CM250 Rescue - Scrambler-style

gravity

New Member
Brand new on here, but I came across another thread from this forum (https://www.dotheton.com/index.php?threads/82-honda-cm250-scrambler-foxy-lady.31070/) from a guy who started with a similar platform so I'm doing some learning from him. I bought a 1984 CM250 in pretty rough shape from a guy who claimed to work on bikes all the time. I kinda doubt it, he was proud of his custom exhaust and the golf ball he used as a gas cap. Even some tin foil for a fuse!

It runs alright from what I can tell, I'm no expert on bikes at all though. But it's a starting point.

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IMG_20220317_174236.jpg


I'm planning to do a full restoration down to a frame strip and powder coat, but that's next winter. For now I'm going to get it to the point of being safe and not embarrassing to ride.

THE LIST:
  • Fuel tank rust removal
  • Rear brake pedal - came without on
  • Ignition switch - isn't a switch
  • New lights all around
  • New exhaust - going to make that myself, excuse to get a TIG welder
  • I hate the ratchet handle shifter
  • Probably tires
  • Leftside rear cover (where chain meets crankcase) is missing
  • Most of the wires are routed in a way that I don't believe the Japanese would have done it - should be an adventure to try and and work out where to run the loom.
  • Battery puts out a solid 1.2V - going to replace with lithium and relocate it under the seat somewhere
  • New, flatter handlebars (might wait until after the summer for that one.
I'm sure I'll find some more stuff as I go, but that's what I've got identified so far. Hopefully I can learn some stuff to pass on to the community here, and I'm sure I'll keep learning more from others as I go!
 
welcome and good luck. These little bikes are pretty robust motor wise and lots of parts can still be found for them. I'm pretty sure they are the same engine as the rebel 250 and the nighthawk 250.
 
I think you're right on the engine. Seems to be lots of cross-compatibility. Only annoying things is that the VIN plate shows the bike as an '84. Most websites don't list that as an option, only 82-83. Until proven wrong I'm assuming its identical to an 83!
 
I think you're right on the engine. Seems to be lots of cross-compatibility. Only annoying things is that the VIN plate shows the bike as an '84. Most websites don't list that as an option, only 82-83. Until proven wrong I'm assuming its identical to an 83!
The CM250C was not sold in the USA in 1984; it was a Canada-only bike that year. That's why the '84 is omitted from a lot of model listings.
 
The CM250C was not sold in the USA in 1984; it was a Canada-only bike that year. That's why the '84 is omitted from a lot of model listings.
Ah that makes sense. I figured it was something like that. Thanks for confirming!

Any idea if any changes were made between 83 and 84 model years?
 
Ah that makes sense. I figured it was something like that. Thanks for confirming!

Any idea if any changes were made between 83 and 84 model years?
No I can't imagine there were any significant changes. I wouldn't be surprised if there were literally none at all, other than perhaps paint and graphics.
 
Should be a good start. They are great little engines but keep an eye on the oil level! They have an awesome sound very similar to a British twin.
 
Should be a good start. They are great little engines but keep an eye on the oil level! They have an awesome sound very similar to a British twin.
We will see what it sounds like after I'm done. Going to make the exhaust myself. Unfortunately I figured out today when I took the old one off that the original clamps aren't in there, so I'll have to go ebay hunting and overpay.
 
For a sound like a Brit twin, try some Dunstall decibel replica mufflers. Deep mellow tone even with teh cheap ebay copies.

Or fabricate a 2 into1 pipe and use just one muffler.
 
Are you going to keep the stock wheels? The reason I ask is that there are very few rear tires to fit that skinny rear rim. It's a WM3 (2.15") width x 16". You will have a hard time finding anything in 110/90-16, which is what came stock on the bike. Don't be tempted to go wider; the OE tire is already pretty damn wide for that rim. If your tires need replacing (and if they're original, they do!), don't be afraid to actually go somewhat narrower on the rear.

Heidenau makes suitable tires, and they're a definite step above generic Asian tires in quality. I've had Heidenaus on two different bikes and was impressed.
My recommendation would be a Hedinau K33 in 3.50x16 on the rear, and a K34 in 3.25x18 on the front. While not really dual-sport tires, they are blocky enough that they wouldn't look out of place on a scrambler.

https://www.heidenautires.com/product/k-33/
https://www.heidenautires.com/product/k-34/

WM3_Rim-to-Tire_Chart.jpg


K34-K33.jpg
 
I was hoping someone was going to do a build based on the Rebel/Nighthawk 250! They are a capable and popular bike!
The thread you referenced was GREAT, because I like what he did with the rims... leave the old meats on them and paint them black. (Makes it look gritty.)
Referencing the 16-2.15" rim, on the Exciter 250, Yamaha ran a 120/90-16 stock, so I'm guessing that's do-able(?). When I was looking for tires I had to settle on a TourMaster 130/90-16, which is arguably fat, but it's going to have to work. I wish I could tell you how it works out, but my project is still in the milk-crate stage.
This is going to be a cool project to follow.
 
Are you going to keep the stock wheels? The reason I ask is that there are very few rear tires to fit that skinny rear rim. It's a WM3 (2.15") width x 16". You will have a hard time finding anything in 110/90-16, which is what came stock on the bike. Don't be tempted to go wider; the OE tire is already pretty damn wide for that rim. If your tires need replacing (and if they're original, they do!), don't be afraid to actually go somewhat narrower on the rear.

Heidenau makes suitable tires, and they're a definite step above generic Asian tires in quality. I've had Heidenaus on two different bikes and was impressed.
My recommendation would be a Hedinau K33 in 3.50x16 on the rear, and a K34 in 3.25x18 on the front. While not really dual-sport tires, they are blocky enough that they wouldn't look out of place on a scrambler.

https://www.heidenautires.com/product/k-33/
https://www.heidenautires.com/product/k-34/

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Thanks for the tip! You're right that those aren't super blocky, but would still probably look great. I haven't even thought about tires at this point, or wheels. They are in decent shape, not original tires, so I'm trying to stick to "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

That's difficult to hold to though, my inner engineer says if it ain't broke, it doesn't have enough features yet.
 
With all of the Rebels/Nighthawks out there, still buzzing away, it would make very interesting project! Funny thing- I looked and looked- (obviously not hard enough) -to find out what the stock Rebel Rim Widths are, and so far no clue. I don't have one to glance at either. It would be interesting to know how large of meats can be shoehorned onto those puppies.
 
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