Honda CBR250R Review

The Honda CBR250R is the sporty looking 250cc in the Honda range aimed at learner and commuting riders who want fuel economy, low maintenance costs and reliability.  Note that in some countries it’s the mid range or range topper! Released in 2011 the new CBR250R ‘replaces’ the much well regarded CBR250RR that was sold only in selected countries for so long I can’t even remember when it first introduced or when they stopped making them! The all new CBR250R is a global model designed to meet every legislation relating to emissions like noise and pollution fuel consumption and anything else you can think of!

The CBR250R features all the latest technology in a 250cc motorcycle. It is also one of the few 250cc motorcycles that only has one cylinder and EFI. It packs in electronic or programmed fuel injection, sports fairing, digital gauges and optional ABS. The up to date fairing design makes the other manufacturers look old!

The recommended retail price of $5490 for the Honda CBR250R is very convincing argument for any would be owner, under cutting many established models from other manufacturers. The low price does not mean low quality because the CBR25oR is put together with care and visibly better parts than any other 250cc model I’ve seen for a while. That said while the joint welds are not works of art as per the CBR1000RR they are better than the other cheaper 250cc bikes. Sitting on the motorcycle is everything you’d expect in a new motorcycle in 2012, nice instruments and design. The extended 12,000km service intervals are a bonus but lets face it you should only need to service any motorcycle once a year unless done extended kilometers.

The only factors that would prevent you from buying the CBR has nothing to do with on the road performance because it is the most responsive 250cc I’ve tried to date. That said there is very little difference between any of the 250cc class. In the end I  believe it will be all about street cred. Yep – the usual perceptions relating to the power output and perhaps the single cylinder. However plug in a CPU modifying computer – no names mentioned for bias reasons and you can easily get a few more HP for braging rights!

Just remember the CBR250R engine may seemingly produce less power than its two cylinder competitors but due to more torque on the road it’s actually faster! Since it also weighs less and uses more advanced technology no doubts helps too. Check out the dyno charts and be surprised – based on that it will win the red light drag at least (to legal speeds). It is the CBR’s engine’s standout mid range torque that will make road riding easier. Top speed for the CBR250R is not quoted but due various factors I estimate about 140kph.

Overall the Honda CBR250R is a great little motorcycle, it is fast enough, modern and being a global Honda model it will be reliable and easy to maintain too.

Honda CBR250R Key Specifications
Engine:   IL1 cylinder 4-stroke 4 valve DOHC (EFI)
Capacity:  249.5cc
Power/Torque:  20Kw @ 8,500 RPM 23Nm @ 7000 RPM (Japan)
Gearbox:   6 speed
Kerb Weight:  161Kg or 165Kg with Combined ABS
Performance:  0-100kph 8 seconds Approx
Max Speed 140Kph Approx 
Fuel Economy:   13 litre fuel tank
Approx 4 litres per 100km
Seat height:  784mm
Dimensions:  L2030 x W720 x H1127 x WB1369
 Recommended Retail Price:   $5490 or $5990 with ABS