1988 Honda NX250 Manual

The 1988 Honda NX250 is a dual-sport motorcycle featuring a 249cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine, 6-speed transmission, electric start, front disc brake, rear drum brake, dual-purpose tires, and dual-sport suspension. Designed for both on-road and off-road use with a comfortable upright riding position. Below are key sections for safety, features, maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Pre-Ride Inspection 3. Basic Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Instruments 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Engine Service 8. Electrical System 9. Storage & Care 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 249cc liquid-cooled engine, 6-speed transmission, electric start, dual-sport tires, front disc brake, rear drum brake, comprehensive instrument panel.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	249cc liquid-cooled four-stroke single
Transmission	6-speed constant mesh
Starting System	Electric start with kick starter backup
Front Brake	Hydraulic disc
Rear Brake	Mechanical drum
Fuel Capacity	2.4 gallons (9.1 liters)
Seat Height	32.7 inches (830mm)
Weight	282 lbs (128kg) wet
Tire Front	3.00-21
Tire Rear	4.60-17

Pre-Ride Inspection

Always perform pre-ride inspection before operating motorcycle.

Check fuel level: Ensure adequate fuel for intended ride.
Inspect tires: Check pressure and condition for wear/damage.
Test brakes: Verify front and rear brake operation.
Check lights: Test headlight, brake light, turn signals.
Verify chain tension: Adjust if necessary (1.0-1.2 inches play).

WARNING! Failure to perform pre-ride inspection may result in accident or injury. Always wear proper protective gear.

Basic Operation

Starting and riding procedures for the NX250.

Starting: Turn key ON, pull choke (cold engine), press starter button.
Shifting: Use clutch lever to shift gears smoothly through 6-speed pattern.
Braking: Apply both front and rear brakes progressively for stopping.
Turning: Use countersteering technique for smooth cornering.
Off-road: Stand on pegs for rough terrain; adjust riding style accordingly.

CAUTION! Practice in safe area before attempting difficult terrain. Always maintain control.

Specifications

Engine: 249cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke single cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 72.0 x 61.0mm
Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
Fuel System: 30mm constant velocity carburetor
Ignition: CDI electronic ignition
Transmission: 6-speed, wet multi-plate clutch
Frame: Steel semi-double cradle
Suspension Front: Telescopic fork, 8.7 inches travel
Suspension Rear: Pro-Link single shock, 8.3 inches travel
Brakes Front: Single disc, twin-piston caliper
Brakes Rear: Drum

Controls and Instruments

Handlebar controls and instrument panel functions.

Left Handlebar: Clutch lever, horn button, turn signal switch, high/low beam switch.

Right Handlebar: Front brake lever, engine stop switch, starter button.

Instrument Panel: Speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, neutral indicator, high beam indicator, turn signal indicators, fuel gauge.

Foot Controls: Gear shift lever (left), rear brake pedal (right), kick starter (left).

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance intervals for optimal performance.

Service Item	Every 600 mi	Every 2400 mi	Every 4800 mi
Engine oil change	✓	✓	✓
Oil filter		✓	✓
Air filter clean		✓	✓
Spark plug		✓	✓
Valve clearance			✓
Brake fluid		✓	✓
Chain adjustment	✓	✓	✓

Engine Service

Basic engine maintenance procedures.

Oil Change: Drain oil when warm, replace with 10W-40 motorcycle oil (1.7 quarts).
Air Filter: Remove side cover, clean foam filter in solvent, re-oil with air filter oil.
Spark Plug: Replace with NGK DR8ES-L, gap 0.024-0.028 inches.
Valve Clearance: Check when cold, intake 0.002-0.003 in, exhaust 0.003-0.004 in.
Coolant: Check level in reservoir, replace every 2 years with 50/50 mix.

WARNING! Engine components become hot during operation. Allow to cool before servicing.

Electrical System

Battery and electrical component maintenance.

Battery: 12V 8Ah, maintain fluid level, keep terminals clean and tight.

Charging System: Three-phase AC generator, regulated output.

Fuses: Main fuse 20A, spare fuses located under seat.

CAUTION! Disconnect battery before electrical work. Avoid short circuits.

Storage & Care

Proper storage procedures for extended periods.

Fuel System: Add fuel stabilizer, run engine to circulate, turn petcock OFF.
Battery: Remove and store on maintenance charger.
Tires: Inflate to maximum pressure, lift motorcycle off ground if possible.
Cleaning: Wash and dry thoroughly, apply protectant to plastic and rubber.

CAUTION! Store in dry, cool location. Avoid temperature extremes.

Safety Information

Important safety considerations for motorcycle operation.

Always wear DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots.

Ride defensively and assume other drivers may not see you.

Never operate under influence of alcohol or drugs.

Complete motorcycle safety course for proper training.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, compression	Check fuel valve, choke operation, spark plug, battery charge.
Poor performance	Dirty air filter, carburetor	Clean air filter, check carburetor jets, verify fuel flow.
Electrical failure	Battery, fuses, connections	Test battery voltage, check fuses, inspect wiring connections.
Brake issues	Fluid, pads, adjustment	Check brake fluid level, inspect pads/shoes, adjust rear brake.
Chain problems	Tension, lubrication	Adjust chain tension, clean and lubricate chain.

Service: Contact authorized Honda dealer for complex repairs.

Parts: Use genuine Honda parts for optimal performance and reliability.