Neglected Honda hornet 250 customization.

gr8 m8

Hello,

I have basically received the above bike and I believe that it has sat idle for the last 5years in the back of a shed. I can ride a bike although I currently have no license and at present have no key for the bike anyway!

My idea for this bike is to get it on the road again and from too much time on Google I would love to customise it into a cafe racer or preferably a cafe tracker with a minimalist look and vintage styling!

I am not a bike person but I just really like old stuff I suppose and speeding up the motorway doesn't appeal to me, I'm more of a spin in the country type with ham sandwiches and a Thermos!

My first major question question about this bike isn't actually about getting it going because I am more anal than that. I want to know if the bike will easily take a vintage style slimed down tank and can I take out the single rear suspension system and instead fit a double suspension system to the outside of the forks that join the body? Simply because I like the way they look

Thank you for your time, Mike.

D3V!L

gr8 m8 wrote: »

Hello,

I have basically received the above bike and I believe that it has sat idle for the last 5years in the back of a shed. I can ride a bike although I currently have no license and at present have no key for the bike anyway!

My idea for this bike is to get it on the road again and from too much time on Google I would love to customise it into a cafe racer or preferably a cafe tracker with a minimalist look and vintage styling!

I am not a bike person but I just really like old stuff I suppose and speeding up the motorway doesn't appeal to me, I'm more of a spin in the country type with ham sandwiches and a Thermos!

My first major question question about this bike isn't actually about getting it going because I am more anal than that. I want to know if the bike will easily take a vintage style slimed down tank and can I take out the single rear suspension system and instead fit a double suspension system to the outside of the forks that join the body? Simply because I like the way they look

Thank you for your time, Mike.

You'd have to change the rear subframe and swingarm to turn it into a double rear shock bike. I think you'd be better off looking at a bike with that set up from the factory rather than dangerously changing the geometry of an existing machine.

Before you even get to that stage you'll need to get yourself a bike licence. No point in missing the most important hurdle and falling flat on the subsequent ones.

blade1

Imo best way to have a bike is the way it was first day.

stewygriffin

Can't beat the ham sambos and flask of tea on a sunny day.

Especially at the road races.


Best of luck with the build OP.

gr8 m8

blade1 wrote: »

Imo best way to have a bike is the way it was first day.

I just like the idea!

blade1

gr8 m8 wrote: »

I just like the idea!

Good luck with so!;)

emo72

gr8 m8 wrote: »

I just like the idea!

Yeah that's all you need, positive mental attitude, and the rest will fall into place!

But I'm obviously jesting with you, yeah I'd love one too, and I know a bit about bikes. But what you want to take on is way above a lot of people on here, way above me! Nice idea, but if you even have to ask on here, I'd say it's beyond you. Best of luck.

Goose81

If you do decide to do the dual shocks thing you won't be able to buy that stuff off the shelf you'll need to be handy with a welder because there will be alot of custom brackets needed.

Del2005

gr8 m8 wrote: »

I just like the idea!

If you have the money you can get that style you want on any bike. How much you spend depends on your skill level with fabrication. But since most manufacturers are selling bikes like that now it'd be easier to get the Hornet running and sell it then buy a more suitable bike.

Apart from the lack of a licence your other issue could be insurance. Irish insurance companies don't like modifications and a completely customised vehicle will be difficult to insure.

tri50072

Some years ago I registered with Bikers.ie I am 83yo and make some mistakes when subscribing I am now in what they call the penitentiary.I cannot do anything on the site and no help from them.

blade1

tri50072 wrote: »

Some years ago I registered with Bikers.ie I am 83yo and make some mistakes when subscribing I am now in what they call the penitentiary.I cannot do anything on the site and no help from them.

Ah don't mind them Bollox's!
You're more than welcome here!
Fair play to you.

gr8 m8

Hello.

Thank you for all your replies. I'm with you about I not realising how big a job it would be. Especially the suspension system, I seriously doubt that I would even attempt such a big Job!

But say I manage to get the bike running and it's ticking over quite nicely, can I go just as far as looks go by doing the likes of:

*Getting a slimmer vintage style tank.
*Change the handlebars to lower the profile.
*Remove the fairing and plastic.
*Add the thick nobby tyres.
*Shorten the back seat.

I have little interest in it being this shiny bike or it being a performance machine (which I imagine you all will tell me, that I will have little to worry about in those categories!)

