The HORNET'S NEST was conceived, designed and built by Matt Statham way back in early 1999 - not long after the launch of the 600 Hornet in the UK. The site quickly took off and grew at phenominal speed. In 2000 Matt and a key group of Hornet owners who came together through the site turned the site into an owners club. The Hornet's Nest - Honda Hornet Owners Club was born and today has over 2000 members signed up. The club, the web site, the events and the message board are all run by volunteers in their spare time - purely for the love of this great machine from HONDA.
Honda Hornet CB250
Model Information Launched in Japan
in 1996 the 250 Hornet was the 'original' Hornet.
It uses the same frame, swingarm, tank, and wheels from the Fireblade as the 600. Specification remained same throughout production to my knowledge. Model introduced to UK in 1998 as an import or 'grey' bike
In 1996 the 250 Hornet revolutionised the naked street fighter market in Japan
The roots of this engine is the 1986 CBR250Four. Its gear driven cams and liquid cooled in-line 4 250cc engine is based on the "Jade 250." (native to the Japanese domestic market only) All this is wrapped up in a pretty impressive and original styling package that pumped up the whole naked street scene and paved the way for the CBR powered 600 version (1998 UK) and eventually the Fireblade powered 900 version (2001 UK).
Aggressive body styling, high level exhaust and of course, that fat 180 back tyre taken straight from the 1992 to 1999 CBR900RR Fireblade, all add up to a tasty machine.
In Japan where the laws governing bikes are tight, insurance sky high and MOTs so stringent most people buy new bikes to avoid them, the 250 Hornet is perfect. The bike is still quick and easily modified and tricked up. In Japan, it's a favourite with many bikers of all ages, over here, it tends to appeal to younger riders and those restricted to 33bhp for 2 years having just passed the bike test. On first look it's a Hornet, just a skinnier version with less guts, but still the same street cred.
Hornet 250 Colour info
1996 onwards - Metallic Silver, Metallic Dark Red, Black, Blue. Some models have interesting wheel colours, such as gold/bronze on the red bikes, white on the blue bikes and orange on the silver bikes.
Hornet 250 Spec
Engine
Liquid-cooled 4-strokeDOHC inline-4
Bore/Stroke
48.5/33.8 mm
Displacement
249cm3
Starter
Electric
Transmission
6 Speed
Final Drive
‘O’-ring sealed chain
Dimensions
(L/W/H) 2045 / 740 / 1,055mm
Wheelbase
1,460mm
Seat Height
760mm
Ground Clearance
170mm
Fuel Capacity
16 litres
Tyres
Front 130/70 ZR16
Rear 180/55 ZR17
Brakes
Front : single disc
Rear : single disc
Dry Weight
149kg
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