Honda 250 Announcement

News first hit the internet at the end of last month that Honda Motorsports was planning to release a 250CC bike in the UK. Initial reports listed a rendering of the bike:

Image used courtesy of Honda Motorsports. Concept paint created by TopSpeed.

Website Topspeed.com reported that the bike would still be built to cater to new riders interested in a sport-oriented ride, and built around an aluminum frame. The engine was said to be powered using an upgraded version of the 250cc V-Twin engine that currently powers the VTR250.

However, shortly thereafter, Honda unveiled the 250RR on their website. Here is the 2011 Honda CBR 250RR:

Image used courtesy of Honda Motorsports.

The bike is fuel-injected and light weight. It will be available in two versions: the CBR250R and the CBR250R ABS (with Anti-Lock Brakes). The bike is a single-cylinder machine, thus also narrow, and is low-seated with a 30.5" seat height and a light 259lb curb weight. The claim is that this will make putting your foot down at stops easier- however, I have a 125- and it is already too small. Hopefully this will be a bit more comfortable. The bike also has double-overhead cams and counterbalancers. It hits the market in Spring 2011.

250R Specs:

• 249.4cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder 4-stroke engine
• 76mm x 55mm bore and stroke
• PGM-Fi, 38mm throttle body induction
• Computer-controlled digital transistorized ignition with electronic advance
• Compression Ratio 10.7:1
• DOHC Valve train; four valves per cylinder
• 6-speed transmission
• 37mm fork front suspension
• Rear suspension: Pro-link single shock with 5 positions of spring preload adjustability
• Single 296mm front brake disc with 2-piston floating Nissin caliper and single 220mm rear brake disc and caliper.
• 110/70-17 radial front tire and140/70-17 radial rear tire
• Caster Angle Rake: 25.0 degrees
• 95mm (3.74") trail
• 53.9" wheelbase
• 30.5" seat height
• 359lb curb weight, including all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank.
• 3.4 Gallon fuel capacity.
• Meets current EPA standards.
• Comes in metallic black and red/silver.

250R ABS Specs

• 249.4cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder 4-stroke engine
• 76mm x 55mm bore and stroke
• PGM-Fi, 38mm throttle body induction
• Computer-controlled digital transistorized ignition with electronic advance
• 10.7:1 compression ratio
• DOHC Valve train with 4 valves per cylinder
• 6-speed transmission
• 25 Degree Caster Angle Rake
• 95mm (3.74") trail
• 53.9" wheelbase
• 30.5" seat height
• 360lb curb weight, including all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank.
• 3.4 gallon fuel capacity
• Meets current EPA standards
• Available in metallic black and red/silver.

The major question right now is the TBA price tag that will be attached. Kawasaki's Ninja 250 retails for $3999.99. First off- I'm not loving the limited color choices, and I actually really hate the single front headlight. It looks way too much like a step back toward the early nineties models.

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