Honda VT250F - Buzz Buzz!

[Soupdragon]

Bought this little 1983 baby V-twin yesterday - DOHC, 4 VPC, liquid cooled... but sadly not a Ducati!

Rising fuel prices and a major job coming up on my car means I've decided to buy a bike for the summer to save money. Not sure how I got it passed Mrs Soupdragon, but result!!

It's remarkable original, 20k which I believe is true and is really tidy. Rode it from Manchester to Norwich, 230mls on VERY old Avon Roadrunners which was interesting, especially with a 16in front. Certainly kept me alert and the squid's beak twitching.

And so to my first question - it seems the only 'premium' tyres still available are BT46s. Are they any good? Never ridden on them so some real world experience would be great please.

[KungFooBob]

I've seen people racing and putting in respectable lap times on BT46s in Earlystocks.

Keep an eye on that inboard front brake, they've got a bit of a bad reputation.

[Soupdragon]

I've seen people racing and putting in respectable lap times on BT46s in Earlystocks.

Keep an eye on that inboard front brake, they've got a bit of a bad reputation.

Ha-ha, yes, that's first on my job list. It would be unfair to call it a brake really. Caliper seems fine so new braided hose and pads.

[KungFooBob]

The later jdm only models looked a lot like Ducati Monsters.

[Supermofo]

No idea on BT46s, but happy new bike day. That looks in very decent nick.

[A_morti]

Whatever else you get, I'd skip Avons even if they're still available. They're quite a steep profile which can make cornering feel like the bike is falling over. Fine for modern sport bikes maybe, but sketchy AF on the classic bikes the tyres are made for.

The BT46 replaced the venerable BT45 some while ago. Those were the go-to for daily-use bikes for many many years. Stable steering, good performance including wet and cold weather, long life. Their only issue was feathering of the tread blocks, but it was rarely a big deal. I can't imagine Bridgestone would have messed with the formula too much.

[Skub]

Happy new Homda day.

I run Avon Roadriders and Bridgestone BT46s on my two H1s. Much easier to run out of ground clearance than grip.

If I had to choose,I'd pick the Roadriders,but in all truth it won't actually matter a damn.

[Rockburner]

Whatever else you get, I'd skip Avons even if they're still available. They're quite a steep profile which can make cornering feel like the bike is falling over. Fine for modern sport bikes maybe, but sketchy AF on the classic bikes the tyres are made for.

The BT46 replaced the venerable BT45 some while ago. Those were the go-to for daily-use bikes for many many years. Stable steering, good performance including wet and cold weather, long life. Their only issue was feathering of the tread blocks, but it was rarely a big deal. I can't imagine Bridgestone would have messed with the formula too much.

I used to run BT45s on the Mirths (ZR550 Zephyrs): more grip than it ever needed!

[Soupdragon]

Thanks chaps, appreciated.......

I can't get Avons even if I wanted them as, sadly, the company stopped all GB production a few years ago. I think they make a few in France but not in the fitment I need. The profile on the existing Road Runners isn't bad, definitely not triangulated at the front, just very old with plenty of cracks in the sidewalls.

I've never particularly liked Bridgestones (though not really sure what I base that on) but will give the 46s a go I think. All the other makes offering the correct fitment are Die Yungs and similar.

Had quite a productive day so far - sorted out the static sag front and rear, put a little air in the forks, put the chain in a cleaning tank and re-greased it, sorted the broken trip, adjusted the pilots, gapped the plugs and repaired a small crack in a side panel. It's been a pleasure so far because it's clear the bike has been loved in its past and everything has come apart easily.

I'm not really a Jap bike bloke but I think I'm going to get on just fine with this little VT.

[Taipan]

I used to run BT46s on my Honda Bros. Good tyres but the front tread suffers from cupping when it gets low, but its time to change them then anyway.

[Rockburner]

Thanks chaps, appreciated.......

I can't get Avons even if I wanted them as, sadly, the company stopped all GB production a few years ago. I think they make a few in France but not in the fitment I need. The profile on the existing Road Runners isn't bad, definitely not triangulated at the front, just very old with plenty of cracks in the sidewalls.

I've never particularly liked Bridgestones (though not really sure what I base that on) but will give the 46s a go I think. All the other makes offering the correct fitment are Die Yungs and similar.

Had quite a productive day so far - sorted out the static sag front and rear, put a little air in the forks, put the chain in a cleaning tank and re-greased it, sorted the broken trip, adjusted the pilots, gapped the plugs and repaired a small crack in a side panel. It's been a pleasure so far because it's clear the bike has been loved in its past and everything has come apart easily.

I'm not really a Jap bike bloke but I think I'm going to get on just fine with this little VT.

I hate Bridgestones with a vengeance....... apart from the BT45. If the BT46 is anything like as good, they'll be fine.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

Change the oil in about twice as often as Honda recommend, they're hard on oil as they spend a lot of time flat out, the brakes are a really bad idea, changing the pads is time consuming compared to normal discs. If it were mine I'd investigate fitting 17" wheels.

[MyLittleStudPony]

What a lovely little bike.

I'd put new tyres on and not worry too much what make they are.

[ogri]

It is a Honda, check the cam seat/bearings for wear

[Pirahna]

The BT56 has been around for quite some time, I used to use them on my Fireblade. They're a sports tyre and very good, on your 250 they'll give all the front grip you'll ever need. I used to get 10k plus miles out of one on the Blade.

[KungFooBob]

The BT56 has been around for quite some time, I used to use them on my Fireblade. They're a sports tyre and very good, on your 250 they'll give all the front grip you'll ever need. I used to get 10k plus miles out of one on the Blade.

46 not 56

They've not made BT56's for 20 years... I used to run them (and the SS version) on my Fireblade 25 years ago.

Anyway, Michelin HiSports TX15 and TX25 FTW!

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

The BT56 has been around for quite some time, I used to use them on my Fireblade. They're a sports tyre and very good, on your 250 they'll give all the front grip you'll ever need. I used to get 10k plus miles out of one on the Blade.

46 not 56

They've not made BT56's for 20 years... I used to run them (and the SS version) on my Fireblade 25 years ago.

Anyway, Michelin HiSports TX15 and TX25 FTW!

TX11 was better

[Soupdragon]

Productive couple of hours yesterday.... The pilot circuits were holding up so I pulled the carbs off and gave everything a clean. In addition to the semi-blocked pilots, the butterflies were out of synch. All fine now and running loads better.

Next will be an oil/filter change and trying to source lighter springs for the carb diaphragms. I don't think Dynojet ever made a kit for this bike so I'll have to improvise

All good fun though and it's a sweet little bike, I quite like it.

[Soupdragon]

Further progress on the VT....

Fitted a braided line to the front brake. I think at 43 years old, the original was a bit passed its best! I've also reversed the gear change as that's what I'm used (and it's better anyway for loads of reasons) and machined new bearing inserts to remove the slop in the linkage. Last job may not work well as the engine has so little torque, but I've put a slightly smaller rear sprocket on to make cruising speed a bit more relaxed. It may not like it though as 6th was already an overdrive. We'll see anyway.

Definitely want to find some lighter springs for the carb slides. Any ideas where I could find some?

[Skub]

You'd need to measure up to be sure.
https://amalcarb.co.uk/mk-i-concentric- ... rings.html