2020 Honda CBR250RR

I’ve been writing a lot about the learner compatible, commuter and lower engine capacity motorcycles lately. That’s because this is the segment that new models are being introduced and old class stalwarts being challenged and replaced.

Honda hadn’t released a genuine 250cc RR model for decades until 2016 anyhow, with the introduction of the Honda CBR250RR. However this RR isn’t for global sales for many reasons just like the original 250RR. How is this related to the LAMS and commuter class?  I suspect that the market for genuine sports motorcycles in the 250cc class is no longer high in demand as it once was and that many riders want easy riding attributes rather than outright sports handling or an engine that requires traditional rider input to extract maximum performance. That said it’s not a bad thing just how the motorcyclist of 2019 is different from the last generation.

In terms of looks the CBR250RR is good looking motorcycle. Sure it’s still based on the traditional 2010’s design template but it is better by being sharper on the edges than it’s competition in particular to the Ninja 250 which is looking a little old. Yes I do like the look, about time there was a more sportier design than the current CBR250R that’s for sure.

In terms of engine and technical specifications the CBR250RR has the all the basics and more. It is also quite different form the CBR250R which honesty looks like poverty pack model now. Thank fully the single cylinder engines have gone and twins are back in favour, LED lights, an alloy swing arm, digital instruments with a gear shift indicator, Pro-link and USD front suspension, 3 engine modes. The only thing I can criticise is the steel frame.

Honda CBR250RR performance: since I don’t have access to one of these my opinion is based on video reviews. Based on speed on videos this is a zippy 250cc and with top end zing that’s missing on existing single and twins. It’s clearly the fastest 250cc and just as quick as the 300cc models.

The CBR250RR is the missing model in the range for most countries but I can also understand why. Hopefully it will eventually be exported to other countries as it gets older. Regardless it seems like a great little motorcycle and clearly better than the competitors models. I have one last comment : why it doesn’t have 4 cylinders like the original CBR250RR?