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Honda · Honda CB/CL twin (CB175-CB500T 1965-1978)

CM 250

Library entry covers 1981-2005

27 factory 50 guideline

Published source

Honda CM250T owner's manual, maintenance schedule printed pp.44-45 (ManualsLib 911882 pp.50-51)

Factory owner's handbook. Covers Honda CM250T (1980 model) owner's manual; edition is one year before this 1981-2005 catalog row.

77 items for a 1986 model, grouped by interval the way a factory chart is laid out.

How this bike is built (what the schedule is based on)

Engine cycle: Four-stroke
Engine lubrication: Wet sump (oil in crankcase)
Oil filtration: Replaceable cartridge or spin-on filter
Valve gear: Overhead cam, screw/locknut adjusters
Ignition: Electronic (CDI / transistor / ECU)
Charging: Alternator / stator with rectifier
Battery: Wet cell (flooded lead-acid, needs topping up)
Fuel system: Two or more carburetors
Cooling: Air / oil cooled
Primary drive: Gear or chain inside engine, shares engine oil
Gearbox oil: Shares engine oil
Clutch control: Hand lever, cable
Final drive: Chain
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Swingarm, twin shocks
Front brake: Disc, hydraulic
Rear brake: Disc, hydraulic
Wheels: Cast / alloy, tubeless
Sidecar: No sidecar

Maintenance schedule

1986 Honda CM 250

On the road: every 300 km

1 item

Check engine oil level

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Each fuel stop on old machines. Dry sump: check the tank hot, engine idling or just stopped, per your manual.

On the road: every 500 km

3 items

Check lights, horn, brake light switches

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline
Check tire pressures

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline
Lubricate drive chain

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Lube warm, ideally at the end of the riding day so it soaks in overnight. Sooner after rain.

On the road: every 1,000 km

1 item

Check chain slack and rear wheel alignment

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Every 1,000 km

1 item

Drive chain (inspect, lubricate)

Final drive

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I, L every 600 mi (1,000 km); note 2: initial service at 180 mi (300 km).

Every 1,600 km or 1 month

1 item

Check battery electrolyte, top up with distilled water

Ignition and electrics

Guideline

Wet-cell batteries on old machines need regular topping up, more in hot weather.

Every 1,600 km or 6 months

1 item

Inspect tire tread, sidewalls and date codes

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Every 3,000 km or 12 months

1 item

Engine oil (replace)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. R at 600 mi (1,000 km), then every 1,800 mi (3,000 km) or every year.

Every 5,000 km or 12 months

14 items

Adjust cam chain tensioner

Engine

Guideline
Change engine oil

Engine

Guideline

Pre-1970 machines: many owners run non-detergent or classic-spec oil with no filter, so short intervals matter. Dry sump: drain the tank and the crankcase/sump, flush the tank and clean the feed and return screens.
Replace oil filter

Engine

Guideline
Check throttle cable(s) free play and return

Fuel and air

Guideline
Clean / inspect air filter

Fuel and air

Guideline

Mesh or oiled foam: clean and re-oil. Paper: blow out or replace. Some very early machines have no filter at all.
Clean fuel tap filter / sediment bowl

Fuel and air

Guideline
Clean drive chain thoroughly (remove and soak, re-lube)

Final drive

Guideline

Non O-ring chains on old machines: remove, clean, soak in hot chain grease or lube, refit with the master link clip closed end leading.
Inspect chain and sprockets for wear (measure stretch)

Final drive

Guideline
Check steering head bearing adjustment

Front end

Guideline
Inspect fork seals, stanchions and fork boots

Front end

Guideline
Check footrests, pegs, rear brake and gear lever pivots

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Grease and check center / side stand and springs

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Check brake pads and discs

Brakes

Guideline
Check wheel bearings for play

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Every 6,000 km or 1 month

2 items

Battery (inspect)

Ignition and electrics

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I every month and at each scheduled service.
Brake fluid, front (inspect)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I every month and at each scheduled service.

Every 6,000 km or 12 months

1 item

Engine oil filter (replace)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. R at 600 mi (1,000 km), then every 3,600 mi (6,000 km) or every year.

Every 6,000 km

19 items

Headlight aim (inspect) *

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I at 600 mi (1,000 km), then every 3,600 mi (6,000 km).
Nuts, bolts, fasteners (inspect) *

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I at 600 mi (1,000 km), then every 3,600 mi (6,000 km).
Spark plugs (inspect)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I at 3,600, 10,800 and 18,000 mi.
Suspension (inspect) *

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I at 600 mi (1,000 km), then every 3,600 mi (6,000 km).
Throttle operation (inspect) *

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I at 600 mi (1,000 km), then every 3,600 mi (6,000 km).
Valve clearance (inspect) *

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I at 600 mi (1,000 km), then every 3,600 mi (6,000 km).
Air cleaner (clean)

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. C every 3,600 mi (6,000 km); note 1: more often in dusty areas.
Carburetor choke / fast idle (inspect) *

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I every 3,600 mi (6,000 km).
Carburetor idle speed (inspect) *

