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.

[Bravo12]

I'm digging it. If they can keep it within a few hundred dollars of the Kawi, it would make a viable alternative, especially if the C-ABS doesn't cost too much.  If the Kawi is $3999, and Honda can keep their 250R-ABS under $5k, it might do ok.  I'm thinking this could be a great commuter once I move out of the city (right now I'm in a carpool, so it's free for me to park the car at work, and easier and faster to take the car; once I move, though, a 60+mpg bike might be what I need 9 months out of the year).

[Jeff]

If you're commuting for extended periods on anything other than a 2 lane road or in town traffic, I'd recommend against a 250.

Spoken from experience.
Jeff

[Rincewind]

Motorcycle Daily's Article

After almost 20 years of being absent in the USA 250cc sportbike market, American Honda is coming back with the aggressively styled liquid-cooled CBR250R and CBR250R ABS. Although pricing hasn’t been released, there are plenty of details that may make Kawasaki — makers of the outstanding $3999 Ninja 250R — nervous about its USA sales (which have been tremendous).

[servicerifle]

I'm digging it. If they can keep it within a few hundred dollars of the Kawi, it would make a viable alternative, especially if the C-ABS doesn't cost too much.  If the Kawi is $3999, and Honda can keep their 250R-ABS under $5k, it might do ok.  I'm thinking this could be a great commuter once I move out of the city (right now I'm in a carpool, so it's free for me to park the car at work, and easier and faster to take the car; once I move, though, a 60+mpg bike might be what I need 9 months out of the year).

The MPG delta between your VFR and that Honda 250 will take years to overcome the initial purchase price delta.  No cost benefit.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

The MPG delta between your VFR and that Honda 250 will take years to overcome the initial purchase price delta.  No cost benefit.

We're talking "fun factor" here - get your priorities straight!  

[servicerifle]

We're talking "fun factor" here - get your priorities straight!  

Mine are straight, we're talking about a 26hp bike vice a VFR on fun factor?  No brainer.

A little math shows that if you ride 20,000 miles a year, with an estimate of $3 a gallon a 45mpg bike will cost you $1332 in gas a year.  A 69mpg bike costs you $882, the delta being $450.  If Jeff's $6500 estimate is right (seems reasonable, since it's a Honda, has FI, and ABS), then that's a $2000 difference between the two.  $2000/$450= 4.4 years.  Wait a minute...20000 miles a year*4.4 years?  That's 88,000 miles!  By the time you've BROKEN EVEN on your "high MPG bike" compared to a bike with more HP and comfier too, you need a new bike.

Same math keeps me from buying a TDI.  They cost more up front, and take years to break even.

If Chewbacca doesn't make sense, you must acquit...or said another way, kick that gold plated sissy bike to the curb!

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Mine are straight, we're talking about a 26hp bike vice a VFR on fun factor?  No brainer.

It depends on the conditions and the pilot. I'd rather navigate a 250 through city traffic than a heavier VFR (yes, I've owned one)

....Wait a minute...20000 miles a year*4.4 years?  That's 88,000 miles!  By the time you've BROKEN EVEN on your "high MPG bike" compared to a bike with more HP and comfier too, you need a new bike.

YOU'RE opinion, not a fact. I have bikes that are well over "4.4 years old" and with more than "88,000" miles and I have no need nor intentions of replacing them. Just because some people are bike whores and get new bikes every other year does not mean that everyone does it. So yes, while I agree that buying a bike is NOT a good way to save money, I would certainly PREFER to ride a smaller, lighter bike that happens to get 2 or 3 times what my car does in fuel mileage, regardless of how financially ineffecient it.



So there  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

If Chewbacca doesn't make sense, you must acquit...or said another way, kick that gold plated sissy bike to the curb!

Now that makes no sense whatsoever  

[servicerifle]

It depends on the conditions and the pilot. I'd rather navigate a 250 through city traffic than a heavier VFR (yes, I've owned one)

VFR is just an example.  Use any 45mpg bike in its place, there are lots of them.

YOU'RE opinion, not a fact.

Your.  But yes, you're correct, its an opinion.  More follows...

I have bikes that are well over "4.4 years old" and with more than "88,000" miles and I have no need nor intentions of replacing them. Just because some people are bike whores and get new bikes every other year does not mean that everyone does it. So yes, while I agree that buying a bike is NOT a good way to save money, I would certainly PREFER to ride a smaller, lighter bike that happens to get 2 or 3 times what my car does in fuel mileage, regardless of how financially ineffecient it.

Preference has nothing to do with the numbers.  My post (the one to which you're responding) was in response to Bravo12's post.  He appears to be focusing on the numbers, and they just don't add up, at least, not until you reach 88k.  True, a bike can go FAR past that, you're 100% correct, but chances are, they won't, either through bike whoredom, or through natural attrition.  If you're the person who can honestly look at a bike and know that you'll run it into the ground, then you'll come out ahead (in MPG, not in speed!   ) with the Honda 250.  Look around...most of us at STN, or on most motorcycle sites, can't do that.  A strong dose of realistic "am I really going to ride this bike 88k, minimum?" introspection is due if you're only interested in numbers.  As to your preferences, we all have them and there's no accounting for taste for any of us.  That's a variable that can't be calculated.

All I'm saying is the Honda, if it were to sell at, say, $6500, is not financially appealing when compared to other bikes.  If you just want it, well, go for it.  

Some STNers will get the Chewbacca reference.  

Oh, and it's late here, so I'm off to bed.  I'll leave this for the US contingent to tear my post apart while I'm sleeping.  

[atadaskew]

Very nice.  The only thing that could sink this bike is a goofy price tag.

I especially like Honda's claim of 'unmatched reliability'.  Has this bike been out for a few years in other markets?

[motormike]

"The tri-color paint scheme you see above and in the gallery below won’t be coming to the US. Instead, we’re getting red or black options."



