The Honda Nighthawk 250 is known as a standard Honda motorcycle and is ideal for new riders. In this Honda Nighthawk 250 review, I will describe all of its specs and features so you can decide if it is the right bike for you.
The Honda Nighthawk 250 is a stylish, usable, safe, economical, and highly reliable small motorcycle. It provides a comfortable riding position, sufficient power and is relatively inexpensive to own and maintain. It’s an ideal bike for beginners, but it’ll also definitely not disappoint seasoned riders.
Read on to learn more about the Honda Nighthawk 250, its features, and its performance.
About the Honda Nighthawk 250 Motorcycle
The Nighthawk 250 is a stylish motorcycle from Honda. It is a usable, safe, economical, and highly reliable small bike. It provides a comfortable riding position, adequate power to make riders feel satisfied, and is relatively inexpensive to own and maintain. It’s a perfect motorcycle for beginners, but it’ll also not disappoint seasoned riders.
The Honda Nighthawk 250 model was built in 1991, but the first Nighthawk bike (CB650) was built in 1982. The Nighthawk 250 is often used in motorcycle training sessions conducted by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).
It has a small and low seat, making it perfect for bikers with smaller or average stature. Aside from that, it features drum brakes and spoked wheels both at the front and rear. However, Honda also released upgraded models in later years, featuring front disc brakes and alloy wheels.
Bikers love this classic naked motorcycle because of its extreme affordability and, since it’s a Honda, everyone knows that it will run forever. Though there have been upgrades, the features have generally remained the same through the years. That’s why riders are confident about its reliability. It’s also why it’s popular among new riders, trainers, and even experts.
If you didn’t know, it’s the popularity and classic status of the Nighthawk that has helped Honda become a global leader in motorcycles. Honda has manufactured more than 400 million motorcycles since the company’s establishment. Remarkably, Nighthawk has always been a bestseller and has played a crucial role in Honda’s success.
How Fast Can a Honda Nighthawk 250 Go?
The Honda Nighthawk 250 features a single overhead two-cylinder engine which roughly churns about 20 bhp and 15 lb-ft torque. It is light and convenient to maneuver, making it perfect for beginners. The size of the engine may be small, but it is powerful enough to impress even seasoned riders.
It is capable of hitting zero to 60 in about 9 seconds. At the same time, it can hit a quarter-mile in about 17 seconds. Its maximum speed is 80 mph. However, it is possible that riding it at 70 to 80 mph will negatively impact fuel economy. If you instead ride it at 50 mph, it is capable of running all day without straining.
In the city, the Honda Nighthawk 250 can deliver 60 mpg on average. At the same time, it can deliver an average of 80 mpg on highways. If combined, it can deliver an average of 75 mpg.
Suffice to say that it is an impressive city motorcycle but not very ideal for freeway driving.
Does Honda Still Make the Nighthawk 250?
The Nighthawk model is a standard motorbike manufactured by Honda from 1991 to 2003. Nighthawk bikes have long been discontinued. However, you will still see thousands of them on the streets. In fact, they are still being sold in the second-hand market.
Many bikers still maintain or restore their Nighthawk 250 motorcycles mainly because of their reliability. At the same time, it is not that costly to maintain it. Its parts and accessories are widely available in the aftermarket.
Honda Nighthawk 250 Motorcycle Reliability
The Honda Nighthawk 250 motorcycle weighs roughly 300 lbs. It has a wheelbase measuring 1430 mm, and the seat sits low at about 744 mm.
In terms of fuel capacity, it measures 4.3 gallons. The engine is paired with a 5-speed transmission and features a basic but efficient gearbox.
This naked street bike is not costly. It is light but efficient. Most importantly, it is sturdy and extremely dependable.
Those who own a Nighthawk 250 still keep their bikes up and running until now. There are no known major complaints about this motorcycle. Nighthawk 250 riders say that their machines still run flawlessly after 30 years. It may run for another 30 years or more.
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Honda Nighthawk 250 Specs
Let’s take a look at the specs of the 2008 Honda Nighthawk 250 motorcycle according to the following categories:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Wheels and Tires
- Brakes
- Suspension
- Steering
- Technical Specifications
- Seats
- Exterior
- Instrumentation
- Paint and Finish
- Convenience
- Glass
- Storage
- Lights
1. Engine
The Honda Nighthawk 250 features a parallel-twin engine with two cylinders, four strokes, and air cooling. It has a total of four valves in which there are two valves per cylinder. In terms of valve configuration, this bike has a single overhead camshaft (SOHC).
The bore and stroke both measure 53 mm or 2.09 inches. Its displacement consists of 234 cc or 14.3 ci. As for the compression ratio, it is 9.2:1.
It features an electric starter, regular fuel requirements, and a gas fuel type. Its carburetor measures 26 mm.
2. Transmission
The Nighthawk 250 motorcycle has a manual 5-speed transmission. It has a chain primary rear-wheel drive. This bike model doesn’t have a reverse feature.
3. Wheels and Tires
In terms of wheels, it has a chromed steel composition. The front tire width is 90, the tire aspect ratio is 100, and the wheel diameter is 18. As for its rear tire, the width is 120, the tire aspect ratio is 90, and the wheel diameter is 16.
The full spec of the front tire is 90/100 R18. At the same time, the full spec of the rear tire is 120/90 R16.
4. Brakes
The Nighthawk 250 features drum brakes for both front and rear.
5. Suspension
The type of front suspension that this bike has is a telescopic fork. It measures 1.2 inches or 31 mm. The front travel measures 4.8 inches or 121.9 mm.
In terms of rear suspension, it is a twin-sided swing arm type. Rear travel measures 3.9 inches or 99.1 mm. It features rear adjustable shock or spring preload and has two rear shock absorbers.
