[Group] HONDA Hornets' Nest 250/600/900

[RapidThinker]

Hi Guys,

Just happened to be slightly curious about where do you HORNET Riders changed your fork seal/dust cover when it is leaking.

How much does it cost for one side of the fork seal to be serviced and repaired.

I had just got my Fork seal changed and it cost me S$50.... and i feels like it is on the high side.... please share your opinions and recommendation (if any)..

Thanks.!

 

Cheers!

RapidThinker.

[nuad]

how long do u guys think the tires can last for normal riding.

tires quite ex for this 2A bike

 

 

 

not sure? depends of frequency and riding style? i have used a pair of diablos for my bandit last time, and half a year with little visible wear quite intensive use whats more... sometimes even if the tyres are still deeply threaded, must take care your rubbers are not vulcanized and hard,if not will also be slippery. mostly too old tyres will become like that...learnt from a mech somewhere to test that is try to press your finger nail into the tyre, if it leaves an imprint its still good.

 

actually i got was wondering about something, when we use cl2 tyres (which has a higher speed rating than our bike can actually perform) and cant produce the power to really scrub the tyres and wear+warm them like we should, sometimes i wonder if hornet 250 would suffer from tyres not warming up enough?

 

 

but perhaps as a result have better mileage on the tyre?

[nuad]

Hi Guys,

Just happened to be slightly curious about where do you HORNET Riders changed your fork seal/dust cover when it is leaking.

How much does it cost for one side of the fork seal to be serviced and repaired.

I had just got my Fork seal changed and it cost me S$50.... and i feels like it is on the high side.... please share your opinions and recommendation (if any)..

Thanks.!

 

Cheers!

RapidThinker.

 

i changed mine at plan*t motor for 40 bucks, but not sure if that included the fork oils...can try there?

[RapidThinker]

i changed mine at plan*t motor for 40 bucks, but not sure if that included the fork oils...can try there?

Thanks Nuad.!

I guessed i am right about the price. I remember it was about S$35 the normally i changed my fork seal for my previous bike... HONDA STEED.

I guessed ... inflation is the caused of everything...!!!

Well,... GOOD TIMES... BAD TIMES... BIKE SHOP MAKES $$$ ALL THE TIME...

 

Cheers!

Rapidthinker.

"NO BUANG NO RIDER... NO CRASHED NO BIKER... BIKER RIDES ON FOREVER"

[Wayang]

not sure? depends of frequency and riding style? i have used a pair of diablos for my bandit last time, and half a year with little visible wear quite intensive use whats more... sometimes even if the tyres are still deeply threaded, must take care your rubbers are not vulcanized and hard,if not will also be slippery. mostly too old tyres will become like that...learnt from a mech somewhere to test that is try to press your finger nail into the tyre, if it leaves an imprint its still good.

 

actually i got was wondering about something, when we use cl2 tyres (which has a higher speed rating than our bike can actually perform) and cant produce the power to really scrub the tyres and wear+warm them like we should, sometimes i wonder if hornet 250 would suffer from tyres not warming up enough?

 

 

but perhaps as a result have better mileage on the tyre?

 

tat wld onli pose a prob if u r usin race tires becos u wun able to get them properly warmed up on the streets.. but street tires on the other hand r designed to work in all temperatures n conditions wet or dry..

[nuad]

thats good to know.

 

 

 

but are higher rated tyres generally tougher? thus provide more mileage for our 250cc bike.

 

 

was wondering about that, does it just mean on a higher powered motorbike they wear out faster?

 

or higher speed rated tyres built for more rigorous use have a stronger construction to resist wear from the greater speeds of travel, i read several user reviews and opinions that believe so.

[Wayang]

hmmm.. i suppose the higher speed rating tires r tougher to be able to tahan tat kind of speeds.. but the thing is tat these tires r normally more ex.. no point payin more for a high speed ratin tires tat the bike isnt able to hit..

[nuad]

oic that makes sense i guess

[Touch n Go]

saw a FQ H250 at toh guan area. selling at $5k plus with 10yr coe. is it good buy? what to look out when buying 2nd hand H250? thanks thanks

[nuad]

hmm sounds abit ex for its age.. mah motor had an FY for 5000 plus too about a year ago.

 

but im not sure, maybe value retains really well?

 

there is an FX (i think) plate selling for 6K at used bikes sale sect

 

 

 

look out for? hmm well engine condition. hear the sounds defintely. must be smooth, check for smoke. that was my mistake and now overhauling the engine. sigh, have to ship parts from overseas. sgp dont have

 

the more considerable stuff that are really hard to find i guess. unique to the hornet 250 or generally hard to find thus more ex.

