Whether you’re looking for a commuter bike, to cut down on your transport costs or are simply seeking an entry-level motorcycle with a naughty streak, there is another player on the market.
Honda has just released its CBR250R and, as the CBR-moniker suggests, this is the manufacturer’s sportiest bike in this class.
CBR name
Adding the letters CBR to a smaller-capacity motorcycle should give buyers the chance to experience some of the exhiliration of the better-known CBR600RR and 1 000 cc CBR1000RR Fireblade, especially with regards to the design.
During the local launch, we had the opportunity to ride in traffic, on the highway and through a couple of corners outside Johannesburg (which were admittedly scarce; we’ll get a chance to ride the CBR properly in the near future).
Revving
The all-new single cylinder engine makes use of liquid cooling, a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) and four valves, as well as fuel injection. Although the redline starts at 10 500 r/min, the engine encourages you to push it to just over 11 000 r/min, at which point vibration makes it clear just how hard that single cylinder is working.
Although you’re often tempted to rev the engine that high, it isn’t always necessary, as peak power of 19 kW is delivered at 8 500 r/min and the 24 N.m of torque at a lower 7 000 r/min.
One of the coolest characteristics of this bike and most others in its class is the ease in which you can navigate it through congested traffic. You don’t have to worry too much about its mirrors touching cars on either side simply because it so narrow. Pulling away from traffic lights, the 250 cc engine (249,6 cc, to be precise) has enough power to still accelerate away from traffic.
As the weight of a rider can have a big effect on such a small bike, the rear suspension, which employs Honda’s Pro-Link Monoshock system, can be adjusted for different riders. During the near 200 km launch drive, I found the standard setup perfect for my weight of 82 kg.
First time
This is the first 250 I’ve ridden and I was soon converted. If you’ve only ridden big-capacity bikes before, pinning the throttle to its stop and knowing that you’re not going to get far over the legal speed limit is quite satisfying. Apart from this, it is very manoeuvrable, partly due to its low 161 kg kerb weight.
Regarding the effects of the earthquake in Japan, Honda South Africa’s marketing manager for motorcycles, Shunsuke Miyazaki, said: “We are doing our best to get all products and parts on time to customers.” No deliveries of bikes to South Africa have so far been affected.
• Stay tuned for a riding impression of the even smaller CBR125R.
Specification summary:
Engine size: 250 cc, 4-stroke, 4-valve, DOHC single
Power: 19 kW at 8 500 r/min
Torque: 24 N.m at 7 000 r/min
Fuel consumption: 3,7 L/100 km
Fuel tank capacity: 13 litres
Estimated tank range: 350 km
Service intervals: 12 000 km
Price: R39 999 (including training with Honda Academy)