Honda to step back into the 250cc roadbike ring with important new model

Honda to step back into the 250cc roadbike ring with important new model
By Trevor Hedge

Honda is jumping back into the 250cc learner bike market in a big way next year with the launch of an all new CBR250R. It’s not a screaming four-cylinder machine like the grey import CBR250RR’s that were quite popular years ago but is instead powered by a new generation low friction single cylinder powerplant using the latest technology to achieve a quite respectable claimed 25hp at 8500rpm and 23Nm of torque at 7000rpm.

Most importantly that claimed 25hp is only 5hp shy of Kawasaki’s hugely successful twin-cylinder Ninja 250R and the Honda’s claimed torque figure is actually slightly higher which suggests that the single pot Honda should prove a viable alternative to the top selling Kawasaki.

I can envision Honda dealers doing a happy dance around their showrooms at that news. Particularly in Western Australia where learner riders are restricted to 250cc machines and do not have access to the more open LAMS regulations enjoyed by their eastern state cousins. Customers should also rejoice as more competition in this very restricted 250cc category should ensure more competition on price and thus cheaper motorcycles.

Comparing the Honda to the Kawasaki further the newcomer has slightly larger brakes and the option of ABS, a 9mm higher seat height, fuel-injection, a slightly steeper rake and much more trail but rolls on a shorter wheelbase. They even weigh roughly the same with Honda claiming 162kg with a full 13 litre tank and Kawasaki 169kg with a full 18 litre tank. The ABS version of the Honda tips the scales at 166kg.

While not as fancy as new big-bore offerings coming in 2011 the CBR250R will be a hugely important model to the motorcycle market. Honda Australia have indicated that they expect to release the CBR250R early next year in both ABS and non-ABS versions and suggest the machine will be priced competitively. Kawasaki price their Ninja 250R at $7490 plus on road costs and Honda will be keen to undercut the competition to ensure their new model wins significant instant market share.

Australians will have their first chance to see the machine in the flesh when it debuts at Melbourne’s Australian Motorcycle Expo in late November.

— Pictorial – Image gallery featuring the new Honda CBR250R

Specs – Honda CBR250R
Engine – 249cc, liquid cooled, DOHC, single-cylinder
Bore x Stroke – 76 x 55mm
Compression Ratio – 10.7:1
Claimed Power – 25hp (19.4kW) @ 8500rpm
Claimed Torque – 22.9Nm @ 7000rpm
Induction – EFI, 38mm throttle body
Transmission – Six speed
Seat Height – 784mm
Wheelbase – 1369mm
Wet Weight – 162kg (166kg for ABS version)
Suspension – 37mm forks, 130mm travel; Pro-Link monoshock, 104mm travel
Front Brakes – 296mm hydraulic disc, twin-piston caliper
Rear Brake – 220mm hydraulic disc, single piston caliper
Fuel Capacity – 13 Litres
Claimed consumption – 4 litres per 100km
Range – 320km
Warranty – Two years
Price – Approximately $7500 or under (TBC and completely unofficial)