 

1) engine internals. (crank+rod+pistons) check by revving and listening for knocking sounds + smoke?

2) radiator - got leaks?

3)discs\rotors

4)speedo cluster

5)exhaust? (if u care about the outlook) defintely no stock in sgp.

6)rear suspension (but can exchange with hornet 600 so maybe not so bad)

 

 

also can check consumables like

tyres

chain + sprocket

fork seals.

 

 

 

my 5cents

[RapidThinker]

Owning a Hornet 250 bikes definitely is not going to be cheaper if you compare with other 250cc build, since the bike is fully built in japan.

 

I remember many years back when HORNET 250 newly launched in Singapore. It's Retail price is something like S$15,000. (OTR). I was told by other riders also during that time that the Hornet 250 is of limited edition and thus, it's going to be a pride and honour to keep one if you are not afraid of the 'trouble' of finding parts and stuffs...

 

Considering the initial retail price, you should be able to judge for yourself why the resale price is good....

 

If you had 'examine' the Hornet250, you will realise that not many 250cc bike has 4piston (4 start plugs)... with a HUGE sports rim(comparatively meant for a class2 bike)... and hit a top speed of 180km/hr...!!!

 

If you like the Hornet250 design and the 'low maintenance' cost of the bike (apart from major repair on the crank, piston, blocks etc...), keep it and riding it as a collection bike is... cool!

 

My Hornet250 bike usually makes young and old riders turns their head to have a second look at the bike and... it feels really good to attract the attention ....!

Not just that, i have make strangers walking up to me and enquring if the bike is for sale.... EVERYONE KNOWS THE HORNET POWER but, not many owns that power....

 

Some months back, i saw 1unit of HORNET250 (Black) at the HENG MOTOR at Toh Guan Industrial area and the condition looks ok.

Since i was riding one, i did not actually asked the shop how much they are selling? I am sure, the bike is still there if anyone interested.

 

Cheers!

 

Rgds,

RapidThinker

"NO BUANG NO RIDER... NO CRASHED NO BIKER... BIKER RIDES ON FOREVER"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

hmm sounds abit ex for its age.. mah motor had an FY for 5000 plus too about a year ago.

 

but im not sure, maybe value retains really well?

 

there is an FX (i think) plate selling for 6K at used bikes sale sect

 

 

 

look out for? hmm well engine condition. hear the sounds defintely. must be smooth, check for smoke. that was my mistake and now overhauling the engine. sigh, have to ship parts from overseas. sgp dont have

 

the more considerable stuff that are really hard to find i guess. unique to the hornet 250 or generally hard to find thus more ex.

 

1) engine internals. (crank+rod+pistons) check by revving and listening for knocking sounds + smoke?

2) radiator - got leaks?

3)discs\rotors

4)speedo cluster

5)exhaust? (if u care about the outlook) defintely no stock in sgp.

6)rear suspension (but can exchange with hornet 600 so maybe not so bad)

 

 

also can check consumables like

tyres

chain + sprocket

fork seals.

 

 

 

my 5cents

[Touch n Go]

hmm sounds abit ex for its age.. mah motor had an FY for 5000 plus too about a year ago.

 

but im not sure, maybe value retains really well?

 

there is an FX (i think) plate selling for 6K at used bikes sale sect

 

 

 

look out for? hmm well engine condition. hear the sounds defintely. must be smooth, check for smoke. that was my mistake and now overhauling the engine. sigh, have to ship parts from overseas. sgp dont have

 

the more considerable stuff that are really hard to find i guess. unique to the hornet 250 or generally hard to find thus more ex.

 

1) engine internals. (crank+rod+pistons) check by revving and listening for knocking sounds + smoke?

2) radiator - got leaks?

3)discs\rotors

4)speedo cluster

5)exhaust? (if u care about the outlook) defintely no stock in sgp.

6)rear suspension (but can exchange with hornet 600 so maybe not so bad)

 

 

also can check consumables like

tyres

chain + sprocket

fork seals.

 

 

 

my 5cents

 

thanks alot bro. regarding the engine, do i rev it to the max to check the smoke at the bike shop? do u think the shop owner will allow me to do it?

 

can share how much does overhauling the engine cost? kinda of worried abt old vehicle as i drove a 10+yrs old car before and many many weird and small problem surface along the way.