I just would like it to be a reliable machine that has a comfortable riding position considering its not a big bike and I'm over 6 foot, and when you look at it, you just give it a second glance because it isn't a run of the mill bike off the shelf and then it's forgotten about.

Any direction is appreciated and I am thankful of all responses so far!

CJhaughey

gr8 m8 wrote: »

Hello.

Thank you for all your replies. I'm with you about I not realising how big a job it would be. Especially the suspension system, I seriously doubt that I would even attempt such a big Job!

But say I manage to get the bike running and it's ticking over quite nicely, can I go just as far as looks go by doing the likes of:

*Getting a slimmer vintage style tank.
*Change the handlebars to lower the profile.
*Remove the fairing and plastic.
*Add the thick nobby tyres.
*Shorten the back seat.

I have little interest in it being this shiny bike or it being a performance machine (which I imagine you all will tell me, that I will have little to worry about in those categories!)

I just would like it to be a reliable machine that has a comfortable riding position considering its not a big bike and I'm over 6 foot, and when you look at it, you just give it a second glance because it isn't a run of the mill bike off the shelf and then it's forgotten about.

Any direction is appreciated and I am thankful of all responses so far!

All those things sound simple but are in fact a lot of work, to shorten the seat you will need to alter the subframe, which usually means cutting it off, shortening it and welding it back on.

Tanks may or may not fit depending on the attachments, again not that simple a job as the seat/tank join is what affects the look of a bike hugely, get it wrong and it looks cack.

Take the fairing off and you will have a lot of brackets to cut off and tidy up

Tyres are simple enough but check for clearance between the swingarm and forks.

Handlebars can be changed but you may need to shorten or lengthen the cables to get a good cable run.

boombang

I'm not a biker, but the solution seems very clear:

Get a license; use the Hornet unaltered to get used to riding and see if you enjoy it; sell it and buy something that looks right already and/or is a better basis for customisation.

I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm, but I think you need to redirect plans.

Max Headroom

Building a bike IS expensive..when you add up all the parts it can run into thousands, depending on your vision..You could throw a few hundred into it but it wont look like you envisioned..believe me..!!
Mono shocks can look okay..saves a heap of grief, keepin it simple is best...

blade1

Max Headroom wrote: »

Building a bike IS expensive..when you add up all the parts it can run into thousands, depending on your vision..You could throw a few hundred into it but it wont look like you envisioned..believe me..!!

Yes, If it's left there for years you could be talking 500-800 getting it roadworthy depending on what it needs.
Tyres,chain and sprockets,brakes oil,fluids,major servicing on all parts and we still don't know the condition inside engine.
So before even starting the cost is building up.

Max Headroom

Lot of guys just go out and buy a bike and theyre happy .and cant understand why anyone would take the trouble and expense to build their own bike..
If you've never built something yourself you wont get that buzz....its addictive..for some they try it once then say "never again" ..for others (self included) you will look at any old bike and see potential, it wont be to everyones taste but thats not what its about...its the challenge..

Ask Stewie.....................:D

Del2005

gr8 m8 wrote: »

Hello.

Thank you for all your replies. I'm with you about I not realising how big a job it would be. Especially the suspension system, I seriously doubt that I would even attempt such a big Job!

But say I manage to get the bike running and it's ticking over quite nicely, can I go just as far as looks go by doing the likes of:

*Getting a slimmer vintage style tank.
*Change the handlebars to lower the profile.
*Remove the fairing and plastic.
*Add the thick nobby tyres.
*Shorten the back seat.

I have little interest in it being this shiny bike or it being a performance machine (which I imagine you all will tell me, that I will have little to worry about in those categories!)

I just would like it to be a reliable machine that has a comfortable riding position considering its not a big bike and I'm over 6 foot, and when you look at it, you just give it a second glance because it isn't a run of the mill bike off the shelf and then it's forgotten about.

Any direction is appreciated and I am thankful of all responses so far!

Over 6 foot and lowering the handle bars! That's not going to be comfortable for any long trips. You will need to research what are easy modifications for the Hornet, parts from other bikes or specialists that fit, and hard modifications that require fabrication skills. If another skinny tank will fit its an easy swap if there's none that fits then it's a major job to make or modify one to fit.

If you like the look of your bike, customised or not, who gives a flying f what anyone else thinks. Personally I can't stand Harley's but loads of people love them and I'm sure that someone people don't like my bike, but we still enjoy riding them and that's what counts.

Max Headroom

Del2005 wrote: »

gr8 m8 wrote: »

Hello.