Just for giggles, can someone copy in that photo of the tri-color paint scheme from Hell For Leather linked article?

[Sarchi]

Hmm, the Kawi looks better, is cheap, and has two cylinders, so it's no doubt smoother.  Honda better come in with a really good price on this or forget it.  They did that in Canada with the CBR125R and sold 20 boatloads of them; and a year later there were 18 boatloads of 'em listed for sale on Craigslist....

[sammyseaman]

Very nice.  The only thing that could sink this bike is a goofy price tag.
I especially like Honda's claim of 'unmatched reliability'.  Has this bike been out for a few years in other markets?

Goofy price tag? It's Honda. The price will be more than what you think.
"Unmatched reliability" is what Honda always claims. Fuck, they've claimed that shit so long people actually believe every bike they put out is the most reliable bike ever.

[Biking Sailor]

If you're commuting for extended periods on anything other than a 2 lane road or in town traffic, I'd recommend against a 250.

Spoken from experience.
Jeff

I've ridden a friends kids Ninja 250 and my wifes Ninja 500.  Considering the cost difference and MPGs, I'd go with the 500 every time, unless we were talking about a dual sport/enduro.  I am one who likes small, light, throwable little bikes around town.  Everytime I ride a 500 or smaller on non-superslab roads, I have a smile on my face.  But I just like all kinds of bikes!  

[birdrunner]

We already had an option for a 250 bike,  I want something in the 400 range.

It'd be a natural progression from the 250 and be powerfull enough for some freeway work.

[chornbe]

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

I'd pay for those pics.

[chornbe]

Goofy price tag? It's Honda. The price will be more than what you think.
"Unmatched reliability" is what Honda always claims. Fuck, they've claimed that shit so long people actually believe every bike they put out is the most reliable bike ever.

I'm betting $4600 at the very least. Remember - ABS costs. Look at the comparos - every bike out there, ABS adds AT LEAST $600, in some cases, $1200 or more, to the price of the bike. Which is silly.

All new machining, CBS, ABS and all the new-to-the-US costs... AT LEASE $4600. They get anywhere near $6k and they've priced themselves into the sales basement. $4600 will already put them behind EVERYTHING else in its class.




*note: The TU250 - a thumper standard from Suzuki is already $4000. The Rebel is $4000. The Ninja 250 is $4000. All without even the beginnings of "hi tech" components.

[UFO]

Waiting for the first one on craigslist with a chromed frame, alien paint job, and stretched swingarm.  Text will read "this thing iz a monster!  top spead of 180mph, and 9 sec quarter.  ripz!!!11!  must sell, gf knocked up."

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Preference has nothing to do with the numbers.  My post (the one to which you're responding) was in response to Bravo12's post.  He appears to be focusing on the numbers, and they just don't add up, at least, not until you reach 88k.  

Fair 'nuff

As to your preferences, we all have them and there's no accounting for taste for any of us.  That's a variable that can't be calculated.

Very true. Preferences are like opinions are like assholes. Hell, I think my KLR is sexy  

[Jeff]

Hell, I think my KLR is sexy  

I thought your hubby was named Dan?
 

[stinky93071]

I just saw a CBR 125 in Toronto the other day.. I hope that this thing would be a little bigger then that.. It looked as if when I would sit on that (125) I would just crush it.. and I am not that big of a guy.. 5'9'' 200lbs.

[Blunder]

I'd pay for those pics.

How much? Everything has a price, doncha know?

I remember the VTR250 Interceptor they tried to sell here. Just the wrong bike at a never the right time bike market. It was no faster than the Ninja 250 but it cost more.

The Ninja 250's success, I believe, is because it's a cheap racer first and a great beginner's bike second. I hope Honda doesn't keep it's recent practice of outrageous pricing of mediocre bikes. Maybe they'll try selling it at a loss just to get people started on Hondas?

[chornbe]

The Nighthawk 250 or the Rebel 250 would be great $1999 "loss leaders" to get people on Big Red.

The Rebel at $4k is just insulting. The bike is over 2 decades old with color changes as the only updates. It's done been paid fer, Honda. Over and over.

[Blunder]

The bike is over 2 decades old with color changes as the only updates. It's done been paid fer, Honda. Over and over.

That's the Harley marketing plan.

BTW, the burgeoning Asian market is being filled with South Korean and Chinese Honda and Suzuki knock-offs. Some licensed by Honda and Suzuki, others not.

[Giaka]

The Rebel at $4k is just insulting.

That price has been north of absurd for years. I really dig this CBR250R but the price of the 1980s tech Rebel with its drum brakes is not making me all warm and fuzzy towards what the CBR may cost.

I say it has to be $5000 or less to make it in the US. How about a poll? I remember saying the base model VFR1200 couldn't be higher than the ABS ST1300 to be popular and here it is almost November and I have yet to see a VFR1200 in the wild.

I will admit the most confidence inspiring bikes I have owned have come from Big Red but damn, the pricing it borderline insane.

[Siah]

Buncha people in this thread never rode a Ninja 250.  It weighs even less than one and looks like tons of fun.
Looks like a fun little bike that'd be great for around town.   For the right price I'd be all over it.  

[Giaka]

Buncha people in this thread never rode a Ninja 250.  

I have owned three. As you said "for the right price" this might be a fun Palomar bike.  

[Rincewind]

I'm intrigued that this is a single-cylinder road going sportbike.  KTM was rumored to have a 1cyl. sportbike in development IIRC but it never came out.  The thumper sportbike seems like a rare bird.  Should be torquey.

[Jeff]

I learned to ride on a buddy's Ninjette way back when and just traded of my WR250X. 250s are hella fun runabouts, as long as you're sticking close to home or in the tight twisty stuff. Anything open-road-ish is not fun.

