The
motorcycle business has evolved a full circle at Honda. It brought the
world high-tech bikes, higher-tech bikes, superbikes and then pushed
the envelope to supersports, this giant punching through every barrier
of motorcycle development along the way.The CBR250R reveals a mature
side to this multinational company, who’s put on its thinking cap to
conjure up a practical bike for daily use that’s also affordable.
The
attractively faired CBR250R looks a full-size bike. This sporty
quarter-liter motorcycle resembles Honda’s VFR1200F, also sporting a
mass-centralized stance. The front fairing extends down to shroud its
engine bay, and a curved visor provides ample high speed wind
protection, wrapping around a sporty cockpit.
Neat attention to detail is apparent in the attractive steering head
region, and you get clip-ons mounted above the triple clamp. We liked
the 250R’s blue backlit LCD instruments with silver trim and a compact,
easily deciphered layout. An analog tachometer dominates this bay,
while you also see a bold digital speedometer, in addition to odometer,
trip-counter, clock, fuel and temperature readouts. Switches include
all you require, while there are smart buffed-alloy levers and nice
feeling palm grips, although we missed the functionality of an
adjustable clutch lever.
The tank looks and feels nice thanks to perfectly sculpted knee grooves.
Futuristic flank panels swoop back into a bi-color tail, split grab
bars and angular brake warning light. There’s also a sharp belly pan,
stubby silencer crafted from blackened stainless steel and well-defined
footrests. A utility box tucks under the CBR250R’s split seats.Here's a
cutaway of Honda's new 249cc, single-cylinder engine.
Honda
has developed a new 249cc, 4-stroke, dual-overhead-camshaft engine for
the CBR250R. The liquid-cooled, single-cylinder powerplant is
fuel-injected via a twin-beam, Honda PGM-FI system.
The centrifugal cast, thin-wall cylinder sits 4mm offset from the
crankshaft center towards the exhaust side to reduce friction between
the cylinder and molybdenum-coated piston. There’s a textured sleeve
exterior for better heat dispersion, while the combustion chamber uses
pentroof architecture. An iridium spark-plug is deployed in the new
engine that uses four lightweight valves propped up on slender stems.
The CBR250R enjoys the world’s first roller rocker arms on any DOHC
engine, with tappet clearance relying on shim adjustment.

Peak power at the crankshaft is stated to be 25.8 hp at 8500 rpm, while
a maximum torque figure of close to 16.6 ft-lb at 7000 rpm is to be
expected, varying from market to market.
That reads all very well on paper, but feels more fun commanded by your
own enthusiastic wrist. The engine note is pleasantly gruff yet soft.
Engine revs build with a willing thrum the instant you select first,
open throttle and let out the well-weighted clutch. Throttle response is
crisp, the CBR250R enjoying a wide, thoroughly refined powerband even
novices wont hesitate to exploit. Revs rise in a smooth, purposeful
rush through an adequate low end, meeting a meaty midrange and frantic
top-end rush as expected from the short-stroke powerplant.Our Indian
correspondent had a chance to test out the new CBR250R on the track.
I found myself fighting to complete the up-shift to third before revs
bashed into and tripped on the limiter over 10,000 rpm in second while
exiting the final corner leading onto the main straight at Bira
circuit, Pattaya, where we were treated to our first few laps aboard
the 250R. You’ve six gears to play with, every shift feeling light and
precise. The CBR is good for effortless 70-mph cruising, with the
maximum speed I saw at the end of the straight being an indicated 88
mph, a little power still in hand.
A
diamond frame with steel pipe trusses holds the CBR250R together, with
37mm telescopic front suspension, a rectangle-section swingarm and
5-step adjustable Pro-link system at the rear. Wheels are 17 inches,
with ample tires, a 140/70 section used at rear.
The CBR250R riding position is midway between commuter-upright and
sporty, and kept my wrists stress free during this short ride. The
saddle offers good padding, making this a comfortable steed. Ride
quality feels plush, although this was difficult to judge on the racing
circuit.
Handling is light, street-friendly and stable through the corners. The
Honda doesn’t handle with the sharp edge of a more radical race replica
bike. It feels softer and forgiving, sure-footed enough for the
occasional track day, still essentially a comfortable motorcycle well
suited to daily use.
U.S. customers can choose Honda’s innovative C-ABS for an extra $500.

Honda is offering top drawer Combined ABS front (296mm floating disc)
and rear (220mm) disc brakes as an option. The combined system is
calibrated to intervene and distribute brake pressure to the front and
rear whenever you depress the rear brake, while the front brake lever
works independently as on any motorcycle. Both ends are ABS enabled, the
system modulating hydraulic pressure and preventing wheel lock in
every situation.
The uphill back straight at Bira ends in a tricky chicane lurking behind
a crest, and this made it a nasty habit of leaping out of nowhere into
my sight at close to 80 mph with frightening regularity. That’s
exactly when I felt the CBR chassis and my track abilities shimmying
close to the edge, only to be rescued lap after lap thanks to the
amazing brakes.

My contribution was no more than to jump on the brakes and hang on, from
where the C-ABS system took over and worked its magic without any
drama. I never needed to alter my braking habits, or felt the Combined
ABS system intruding on riding pleasure or brake feel. It’s a clever
system that will make a pro of most novices.The practical and
city-friendly CBR250R is a superbly balanced motorcycle. The 250R goes
on sale in select Asian markets in the first quarter of 2011, and is
poised to provide enthusiasts a stylish bike with adequate performance,
street-friendly handling and advanced brakes, all at a really
attractive price.
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