Thank you for all your replies. I'm with you about I not realising how big a job it would be. Especially the suspension system, I seriously doubt that I would even attempt such a big Job!

But say I manage to get the bike running and it's ticking over quite nicely, can I go just as far as looks go by doing the likes of:

*Getting a slimmer vintage style tank.
*Change the handlebars to lower the profile.
*Remove the fairing and plastic.
*Add the thick nobby tyres.
*Shorten the back seat.

I have little interest in it being this shiny bike or it being a performance machine (which I imagine you all will tell me, that I will have little to worry about in those categories!)

I just would like it to be a reliable machine that has a comfortable riding position considering its not a big bike and I'm over 6 foot, and when you look at it, you just give it a second glance because it isn't a run of the mill bike off the shelf and then it's forgotten about.

Any direction is appreciated and I am thankful of all responses so far!

Over 6 foot and lowering the handle bars! That's not going to be comfortable for any long trips. You will need to research what are easy modifications for the Hornet, parts from other bikes or specialists that fit, and hard modifications that require fabrication skills. If another skinny tank will fit its an easy swap if there's none that fits then it's a major job to make or modify one to fit.

If you like the look of your bike, customised or not, who gives a flying f what anyone else thinks. Personally I can't stand Harley's but loads of people love them and I'm sure that someone people don't like my bike, but we still enjoy riding them and that's what counts.

Exactly, I,'ve no interest in the latest "must have" sports/adventure bikes these days....I,'ve had them all and got bored with them...it's pure classics for me now...it's basically whatever floats yer boat.....

gr8 m8

Hello.

Thank you sincerely for all the great comments. I can agree with both parties on their lines of thought. For instance, my car is a 98 golf with 80 thousand miles on the clock that I inherited also. I've done nothing to it but everyone who drives it always comments that she is flying for her age and the engine starts first time every time so I will cry when she eventually dies!

But I feel differently about this bike, maybe because the biker culture is not one of necessity but of preference. I have little interest in going fast but admire someone who will go into a turn at 3 digits but it isn't for me!

I like the idea of someone asking me what the hell is that meant to be and I can say that it MY BIKE! A Mike bike if you will?

Max Headroom

zubair

It's worth noting that the hornet 250 is a Jap import and parts will be a pain to get.

Max Headroom

zubair wrote: »

It's worth noting that the hornet 250 is a Jap import and parts will be a pain to get.

Same engine as the cbr...if thats all he's using he'll be grand...:)

gr8 m8

Hello,

Well I rang a gentleman in Viking customs in Wexford and I'm terrible with names so his escapes me but he was really helpful and gave me loads of advice even though he told me that he wouldn't be able to do the type of work I'm looking for so hard off to him!

He gave me info on a breaker garage in Kilkenny and Wicklow and explained that because the frame bar is flat that I should have little difficulty finding a different tank with minimal work needed to attach it!

So in a perfect world I was thinking of doing this, obviously i have no idea how much it would run to but I just thought the idea was cool and someone might find it amusing.

A Honda CB 500 tank!sanded back to bare metal, left out to go rusty and painted red. Left to rust again, followed by a light sanding to bring any high points back to rust and metal and then coated in clear Matt varnish.

Remove the back seat and all the metal frame that has anything to do with the seat. Fabricate and weld a loop seat bar to it that only extends to directly above the middle of the back axel. I would copy the hornet seat closely but obviously shorten it and I was thinking a distressed black leather style cover.

A gsxr set of front forks with clip on handlebars, dropped rear view mirrors and a single oldstyle circular light as in the one i have already but mounting is as low as can be allowed.

Apparently these forks allow for nobby tires so I might look into them for front and back. And again, as I said in an ideal world i would pair them with spoked wheels.

That is the dream as it stands anyway so for people itching to tell me that I'm mad and pointing out all the silly ideas and the fact that the bike isn't running yet, I know! But dreaming is costing me nothing at this point!

What does anyone think?

Del2005

gr8 m8 wrote: »

Hello,

Well I rang a gentleman in Viking customs in Wexford and I'm terrible with names so his escapes me but he was really helpful and gave me loads of advice even though he told me that he wouldn't be able to do the type of work I'm looking for so hard off to him!

He gave me info on a breaker garage in Kilkenny and Wicklow and explained that because the frame bar is flat that I should have little difficulty finding a different tank with minimal work needed to attach it!

So in a perfect world I was thinking of doing this, obviously i have no idea how much it would run to but I just thought the idea was cool and someone might find it amusing.

