What do you guys think of the Honda NX250 ?

[benston]

I just got into bikes, and dual sports in general. I have the opportunity to buy a well priced 88' NX250 with new cdi. I am split between splurging on WR250R/X OR going with a cheapo NX250, learn on it until I can upgrade.

Any pros/cons for the NX? What do my fellow inmates think of my decision? It's a big deal for me, as it will be my first bike. I am sure some of you guys can relate.

Thank you.

[benston]

anyone? :)

[Reposado1800]

I had the nx250 for a couple of years. The suspension and tire sizes are a big weak link. Other than that it is a fine commuter bike. The wr250r/x is near a perfect dualsport.

[benston]

Originally Posted by Clayjars

I had the nx250 for a couple of years. The suspension and tire sizes are a big weak link. Other than that it is a fine commuter bike. The wr250r/x is near a perfect dualsport.

thanks for the input. how much would an upgrade cost, for suspension? tires should be easy enough?

[tHEtREV]

Tires are 19 front and 16 rear, making them a bitch to get rubber.

Suspension is on par with a cheep 90s road bike.

Might make an ok commuter, but there not a dirt bike.

[jon_l]

5,000+ posts of reading for you already on the site: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=322268

[rotten]

I'd save yourself the grief and the need to spend money in the near future and get the WRR. Less valve adjustments on the WRR every 26k versus 3k on the NX.

[benston]

I will also be taking said bike on a 1500 mile trip. I guess people are voting for the WRR for practical reasons? or financial? because in the long term, I will end up spending just as much with the NX250 ?

[Jaseun]

I had a 90 NX250. It was a great bike and very nice commuter. It would easily hit 80 and that's saying something for a 250 single. The weak link is the tire sizes and the very soft suspension. You would be wasting money trying to make the NX perform like a modern dual sport such as the WRR. If you can pick up the NX for less than $1000 it would make a great learner bike. -Jason

[benston]

Originally Posted by Jaseun

I had a 90 NX250. It was a great bike and very nice commuter. It would easily hit 80 and that's saying something for a 250 single. The weak link is the tire sizes and the very soft suspension. You would be wasting money trying to make the NX perform like a modern dual sport such as the WRR. If you can pick up the NX for less than $1000 it would make a great learner bike. -Jason

Thank you Jaseun! Would long trips at moderate speeds be doable on the NX? As well as very mild offroading?

I am really split here, as I would love to pick it up as a learner bike but I also want to go on a long trip soon... and probably won't have time to resell/buy new one. So i'm thinking why not save my time and just splurge.

[Jaseun]

The NX has a very smooth counter balanced engine and it never really felt like a single to me. As I recall it was quite happy at the upper rpm range. So I'd say yes, long trips at moderate speed are within it's capabilities. The small windscreen/cowling helps control the wind at highway speeds.

I wouldn't hesitate to take an NX on a gravel or dirt road, but the single track, technical stuff is best left for a more dirt oriented bike. -Jason

Originally Posted by benston

Thank you Jaseun! Would long trips at moderate speeds be doable on the NX? As well as very mild offroading?

I am really split here, as I would love to pick it up as a learner bike but I also want to go on a long trip soon... and probably won't have time to resell/buy new one. So i'm thinking why not save my time and just splurge.

[benston]

Originally Posted by Jaseun

The NX has a very smooth counter balanced engine and it never really felt like a single to me. As I recall it was quite happy at the upper rpm range. So I'd say yes, long trips at moderate speed are within it's capabilities. The small windscreen/cowling helps control the wind at highway speeds.

I wouldn't hesitate to take an NX on a gravel or dirt road, but the single track, technical stuff is best left for a more dirt oriented bike. -Jason

Would you consider crossing a national park technical stuff? What about a desert? I am heading to Las Vegas from NY .. so it's actually more like 6k miles i'll be putting into it in a very short period (~4 months). I suppose I could always sell it in vegas and buy something there if it decides to explode on me :)

Thanks Jason...

[Jaseun]

I'm from the east coast so I'm not sure what your national park technical stuff is judged by, but out here the forest service roads can get quite tough. My NX had a pair or trailwing tires which I think are OEM. They are street tires, almost super moto style, no knobs. What about a desert? How about a dessert? I prefer lemon cheesecake!

I wouldn't take a NX into deep sand, hard pack is ok with dual sport tires though.

If you're new to dual sporting, what you're planning is quite a trip. I hope you've done you're research and are ready to do some maintenance and wrenching on the side of the road. As good as modern bikes are, they're still no Honda Civic when it comes to reliability. -Jason

Originally Posted by benston

Would you consider crossing a national park technical stuff? What about a desert? I am heading to Las Vegas from NY .. so it's actually more like 6k miles i'll be putting into it in a very short period (~4 months). I suppose I could always sell it in vegas and buy something there if it decides to explode on me :)

Thanks Jason...

[IheartmyNx]

Originally Posted by rotten

I'd save yourself the grief and the need to spend money in the near future and get the WRR. Less valve adjustments on the WRR every 26k versus 3k on the NX.

Sorry dude, but that's wrong. Both the NX and the WR have 26k mile valves.

The NX is shim under bucket tho.


I love mine. The whole reason I bought it was because I didnt have WRx money.

It's light and very powerful for a 250cc engine. It's been NOTHING but GTO. Gas Tires and Oil.

Yes the suspension is dead but lets be honest here, it's a bike from the 90's and how many have had the suspensions gone through?

It will keep up and in some cases even be better than a WR/r-x because it has more stroke.

We think we've cracked the secret code on WHY it's older sister has 29hp claimed but the cams and carb turn out identical. We're almost positive the AX is measured at the crank, and the NX, at the wheel.

So 29hp engine, 26hp wheel. And that''s right on top of the WRx.

It's light and has a sharp rake it flicks almost telepathically to me. I tell people it's like riding a 10speed bike with a 30hp engine in it. I love it to death and it will remain in my possession.

So far, I VASTLY prefer it to my Duke 2. Now come to find out, my Duke 2 is not set-up properly. But I'll tell you now there is no contest in flick-ability and just general ride ability.


My NX. Hands down.

For anything under 80, I prefer it. I can see 90-95 on the interstate. But I plan on upping that with jetting. It's street legal, does enough to get me a ticket in ANY speed zone, and will keep up with the Mini Motards on a Mini Motard course. It is an epic commuter for me.

Tires can be a pain but it'll be in selection, as-in lack of, not in getting the tires themselves.

Get a SV650 shock, rebuild the forks and re-lace a 17" to the back. Problem solved.


The biggest problem you will have out of an(y) NX is the plastics. Once I get moved in and some time I plan on duping them to Carbon Fiber.

[IheartmyNx]

Originally Posted by jon_l

5,000+ posts of reading for you already on the site: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=322268

That's one...

There is another. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74613