Honda CBX 250 Twister
The Honda CBX 250 Twister is branded as a commuter bike, but I think it can be much more than that if you let it take you in to it’s unique and special character.
However, you’ll find that somewhat hard to do if you’re used to more powerful bikes because at the end of the day, it is a 250cc. For a 250cc single cylinder, performance is actually quite good, this four valve, DOHC, air & oil cooled motor as it produces 17.5kW of power at 8000rpm and 24Nm of torque at 6000rpm, surprising considering that the compression ratio is fairly low at 9.3 : 1.
The speedometer stops at Honda’s claimed top end of 160km/h but the actual GPS measured top end is 145km/h. This means that you could take it on the highway, but it’s not advisable due to the sluggish acceleration above ± 110km/h and the lack of any form of wind deflector. Thankfully the 0-100km/h is quite decent with a claimed 8.5 seconds, although I’ve noticed that from 80-100 the acceleration slows a little.
Here are the full stats:
| Engine | Air & oil cooled, single cylinder, four stroke |
| Capacity | 249 |
| Bore x Stroke | 75 x 56.5mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.3 : 1 |
| Induction | Carburettor |
| Ignition / Starting | CDI 12v / Electric |
| Max Power | 24 hp / 17.5 kW @ 8000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 24 Nm / @ 6000 rpm |
| Transmission / Drive | 6 Speed manual / chain |
| Front Suspension | 130 mm telescopic forks |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
| Front Brakes | Single 276mm disc 2 piston calliper |
| Rear Brakes | 180mm drum |
| Front Tyre | 100/80-17 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70-17 |
| Dry-Weight | 139.7 kg |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.5 Litres (2.5 Reserve) |
It comes with many features that some smaller bikes don’t come with, such as an electric starter, a semi-digital instrument panel, and a 2 piston 240mm disc on the front. The back is stopped by a somewhat antiquated drum, but it provides enough stopping power. Optional extras can include a centre stand and heated handgrips. Technologically there is a mix of old and new, with a rear monoshock, aluminium frame, and the other aforementioned items accounting for the new; a drum brake and carburettor accounting for the old.
These features will definitely appeal to the CBX’s primary market, which as said before, are mostly commuters. Although I believe there are two other categories of riders who would love this bike; newer riders, and riders who can’t afford a bigger bike. Once again these extras will surely be welcome additions to such riders.
The design is that of a typical standard or naked form, without any front panels or plastic. On the sides of the tank there are small hard plastic fairings which add to the aesthetic appeal of the Honda. The seat is a single moulded piece and is quite comfortable, but it tends to make the rider sit just a bit too far forward, meaning one must make a conscious effort to sit a bit back as it’s more comfortable that way. The back end is quite stunning and flows beautifully, it’s a pity they didn’t style the front with the same flair.
In practicality terms there are two minor issues, the first being that the side mirrors are a bit too small and sometimes require the rider to tuck in his arms in order to see properly, the other is that the seat does become uncomfortable after 50-60km of riding. Thankfully you only require a two or three minute break and you should be able to carry on.
The ride itself is comfortable, but the vibration from a single cylinder is hard to erase, the tone of the motor is quite nice and I genuinely enjoy the sounds it produces which is quite rare for such a small bike. The bike feels stable in a straight line but is surprisingly agile around corners with riders actually able to lean quite a bit further than expected, meaning that the CBX 250 can provide you with a decent bit of fun when the mood takes you.
Maintenance is rather simple because there’s not too much to go wrong. Most items such as the spark plug, air filter, brakes and chain are easily accessible and can be serviced with your typical spanners or wrenches. The only items which may require dealer assistance would be valve clearances and any electrical glitches which may arise.
Where this bike really comes into it’s own is in the cities and congested roads, which is surprising because that’s usually the type of situation any reasonable person tries to avoid like the plague. The reason the CBX 250 is so great in these areas is due to it’s naked design and 140kg weight, it’s extremely narrow and on many occasions I have found myself able to lane-split between cars that many other riders had to wait for due to the tightness being like a nun’s chastity… Okay, bad analogy but you get the point, it was tight.
This is a real traffic beater, and certainly much cheaper than armouring a bull dozer to take out your frustrations. Admittedly you end up feeling a bit smug as you ride past all the standstill traffic, but there’s one more reason why you should be; the cost. The Honda CBX 250 Twister is actually quite affordable, with low mileage 2nd hand models going for around R20 000 and you can expect to fork out R33 000 for a new one, available in either red or silver. (2010 pricing & colours)
You’ll save again in the fuel economy section because the CBX 250 is very light on fuel even if you’re having quite a bit of speedy fun when you ride. Take it easy and you can expect at best about 25-30 km/l.
