Honda Hornet 250 (CB250F MC31) — OEM Fluid, Tire Pressure & Maintenance Specs
249cc Liquid-Cooled Inline-4 DOHC 16V Gear-Driven Cams · Source: Honda Hornet 250 (CB250F MC31) (1996–2007) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications
According to the Honda Hornet 250 (CB250F MC31) (1996–2007) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications, the 1996–2007 Honda Hornet 250 (CB250F MC31) (chassis MC31) requires 2.2 L (2.32 US qt) of SAE 10W-30 (JASO MA, API SG/SJ or higher) engine oil for a drain-only change and 2.4 L (2.54 US qt) with filter service (15410-MCJ-000 / HF204 (or early HF303)). Standard solo cold tire pressure is 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI front (130/70ZR16 M/C (61W)) and 250 kPa / 2.50 bar / 36 PSI rear (180/55ZR17 M/C (73W)), paired with 4× NGK CR8EH-9 / CR9EH-9 spark plug(s) and a YTZ10S battery.
Drain only: 2.2 L (2.32 US qt)
R 250 kPa (2.50 bar)
Est. Range: ~336 km (209 mi)
1. Engine Lubrication, Filter & Clutch Specifications
| Clutch Architecture | Wet Multi-Plate Manual Clutch NEVER use JASO MB |
|---|---|
| Recommended Viscosity & Grade | SAE 10W-30 (Alt: SAE 10W-40) · JASO MA · API SG/SJ or higher |
| Oil Volume (Drain / With Filter / Overhaul) |
• Drain only: 2.2 L (2.32 US qt) • With filter/strainer: 2.4 L (2.54 US qt) • Complete dry overhaul: 2.8 L (2.96 US qt) |
| OEM Oil Filter Code & Type | 15410-MCJ-000 / HF204 (or early HF303) |
| Correct Oil Level Check Method | Hold bike upright on level ground 3–5 min after warm shutdown; read crankcase sight glass |
| Oil Drain Bolt Torque | 30 N·m (22.1 lb-ft / 3.06 kgf·m) — Use fresh crush washer |
2. Cold Tire Pressures, Wheels, Ignition & Drivetrain
| Front / Rear OEM Tire Sizes | Front: 130/70ZR16 M/C (61W) · Rear: 180/55ZR17 M/C (73W) (Tubeless) |
|---|---|
| Cold Tire Pressure — Solo Riding |
Front: 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI Rear: 250 kPa / 2.50 bar / 36 PSI |
| Cold Tire Pressure — 2-Up / Loaded Touring |
Front: 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI Rear: 250 kPa / 2.50 bar / 36 PSI |
| OEM Spark Plug & Quantity | NGK CR8EH-9 / CR9EH-9 × 4 (Gap: 0.8–0.9 mm) |
| OEM Battery Code & Rating | YTZ10S (12V 8.6Ah MF AGM) |
| Final Drive Maintenance | 525 Heavy-Duty Sealed X-Ring Chain — Maintain 25–35 mm slack and clean/lube regularly |
| Brake Fluid & Coolant | DOT 4 · Silicate-free ethylene-glycol OAT coolant for aluminum radiators (50:50 premix) |
3. Ergonomics, Range & Scheduled Service Intervals
| Displacement · Max Power · Peak Torque | 249 cc · 40 hp @ 13,000 rpm · 24 N·m (17.7 lb-ft) @ 11,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Seat Height & Wet Curb Weight | 745 mm (29.3 in) · 168 kg (370 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank & Est. Real-World Range | 16 L (4.2 US gal) · ~21 km/L → ~336 km (209 mi) |
| OEM Scheduled Maintenance Intervals |
• First Break-In: 1,000 km • Engine Oil / Filter: 10,000 km / 20,000 km • Air Filter / Spark Plug: 18,000 km / 20,000 km • Valve Clearance Check: 24,000 km |
4. Generation Cutoffs & Real-World Wrenching Gotchas
Model-Year & Chassis Generation Notes
Paired MC22’s screaming gear-driven-cam 249cc inline-four with superbike-sized 130/70ZR16 front and 180/55ZR17 rear tires plus a high-mount tail muffler.
Oil & Clutch Mechanical Engineering Note
Honda Hyper VTEC 399cc inline-four using engine oil pressure to actuate 2-to-4-valve VTEC pins—making clean SAE 10W-30/10W-40 JASO MA oil (3.2 L w/ filter) critical.