So, you’re thinking about taking up the sport of motorcycling, or perhaps you’re already a rider and would like to get a bike for a family member, so that they can share the enjoyment of the open road on two wheels. Where do you start your search for that just right ride? Well, one bike that definitely deserves a good long look is Honda’s CBR250R which first came on the market as a 2011model. It is truly an amazing bike that was developed specifically for new riders, even though it’s loaded with high-tech features and provides great performance capabilities in a package that’s lightweight and affordable.
The Honda CBR250R is truly an excellent machine that is suited not only to new riders, but that can also deliver a fun riding experience for even seasoned veteran riders. Despite the fact that it is an ideal entry level motorcycle for a variety of reasons, it doesn’t come across looking like a beginner bike, but rather looks like a more advanced sport bike, with its full fairing and short windscreen, which deflects oncoming air flow, adding to rider comfort.
Power for the Honda CBR250R is delivered by a 249.4cc, DOHC, 4- valve, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder motor with an engine counterbalancer and PGM-FI 38mm throttle body with a computer-controlled digital transistorized ignition with electronic advance. The motor gears power to the O-ring sealed chain-driven rear wheel via a six-speed sequential manual transmission.
The bike tips the scales, ready to ride at a mere 357 pounds – add 9 pounds for ABS equipped models. It measures 79.9-inches long overall, with a 53.9-inch wheelbase. The rake, or caster angle is 25.0 degrees, while the trail measures 95mm or 3.74-inches. The seat height is a comfortable 30.9-inches. The frame is a diamond-spar steel unit.
The suspension setup consists of 37mm front forks up front and a Pro-link single shock with a five-position preload spring adjustability. Rolling stock consists of a 110/70-17 radial tire up front and a 140/70-17 tire out back. The rubber is mounted on 5-swirl-spoke cast alloy wheels fore and aft.
Bringing the CBR250R to a halt is a single 296mm disc forward and a 220mm disc in the rear, with ABS as an option.
My test Honda CBR250R was actually a 2011 model finished in a Red and Silver metallic combination, one of two available paint schemes, the other being a Metallic Black finish. It came with a base sticker of $3,999. The final sticker was an estimated $4,149. After adding for dealer prep and handling, which can vary from dealer to dealer. The diminutive sport ride has remained virtually unchanged through the 2013 model year, with only new black wheels and a new black exhaust cover. Additional color combinations became available through 2012 and 2013, including a Repsol themed bike.
SUMMARY: Thanks to its 250cc displacement (okay 249.4cc), the Honda CBR250R delivers high fuel efficiency, with a very broad power band capable of quick low-end acceleration and rapid spooling up of power in virtually any gear, with a minimal torque reaction for smooth overall operation. The redline is 10,500 rpm.
The Honda CBR250R is ergonomically sporty, which accounts for a comfortable riding position. The bars are set at a modest angle, and foot controls and pegs are nicely placed, allowing for a well balanced riding posture, delivering a pain-free day-long ride capability, afforded by the 3.4 gallon fuel tank that yields a range in excess of 200 miles.
Grab rails on the tail section are designed to fit gloved hands, giving passengers a dedicated handhold while riding two-up, while a handy underseat storage area adds to the CBR250R’s versatility.
The simple Multi-function digital instrument pod includes a speedometer, tachometer, engine temperature display, fuel gauge, clock, odometer and trip meter.
Let’s face it, many scooters with less to offer in terms of performance and style, cost a great deal more than the Honda CBR250R, so it’s virtually a no-brainer for the beginning rider, or for the seasoned vet who just wants to take it easy and no longer needs to carve canyons with abandon.
On The Fast Lane Car’s rating scale of:
• Buy It.
• Rent It
• Lease It.
• Forget It.
Buy It new or used for a simple, fun-to-ride and versatile bike with a 200 plus mile range and average estimated fuel economy of 77 mpg.
2011 Model Base Price $3,999. Price as Tested: $4,149 * est – dealer prep and handling costs vary.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2011-2013 Honda CBR250R
Base Price: $3,999.
Price as Tested: $4,149.
Engine Type and Size: 249cc DOHC, 4-valve, liquid-cooled
single-cylinder four-stroke with PGM fuel
injection and 38mm throttle body.
Transmission: Six-speed sequential manual.
Drive Train: Final drive – O-Ring sealed Chain.
Suspension: Front – 37mm front forks with 4.54-inches
of travel.
Rear – Pro-link single shock with 5
positions of spring preload adjustability
and progressive rising rate travel
characteristics.
Tires: IRC RX-01F RoadWinner 110/70-17
radial front /140/70-17 radial rear
mounted on 5-swirl-spoke alloy
wheels.
Wheelbase: 53.9 inches
Length Overall: 79.9 inches
Curb Weight dry: 357 lbs. (dry)
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons.
Seat height: 30.5 inches
0 – 60 mph: Not tested.
Review by Arv Voss, Auto Impressions