I really like this bike a lot, it’s nippy in traffic, light on fuel, affordable, styling is good especially around the back, and maintenance is easy. It comes with great features to make your life easier, it isn’t intimidating to new riders but at the same time even more experienced riders will be able to have some fun with it.
I truly believe that anyone will be satisfied with this fantastic little bike, especially if you manage to pick one up in good nick for a bargain.
- Chris Robinson
44 Comments
what is of price ””””””””how price
It currently retails for around R34 000, which is approximately $4500 USD.
i just bought one of these a month ago. i put on an aftermarket pipe so that the cars could hear me coming. This little bike is a blast to ride! Everything the article talks about is true! i am used to much bigger bikes (1000cc) and i still have fun with this one. Great through traffic, but can still be used to have some fun. Great for learners, and guys starting to learn to race as well. Allows people to learn how to turn and shift their weight in corners, knee drag, etc. The best deals come from second hand ones. Search around a bit and you can get a pretty screaming deal on one.
as far as backing up the article: if the delivery guys can beat the crap out of these things for 50,000 K…you can too. i saw one just the other day with over 60,000 kms on it. Kudos to the author of this article!
I bought one in 2009 – my first bike. I use it to commute, but I’ve even done some 500 kilometres of really bad dirt roads on normal slick tyres – no problem! I LOVE this bike!
I’ve never rode a bike before, and I’m looking at getting a CBX 250 for everyday use to campus and back. It’s about 30 Km of open, mostly empty rode from my home to campus. Will be CBX be a good bike to get, given the distance I travel and that I’m a complete newbie?
yeah the cbx 250 is the perfect choice, however in a few months you will want something with more power, but considering you are a newbie you cant go wrong with the cbx
just got mine 2mth back, nice bike only that in my country (singapore) there is totally none accessories for diz bike,any recomendation on which parts to improve n where to order as i find it quite slow at top end 150km/h.
where 2 fine fuel tank cap.and price. cos tank found water. maybe rain water
Check with Honda, their dealers should stock spares such as a tank cap.
Is this bike available in Canada?
I do not think it is available new anymore, but perhaps check second hand
Is the CBX 250 the same as the CBF 250?
yes they are the same thing
Im looking for a 75mm piston for my twister if they exist as my ones piston size is 73mm and bore is 59.5 mm but I see some websites are showing bores of 75mm and stroke of 56.5mm
There may be minor differences in different markets worldwide, the specifications for this particular test model in the South African market, are a bore of 73mm, and a stroke of 59.5mm.
However, you should check with your local Honda dealer first in the even that there are any discrepancies.
Bonjour!
Whats is the biggest rear tyre we can fit on the cbx?The original size of the rear Tyre was 130/70 – 17 M/C 62S .Does anyone know?
We aren’t certain what’s the largest rear tyre that can be fitted to the CBX, it would also depend largely if whether or not you also fitted a different wheel from the standard 17″ wheel.
It would be worth taking a trip down to your local tyre shop and checking what they offer that might fit your wheel.
Good luck,
I bought a CBX a month ago. My previous bike was a VFR400, so it took quite a bit of adjusting to get used to the CBX.
But it is a joy to ride, so light on fuel, and with enough power for normal use. I use it in Cape Town, which is very windy, and it gets blown around a bit, but there is enough power to compensae, and that’s saying something!
I will love and cherish this bike and I think it will last a long time. Well done Honda!
Where can I find the instrument panel?
Thanks for the review! I’m also a newbie scouring the market for my first bike, and your article has enforced my decision to get this bike 2nd-hand instead of a new 125cc. Thanks!
I need the front brake rotor (used or new ) for my 250cc 2008 twister. Where can I get it?
Hi, learnt how to ride on mine, great confidence builder. now time for a service & looking for a good place in JHB, any suggestions where I will know that they wont put crap in her nor rip me off. Any suggestions.
good place to service — Jap joint in Randburg — CIT westrand near the 14th ave off ramp. Don’t have the numbers so google it ..
Cheers
I just got one – first bike, new at bike riding, loving it!!!
Does anyone know a good place to service it in Cape Town? It’s nearly at 2500km….
It should come with a 1yr, 10 00km warranty, and can be serviced at your local Honda dealership.
Should you not stay near one, there are also plenty of other dealerships and service stations that will be able to do the service on the bike without breaking the bank.
I am 1.82m and weigh 90kg travel a 60km’s round per day. will the CBX250 accommodate my physic?
