All right, I’ve been convinced to settle in and save up
for a 250 Hornet.
Managed to cut back on the drinking (don’t know how long
that will last) and am trying not to push the old Dragfire so hard it won’t
make it till the day (don’t know how long that will last).
Frankly I’ve never seen a Hornet “in the flesh”. The question is,
“Do you have to pull the rad to change the plugs?”
I will be buying a used Hornet and the older it is the sooner I can buy it.
I would like to do a compression test on it (jeez - four cylinders), can I get
at the plugs with out stripping it down to get at them?
May as well go for general advice, anything I should look out for?
pull the radiator?.. I doubt it, at the worst disconnect a few ducts here and there… I’ve never pulled apart a 250 Hornet but I have messed about with similar bikes and it’s generally off with the tank and then the only tricky part with pulling the plugs is the steel backbone frame that runs smack bang over plugs 2 and 3 which can make access a little tricky, usually the only thing that’ll work is the cheap and cheerful tool provided in the toolkit… probably a 1 hour job if you get it right first time…
as for what to look out for, not too much, Honda build inline 4’s to last and the 250cc version is hardly in a high state of tune, but then again it’s probably had it’s neck wrung from day 1… you can’t go too far wrong with these guidelines for buying a used bike…
If you’re after a pre-loved Hornet 250, X08’s been threatening to sell his far a while now… 
Well thank you plasmatron - it’s guys like me that thank guys like you
for helping guys like me!
You’ve certainly answered the hidden question - “No, no seller is going to
let you give his bike a compression test. You pull out a compression tester
and he’s going to think it’s a catheter enema!”
Changing “my” plugs is going to be a quiet afternoon alone.
Thanks too for the guidlelines link.
Lastly, re X08, i see he’s done the yellow plate driver’s license thingy.
How well do you know the man? Are we talking mere genuflection
or carnal intimacy for his presently loved Hornet 250?
Looking back i have a sidebar question -
“the steel backbone frame that runs smack bang …”
Do think the V-Rod Harley may introduce an exoskeleton
bike frame trend?
The Hornet 250 is a really fun bike but I personally don’t think it’s good value for money and from what I’ve read of your posts it seems like you would be happier with a new Hartford. I never thought I’d hear myself say that that but there you have it. Sure, ridden back to back with anything more refined (read: expensive) you’ll wonder if someone cut your throttle cable but the Hartfords are perfectly acceptable for the money. Pretty much any mechanic can fix them and they’re not liable to give you the grief that anything more advanced is bound to bring in Taiwan.
If you’re stuck on buying a ‘real’ bike, then I would say go a bit bigger or don’t bother. Look at the prices for used Hornet 250s then look at the prices for middleweight yellow plate bikes in similar condition - seeing double? IMO 250cc sportsbikes are just not good value in Taiwan right now.
o_O I missed this thread… hehe…
Umm… yup, threatening to sell my hornet… and that’s about as far as it goes for now… still waiting for the OK to get the Z from the missus~ “When we have money.” she says. So until then, it’s still the hornet.
She’s been down, but all the mechanicals are in excellent condition. Don’t want her blowing up on me when I’m burning around TianNeng… a little dirty (barely enough time to ride these days, let alone wash it) and a cracked fender. But yes, I take good care of her mechanically.
Already organised with the dealer that I can use it as a 100,000 deposit when I buy my next~
Umm… no idea about the plugs…haven’t checked…
"o_O I missed this thread… hehe… "
Time and tide wait for no man.
I have to guess you’ve missed the thread where I’ve said
I bought a Venox and when (and if ) the time comes, I’ll
buy a 400 Honda.
But thanks for thinking of me!
I actually replied to that post before this, hehehehe…