6. Steering
For the steering control, this motorcycle consists of a handlebar.
7. Technical Specifications
The wheelbase measures 56.3 inches or 1430 mm. Its wet weight is 315 lbs or 142.9 kgs. For its fuel capacity, it is 4.3 gallons or 16.3 liters. The fuel capacity reserve is 0.8 gallons or three liters.
8. Seats
This motorcycle features a one-piece seat made of vinyl material. The seat height measures 29.3 inches or 744.2 mm. It can accommodate at least two people and has a standard grab rail or strap.
9. Exterior
The exterior consists of a steel frame, plastic body material, and standard handgrips. Its foot peg location is for both driver and passenger.
It features a kickstand. The front and rear fenders are standard, and the top crown, handlebars, and license plate.
10. Instrumentation
The Honda Nighthawk 250 motorcycle also comes with a standard tip odometer and speedometer.
11. Paint and Finish
It comes with standard paint and finishes as well.
12. Convenience
Most of the features of this bike are basic, including the handlebar lock.
13. Glass
As for its glass, it is folding.
14. Storage
The Honda Nighthawk 250 also comes with a standard underseat storage.
15. Lights
The lights are all halogen. Everything else has a standard design, including the headlight, halogen headlight, and headlight mounts.
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Honda Nighthawk 250 Review
The Honda Nighthawk 250 is the smallest member of the Honda Nighthawk family. If you’re a new rider, this is a perfect motorcycle that will help you better your skills. Not to mention that you will learn while having fun.
It is perfect for replacing big-bore machines used for middle-range commuting. At the same time, it provides a remarkable way to navigate stuck crosstown traffic.
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With the Nighthawk 250, slow rides and highway hauls are easy to take.
Honda Nighthawk 250 Parts and Accessories
Here are some of the Honda Nighthawk 250 parts and accessories you can buy either in physical or online stores:
- DB Electrical 410-54097 Starter
- PowerStar YTX7L-BS Battery
- Krator Motorcycle Verticle Side Mount License Plate Axle
1. DB Electrical 410-54097 Starter
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The DB Electrical 410-54097 Starter is a robust and reliable component designed to meet the demanding starting requirements of Honda motorcycles. With specifications that ensure efficient performance, this starter is a perfect fit for various Honda models.
The detailed specs include a 12-volt voltage, clockwise rotation, 10 teeth, and a Permanent Magnet Direct Drive (PMDD) starter type. These specifications make it compatible with and a suitable replacement for the OEM starters in Honda motorcycles.
This starter replaces OEM numbers such as Honda 31200-MAH-008, Barsanco 620-18656, Minnpar 57-3284, and MPA Small Motor P677N.
Its compatibility extends to several Honda models, including the VT1100C Shadow from 1995 to 2003, VT1100C Shadow Sabre from 1995 to 1998, VT1100C3 Shadow Aero from 1998 to 2002, and VT1100T Shadow from 1998 to 2001.
This broad compatibility makes it a versatile and practical choice for motorcycle owners seeking a reliable starter replacement.
2. PowerStar YTX7L-BS Battery
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The PowerStar YTX7L-BS Battery works great for the Honda Nighthawk 250 motorcycle. It also works well for other Honda motorcycle models, including the Honda CB600F, the Honda Rebel 250, and the Honda SH150. In fact, it is also compatible with watercraft, snowmobiles, and ATVs.
This battery has a polished exterior. It weighs seven lbs with dimensions measuring 4.45 inches x 2.76 inches x 5.12 inches. Its amperage is six, and its voltage is 12.
It has many special features, including spill-proof and low self-discharge – high recovery capability. PowerStar offers a two-year free replacement warranty for this product.
Among the general features of PowerStar batteries are the following:
- Absorptive Glass Mat System (AGM System),
- Gas recombination, and
- Maintenance-free operation.
They also have a long service life, stable quality, and high reliability.
3. Krator Motorcycle Verticle Side Mount License Plate Axle
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The Krator Motorcycle Verticle Side Mount License Plate Axle is compatible with many Honda motorcycle models, including the Honda Nighthawk 250.
This license plate axle has an anodized finish type, is made of aluminum material, and is offered in black. It mounts behind the axle nut or lower shock bolt. The package dimensions measure 6.69 inches x 6.69 inches x 4.13 inches.
It is very convenient to install. You have to unbolt the axle bolt, slide the item into place, and conveniently reinstall the axle bolt. Those who have used this can attest to how sturdy it is.
Conclusion – Honda Nighthawk 250 Review and Specs
The Honda Nighthawk 250 is a stylish, usable, safe, economical, and highly reliable small motorcycle. It provides a comfortable riding position, sufficient power and is relatively inexpensive to own and maintain. It’s an ideal motorcycle for beginners, but it’ll also definitely not disappoint seasoned riders.
Those who own a Nighthawk 250 still have their motorcycles up and running until now. They don’t have any major complaints about this bike. Nighthawk 250 riders say that their machines still run flawlessly after 30 years. It may run for another 30 years or more.
Although the Nighthawk models played a big role in the success of Honda, the company has already stopped producing them. But you have probably noticed quite a several Honda Nighthawk 250 bikes still running flawlessly on the streets. This is because they are so durable that riders prefer to maintain them.
If you’re interested in owning one, many Nighthawk 250 motorbikes are available in the market. You can buy a second-hand model since it’s not difficult to replace its parts. It’s not even difficult to restore a broken one. Its parts and accessories are widely available and are all very affordable.
It’s definitely an ideal motorcycle for beginners who don’t want to spend a lot of money on their first bike.