A Honda CB 500 tank!sanded back to bare metal, left out to go rusty and painted red. Left to rust again, followed by a light sanding to bring any high points back to rust and metal and then coated in clear Matt varnish.

Remove the back seat and all the metal frame that has anything to do with the seat. Fabricate and weld a loop seat bar to it that only extends to directly above the middle of the back axel. I would copy the hornet seat closely but obviously shorten it and I was thinking a distressed black leather style cover.

A gsxr set of front forks with clip on handlebars, dropped rear view mirrors and a single oldstyle circular light as in the one i have already but mounting is as low as can be allowed.

Apparently these forks allow for nobby tires so I might look into them for front and back. And again, as I said in an ideal world i would pair them with spoked wheels.

That is the dream as it stands anyway so for people itching to tell me that I'm mad and pointing out all the silly ideas and the fact that the bike isn't running yet, I know! But dreaming is costing me nothing at this point!

What does anyone think?

Sounds uncomfortable and will handle badly, knobblies are never good for road use, but if you enjoy it work away.

gr8 m8

Hello.

The nobblies are really only a thought. Easily left out so thank you. Could I ask why it might be uncomfortable? Are you referring to the snap on handlebars? I'm hoping to have the seat in the same position, only shorter since the pillion seat will be removed.

Hotblack Desiato

gr8 m8 wrote: »

I just like the idea!

As an aside, can anyone identify the lump in that yoke? Unit construction Brit twin, kickstart, left hand gearchange. Not a Triumph and doesn't look like a BSA or Royal Oilfield either.

I'm thinking Norton Commando 850?
Edit: scratch that. Nortons were never unit. Yam XS650, essentially a less leaky better made Brit twin, perhaps?

Edit 2: like a dope I now see it says YAMAHA on the lower casing, and at the bottom of the pic... didn't see either before but I was on the phone then


A big part of a custom bike imo is something that sounds good as well as looks good. A 250 four is always going to sound like a sewing machine, sorry. A better starting point imo would be a 60s Triumph twin or any Harley - not really my bag but Sportsters are relatively cheap and there are tons of off the shelf parts available to customise it to your tastes.

zubair

Actually the hornet 250 sounds pretty good. However. I don't think it's the right bike for the mods op is looking to do. A kwak zephyr would be better.

Actually there's a nice custom bike I see parked in work i must take a pic and share it. No idea what it was before the mods.

Del2005

gr8 m8 wrote: »

Hello.

The nobblies are really only a thought. Easily left out so thank you. Could I ask why it might be uncomfortable? Are you referring to the snap on handlebars? I'm hoping to have the seat in the same position, only shorter since the pillion seat will be removed.

You're 6' and putting clips-ons onto an already small bike. Clip-ons are for racing or fast road work where the speed takes the pressure off your wrists, at the speed a 250 Hornet goes you'll be feeling pain.

decky1

tri50072 wrote: »

Some years ago I registered with Bikers.ie I am 83yo and make some mistakes when subscribing I am now in what they call the penitentiary.I cannot do anything on the site and no help from them.

your not the only one to have a run in with them 'Shower of ****es'[wish i could say what i really think od them but yer man her would barr me] i too joined this so called Biker .ie [clints] just to join in with their chats etc, [had bikes since i was 18 every time i tried to say something i got the head eat of me, very ignorant people on that site, your as well away. Stay here everyone is friendly, don't be afraid to throw in your tuppence worth.

decky1

gr8 m8 wrote: »

Hello,

I have basically received the above bike and I believe that it has sat idle for the last 5years in the back of a shed. I can ride a bike although I currently have no license and at present have no key for the bike anyway!

My idea for this bike is to get it on the road again and from too much time on Google I would love to customise it into a cafe racer or preferably a cafe tracker with a minimalist look and vintage styling!

I am not a bike person but I just really like old stuff I suppose and speeding up the motorway doesn't appeal to me, I'm more of a spin in the country type with ham sandwiches and a Thermos!

My first major question question about this bike isn't actually about getting it going because I am more anal than that. I want to know if the bike will easily take a vintage style slimed down tank and can I take out the single rear suspension system and instead fit a double suspension system to the outside of the forks that join the body? Simply because I like the way they look

Thank you for your time, Mike.

great idea to cusomize your bike, start by getting a hand full of your hard earned cash and setting fire to it as this is what it's like to customize your bike, if you can't do it your self get 2 hand fulls and do the same. best of luck be sure to sent photo when your finished your project.:cool: