1974 Honda CB 250 G

French registration
certificate (no MOT required) 

The military Honda CB 250 G is often overlooked, because when one thinks of army motorbikes, one instinctively thinks of off-road machines. And with good reason: since the late 1970s, enduro bikes have become the natural allies of the armed forces. However, in the 1960s and 1970s, the military still rode light road bikes, derived from civilian models adapted to government requirements. These machines had to be robust, reliable, capable of carrying small equipment and documents, and able to last for around ten years.

It was against this backdrop that the military version of the Honda CB 250 G was born. This 250cc twin-cylinder 4-stroke engine, producing 27 horsepower, was used in Europe from 1969 onwards, mainly by the French army and the gendarmerie. Within the gendarmerie, it was notably used by the Republican Guard, the elite corps responsible for presidential escorts and renowned for the training of its motorcyclists. In the army, the Road Traffic Regiment used it as a patrol and law enforcement vehicle until 1982, before it was replaced. It was also used as a training machine for the motorcycle licence.

Mechanically, the military version is identical to the civilian version. Performance was modest, but the machine was light and very reliable, two essential qualities in an operational context. The conversion mainly involved making it more robust, more manoeuvrable and increasing its range. 

The most noticeable change is the adoption of a significantly larger fuel tank, which necessitated the use of a shorter, thicker seat. The handlebars were replaced with a wider off-road model, offering better manoeuvrability. The exhausts are one-piece, with bends and silencers welded for greater strength. A steel luggage rack with leather side panniers completes the kit. Accordion-style gaiters protect the fork legs, and a set of down tubes has been added. 

However, the rear suspension, front fork and electrical system remained unchanged. The early versions retained a front drum brake, which was later replaced by a single disc to keep pace with developments in the civilian models. Finally, all the chrome and aluminium parts that gleamed on the civilian version were painted khaki or black.

Robust, reliable and easy to maintain, the CB250G Army was well suited to the demands of intensive institutional use. It is now highly prized by collectors for its authentic character and its history linked to the French army.

**Please note that this lot is to be collected in the Paris region