[Giaka]

I know the pic is big but its a nice one.  

[bluepoof]

I just think it's way awesome to get more little bikes in the market (I would LOVE to see more any 400s too).

Different people like different bikes for different applications, so more choices is best for everyone!

It's funny for me personally to read all the comments like "big bikes are more comfortable" etc since for me, it's 100% the opposite.  Could you just imagine me on a typical sport touring bike?  I promise you, it's nothing near comfortable.

[Rincewind]

The last Honda CBR250 was a 4-cylinder bike from Thailand.  This Global Honda press release indicates that this new Honda CBR250R will also be produces in Thailand.

Does that make it a Thonda?
Posted on: October 27, 2010, 07:46:31 PMOfficial video @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIgEBZlzKWc

[Blunder]

I'm intrigued that this is a single-cylinder road going sportbike.  KTM was rumored to have a 1cyl. sportbike in development IIRC but it never came out.  The thumper sportbike seems like a rare bird.  Should be torquey.

Ducati Supermono.





Dead sexy.  

They lopped off one cylinder but kept a shortened con-rod with a weight attached to act as a counterbalancer.

[Giaka]

Does that make it a Thonda?
Posted on: October 27, 2010, 07:46:31 PMOfficial video @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIgEBZlzKWc

The compay is called Thai Honda LTD.  

[Jeff]

I just think it's way awesome to get more little bikes in the market (I would LOVE to see more any 400s too).

Different people like different bikes for different applications, so more choices is best for everyone!

It's funny for me personally to read all the comments like "big bikes are more comfortable" etc since for me, it's 100% the opposite.  Could you just imagine me on a typical sport touring bike?  I promise you, it's nothing near comfortable.

I don't like navigating big barges around. I like small nimble bikes too. My beef with my 250 on the highway was the lack of power. I know when I was riding on a 2 laner with Bomber on his Tiger, he was probably toodling along like no big deal, while my 250 was tapped out - WAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! I could feel my heart doing the same thing.

If there was a way to have a small nimble bike with fat torque it'd be great. I'm guessing something like the Street Triple is it.

[CheesyRider]

If Chewbacca doesn't make sense, you must acquit...or said another way, kick that gold plated sissy bike to the curb!

Now that makes no sense whatsoever  

The nonsensical quote makes perfect sense to me.  After all why would a Wookiee, an eight-foot tall Wookiee, want to live on Endor, with a bunch of two-foot tall Ewoks? That does not make sense! But more important, you have to ask yourself: What does this have to do with this new Honda? Nothing. It has nothing to do with this bike! It does not make sense! Look at me. I'm a poster in this thread, and I'm talkin' about Chewbacca! Does that make sense? Ladies and gentlemen, I am not making any sense! None of this makes sense! And so you have to remember, when you're in that Honda showroom deliberatin' the purchase of a CBR205R, does it make sense? No! Ladies and gentlemen of this supposed forum, it does not make sense! If Chewbacca lives on Endor, you must not buy this Honda!

[Siah]

The irony is that, with a 220 mile range, this will probably end up making a better touring bike than the VFR1200  

[atadaskew]

The last Honda CBR250 was a 4-cylinder bike from Thailand.  This Global Honda press release indicates that this new Honda CBR250R will also be produces in Thailand.

Does that make it a Thonda?

Some Triumphs are made in Thailand.  I guess those are the Thairumphs.

If this CBR250 is made in Thailand, then there is no excuse (like there ever is one) for a goofy price.

I had, and hated, a Ninja 250.  This CBR looks oh so much better to me.

[Rincewind]

Some Triumphs are made in Thailand.  I guess those are the Thairumphs.

If this CBR250 is made in Thailand, then there is no excuse (like there ever is one) for a goofy price.

I had, and hated, a Ninja 250.  This CBR looks oh so much better to me.

Thairumphs is the correct term, yes.  I don't know if that will mean less expensive for the end consumer.  The Thairumph Bonnies cost the same as the ones made in the UK.

That Global Honda article anticipates future additional CBR250R production in India for S Asian markets.  But isn't that Hero Honda territory?

Between this and the bold new VFR800X crossover, it seems like someone up high in Global Honda is shaking things up.

[Rincewind]

Ducati Supermono.





Dead sexy.  

They lopped off one cylinder but kept a shortened con-rod with a weight attached to act as a counterbalancer.

Those are dead sexy.  But I think they were track-only bikes?

Another thumper sportbike is the Aprilia RS125 - were they ever imported?

[bluepoof]

The nonsensical quote makes perfect sense to me.  After all why would a Wookiee, an eight-foot tall Wookiee, want to live on Endor, with a bunch of two-foot tall Ewoks? That does not make sense! But more important, you have to ask yourself: What does this have to do with this new Honda? Nothing. It has nothing to do with this bike! It does not make sense! Look at me. I'm a poster in this thread, and I'm talkin' about Chewbacca! Does that make sense? Ladies and gentlemen, I am not making any sense! None of this makes sense! And so you have to remember, when you're in that Honda showroom deliberatin' the purchase of a CBR205R, does it make sense? No! Ladies and gentlemen of this supposed forum, it does not make sense! If Chewbacca lives on Endor, you must not buy this Honda!

 Well played!!

[rgbeard]

Honda has the "Twister" in Mexico.

http://honda.com.mx/motos/twister/

But what I see the most in Mexico is the Cargo 125s.  All the Pizza guys and grocery guys have these.

http://honda.com.mx/motos/cargo/

[DogBoy]

Those are dead sexy.  But I think they were track-only bikes?

Another thumper sportbike is the Aprilia RS125 - were they ever imported?

The Ducati Supermono were race bikes and did not come with lights, signals, mirrors, etc. The Aprilia RS125 (a two-stroke) was (is?) imported and despite the lights, signals, mirrors was not sold as street legal in most states.

