Another Thumper

[Ian]

Just seen this Kev, what a cracking looking simple bike. It looks too good to ride. I'm sure you will have a grand time riding it.
Ian R

[kevberlin]

The cbf250 arrived yesterday and did not disappoint for a low mileage 19yr old machine.
New tyres and fresh engine oil were apparent, along with loads of paper to support its provenance.
Today, I took it out for its maiden voyage.
Bike started easily and off I went. The immediate impressions were very positive as it was comfortable, light and very easy to ride. Gearchange and clutch were slick. The engine was quiet and seemed to have a really nice amount of power.
Two miles in and I was thinking “what a little cracker”, but then the engine just died and wouldn’t restart.
Eventually I got it going, turned around and headed for home, with the little Honda, spluttering, backfiring and threatening to cut out again. Anyway, 2 miles later and we are home.
Now here’s the rub…………I’m no mechanic but this has to be a simple fuel delivery issue. I’ve already alerted the motorcycle dealer, some 150 miles away, by text though they’re shut until Monday.
I bought the bike online and that gives me certain rights to reject and have it collected, but clearly that means no tampering or investigating.
However, I would just prefer to have it repaired and keep it.
I’m just wondering how the dealer will resolve this. Any thoughts please?
Kev

[Moto63]

Hi Kevin. Can’t really offer any advice regarding the dealer/ bike situation but what a shame. Hope you manage to get the issue sorted without to much fuss and inconvenience. Keep us posted on any developments, and best of luck 🤞
Cheers, Michael

[xbally]

Sorry to hear this Kev.
I recently had a similar experience with my Crusader but it was a private sale. I sorted the problem myself-luckily it was just shakedown issues from a bike which had not been used for some time after a rebuild.
I'd hope the dealer would agree to some local outfit you trust collecting the bike and report on and fixing it based on their findings.
These old vehicles are never straightforward are they?

[iansoady]

Does it have a vacuum fuel tap? Some years ago I had a grey import Honda 400 4 with a very similar issue which turned out to be the tap. My current Yamaha SRV250 also has a nightmarish vacuum arrangement which I've completely eliminated.

[kevberlin]

Ian, it’s just a standard on/reserve/off fuel tap.
I wondered about the age of the fuel but the dealer assures me it had fresh fuel.
With so few miles on the clock, I checked through the service records. There’s no record of a plug change. Somebody has over tightened and ruined a bodywork fastener thereby preventing me access to change the plug. I could see the plug was well rusted though.
Anyway, fair play to the dealer………..he’s going to contact a dealer of my choice and get them to resolve the running.
Fingers crossed, because I really enjoyed my 2 mile ride!
Kev

[Moto63]

Well.... hopefully Kev this story will have an happy ending, and let’s face it EVERYONE Loves a happy ending. Best of luck 🤞👍
Cheers, Michael

[Ian]

It's heartwarming to hear of good service as there is so much incompetence available to us customers nowadays.

[kevberlin]

Thanks fellas.
I will update once this has finally been resolved and I’ve managed to get the bike out for a decent spin.
Kev

[Itsme]

Hi Kev

I know this must have been very disappointing especially after such a good first couple of miles, but it seems like you have a decent dealer and when it gets sorted it will be worth it as I'm sure you know.

Ian

[kevberlin]

Honda cbf250 update.
I picked the bike up today and it’s running as sweet as a nut. The main issue was dirt in the fuel system together with an old plug that has now also been replaced.
Fair play to the dealer who sold me the bike as there has been no quibbling at all regarding the remedial work needed.
I rode a few miles on the way back home. It’s good…..comfortable and lightweight with excellent brakes. It holds 60 mph very easily indeed and 70 is no problem at all. It is very different to my Cb250rs though in so far as it has a six speed gearbox and needs to be revved through the gears to make decent progress, whereas the r/s is much more of a distinct thumper. Not so characterful as the r/s but equally as good fun because it responds to being ridden quite aggressively. Overall a good little thumpette!
Kev

[Moto63]

Well.... what can one say Kevin. Excellent news 👍. So glad you got the happy ending that both you and the bike deserved. Hopefully this weekend brings reasonable weather for you to be able to get out for a decent spin 🤞👍
Cheers, Michael

[xbally]

Honda cbf250 update.
I picked the bike up today and it’s running as sweet as a nut. The main issue was dirt in the fuel system together with an old plug that has now also been replaced.
Fair play to the dealer who sold me the bike as there has been no quibbling at all regarding the remedial work needed.
I rode a few miles on the way back home. It’s good…..comfortable and lightweight with excellent brakes. It holds 60 mph very easily indeed and 70 is no problem at all. It is very different to my Cb250rs though in so far as it has a six speed gearbox and needs to be revved through the gears to make decent progress, whereas the r/s is much more of a distinct thumper. Not so characterful as the r/s but equally as good fun because it responds to being ridden quite aggressively. Overall a good little thumpette!
Kev

Glad to hear this Kev. Hope all is well from now on.