Honda CBR 250R first ride

• Published On: 23 March 2017
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Honda’s quarter-litre CBR looks like a much bigger bike; and, it’s practical too.

Honda’s answer to Yamaha’s track-focussed R15 is the CBR250R. It provided enthusiasts a fine combination of style, adequate performance, street friendly handling as well as advanced brakes, all at a decent price.

On the outside
At first glance, you’ll notice that this bike resembles its bigger VFR 1200F sibling. That distinct curved visor provides extra protection against the wind. The instruments include an odometer, trip counter, clock, fuel and temperature readouts. The firm palm grips and sculpted knee grooves in the tank indicate that Honda has also focussed on comfort while designing this bike. Futuristic flank panels swoop back into the bi-colour tail, split grab bar and edgy brake warning light. Then there’s the lower sections beginning in a sharp belly pan, a silencer crafted from blackened stainless steel and those neatly executed rider and pillion footrests.

Power Torque
The bike's 249cc engine has been built from the ground up by Honda. It’s a liquid-cooled, single cylinder powerplant and it uses Honda’s PGM-FI system which, the company claims, is extremely fuel efficient. Maximum power output in the Indian version is expected to be close to 25.8bhp at 8500rpm, a maximum torque figure of close to 2.3kgm at 7000rpm is expected.

The engine has a soft but thick soundtrack to it, it’s not overtly noisy. Throttle response is crisp, the CBR250R enjoying a wide, thoroughly refined powerband even beginners won’t hesitate to push this bike hard. When you accelerate quickly, the bike responds smoothly and purposefully. Low end power is adequate; its mid-range and frantic top end rush are where the fun is. You’ve six gears to play with in the one-down, five-up pattern, each shift accompanied by a light, precise feel at the pedal. The CBR is good for effortless 120kph cruising, with maximum speed in the region of 150kph.

From the saddle
The Honda feels light, street friendly and is quite stable through corners; suitable for an occasional track day, but the bike is more at home as an everyday city commuter than a race winner.

Honda is offering an impressive combination of an ABS front (296mm floating disc) and rear (220mm) disc brakes, as a paid option. Both brakes are ABS enabled as well, the system modulating hydraulic pressure to prevent wheel lock in every situation. The braking system is fairly easy to operate, even for people who are just starting out on two-wheelers.

Is it worth the money?
The practical and city friendly CBR250R is a superbly balanced motorcycle that set a benchmark in its category. The bike delivers a balanced package of style, power, speed at a good price.