[Sarchi]

Very nice.  The only thing that could sink this bike is a goofy price tag.

I especially like Honda's claim of 'unmatched reliability'.  Has this bike been out for a few years in other markets?

Probably just Hondaspeak for "we're the best quality".

But there have been CB250 and CBF250's in Europe for years.  I have a BIKE 'Selecta' 2005 issue that lists the CBF250 @20hp and at the same price as the 49hp ER-5 (basically a naked EX500).  So that's at least 10 or 15% more than the ZZR250, which I guess wasn't listed in the UK that year.

[JamesG]

Its intriguing....  but I think I'd try to find me one of the streetable-ed Aprilia RS250s first.   If you're going to have a little toy street/track bike, it might as well be a ring-ding.  

[Nodaclu]

That is officially the first new model from Honda that I'd like to put in my garage since the 2003 model lineup.

It's also the first bike I've seen that is making me reconsider my "no more new bikes" stance that I put forth last year.

But I had an '03 Ninja 250, and Jeff is right. They're a blast up to 50-55mph. Not so much after that.

Give me the beautiful looks of that bike with a 400 twin, and there would be no possible way I could keep it out of my garage...even if it were overpriced.

[servicerifle]

 Well played!!

See?  Two people got it.  

[gritsngravy]

Looks really nice.   I'm really curious now to see what else might be lurking behind the curtain.  

[Dave the slave]

HOLE-EEE-SH!T

Now this bike is not anything I'm in the market for... but that's not a surprise, this forum is dedicated to enthusiasts that (most likely) have been riding for years.  But I'll be damned if this is the BEST move Honda's made in the last decade.  We NEED cool, stylish and fun small displacement bikes for new riders.  There are two people I know right now that this bike is perfect for...  they now have 2 choices:  Ninja 250 and CBR250R

[Dave the slave]

Okay, so I know virtually nothing about this bike.  But I've thought for awhile that a single cylinder sportbike would be fun... now the tinkerer in me starts to think:

How heavy is the exhaust
Overall how much weight can I lose?
How much power to be gained?
Is the engine easy to bore and stroke?  

I tell ya, if you could get 30ish hp at the wheel and get it down around 330lbs or so it would be a freakin' hoot to ride...  remember the Hawk GT?  I do, I had one.  It was a whopping ~35hp at the wheel and 400lbs ready to ride and I loved riding it around the neighborhood and to the coffee shop.  I think this bike could be just as much fun and i'd prefer the single over the ninja's twin because I WANT a single.  Is the twin gonna be smoother, yep.  Do I care, nope.

I might just buy one.

[veefer800canuck]

They should have made it a 250 twin or four.

The engineering for the Honda 250 four engine is long since paid for, drop that engine in a new chassis with the same looking bodywork as above, and you've got a "new" bike for parts bin pricing!

I don't care if it has a counterbalancer, being a single, it ain't going to be comfortable on long-ish trips.

Heck, I rode my wife's VTR250 for about 5 hours on the highway once, and that was about all I could bear. ANd that was a 90' twin which is quite smooth.

[sammyseaman]

Looks really nice.   I'm really curious now to see what else might be lurking behind the curtain.  

  Holy shit that is funny.

The bike is really good looking IMO and thumpers are a blast but will it be Honda priced? That is the ultimate question.

[Rincewind]

Looks really nice.   I'm really curious now to see what else might be lurking behind the curtain.  

The VFR800X

[mlinkibikr]

I grew up riding Honda's CB100 / CB125 / XL175 bikes and this "CB250" with electronic ignition and fuel injection should be the bomb. Entry level is one market, urban is another.

I might by one for the commute so that I can quit wearing flat spots on the pricey rubber on my big bike.

Well done Honda!

[Jeff]

Okay, so I know virtually nothing about this bike.  But I've thought for awhile that a single cylinder sportbike would be fun... now the tinkerer in me starts to think:

How heavy is the exhaust
Overall how much weight can I lose?
How much power to be gained?
Is the engine easy to bore and stroke?  

I tell ya, if you could get 30ish hp at the wheel and get it down around 330lbs or so it would be a freakin' hoot to ride...  remember the Hawk GT?  I do, I had one.  It was a whopping ~35hp at the wheel and 400lbs ready to ride and I loved riding it around the neighborhood and to the coffee shop.  I think this bike could be just as much fun and i'd prefer the single over the ninja's twin because I WANT a single.  Is the twin gonna be smoother, yep.  Do I care, nope.

I might just buy one.

Yamaha WR250X - 27hp, 301 lbs. And they are a ton of fun to ride around the neighborhood.

[Siah]

Problem with dual sports is that they're tall: my girlfriend can't flat foot a 32.5 inch bike.  She can barely do so on her Ninjette.

What I'd like to see is the return of the high revving I-4 250s that the japanese manufacturers made in the 90s.....
Come on Suzuki, let's get a GSX-R250!  They were all capable of 45 hp...at 15,000 RPM

[chornbe]

Ya know... I like the bike, in its apparent execution.

However... seriously... who's gonna buy this thing?

It's going to be priced right out of the "beginner" space, which in my opinion, is overpriced to begin with. $4k for a "beginner" bike...?  

And this is going to be higher. That's a given. The "by how much" is the only question.

I just don't see the value being there. I don't see it selling at all.

I hope I'm wrong on all points.

[Ralf]

What an insult to the CBR250, CBR400, etc. of yore. This really looks like junk, is heavy and underpowered. They really should have given it another nomenclature (VR?). The only redeeming factor would be if they actually did price it newby friendly. I'd rather ride a Yamaha YZF 125.

[Squareman357]

I'm reading that new tech or not, they (Honda) are shooting to get the price point at or BELOW the current pricing on the '08 and up Ninja 250.  We'll probably lose the ABS, but may manage to keep the FI, which is all Kawasaki needs to do to their entry level bike.  Wow.   2 bikes my sons might like to get into in another year or so.  I like!

