1968 Honda CB 250

Make Model	Honda CB 250K
Year	1968 - 71
Engine	Four stroke, twin cylinder, OHC, 2 valve per cylinder
Capacity	249 cc / 12.2 cuin
Bore x Stroke	56 x 50.6 mm
Cooling System	Air cooled
Compression Ratio	9.5:1
Induction	Keihin carburettor
Lubrication	Forged and wet sump
Ignition	2 sets points, bobine
Starting	Kick
Max Power	30 hp / 21.9 kW @ 10500 rpm
Max Torque	21 Nm / 15.5 lb-ft @ 9500 rpm
Clutch	Wet, multi plate type
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Semy double cradle steel frame.
Front Suspension	Telescopic forks
Rear Suspension	Swinging arm pre-load adjustable schocks
Front Brakes	Drum
Rear Brakes	Drum
Front Tyre	3.00-18
Rear Tyre	3.25-18
Rake	63.0°
Trail	85 mm / 3.3 in
Wheelbase	1320 mm / 52.0 in
Wet Weight	160 kg / 352 lbs
Fuel Capacity	12 Litres / 3.1 US gal
Road Test	1974 CB 250 Group Test

A drastic restyling of Honda's 250 in the late 1960s indicated new thinking at Hamamatsu coincident with the introduction of the CB450 and, later, the 750-4. The tall, narrow look of the CB72, with its humped petrol tank, spine frame and orward-inclined engine, was abandoned.

The new CB250, first shown in Europe at the Earls Court show of 1967, was much more in the western tradition, in looks, although still possessing above-average performance.

Running through several model numbers over the years, it long retained the essential specification of an upright parallel-twin engine of 56 x 50.6mm bore and stroke housed in a full-loop, tubed frame and driving the rear wheel by exposed chain via a five-speed integral gearbox.

The petrol tank was broader, more rounded, than on the CB72, and because the machine was longer and lower than before, the riding position lost its cramped but speed-suited layout Heavier than the original 250, but with no additional power to match, the CB250 was not quite the speedy performer that the CB72 had been.

For this reason it had something of a lukewarm reception from sport devotees in the UK, though its sales among people who wanted a reliable, economical workhorse for daily commuting far exceeded those of the previous
model, which had been unashamedly slanted at the 'enthusiast' market.

Successor to the CB72/73 series, the CB250 was by comparison of orthodox design, aimed to appeal to a bigger market

Specification
CB250K3: Twin-cylinder, ohc, 248cc (56 x 50.6mm). 30bhpl 10,500rpm. Five-speed gearbox. Coiligni'alternator. 2.5g petrol, 33Apt oil. Telescopic I pf. Tyres, 3.00 x Win (fr), 3.50 x Win (r). 3501b. 95mph.