Yes it will, however it may prove to be slightly under powered on up hills, nevertheless it will still be capable of around 140km/h
anyone know if yopu can buy a used engine for the cbf.version as i have a serious knock in the engine only have 15000 miles on the clock. could be bearing tooth or crankshaft. its at garage now
not to sure where you could source one, however they are very popular bikes so its worthwhile putting in a wanted add in the local classifieds
Buying mine second hand, it’s got 18000 km on the clock but its in a great shape, had all it’s services done by honda. And I’m getting it for R12000 I think it’s a bargain
can’t wait.
best small bike on the road today. bought mine in 2009 brand new and still lovin it.
Everything that has been mentioned about this bike is true, I absolutely love it!! I find a perfect balance with this bike, not too slow like my scooter yet not fast enough to put myself in deep trouble with the cops. Excellent through traffic and consumption is a dream!!!
Admin/Chris, I do have a question though. Please would you advise what the preferred service interval is for this bike as I commute 80kms a day with her, most of which is on highway averaging around 120km/h and really want to look after her properly. I got mine on 3500kms and is currently on 7000, is it time for checkup?
@JaMo yes it is advisable to have someone take a look at it. They are pretty much bomb proof but things like the chain and brakes should be looked at every 1000km whilst oil changes vary but if you give your local Honda dealership a call I’m sure they will be very usefull. Remember your pre-trip inspections. Dont want anything going wrong on the highway
hi i have a honda cbx twister i would like to know what type and where in cape town sa can i find a after market pipe for my twister
@jpb not to sure, however have a browse through the local calssifieds for spare parts, like gumtree and junk mail
Although I work at the Honda dealer in Cape Town, I have only just bought a CBX 250 for local running around, instead of using my big bike. Looking at some of the questions on the site, I guess that a few people bought used and didn’t get a handbook with the bike. The warranty on the new bike is one year or 20,000 kms whichever comes first. After a running in service at 1000 kms, subsequent services are at 3000 kms and every 3000 after that. Although I am not a mechanic, some of the following tips may be useful to owners, based on feedback during the last few years.
Check your oil level regularly, quite a few bikes arrive for service with very low oil levels- very bad for the engine.
Don’t miss out services. The engine only takes 1.5 litres of oil and this has to work hard.
Don’t try and warm up the bike after a cold start by leaving it idling or revving the bike at a standstill. Ride away after start up and don’t ride hard during the first seven or eight minutes. From a cold start is where most of the engine wear takes place, until the oil has warmed up and is fully circulating around the engine.
If much of your riding is on highways at higher speed, change the spark plug to NGK CRN9EH-9S. After about 50,000 kms, have the main jet in your carburettor changed to one size larger. These measures are to reduce combustion temperatures at higher speeds, which can eventually cause hairline cracks in the cylinder head.
If you have to replace sprockets, use the genuine Honda ones as these last up to three times as long as the cheaper pirate parts. Don’t run with a dry chain. Always keep it reasonably clean and lubed which will triple the life of chain and sprockets.
Untreated chrome WILL rust. Fork legs, handlebars, silencers and all other chromed parts should be wax polished or at least sprayed with silicone regularly. Bikes which are kept clean suffer less from rust. A neglected CBX 250 will look very sad if used in all weathers without some preventative care, especially if subjected to salty coastal conditions or left out at night to get wet with condensation.
Hoping the above will be of assistance!
Allen
Hey guys, Ima newbie to the bike scene. Saw a second hand CBX 250 at a ridiculously low price. I wanna use it to commute to work (Equestria to Hatfield) and occasionally to Joburg as I am a freelance journalist and I travel wherever the editors commission me. Deadlines are vital and I need something reliable and nifty to cut through the hectic GP traffic to earn my living. Will this bike really be able to take this kind of punishment? And can I rely on it to meet deadlines which can come at any moment?
Yes it is suitable as long as you look after it, Honda is probably one of the most reliable brands you could invest in, otherwise look at the Suzuki DRZ400SM which has a little more power but is just as easy to ride
я хотел бы узнать где его можно купить?и как доставить в Краснодар?
So from what I gather the CBX250 is a good bike for first timers? I’m looking to get a bike this year, so I can get around town etc, but I’ve never had any experience with bikes before. So would you recommend the CBX250?
Definitely, this is a very easy bike to ride and is also very dependable. An excellent way to start your motorcycle experience.
No doubt Brad, I agree with Ewen! I commute to work with mine every day and travel around 80+kms return trip, 95% of it highway riding, she is stable and an all round smooth ride without any risk of exceeding speed limit of 120kms (too badly), so far its been very reliable and with the seating position as it is, a true pleasure riding.
Thanks guys
. Definitely going to get the CBX250 in the next month or two.