First seen in 1989, the Honda AX 250 soon became a popular motorcycle thanks to its exceptional handling, fast performance, and rider comfort. Made in Japan and exported as the AX-1, it has almost the same specifications as the older American model, the Honda NX250. Changes from the NX 250 are primarily cosmetic, like the distinctive dual headlights and alloy wheels seen on the AX 250. The NX250’s proven tubular steel double cradle frame is also found on the AX-1. 250 (popularly known as the AX 250).
Powered by a liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke single-cylinder engine, this Japanese off-road motorcycle could make 26 hp at 8500 rpm. While these weren’t the biggest numbers, they were enough to put quite a bit of power into the AX 250’s 205-pound chassis. This off-roader from Honda came with disc brakes for both the 19-inch 90/100 front and 19-inch rear. 120/90 16-inch tires; Ideal for controlling speed on uneven terrain. The drive system consisted of 13 front sprocket units along with 41 rear sprocket units. For even better control, the riders had a 6-speed chain drive gearbox that could bring the Honda AX 250 up to a top speed of about 85 to 90 mph.
The off-road Honda AX 250 also achieved high marks when it came to rider comfort, thanks to its well-designed suspension and 254mm ground clearance. The 37mm front fork unit had a comfortable 221mm of travel, while the rear suspension unit consisted of a Pro-Link component with 201mm of rear travel; great for hard riding! Casual riders liked the Honda AX 250, too, thanks to the rider-friendly touches like electric start, dual-disc brakes, and worry-free CDI ignition. Depending on driving conditions, owners have reported fairly good gas mileage numbers, at around 10 miles per gallon.
Made in Japan until 1994, the Honda AX 250 has amassed a sizable fan base among early off-road enthusiasts. In fact, a gray market version of the original AX 250 is still available in certain parts of Asia, where it is very popular with tourists interested in cruising the less-than-perfect local roads. The AX 250 remains a popular used motorcycle in the UK, thanks to the reliable Honda engine and readily available replacement parts. With proper maintenance and quality parts, even a decade-old Honda AX 250 can dazzle onlookers and thrill off-road riders.
