Honda CBR250R Sportbike coming to America

[Rincewind]

Weighing just 162kg/359lbs, making 26bhp and available with optional ABS, this is the 2011 Honda CBR250R entry-level sportsbike. And, miracle of miracles, it looks like Honda heard the cry for more desirable small-capacity motorcycles, it’s coming to the United States!

Like we told when the Asian-market Honda CBR150R debuted last week, this 250 adopts the same Shamu/CBR1000RR styling. That’s a headlight shape based on the VFR1200 and side fairings somewhat close to Honda’s flagship sportsbike.

Power comes from a 249cc single-cylinder, DOHC engine that’s equipped with a balancer shaft to smooth out vibrations. That 26bhp arrives at 8,500rpm and maximum torque of 17lb/ft is at 7,000rpm, likely indicating a flexible, easy-to-use engine. The gearbox is a six speed.

..snip..  link below for more, including specs

Link for further reading



Official page - Price TBD - http://powersports.honda.com/2011/cbr250r.aspx

Overview

The new, fuel-injected CBR250R offers everything you want in a first-time bike: Light weight. A powerband that’s immensely user-friendly. Excellent fuel economy. Unmatched reliability. And a fun factor that’s off the chart.

Since the new CBR250R is a Honda, it’s full of features few other bikes in its class can match. And it offers a build quality that means you’ve got dependable cross-town or cross-country transportation.

Best of all, the new CBR250R is available in two versions: the CBR250R and the CBR250R ABS with our Anti-lock Brake System – a first for the segment and a really valuable option that both first-timers and experienced riders will appreciate.
Features and Highlights
Single-Cylinder Engine

A single is the perfect choice for a bike like the CBR250R. It’s light, simple, returns excellent fuel economy, and features a broad powerband with plenty of low-revving torque—just what you want in a first motorcycle.
Counterbalance Shaft

Because it features a counterbalancer, the CBR250R engine is a smooth runner. You get the narrow overall width and power advantages of a single along with the smoothness of a multi-cylinder bike.
Fuel Injection

Fuel injection means the new CBR250R starts right up, even in cold weather. Compared to a carbureted bike, it also helps reduce emissions and enhance performance and fuel economy.
Layered Style Fairing

Take a close look at the CBR250R’s unique bodywork, which is designed for style and functionality. It routes airflow for both engine cooling and rider comfort, while creating a unique sportbike style. For even more choices, the 2011 CBR250R and CBR250R ABS models both come in two color choices: Red/Silver and Black.
Disc Brakes

The new CBR250R features front and rear hydraulic discs for excellent stopping power and brake feel. The single front disc helps keep things simple and lowers unsprung weight, too.
Features and Highlights (continued)
Pro-Link Suspension

The CBR250R uses a single-shock adjustable rear suspension that not only gives you a smooth ride, but helps enhance handling as well, just as on some of our larger sport models.
Low Seat Height

A low seat height does more than help make sure the CBR250R fits a wide range of riders. It makes it easier to put your feet down at stoplights and in parking lots—a big confidence builder.
Passenger Ready

A separate passenger seat, integrated grab rail, and standard passenger footpegs mean you can take a friend along when you go riding—another example of the CBR250R’s versatility.
Combined Anti-lock Brake System

Our Combined ABS can be a big help in making controlled stops in less than ideal conditions. Like on wet pavement, or when there’s sand on the road or other debris. It’s a perfect choice whether you’re using your new bike as a commuter or just riding it for fun since it helps you stop with added confidence.
Analog/Digital Instrumentation

The CBR250R’s digital gauges with analog tachometer provides vital riding information in a styled, hi-tech instrumentation package.
Underseat Storage

Removing the rear passenger seat provides a lockable area to throw a map, gloves, or a spare set of sunglasses.

[falconati]

Sooooooooooooooooo sexy

All they need to do is drop in the VFR1200 engine, add 6 gallons to the gas tank, etc etc

Seriously though, I love the look of this bike.  In an urban market, I might consider it - it's just really hard to ride something that has under 50 hp on the street because you usually have to rev the snot out of the engine.

