1981 CM250T

[blackeagles]

I'm buying a 1981 CM250T with a bit of paint damage to tank.

Anyone know the paint name and/or paint code of the light red and dark red 'decal' with the Honda badge of the tank?

[Deano400]

RSbikepaint website gives it as

Candy Bourgogne Red / Brownish Red Metallic

Don't know if it's accurate or not.

[Oddjob]

One of my BILs had one of those in blue, he loved it. Even now he hankers back to it although I think he'd prefer the CM400T version for the extra power these days.

Make sure you check the balance chain adjuster, it runs out of movement room real quick and you need to remove it and move it a few splines to get it to work again.

[blackeagles]

One of my BILs had one of those in blue, he loved it. Even now he hankers back to it although I think he'd prefer the CM400T version for the extra power these days.

Make sure you check the balance chain adjuster, it runs out of movement room real quick and you need to remove it and move it a few splines to get it to work again.

Forgive my ignorance but what is a "balance chain adjuster"??

[blackeagles]

RSbikepaint website gives it as

Candy Bourgogne Red / Brownish Red Metallic

Don't know if it's accurate or not.

Thanks I will have a look at their site.

[Bryanj]

The engine has two balance shafts connected to the crank by a chain which has an adjuster, if you dont understand the system and adjustment procedure after reading the manual dont buy the bike as its a very important service item

[blackeagles]

The engine has two balance shafts connected to the crank by a chain which has an adjuster, if you dont understand the system and adjustment procedure after reading the manual dont buy the bike as its a very important service item

It seems simple enough (famous last words) just to adjust it but a bit of a pain to have to replace the chain or plate.

[Oddjob]

Most were out of adjustment on the 500 mile service. I was regularly removing the clutch cover so I could move the adjuster on the splines. I was the only mechanic who used to do it, everyone else just removed the chrome screw in part, release the lock nut, let it drop and put it all back together again. Even at 500 mile they could clatter if not adjusted properly. I was also the only one to balance the carbs and they were always out of adjustment. Liked working on the 250N motor, so simple, so accessible. 

[blackeagles]

I'm starting to think I should have gone for the 250N SuperDream

[blackeagles]

Most were out of adjustment on the 500 mile service. I was regularly removing the clutch cover so I could move the adjuster on the splines. I was the only mechanic who used to do it, everyone else just removed the chrome screw in part, release the lock nut, let it drop and put it all back together again. Even at 500 mile they could clatter if not adjusted properly. I was also the only one to balance the carbs and they were always out of adjustment. Liked working on the 250N motor, so simple, so accessible.

What is the number of miles as stated in the workshop manual for the adjustment?

[Oddjob]

No idea, it was a long time ago. I did them as a matter of course, the engine would come in rattling even at 500 miles, so I felt it my job to send it back out purring like a kitten. 2 mates came in one time, both with an identical 250n, both for 500 miles service. I did one, another mechanic did the other, the one I didn't do complained like hell that his engine sounded a lot worse than the one I'd done, which to be fair it did. The one I did was completely silent engine wise, his sounded like a bucket of nails in comparison. Still remember that after all these years, made me feel proud knowing that my efforts were appreciated. He complained so badly the workshop foreman had to come out and listen to his engine and he agreed it wasn't good enough. I ended up having to do his as well, which to be honest I didn't mind at all.

[Bryanj]

I used to adjust every service

[blackeagles]

Ok, then that looks like my first job to check.  Thanks again.

[blackeagles]

I used to adjust every service

A 'off on a tangent' question.  Was the original fit of speedo a max of 80mph or the 100mph one; both of which I have seen advertised for sale for the cm250t.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I do like the way your bike stands as you look at the  photo  - the seat & bars look comfy with a clean classic type design of the period.