times before I draw any conclusions. I may be crankcase pressure, but I did fit new piston rings so they should be okay.

[@roythearcher]

The carbs probably just need a good clean out. I know you think you've already done this but it only tales the smallest speck of crud to keep the float needle valve open and for it to flood and run badly!...

[@jamesallen4050]

Sorry if I've missed an episode on this, but I couldn't help notice the cool-down ticking seemed a little excessive, relative to my memory of this engine. If I am right, then it would be worth checking the condition of your spark plugs, to gauge the air/fuel mixture. Or do one of those colortune jobs.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Cheers James, im checking exactly that now.

[@martinowl]

Recheck the oil level, just in case it’s over full. Yea noticed the speedo cable was missing when you put in the split pin on the front axle. I wouldn’t say it was a disaster. First runs after a rebuild will often throw up unexpected or over looked bits. Getting close to having a usable bike now.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Cheers Martin. then you spotted the missing cable before I did. Nearly there I hope.

[@martinowl]

You have been doing a great job. Will be fantastic to see it running properly👍

[@stephenwalsh8184]

🏍👍

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks.

[@motorcyclerescuer]

Don't overthink the slight oil drip at this stage. Try to get the carb set up and running right. Dosnt seem far of on the second run?

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks Charlie, im running through double checking everything right now before doing anything too rash.

[@garydunn3037]

I couldn't help noticing that your speedo is not working. Did you not re-connect the drive to the front wheel hub?

[@RyansGarageUK]

Hi Gary, you are correct. When i looked into why the speedo didn't work, i found i had completely missed the cable. Strangely it worked much better when installed. 🫣

[@garydunn3037]

@@RyansGarageUK Good to hear you got it sorted out mate.

[@kawasaki200z]

Proficiat Ryan, eindelijk loopt de motor. Bij de eerste poging liep hij op 1 cilinder zo te horen. Bij de tweede poging liep hij op beide cilinders, maar kijk nu naar de bouchies. Wat is de kleur links en rechts? Is deze goed? En beide gelijk van kleur? En ik weet niet of je een compressiemeter hebt, maar kijk of er niet teveel verschil zit tussen de linker en rechter cilinder. Succes!

[@RyansGarageUK]

Bedankt. Ik zal.

[@susanbeech7613]

🎉

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thank you Susan.

[@pauldayprem]

Gloves......always ..

[@RyansGarageUK]

I cant argue with you, just sometimes I'm guilty of being complacent if slow and short test run only.

[@mikefennelly3310]

Hi 😊, looking great can l ask what is the horn attached to as just can't figure it out lol 😅

[@RyansGarageUK]

Hi Mike, I'll try to remember to show that in detail next week. from memory it was bolted to the frame somehow, but may be wrong.

[@mikefennelly3310]

@Ryan's Garage UK okidoki brilliant thank you 😊 getting close to starting mine for first time ⏲️ 😀 👍

[@nicktaylor4186]

oil coming out of the breather hose could be a sign of excessive crank case pressure

[@LeeKirkman88]

Sounds a little boggy like its running a bit rich still. Best to check the plugs.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks Lee, the was certainly not running right on this test ride.

[@bethevenden4607]

sometimes oil will come out simply because the bike hasnt warmed up and the weather is cold

[@RyansGarageUK]

I'm going to check it's not over full and run it a few more times before I decide if I need to dive back into the engine for some reason.

[@bethevenden4607]

your uk number plates must cost you 20mph lol!

[@RyansGarageUK]

They are huge, so maybe causing more drag than I would like.

[@matthewharmer1656]

No gloves?????

[@bethevenden4607]

oooooo!HOPE YOU`RE WEARING YOUR YELLOW SAFETY VEST! and clipboard

[@RyansGarageUK]

Sorry Matthew, Guilty as charged. Honestly had been putting my gloves on and off all day trying to sort it, and then it ran I just went for it and forgot.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks Beth, he makes a valid point, so I'm happy to take feedback.

[@matthewharmer1656]

I remember when my mate crashed his bike not Wearing gloves,his left hand looked like mince meat,never the same again,opps sorry safety police men......

[@normanwhite3104]

Speedo don’t work lol

[@RyansGarageUK]

Hi Norman, you're absolutely correct, but keep watching. 😉