 

 

hard to get a H250 from direct owners as i believe most love their H250

[Touch n Go]

Owning a Hornet 250 bikes definitely is not going to be cheaper if you compare with other 250cc build, since the bike is fully built in japan.

 

I remember many years back when HORNET 250 newly launched in Singapore. It's Retail price is something like S$15,000. (OTR). I was told by other riders also during that time that the Hornet 250 is of limited edition and thus, it's going to be a pride and honour to keep one if you are not afraid of the 'trouble' of finding parts and stuffs...

 

Considering the initial retail price, you should be able to judge for yourself why the resale price is good....

 

If you had 'examine' the Hornet250, you will realise that not many 250cc bike has 4piston (4 start plugs)... with a HUGE sports rim(comparatively meant for a class2 bike)... and hit a top speed of 180km/hr...!!!

 

If you like the Hornet250 design and the 'low maintenance' cost of the bike (apart from major repair on the crank, piston, blocks etc...), keep it and riding it as a collection bike is... cool!

 

My Hornet250 bike usually makes young and old riders turns their head to have a second look at the bike and... it feels really good to attract the attention ....!

Not just that, i have make strangers walking up to me and enquring if the bike is for sale.... EVERYONE KNOWS THE HORNET POWER but, not many owns that power....

 

Some months back, i saw 1unit of HORNET250 (Black) at the HENG MOTOR at Toh Guan Industrial area and the condition looks ok.

Since i was riding one, i did not actually asked the shop how much they are selling? I am sure, the bike is still there if anyone interested.

 

Cheers!

 

Rgds,

RapidThinker

"NO BUANG NO RIDER... NO CRASHED NO BIKER... BIKER RIDES ON FOREVER"

 

Hey bro, whoa $15k is like getting a suzuku gsr400! i think quite worth it imho, some 2b bikes are ard that price; rs125, R125,XL125etc etc..

 

H250 is definitely more exciting and special as its the smallest inline-4 engine, as compare to CBx250 twister. if i'm not wrong the rev is til 16k rpm, similar to F1? i love the sexy tail of H250 with the 180 tire.

 

oh the FQ hornet is from heng motor! they still have it, with 10yr coe to go. currently taking my 2a.hope can finish fast!

 

some question, does this bike have vibration on handlebar and footrest during crusing at 90-110km/h?? i'm riding FZ150i and cant stand the vibration from the footrest

 

thanks thanks!

[Wayang]

Owning a Hornet 250 bikes definitely is not going to be cheaper if you compare with other 250cc build, since the bike is fully built in japan.

 

I remember many years back when HORNET 250 newly launched in Singapore. It's Retail price is something like S$15,000. (OTR). I was told by other riders also during that time that the Hornet 250 is of limited edition and thus, it's going to be a pride and honour to keep one if you are not afraid of the 'trouble' of finding parts and stuffs...

 

Considering the initial retail price, you should be able to judge for yourself why the resale price is good....

 

If you had 'examine' the Hornet250, you will realise that not many 250cc bike has 4piston (4 start plugs)... with a HUGE sports rim(comparatively meant for a class2 bike)... and hit a top speed of 180km/hr...!!!

 

 

back in 2003 when i bought my hornet250 brand new i rem it cost me abt $11k otr.. it was definitely cheaper then a super4.. when i 1st got my 2a licence i was lookin for a super4 when i stumbled upon the hornet.. n somehow i decided to go down a path less travelled..

 

top speed wise i have tested it out many times in malaysia.. it can nvr hit 180.. max 170+ km/h.. not amazing but the wind was horrible.. prolonged periods of high speed realli trained my neck muscles.. hahaha

 

lastly.. thr was a period of time when the big 4 japanese companies (honda yamaha suzuki kawasaki) each has their own inline 4 250cc motorcycle.. the hornet's engine was sourced from the cbr250..

[RapidThinker]

back in 2003 when i bought my hornet250 brand new i rem it cost me abt $11k otr.. it was definitely cheaper then a super4.. when i 1st got my 2a licence i was lookin for a super4 when i stumbled upon the hornet.. n somehow i decided to go down a path less travelled..

 

top speed wise i have tested it out many times in malaysia.. it can nvr hit 180.. max 170+ km/h.. not amazing but the wind was horrible.. prolonged periods of high speed realli trained my neck muscles.. hahaha

 

lastly.. thr was a period of time when the big 4 japanese companies (honda yamaha suzuki kawasaki) each has their own inline 4 250cc motorcycle.. the hornet's engine was sourced from the cbr250..