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I at 600 mi (1,000 km), then every 3,600 mi (6,000 km).
Carburetor synchronize (inspect) *

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I at 600 mi (1,000 km), then every 3,600 mi (6,000 km).
Fuel lines (inspect) *

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I every 3,600 mi (6,000 km).
Clutch (inspect)

Primary and gearbox

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I at 600 mi (1,000 km), then every 3,600 mi (6,000 km).
Cam chain tension (adjust) *

Final drive

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. A at 600 mi (1,000 km), then every 3,600 mi (6,000 km).
Steering head bearing (inspect) **

Front end

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I at 600 mi (1,000 km), then every 3,600 mi (6,000 km).
Side stand (inspect)

Rear suspension and frame

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I at 600 mi (1,000 km), then every 3,600 mi (6,000 km).
Brake light switch (inspect)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I at 600 mi (1,000 km), then every 3,600 mi (6,000 km).
Brake shoe/pad wear (inspect)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I at 600 mi (1,000 km), then every 3,600 mi (6,000 km).
Brake system, rear (inspect)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I at 600 mi (1,000 km), then every 3,600 mi (6,000 km).
Wheels (inspect) **

Wheels and tires

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. I at 600 mi (1,000 km), then every 3,600 mi (6,000 km).

Every 6,500 km or 12 months

2 items

Inspect, clean and gap spark plugs

Engine

Guideline
Adjust clutch free play, lubricate cable and lever pivot

Primary and gearbox

Guideline

Every 9,500 km or 12 months

7 items

Clean carburetor float bowl(s), check float level and jets

Fuel and air

Guideline

Ethanol fuel varnishes old carbs quickly in storage.
Synchronize carburetors

Fuel and air

Guideline
Check charging voltage and regulator / cut-out

Ignition and electrics

Guideline
Check swingarm bushes for play

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Inspect rear shocks for leaks and damping

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Lubricate control cables and lever pivots

Controls and cables

Guideline
Lubricate speedometer / tachometer cables, check drive

Controls and cables

Guideline

A dry speedo cable whips the needle and eventually kills the instrument.

Every 9,500 km or 2 years

1 item

Check and adjust valve clearances

Engine

Guideline

Every 12,000 km

1 item

Spark plugs (replace)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. R every 7,200 mi (12,000 km).

Every 13,000 km or 2 years

1 item

Replace spark plugs

Engine

Guideline

Every 16,000 km or 2 years

2 items

Compression test (or leak-down)

Engine

Guideline
Change fork oil

Front end

Guideline

Some early telescopic forks are grease filled or use very small oil quantities. Check your manual.

Every 18,000 km or 2 years

1 item

Brake fluid, front (replace)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. R every 2 years; R marked at 10,800 mi (18,000 km).

Every 18,000 km

1 item

Balancer chain tension (adjust) **

Final drive

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda CM250T owner's manual, printed pp.44-45; odometer reading 600 mi (1,000 km), 3,600 mi (6,000 km), 7,200 (12,000), 10,800 (18,000), 14,400 (24,000), 18,000 mi (30,000 km), whichever comes first with any time interval shown; note 3: at higher readings repeat at the interval established here). Codes: I inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate or replace if necessary; C clean; R replace; A adjust; L lubricate. * dealer item unless mechanically qualified; ** dealer item for safety. A at 10,800 mi (18,000 km), as printed.

Every 19,500 km or 2 years

2 items

Replace air filter element

Fuel and air

Guideline
Grease swingarm pivot

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline

Every 29,000 km

1 item

Replace chain and sprockets (wear based)

Final drive

Guideline

Every 32,000 km or 4 years

2 items

Repack / replace steering head bearings

Front end

Guideline

Many old machines use loose balls in cups and cones. Taper roller conversions are common.
Repack / replace wheel bearings

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Cup-and-cone and taper roller hubs need periodic repacking and adjustment.

Every 40,000 km or 6 years

1 item

Replace swingarm bushes / bearings

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline

Every 48,500 km or 6 years

1 item

Rebuild forks: seals, bushes, springs

Front end

Guideline

Every 6 months

1 item

Clean battery terminals, check charge and strap

Ignition and electrics

Guideline

Every 12 months

1 item

Check speedometer / odometer against a known distance

Controls and cables

Guideline

Old speedos drift with tire size and drive wear. Use phone GPS over a measured 10 miles / km.

Every 2 years

3 items

Inspect wiring, bullet connectors and ground points

Ignition and electrics

Guideline
Inspect frame, welds and lugs for cracks

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Replace brake fluid

Brakes

Guideline

Every 4 years

3 items

Replace fuel lines

Fuel and air

Guideline

Old rubber and modern ethanol fuel do not mix well.
Inspect brake hoses; replace old rubber

Brakes

Guideline
Rebuild calipers and master cylinders (seals)

Brakes

Guideline

Every 6 years

1 item

Replace tires on age (regardless of tread)

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Guideline lines: Intervals here are general guidelines for the machine's era and layout, compiled for this app. They are not factory manual figures. Check your workshop manual, and edit any interval in the bike's Schedule tab.