[Fourstring]

Any source for the pricing on that, Mr. Warg?  I'd like to see this cheaper than the Ninjette.

[motrhead]

What an insult to the CBR250, CBR400, etc. of yore. This really looks like junk, is heavy and underpowered. They really should have given it another nomenclature (VR?). The only redeeming factor would be if they actually did price it newby friendly. I'd rather ride a Yamaha YZF 125.

+1

 A 250 single just isn't enough unless it's a cutting-edge, multi-valved, liquid-cooled version like Yamaha's. If this had been an air-cooled 400cc thumper it would have worked, or if it was a twin, which may have gotten my attention...but truthfully it's ugly and overweight, so it's going to take a helluva engine to impress me, and this engine isn't it.
 I should have been the target audience; I love little bikes, and I am seriously thinking about adding a 250 to the stable in the spring, but at the moment it still looks like it will be a Kawi twin or a dual purpose bike. Now this engine in the CBR125 chassis would have made more sense- light, cheap, simple, and usable on the highway...but still not what it would be with a twin.

[Squareman357]

Any source for the pricing on that, Mr. Warg?  I'd like to see this cheaper than the Ninjette.

It was in one of the links posted in this thread...I read all the articles, and one of the articles sourced a quote from someone at Honda saying they are shooting to get the price point at or possibly slightly below that of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R.  I added the last part because that's the only way I think they'll be able to hit that price point, by losing the ABS system, but they should still be able to keep the FI and hit that price point.  The VFR1200F is priced at a premium, but the prices for their 1000cc and 600cc supersports have seemed to be in line with everyone else.  I imagine the 250 will probably be the same.  If they manage to get it WITH the ABS for say $4300, wouldn't the FI and ABS be worth $300 bucks more than the Ninja 250?  I say yes.

[Sarchi]

remember the Hawk GT?  I do, I had one.  It was a whopping ~35hp at the wheel and 400lbs ready to ride and I loved riding it around the neighborhood and to the coffee shop.  

I had one too..but the Hawk GT had 58hp....unless yours was only firing on one cylinder.

Back on topic -- I don't like how much plastic is on the lower half of this bike.  And I see no way for Honda to come in competing head-on with the baby Ninja, even if they build it in Thailand, which I'm sure they will.  If they do, Kawasaki will just undercut them...they pretty much have this segment locked up in North America.

[Giaka]

I did read that the Indian version will be the equivalent of $3000 USD. Those saying it should have been a 250 I4, you do realize that would have sunk the ship before it left the dock right? Who it going to buy a $9000 CBR250RR (remember this is a CBR250R not an RR) in the US?

[JamesG]

We can dream can't we?

The more I look at this the less I like it in comparison to the baby-Ninja, or some of other mini-race replicas that other places get graced with.   It has the look of the CBR, but none of the substance.  It's not a miniaturized CBR, its a Rebel 250 with a fairing...

[chornbe]

But without the long rake, spine-curling ergonomics, excessively cold-blooded carbs, never-quite-right foot placement, and mini ape hanger bars.

[Giaka]

But without the long rake, spine-curling ergonomics, excessively cold-blooded carbs, never-quite-right foot placement, and mini ape hanger bars.

Its a Honda Ninja 250 with a thumper and FI. You guys do realize the Ninja 250 is nothing more than a standard bike with fairings right? Nothing at all in common with the ZX series. From what I can see, if Honda prices it right Kawasaki has competition that is seriously needed since most dealers seem to think $2000 ADMU is ok to add to the Ninja 250s base MSRP.

[chornbe]

Its a Honda Ninja 250 with a thumper and FI. You guys do realize the Ninja 250 is nothing more than a standard bike with fairings right? Nothing at all in common with the ZX series. From what I can see, if Honda prices it right Kawasaki has competition that is seriously needed since most dealers seem to think $2000 ADMU is ok to add to the Ninja 250s base MSRP.

Righto.  

Comparing this thing to the Rebel is rather... silly.

[Rincewind]

I'd want a naked one.  Cmon Honda, bring on the Hornets.

[Rabidsnipe]

I'd want a naked one.  Cmon Honda, bring on the Hornets.

That would be so cool!  A 250cc streetfighter with FI and ABS.  

[Giaka]

I'd want a naked one.  Cmon Honda, bring on the Hornets.

Buy one and EBay the fairings.

[phoenix]

Searching around the internet tonight for other things, I run across this bike that evidently is sold in Australia? CB400. I woulda thunk this would be a better bike for America. No competition.

[Hunter]

The little CBR is nice and all but why can't the manufacturers build me this instead? A 450 single built using the dirt bike frame and engine with different wheels, suspension and exhaust. They could even go real cheap on the suspension and exhaust, it be the first parts binned anyway, just make it street legal.

[nater]

The little CBR is nice and all but why can't the manufacturers build me this instead? A 450 single built using the dirt bike frame and engine with different wheels, suspension and exhaust. They could even go real cheap on the suspension and exhaust, it be the first parts binned anyway, just make it street legal.

Reliability would be a problem.  The 450 is a motocross engine and is not designed to run at the high RPMs it would have to run to maintian highway speeds.  As it is, dirtbikes already have a pretty frequent rebuild schedule.  That does not translate into a practical motor for the street.  Who wants to change oil every week and check the valves every month?

[DogBoy]

Agree with nater. Those 450mx engines are very high maintenance. Besides the dirt bikes already cost $8000. By the time you add the bodywork, street parts and EPA compliance, you would have less performance and a higher price. Lets be honest, very few people (just racers) are going to pay $9000 for a 50hp bike with valve inspections and piston replacements measured in hours, not miles.