Cool ... Wayang!

It may be a great feeling of choosing the HORNET250 over SUPERFOUR at that time.

 

I have not test hitting 180km/hr since i don't visit the tracks or in M'sia with this bike. However, i am pretty sure that with some 'touch up' , 180km/hr should not be an issue.

 

As for the wind resistance, that can't be help unless you have installed a front "Sai Tao" visor kit on your bike and prone leaning down over your fuel tank... heehee...!

 

 

Hi Touch n go,

I would say that we share the same interest of the HORNET250 in terms of the bikes engineering & ergonomic design.. cheers!

However, do remember that the 180tyres on the rear doesn't comes in cheap... i juz got my rear tyre change to Michelin and cost about S$245.

 

Good luck in your pursue of your dream bike... and good luck in getting your 2A License..

 

I don't feel much of a vibration while riding the Hornet btw 90-110km/hr. In fact, i don't think the FZ150I should have such a bad vibration as well.... (though i haven't try)

Vibrations can be 'soften' by "shock dampener" but, it is worth to check the alignment of the front fork or even the bearing of the wheel...

You will be surprise that sometimes, vibration is due to the type of engine oil that you are using...

 

Regarding your queries,

My own style of checking a used bike is to see if the alignment is out... this is the most important thing for me... in a bike. How to check?.. Just ride the bike along some stretch of road if the shop allows...(be careful not to drop the bike) IFNOT, performed a physical check on the forks for 'dent' or scratched... and the 'stopper' on the fork/body of the bike... check also the symmetry of the bike.. etc..

 

Most shops will allow potential buyers to start the bike and rev the throttle, but, only do that when there are no other buyers around... or you might put the sale of this bike into embarassment... if there are 'white smoke' flying out.. hahhahah:cheeky:

 

For HORNET250, i know that the labour cost for handling the engine starts at S$300. The shop that i know. You may want to check with the shop that you purchase the bike from, and they should give u a better price.! For overhauling charge, ... no idea. I guessed, it is very much depending on cost of the replacement parts.. You need to set your budget.. somehow..

 

The 'killer' in all older bikes are ... "RUST" and "ELECTRICAL FAULTS".

Rust in the fuel tank and water coolant system is the one that cost some monies. If the cooler system is rusty and choke, chances is that the engine blocks gaskets will melt and have leaks ...

Electrical faults on the other hand, is the charging rectifier coil and the starter which will cost some monies for replacement. I think it cost about S$1k+ to rewire a new set of cables for the CB250 NIGHT HAWK (they comes in set). For Hornet, .. not sure.

 

I hope that the information is helpful ... cheers!

 

Rgds,

RapidThinker

"NO BUANG NO RIDER... NO CRASHED NO BIKER... BIKER RIDES ON FOREVER"

[Demanufacture]

nuad, where did you go for your overhaul?

 

ive changed most major components like rectifier, coil, clutch plates, battery, etc. came up to quite a sum but bike feels much better.

 

 

wayang, brand new hornet is worth it. urs is the newer model which came with the fuel gauge?

[Wayang]

nuad, where did you go for your overhaul?

 

ive changed most major components like rectifier, coil, clutch plates, battery, etc. came up to quite a sum but bike feels much better.

 

 

wayang, brand new hornet is worth it. urs is the newer model which came with the fuel gauge?

 

yes.. mine had a fuel gauge.. i noe the older models had a temp gauge

[Touch n Go]

Hi RapidThinker, thanks so much for the info. i like the looks and shape of the H250, looks like a naked sportsbike. however S4 has dominate the 2A category in Singapore if not the H250 will definitely be a great choice for 2A bike.

 

whoa $245 for rear tire!!! plus the front total will be close to $400!!

anyway how long u think the tire can last provided normal riding , how much mileage can the tires last??

 

thanks for the tips on examining a used bike, very helpful, will bring it along when hunting for bikes.

regarding the coolant and fue tank of the bike do u think its wise to open the cap to see the content physically? i worried the shop owner will be unhappy will the electrical stuff should be ok if the bike is less than 10yrs old??

 

prefer to get the H250 from direct owners but no luck, even shop oso hard to find. hmmm..

[nuad]

nuad, where did you go for your overhaul?

 

ive changed most major components like rectifier, coil, clutch plates, battery, etc. came up to quite a sum but bike feels much better.

 

 

wayang, brand new hornet is worth it. urs is the newer model which came with the fuel gauge?

