After the muted response to the VFR1200F, mostly due to the issue of its touring range, Honda seemed to be lying low while the likes of Ducati and Triumph dominate the headlines. That is however until now. It seems the Milan show will be Honda’s staging ground to retake the market lead with the CBR250R, its ‘Crossover’ the VFR800x, and a concept 1200cc machine.
Focusing on the CBR250R for now this looks to light a fire under just passed their test bikers everywhere, but especially in Europe where new regulations are due altering the size of engine new bikers can access. It looks to challenge Kawasaki’s Ninja 250 and most likely will be priced competitively at around the £4000 mark. Honda seems to have put a lot of thought into this bike to give it an all-round appeal and should be a huge hit. Given its VFR styyling Honda apparently want to give its range a stand out look which, like or loath the VFR’s new shell, it makes a change from the homogeneous sports bike look blighting a number of companies at the minute.
Honda says of its new bike;
What was on our minds during the development of new CBR? It was to realize an attractive quarter model that can meet the demands of the times to come and provide customers all over the world with joy and at an affordable price. What we aimed at was the ‘Sport Quarter for One World, CBR250R.’
Our passion is embodied in various aspects of this motorcycle such as its displacement, frame size, driving stability, and riding position. These features were optimized for riders of all kinds, from beginners to experienced riders, so that they can feel the fun of maneuvering, which is fundamental to motorcycle riding.
A sporty feel that riders get the moment they mount and ride the motorcycle is pursued without sacrificing ease of use, in search of the optimum balance between the two. Nimble acceleration that can be felt the moment the throttle is opened, a feel of smooth rev-up in the high-speed range, linear vibration characteristics that do not discomfort riders, and a variety of equipment features such as a rear grip that provides a sense of comfort when riding in tandem-with this list of features, we are confident that customers will be satisfied without exception.
Below are specs for the bike as well as Honda’s promotional video.
You’ll find lots more details on the CBR’ s dedicated site at http://world.honda.com/CBR250R/index.html
Honda CBR250R Specs
| Sales name | CBR250R | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Model type | Honda MC41 | ||
| Overall length × Overall width × Overall height (m) | 2.035 × 0.720 × 1.125 | ||
| Wheelbase (m) | 1.370 | ||
| Ground clearance (m) | 0.145 | ||
| Seat height (m) | 0.780 | ||
| Curb weight (kg) | 161 (STD) 165 (ABS) | ||
| Riding capacity (No. of people) | 2 | ||
| Minimum turning radius (m) | 2.5 | ||
| Engine type | CS250RE, liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC single cylinder | ||
| Displacement (cm³) | 249 | ||
| Bore × Stroke (mm) | 76.0 × 55.0 | ||
| Compression ratio | 10.7 | ||
| Fuel supply system | Programmed fuel injection system (PGM-FI) | ||
| Starter type | Self-starter | ||
| Ignition type | Full-transistor battery ignition | ||
| Lubricating type | Wet sump | ||
| Fuel tank capacity (L) | 13 | ||
| Clutch type | Wet multiplate with coil springs | ||
| Transmission type | Constant mesh 6-speed return | ||
| Transmission gear ratio | 1-speed | 3.333 | |
| 2-speed | 2.118 | ||
| 3-speed | 1.571 | ||
| 4-speed | 1.304 | ||
| 5-speed | 1.115 | ||
| 6-speed | 0.963 | ||
| Reduction gear ratio (primary, secondary) | 2.808 / 2.714 | ||
| Caster angle/Trail (mm) | 25º00´/ 95 | ||
| Tire size | Front | 110/70-17M/C | |
| Rear | 140/70-17M/C | ||
| Brake type | Front | Hydraulic disk | |
| Rear | Hydraulic disk | ||
| Suspension type | Front | Telescopic | |
| Rear | Swing arm (Pro-link suspension system) | ||
| Frame type | Diamond | ||
Ride The Wild Wind 