Remember, the FZR400 cost more than an FZR600 and was mostly bought by racers. Honda Hawk 650 sat on showrooms for years unsold. Any small bike with top shelf components offered today will cost at least as much as a 600 supersport.

[Rincewind]

What do you project would be the top speed of this CBR250R?  I see in the video it revs to 10,500rpm, so it may have a good spread of power.  It's also six speed...  Will it break the ton?

[gritsngravy]

I love new Honda's.   So much controversy, angst, and pure drama.    

[Rogue]

I have owned three. As you said "for the right price" this might be a fun Palomar bike.  

Do you plan to trailer it up there?

The cruise on I-15 will have you spinning that little engine very high (85 mph+).  Then there's the passing of all those casino rats and desert rats.  Then there's the high elevation sapping up available power.  An SV650 is just adequate.  A 250?  I can't see a 26 bhp being adeqate for such a ride.  May as well drive a Fit.  

[rajflyboy]

Do you plan to trailer it up there?

The cruise on I-15 will have you spinning that little engine very high (85 mph+).  Then there's the passing of all those casino rats and desert rats.  Then there's the high elevation sapping up available power.  An SV650 is just adequate.  A 250?  I can't see a 26 bhp being adeqate for such a ride.  May as well drive a Fit.  

Well...   pick any bike you want and ride Palomar with a very good rider on the 250...

I will bet big money on the very good rider on the 250 to beat you

[rajflyboy]

I can only make 1 statement about this Honda 250 machine:


Kawasaki  "Let the Good Times Roll"

this honda 250 will never compete with the Mighty Ninja 250

[Giaka]

Do you plan to trailer it up there?

The cruise on I-15 will have you spinning that little engine very high (85 mph+).  Then there's the passing of all those casino rats and desert rats.  Then there's the high elevation sapping up available power.  An SV650 is just adequate.  A 250?  I can't see a 26 bhp being adeqate for such a ride.  May as well drive a Fit.  

I have ridden all my bikes to Palomar, even my Ninja 250s. Had fun on everything I have taken up there except that one time I parked my CBR in the guard rail.  

From my house I only need to be on the 15 for maybe 20 minutes. That 20 mile cruise up the 76 might be a pain if traffic is high but its a pain no matter what I am on in traffic..

[Sarchi]

I can only make 1 statement about this Honda 250 machine:


Kawasaki  "Let the Good Times Roll"

this honda 250 will never compete with the Mighty Ninja 250

Gonna have to agree with you, Honda will go nowhere with this model in the US market...not now or ever.

Here's to the sexy beeotch that 'inspired' this American Honda-bashing thread.  

[Dave the slave]

I had one too..but the Hawk GT had 58hp....unless yours was only firing on one cylinder.

Back on topic -- I don't like how much plastic is on the lower half of this bike.  And I see no way for Honda to come in competing head-on with the baby Ninja, even if they build it in Thailand, which I'm sure they will.  If they do, Kawasaki will just undercut them...they pretty much have this segment locked up in North America.



A VERY well tuned Hawk will make 58-65 hp.  Most commonly they made between 35-40 at the wheel.  If you're into hawks there is a great website for Hawk GT tuning call Hordpower.  Good stuff there.

[Squareman357]

I can only make 1 statement about this Honda 250 machine:


Kawasaki  "Let the Good Times Roll"

this honda 250 will never compete with the Mighty Ninja 250

I beg to differ.  If Honda gets the price right and doesn't try to run a premium price point, this slick little Honda will definitely eat into the baby Ninja's sales.  The ONLY reason the Ninja 250 has sold so well over the years is because it has had NO real competition in that segment.  This Honda 250 is DEFINITELY competition, and I daresay it might even be a little better.  It's down on power by a couple ponies, but up on torque and lighter by a bit, and the FI is going to make this a different beast, which should even up the power difference.  They'll probably be pretty evenly matched performance wise.  I can't wait to see one in the flesh, and the black and red units look just as good as the baby Ninja.

[chornbe]

FI doesn't increase power, it just delivers fuel in a more consistent fashion (most of the time) than the average carb.

This bike will succeed or fail SOLEY on price. The extra tech and incrementally/evolutionarily better design won't matter one iota to 80% (or more) of the buyers.

Price. Price. Price.

Period.

[Hunter]

Agree with nater. Those 450mx engines are very high maintenance. Besides the dirt bikes already cost $8000. By the time you add the bodywork, street parts and EPA compliance, you would have less performance and a higher price. Lets be honest, very few people (just racers) are going to pay $9000 for a 50hp bike with valve inspections and piston replacements measured in hours, not miles.

Remember, the FZR400 cost more than an FZR600 and was mostly bought by racers. Honda Hawk 650 sat on showrooms for years unsold. Any small bike with top shelf components offered today will cost at least as much as a 600 supersport.

Suzuki could build it easily if they wanted to using a DRZ engine and probably the frame as well. I've thought hard about trying to modify mine into "Super Single" or F450 class bike.

While I agree about the FZR's, I think that the Hawk was doomed because it was a naked. In average hands it ran rings around the Hurricane 600 on tight roads. I also think it was subject to Honda's pattern of over pricing everything, remember the GB500?

[DogBoy]

Suzuki could build it easily if they wanted to using a DRZ engine and probably the frame as well. I've thought hard about trying to modify mine into "Super Single" or F450 class bike.

While I agree about the FZR's, I think that the Hawk was doomed because it was a naked. In average hands it ran rings around the Hurricane 600 on tight roads. I also think it was subject to Honda's pattern of over pricing everything, remember the GB500?

Yes, Suzuki could build a super single street bike from the DRZ. A heavy, under-powered super single. The question is why. It would probably be even heavier (bodywork, lights, different seat, brackets adding weight) and the end result would be less versatile than the existing DRZsm and wouldn't perform any better.