[marc11]

Is it just me or does that weight seem rather high?  Is that wet or dry?  I mean, my KLX250 had a wet weight of 292 pounds, same set up, steel frame, liquid cooled single, fully street legal electrics, passenger accommodations etc.  Where is all the Honda weight coming from?

Nice looking bike though.

[Rincewind]

I agree with you Marc that the curb weight does seem high at 359lbs.    

I'm glad they're bringing it, but I hope they can price it well to be competitive with the lighter and more powerful Ninja 250.  Otherwise it may flounder.  Still... 63.4mpg is nothing to sneeze at.  

Personally I am more excited about the new VFR800X - Honda just released a new sketch on that one.  

[Blunder]

What, Honda's gonna try to sell a real motorcycle? How much OTD?

[motormike]

That website isn't friendly to me so here is a photo from the Honda website.

http://powersports.honda.com/2011/cbr250r.aspx

[marc11]

CBS, ABS and FI sound really appealing.  63 MPG very appealing.  If they can get it in at a good price and someone offer bags for it, you have a very nice commuter beyond just a starter bike.

[Jeff]

Looks really nice. Exhaust is massive looking and hideous. Weight does seem high. My WRX was supposedly 301lbs wet. Highway was not fun but as a commuter bike it was great. I'd expect this baby CBR to be similar.

I'll guess $6500 MSRP.

Jeff

[motormike]

As a comparison, Kawasaki 2011 Ninja 250R (carb) is $3,999 and the 2011 Ninja 650R (fuel injection) is $7,199.

[servicerifle]

The weight caught my attention immediately.  WTF

And if it's $6500 as Jeff guessed, who's gonna go for that?  Beginners will stick to the EX250 at half that price and forgo the ABS.  Experienced riders will likely want more horsepower.  Is this an answer for a question no one asked?

[Jeff]

The weight caught my attention immediately.  WTF

And if it's $6500 as Jeff guessed, who's gonna go for that?  Beginners will stick to the EX250 at half that price and forgo the ABS.  Experienced riders will likely want more horsepower.  Is this an answer for a question no one asked?

I'm guessing that ridiculous price based on everything else from Honda is stupidly priced. $15k for the DN-01. $16k for the VFR. $10k for the Dullville.

[bluepoof]

Wow, this is awesome!  

The 2008+ Ninjas have a wet weight of 375 lbs, so the CBR really isn't that heavy for what the class is turning into.

My only gripe (which I complain about so much that even I'm sick of it):  

The tiny Honda’s seat height is just 30.8 inches which should combine with that curb weight to make it super friendly for learners and the height-challenged.

In whose frickin' world is "just 30.8 inches" super friendly for the height-challenged???

 

[Jeff]

Apparently the extreme height challenged must all prefer cruisers.

[phoenix]

I like the red white and blue model.  

[motormike]

bluepoof,

Just curious, did you lower your 2007 Ninja 250?  The 2011 Ninja 250R has a seat heigt of 30.5 inches.

[county]

Looks like there is plenty of plastic for the newbies to break...

[Mrs. DantesDame]

My only gripe (which I complain about so much that even I'm sick of it):  

In whose frickin' world is "just 30.8 inches" super friendly for the height-challenged???

They must assume that anyone with an inseam like that isn't old enough to ride  






 

[bluepoof]

Just curious, did you lower your 2007 Ninja 250?  The 2011 Ninja 250R has a seat heigt of 30.5 inches.

Yeah, I've ranted about the 08+ Ninja seat height, too.

The pre-08 Ninjas have a 29.3" seat height.  I still don't flatfoot, but I have the balls of both feet firmly down, which is good enough for me.  

[bluepoof]

They must assume that anyone with an inseam like that isn't old enough to ride  
 

Come back here so I can bite you in the kneecap!

[servicerifle]

I'm guessing that ridiculous price based on everything else from Honda is stupidly priced. $15k for the DN-01. $16k for the VFR. $10k for the Dullville.

I'm with ya...just sayin' that if your guess price is right, the thing will flop.  $15k for the DN-01?  You gotta be shittin' me.