 

 

going to BikeW*rkz, right now waiting for the parts to get in, unfortunately previous owner did not maintain bike well and as a result my bike suffered a bearing failure on the crankshaft.

 

just to be safe i ordered a set of second hand, crankshaft conrods and pistons from a bike breaker in NZ, from a 20k mileage engine. even bought used good cond front disc rotor.

 

everything plus shipping is a big big sum, with workmanship would come to about 1.1K.

 

but still ok i guess, for a first hand piece i was quoted (only crankshaft) would be 1.2K exclusive of workmanship. because it had to come from Japan. singapore no stock.

 

so generally quite a good thing still, cos i included valve and carb servicing into the 1.1K.

[Wayang]

nuad.. u shld turn ur hornet into full HRC mode.. lighten wheels.. carbon bodywork.. magnesium frame.. full system exhaust.. slick tires.. u noe.. like BOOMZ.. hahahaha plus colour red n loud with leopard prince (prints)

[RapidThinker]

Well, ... normal usage for tyres.. in singapore road condition with a mileage of about 20,000-22,000km average should be about time to 'start looking' for a new set of tyres...(for normal bridgestone tyres)

In terms of duration, i supposed its about 18 to 20mths for me...

 

Unfortunately, on the checking of the coolant, even if you opened up the cap, u don't seem to 'see' much ...(of course, for older bikes, impurities can be observed upon opening up the cap) Asked for warranty on the coolant system if needed (especially when u are not sure about checking it)

However, one thing for sure that you can check is the cooling fan operation, it should start running once the bike is heated up and idling.(ie. POWER ON)

 

Your problem can be solved if you can gather your friends or any one of your mechanic to view and 'inspect' the bike before you invest into it.

 

Note:- as mentioned before, be ethical on the checks and do it when there are no other buyers around. Nevertheless, if you feel that the shopowner is not comfortable about having u to have a 'free look',.. chances is that there will be "no sale "(for me). I would not want to buy with 'someone' whom i think i will have a problem in talking to him when i faced some minor issue later.(Got it?)

 

In summary, i would say that be prepared for some servicing needs since you are conditioned to buy a used/old bikes.

Even Brand new bikes can have a leaking engine problem within one week.(which happens to my neighbour, an uncle who bought a HORNET900). So remember the Murphy's law... "if you think ... anything that can go wrong will go wrong".

So.. cheers... !

 

Rgds,

RapidThinker.

"NO BUANG NO RIDER... NO CRASHED NO BIKER... BIKER RIDES ON FOREVER"

 

Hi RapidThinker, thanks so much for the info. i like the looks and shape of the H250, looks like a naked sportsbike. however S4 has dominate the 2A category in Singapore if not the H250 will definitely be a great choice for 2A bike.

 

whoa $245 for rear tire!!! plus the front total will be close to $400!!

anyway how long u think the tire can last provided normal riding , how much mileage can the tires last??

 

thanks for the tips on examining a used bike, very helpful, will bring it along when hunting for bikes.

regarding the coolant and fue tank of the bike do u think its wise to open the cap to see the content physically? i worried the shop owner will be unhappy will the electrical stuff should be ok if the bike is less than 10yrs old??

 

prefer to get the H250 from direct owners but no luck, even shop oso hard to find. hmmm..

[nuad]

nuad.. u shld turn ur hornet into full HRC mode.. lighten wheels.. carbon bodywork.. magnesium frame.. full system exhaust.. slick tires.. u noe.. like BOOMZ.. hahahaha plus colour red n loud with leopard prince (prints)

 

 

LOL BOOMZ!

 

 

haha itchy eh honestly, i was thinking about jetting kits.

 

small and sensible mods.

 

 

actually i resprayed it. to matt grey like my old phantom.

 

 

pity the previous owner had vandals, cos the original paint work was still deep and lustrous.

[nuad]

oh ya some asshat dropped my bike and the brake pump got damaged.

 

 

have a spec 3 brake pump now. and the braking is even more nuts, a dual caliper pump for our single caliper one.

 

 

so my hornet is having some zhengs!! haha, has steel hoses too. so quite some bite.

[Wayang]

LOL BOOMZ!

 

 

haha itchy eh honestly, i was thinking about jetting kits.

 

small and sensible mods.

 

 

actually i resprayed it. to matt grey like my old phantom.

 

 

pity the previous owner had vandals, cos the original paint work was still deep and lustrous.

 

HUH.. so no more 'W' at the tank ?

[nuad]

yah no more "W" for wayang. lool