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SOHC.co.uk Forums => SOHC Singles & Twins => Topic started by: blackeagles on March 05, 2023, 11:03:27 AM

Title: 1981 CM250T
Post by: blackeagles on March 05, 2023, 11:03:27 AM
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?
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: Deano400 on March 05, 2023, 11:44:46 AM
RSbikepaint website gives it as

Candy Bourgogne Red / Brownish Red Metallic

Don't know if it's accurate or not.
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: Oddjob on March 05, 2023, 02:38:36 PM
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.
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: blackeagles on March 06, 2023, 11:09:34 AM
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"??
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: blackeagles on March 06, 2023, 11:10:31 AM
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.
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: Bryanj on March 06, 2023, 11:24:58 AM
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
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: blackeagles on March 06, 2023, 11:44:22 AM
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.
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: Oddjob on March 06, 2023, 01:12:27 PM
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. 
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: blackeagles on March 06, 2023, 01:35:23 PM
I'm starting to think I should have gone for the 250N SuperDream
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: blackeagles on March 06, 2023, 01:50:57 PM
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?
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: Oddjob on March 06, 2023, 03:31:02 PM
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.
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: Bryanj on March 06, 2023, 04:15:02 PM
I used to adjust every service
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: blackeagles on March 09, 2023, 10:15:48 AM
Ok, then that looks like my first job to check.  Thanks again.
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: blackeagles on March 09, 2023, 10:23:17 AM
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.
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on March 09, 2023, 10:30:00 AM
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.
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: blackeagles on March 09, 2023, 10:42:23 AM
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.

Thanks.  Luckily you cannot see the other side of the tank which has a scratch.  I have to buy it as I have been in hospital for some months and am as weak as a kitten at the moment and cannot use the CN650Z or my Triumph as both are too heavy to move around.
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on March 09, 2023, 11:49:17 AM
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.

Thanks.  Luckily you cannot see the other side of the tank which has a scratch.  I have to buy it as I have been in hospital for some months and am as weak as a kitten at the moment and cannot use the CN650Z or my Triumph as both are too heavy to move around.

Yikes you sound as though you have been in a bad way to be in hospital that long - especially these days.
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: blackeagles on March 09, 2023, 12:05:33 PM
Someone has to be the 1 in 3 to get it!!
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: Oddjob on March 09, 2023, 02:40:00 PM
I'd have thought 100 as it would do 80 and they always seemed to put extra MPH on there just to fool you that it could do it. It couldn't.
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: blackeagles on March 10, 2023, 09:34:15 AM
I'd have thought 100 as it would do 80 and they always seemed to put extra MPH on there just to fool you that it could do it. It couldn't.

That is what I would have thought but it has an 80mph speedo which, it seems to me, would be for the 185/200 bike and the 100mph for the 250 and 400.
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: Johnny4428 on March 10, 2023, 12:09:39 PM
Someone has to be the 1 in 3 to get it!!
🥵🥵 wish you all the best for future health!
Title: Re: 1981 CM250T
Post by: Oddjob on March 10, 2023, 04:29:06 PM
I'm starting to think I should have gone for the 250N SuperDream

Exact same engine. CM250T is better looking IMO as well. Probably worth more as well.
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