As I mentioned in the last "why don't we have any cool small bore bikes?" thread, we do have choices for some sporty, small bore bikes with adequate power, good suspension and brakes, they just don't look like sport bikes.

[chornbe]

As I mentioned in the last "why don't we have any cool small bore bikes?" thread, we do have choices for some sporty, small bore bikes with adequate power, good suspension and brakes, they just don't look like sport bikes. Supermotos are just better.

Works for me.

All the "me too" tupperware bikes are just boring looking to me.

[Squareman357]

FI doesn't increase power, it just delivers fuel in a more consistent fashion (most of the time) than the average carb.

This bike will succeed or fail SOLEY on price. The extra tech and incrementally/evolutionarily better design won't matter one iota to 80% (or more) of the buyers.

Price. Price. Price.

Period.

LOL I know the FI doesn't affect the power, but the lighter weight and higher torque does, and the FI will be another feature that people will look for.  Just saying that they should be pretty evenly matched in the performance area.  I agree, price will determine how big a chunk of the Ninja 250s pie the new Honda bites off.

[bluepoof]

As I mentioned in the last "why don't we have any cool small bore bikes?" thread, we do have choices for some sporty, small bore bikes with adequate power, good suspension and brakes, they just don't look like sport bikes.

Are they accessible for beginners/shorties, though?  The only small bore bikes I know of besides the Ninja and Honda Rebel are dualsports etc with very tall seat heights.

[Jeff]

Are they accessible for beginners/shorties, though?  The only small bore bikes I know of besides the Ninja and Honda Rebel are dualsports etc with very tall seat heights.

I'm 5'9". The WRX had as tall a seat as I'd like. I sunk the height to a reasonable level while on the bike. I'd say if you're 5'8" you'll manage alright. Being 5'-nuthin, it'll be a little difficult.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I'm 5'9". The WRX had as tall a seat as I'd like. I sunk the height to a reasonable level while on the bike. I'd say if you're 5'8" you'll manage alright. Being 5'-nuthin, it'll be a little difficult.

Looks like it'll be "a little difficult" for you, Blue  

[Rogue]

Well...   pick any bike you want and ride Palomar with a very good rider on the 250...

I will bet big money on the very good rider on the 250 to beat you

That’s not my point.  

What I’m saying is, I don’t believe a 250 sportbike would work very well on sport rides across SoCal.  Unless you live right at the base of Palomar Mountain or Glendora Mountain Road were you can simply run and down the mountain roads without ever hitting any freeway or bigger, faster roads.  I’m not saying it can’t be done, I’m saying it wouldn’t work very well.  Freeways across Socal move fast—about 75-85.  In a motorcycle, if you are at 75 you will be riding alongside the big trucks, dawdling SUV’s, etc.  You really need to be moving with the flow or slightly faster than the flow for your own safety.  So if the flow is 75, then you need to be at 80 or so to avoid riding alongside bigger vehicles.  On top of that, most of SoCal’s great sport bike roads are on high elevation.  So it would be good to have some extra power available for passing; not necessarily to negotiate the road but just to pass slower cars.  Depending on the mountain road, day of the week, time of day, you may or may not be doing a lot of passing.  Bottom line is, there is a significant time spent on the slab at high speed to get to great roads.  A 250 cc with 26 bhp is barely adequate in my opinion.  Like I said, an SV650 with 70 rwhp is adequate for its weight.  The Ninja 500R with about 50 rwhp (if that) will do okay.  But 26 crank hp?  So we’re talking 15 rwhp for a bike that weighs 300 lbs.?  I just don’t see it being fun that’s all.

If it were a 500 with 40 rwhp and 300 lbs. it might work.  Although I still don’t see that selling like hotcakes.

[Jeff]

If it were a 500 with 40 rwhp and 300 lbs. it might work.  Although I still don’t see that selling like hotcakes.

A 500 with 40 rwhp and 300 lbs. would sell very well as a track bike - I'd imagine.

[motormike]

As a noob, a single cylinder 250 doesn't interest me but I do like the look of the CBR 250.  I'm not really interested in the Ninja 250 either.  I'd be more interested if it had a 500 twin.

[DogBoy]

Are they accessible for beginners/shorties, though?  The only small bore bikes I know of besides the Ninja and Honda Rebel are dualsports etc with very tall seat heights.

You make a good point.
I know a woman who is about 5'2" or so who has owned and both a DRZ supermoto and a Yamaha WR250x. (She rides a Versys now) The SM's tend to be lower than the dual sports. Imagine if your Ninja 250 weighed 50 lbs less and the seat was only 1/2 to 2/3rds as wide*. That doesn't make up for a shorter inseam but it makes managing the height a lot easier.

Unfortunately, riders of shorter stature have limited choices across the entire spectrum of motorcycling, not just small-bore bikes. However, supermotos are easier to ride on sidewalks and stairs so you don't have to stop at nearly as many stoplights as with a normal bike.  



*edit: I just remembered there is/was a DRZ400s in your collection for a long time. Doh!

[atadaskew]

That’s not my point.  

What I’m saying is, I don’t believe a 250 sportbike would work very well on sport rides across SoCal.  Unless you live right at the base of Palomar Mountain or Glendora Mountain Road were you can simply run and down the mountain roads without ever hitting any freeway or bigger, faster roads.  I’m not saying it can’t be done, I’m saying it wouldn’t work very well.  Freeways across Socal move fast—about 75-85.  In a motorcycle, if you are at 75 you will be riding alongside the big trucks, dawdling SUV’s, etc.  You really need to be moving with the flow or slightly faster than the flow for your own safety.  So if the flow is 75, then you need to be at 80 or so to avoid riding alongside bigger vehicles.  On top of that, most of SoCal’s great sport bike roads are on high elevation.  So it would be good to have some extra power available for passing; not necessarily to negotiate the road but just to pass slower cars.  Depending on the mountain road, day of the week, time of day, you may or may not be doing a lot of passing.  Bottom line is, there is a significant time spent on the slab at high speed to get to great roads.  A 250 cc with 26 bhp is barely adequate in my opinion.  Like I said, an SV650 with 70 rwhp is adequate for its weight.  The Ninja 500R with about 50 rwhp (if that) will do okay.  But 26 crank hp?  So we’re talking 15 rwhp for a bike that weighs 300 lbs.?  I just don’t see it being fun that’s all.

