The Honda CD250 is a two-cylinder motorcycle which was retailed by Honda in the UK from 1988 to 1993. It has a single front disc brake and a rear drum. It has two into two exhausts. High level of reliability and very reasonable torque and handling, has electric starting and CDI ignition.
The engine is an air-cooled 233 cc four-stroke 180-degree parallel twin, with the cylinders inclined 15 degrees from vertical and a chain-driven overhead cam. The fuel tank holds 10 litres of petrol (with a 1.8 litre reserve capacity). With an oil capacity of 1.6 litres using 10W40 SE spec oil. A diamond frame is used, with telescopic front forks and a rear swingarm.
Very similar to the Honda Benly range of cycles, except the Benly models had a 360-degree crankshaft, which meant they could use a single coil and a single carburetor. The CDU has twin CV carbs. No tachometer in the instrumentation, only a speedometer and supplementary lighting for Neutral, Indicators and High Beam. Gear change ratios are placed around the speedometer to indicate gear change speed ranges. Two seats provide good passenger compatibility and comfort.
The CD250U has a top speed between 70 and 80 mph, depending on wind conditions and gradient, and passenger / luggage.
Very economical, 80 mpg; though some claim they are able to get up to 90 mpg (imp).
Rickman made a full fairing option, and the model was used by police units in the early 1990s.
The engine was also used in the later CM250 Rebel and CB "Two Fifty" models (also known and marketed as the "Night Hawk" in the U.S.)