classic motorcycle forum

Motorcycle Discussions => Japanese Bikes => Topic started by: Mr.Ed on November 28, 2012, 03:29:26 PM

Title: 1980 Honda CB 250 T or Yamaha XS 250?
Post by: Mr.Ed on November 28, 2012, 03:29:26 PM

Hi guys!
I could use your opinions on this;

I am very tempted to buy one of two bikes but also feeling very divided about which one: A 1980 Honda CB 250 T and a 1981 Yamaha XS 250 (not the custom one). Both bikes are in reasonable condition, with scuffs, marks and a technical thing or two in need of a fix but running and in overall ok condition. Both are being sold for peanuts, so price is a bit secondary here. I was wondering if any of you out there has had any experience with these bikes you'd like to share, or if you happen to know a bit of both in terms of reliability and of course, if it's still relatively easy to find parts for these bikes over 30 years old.

Looking forward to hear from ya!

Thanks!   

Title: Re: 1980 Honda CB 250 T or Yamaha XS 250?
Post by: chaterlea25 on November 28, 2012, 08:05:19 PM

My opinion

Title: Re: 1980 Honda CB 250 T or Yamaha XS 250?
Post by: Mr.Ed on November 28, 2012, 09:44:42 PM

ahaha, good one man !!

Yeah, I'm aware that 2-cylinder 4-stroke 250cc 30-something year old bikes won't be exactly 2-wheel missiles but that's what i'm looking for ;) I did motocross for years and also had fast road bikes. It earned me 1 major accident where I had to have my spleen removed and another where I twisted my left foot to 180º, so now i wanna go back to motorbiking with something slightly faster than a bicycle :D

Title: Re: 1980 Honda CB 250 T or Yamaha XS 250?
Post by: statik on November 28, 2012, 10:28:00 PM

I did have a 1980's Yamaha XS250  and it was a good bike but as you know a bit slow.  If they are that cheap get them both, that's my sickness. You can always sell one in the summer.

Title: Re: 1980 Honda CB 250 T or Yamaha XS 250?
Post by: Mr.Ed on November 29, 2012, 01:27:37 PM

Thanks for ur reply mate!

I wish I could get both but I only have a driveway, no garage I'm afraid :(

And was it easy to find parts for the XS250? I've checked online and it seems relatively easy to find some OEM parts... but I'm living in Germany at the mo, and if a part does not have an E followed by a digit, (needs to be CE compliant), like a blinker or an exhaust or a mirror, then it won't go through MOT. So it goes without saying, if I can't find approved parts...the bike is good only for scrap :(

Title: Re: 1980 Honda CB 250 T or Yamaha XS 250?
Post by: statik on November 29, 2012, 11:38:06 PM

One thing I can remember about my XS250 was the top speed.  It was 76 mph and it did it in third, forth and fifth gear.  Never made any difference once it topped out just made more noise.