If it were a 500 with 40 rwhp and 300 lbs. it might work.  Although I still don’t see that selling like hotcakes.

I had a Ninja 250 and completely agree with this statement.
Rogue, who woulda thunk it?!
 

[bluepoof]

I know a woman who is about 5'2" or so who has owned and both a DRZ supermoto and a Yamaha WR250x. (She rides a Versys now)

That's gotta be roadstergal!  

[DogBoy]

That's gotta be roadstergal!  

 

[Paul Barnard]

Looks are subjective, but I like the looks of this bike.  I can tell you with absolute certainty that this bike will not compete well with the Ninja.  It WILL cost appreciably more than the Ninja and won't compete with it in performance.  A bike that costs more and delivers less performance will NOT sell against the Ninja even with FI and ABS.  Noobs are driven by looks, image, price and performance.  While ABS make sense for noobs, it just won't compute in their heads.  I like this bike.  It will not sell at Honda's price.

Honda's little 230 dual sport and Kawasaki's KLX250 are worlds apart in features and performance, but are priced the same.  I see this bike being priced at least a grand above the Ninja.  

[Sarchi]

Looks are subjective, but I like the looks of this bike.  I can tell you with absolute certainty that this bike will not compete well with the Ninja.  It WILL cost appreciably more than the Ninja and won't compete with it in performance.  A bike that costs more and delivers less performance will NOT sell against the Ninja even with FI and ABS.  Noobs are driven by looks, image, price and performance.  While ABS make sense for noobs, it just won't compute in their heads.  I like this bike.  It will not sell at Honda's price.

Honda's little 230 dual sport and Kawasaki's KLX250 are worlds apart in features and performance, but are priced the same.  I see this bike being priced at least a grand above the Ninja.  

+1  That seems to be the Honda way with bikes...give the consumer what they didn't ask for, and price it beyond their reach.  I like Honda stuff as much as anyone (I've had one bike and seven cars).  But I like them a lot more once they've depreciated to something like a reasonable price.

[rajflyboy]

I beg to differ.  If Honda gets the price right and doesn't try to run a premium price point, this slick little Honda will definitely eat into the baby Ninja's sales.  The ONLY reason the Ninja 250 has sold so well over the years is because it has had NO real competition in that segment.  This Honda 250 is DEFINITELY competition, and I daresay it might even be a little better.  It's down on power by a couple ponies, but up on torque and lighter by a bit, and the FI is going to make this a different beast, which should even up the power difference.  They'll probably be pretty evenly matched performance wise.  I can't wait to see one in the flesh, and the black and red units look just as good as the baby Ninja.

They won't

This bike will be in the $6000 dollar range

[Squareman357]

They won't

This bike will be in the $6000 dollar range

C'mon man...no f'ing way.  For $6K you can easily get into 650cc bikes.  Why would Honda price this bike THAT far out of its segment?  Doesn't make any sense at all from a financial standpoint if they want this thing to have the kind of success that the baby Ninja has.  No more than $4500 MSRP.

[rajflyboy]

C'mon man...no f'ing way.  For $6K you can easily get into 650cc bikes.  Why would Honda price this bike THAT far out of its segment?  Doesn't make any sense at all from a financial standpoint if they want this thing to have the kind of success that the baby Ninja has.  No more than $4500 MSRP.

Honda is pricing many of their bikes well above their competitors.   I think this bike will end up being way overpriced too.    Thats just my opinion.  

at any rate "Let the Good Times Roll"

[Galo]

26 hp and 369 lbs?? After a few demon tweaks, my 1966 Bultaco Metralla had about 32 hp and weighed about 230 lbs, and that was 44 years ago......
Is this Honda what some people call progress?

[forester]

That is REALLY pretty, but needs 2x the horsepower it currently has.

[rajflyboy]

That is REALLY pretty, but needs 2x the horsepower it currently has.

 

[scorch]

some people here still think the honda cbr is a 6000$ bike. But honda has priced it at 3999$ just in case you didnt know. Very competitive

[atadaskew]

This bike will be in the $6000 dollar range

 

Just to re-iterate what a great deal the CBR250 is at $3999, Honda is asking $4500 for their SH150 scooter!

[rajflyboy]

some people here still think the honda cbr is a 6000$ bike. But honda has priced it at 3999$ just in case you didnt know. Very competitive

I just read that too.    Maybe Honda does finally realize that they have priced themselves out of the sport bike market in the USA.

At $3999 they will do ok even against the mighty Ninja.  

I must say that the Kawi is a much better looking machine.    I wonder how much the ABS Honda 250 will cost?

[CheesyRider]

I wonder how much the ABS Honda 250 will cost?

$4,499
http://powersports.honda.com/2011/cbr250r/options.aspx

[Kraz]

Awesome price - makes me think "I can afford that."

I typically like Kawasaki a lot, but that Honda is a good looking 250.

I really like the WR250x, but that's like 6 grand...

[Ceolwulf]

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2011/01/found-the-missing-link/

They really, really like it. I'm not surprised.

I found on the Honda Canada website that they estimate 320km range. That's around 100km better than my 600F3.

MPI is raping me on insurance yet again, yet another 20% hike. Thanks for nothing communist Manitoba. This little 250 would cut my premiums from $1300 to $750 or so.

And it would be new. With a warranty. I've never had a new bike, or new car for that matter ...