The Kawasaki 250 Ninja has been the leader of the entry-level sportbike class since arriving on American shores in 1986, mostly due to the lack of competition.
Memories, oh-so sweet memories. Swinging a leg over the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R for this test brought back a tidal wave-like rush of emotions. My first-ever street bike was a Ninja 250, bought when I was 16 in 1998. I had to work multiple jobs to pay for it, but all I remember was being so stoked to finally have a bike that I could handle which was actually decent-looking and sporty. It was a match made in heaven; a match that Kawasaki has been making for over 20 years.
But there’s finally a new kid in town from another of the major Japanese bands - Honda’s all-new CBR250R (be sure to check out the 2011 Honda CBR250R First Ride review). The big question that arose after riding the Honda a month back was: Can it challenge the tried-and-true Kawasaki, or will Honda come up short? Only one surefire way to find out - it’s shootout time!
But this will all change for 2011, as Honda released the CBR250R stateside. The lightweight sportbike will bring the attractive styling of its older brothers to the entry-level sportbike rider, all with at an affordable price (price will be announced in November).
Bill Savino (Honda Powersports Press Manager) says: "This is really an amazing machine we're adding to Honda's list of models for 2011.
The new 2011 Honda CBR250R is specifically aimed at new riders, yet it's packed full of high-tech features and offers great performance, all in a lightweight, affordable package. This new model expands another segment of the market for Honda buyers."
The Honda CBR250 R features an efficient 249cc, liquid-cooled single engine that features an all-new design with sophisticated four-valve DOHC cylinder head, engine counterbalancer, and fuel injection.
On the handling side, the lighweight Honda CBR250R features a diamond twin-spar steel frame plus a 37mm front fork and Pro-Link single-shock rear suspension, which provide impressive handling and a comfortable ride.
The Honda CBR 250 R will also be available with ABS. Colors are Metallic Black and Red Silver. Honda expects the bikes on the showroom floors in Spring 2011.
Looks
Lets start of with the most basic aspect any college student would want from his ride. In looks, it has no compromise. Its one of the best looking bikes I have ever seen in this segment.
The body balance right from the head light to the tail grab is superbly done with a great balance making it look like the pearl on the roads.
Light, Narrow, Low.
Because it’s a single-cylinder machine, the new CBR250R is narrow, and with its low 30.5-inch seat height and light 359-pound curb weight, putting your feet down in parking lots or at stoplights can be a lot easier.
The Power of One.
The new CBR250R uses a single-cylinder engine with fuel injection, double-overhead cams and a counterbalancer. Sure that’s tech talk, but the architecture offers some very real advantages. Maybe the most important is power delivery: a single offers the kind of torque and midrange power that’s well suited for all levels of riders.
2011 Honda CBR250R | Features and Benefits
• The sophisticated, all-new Honda 249.4cc single-cylinder engine is thoroughly modern in design thanks to its dual overhead camshafts driven by a Hy-Vo-type chain, forked roller rocker arms, four-valve head, shim-style valve adjustment, counterbalancer shaft and liquid cooling.
• The Honda CBR250R has a single-cylinder engine that produces a remarkably broad torque curve with peak torque generated at an easily accessible 7000 rpm.
•Peak horsepower kicks in at 8500 rpm, well before the 10,500-rpm redline-further testimony to the wide spread of power.
•Such power characteristics facilitate easy, responsive operation while also returning impressive fuel economy.
• Honda Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) continuously monitors several variables to ensure the correct fuel mixture for the existing riding and atmospheric conditions. This is accomplished through gradual reductions of air and fuel intake when the throttle is opened and closed.
• Thanks to its single-cylinder configuration, the CBR250R incorporates a light, •The six-speed transmission works in concert with the engine's broad power delivery to produce quick acceleration plus admirable fuel economy during top-gear cruising.
• ABS version available for enhanced braking characteristics.
• Base weight of only 359 pounds gives the CBR250R outstanding maneuverability and helps instill rider confidence.
• Stylish full fairing with windscreen deflects the oncoming wind to boost rider comfort.
• Full-sized 17-inch cast wheels return big-bike feel and handling traits.
• Fuel capacity of 3.4 gallons gives the CBR250R a cruising range of more than 200 miles.
• An external fuel filter maximizes fuel tank capacity while also easing fuel filter maintenance.
• Multi-function digital instrument pod includes speedometer, tachometer, engine temperature display, fuel gauge, clock, odometer and trip meter.
• Exciting Honda CBR250R colors: Metallic Black and Red/Silver.
2011 Honda CBR250R | Genuine Accessories
• Seat Cowl
•Carbon Fiber Tank Pad
•Cycle Cover
Performance
This is what makes this bike stand out from all the other bikes. Powered with a 250cc single cylinder engine, whit 26 BHP, it has a superb power which anyone can realize by riding the bike for just for a few meters. I found it very very difficult to keep the speed in control while the bike was in the run-in period.
The throttle response is too sensitive and works amazingly. Not to be shocked, the engine alone has 19 patents out of the 22. And, the engine smoothness is as good as any other Hondas engine, very smooth producing a huge power. And also I was getting a very good average of about 35kmpl even before the 1st service
Handling
The bike handles like a flower. Though its too heavy, while riding the rider gets the feeling of being flying in the air with its beautiful aero-dynamics and wind path. The wheelbase is one of the largest in this segment, making the bike very stable. I drove the bike on wet, dry and muddy roads and to my surprise the bike never lost its balance even though I was speeding in the wet and dry roads at high speeds.
While I was a little careful on the muddy roads not able to speed, but still it was a lot stable than the while any other bike would have lost its balance while I was doing 20+ kmph on such places.
Price
There are 2 versions of CBR250R available, the standard version and the Combined-ABS mounted variant.. The standard version costs 1.69 laks on road while the ABS model would cost a 30,000 more, 1.99laks. And I personally feel the ABS is really worth the extra penny making your ride more secure and pleasure.
Special Features of Honda CBR250R
The 1st special thing I observed in this bike was the head lamps (55wt Halogen bulb) are extremely powerful any clearly visible. The credit goes to extreme reflective principle used in this bike.
And also to my surprise while on the dip mode, the lights at the left part of your road is more wide and powerful when compared to the right side, making it very pleasant for the vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
The next interesting thing about this bike is, the speedometer is not connected to the front wheel. Its connected to the ECU and then to the engine and then to the rear wheel making it completely controllable during any emergency breaking.
Braking
The C-ABS system gives a 50% breaking pressure on the front wheel when the rear breaks are applied. Overall the ABS system is great. I applied the breaks so hard while riding at 70KMPH and I was amazed by the stopping distance.
Cons of CBR250R
•The plastic parts used are not of the Honda’s standards and the finishing of the frame and all looks a bit sloppy.
•A real long waiting period.
•While riding on wet roads, be sure to have an extra set of shoes and pants as the shoes and the pants become dirty by the water spilling over them.
2011 Honda CBR250R | Motorcycle Specs
Model: CBR250R / CBR250R ABS
Engine Type: 249.4cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 76mm x 55mm
Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction: PGM-FI, 38mm throttle body
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance
Transmission: Six-speed
Suspension: Front: 37mm fork
Rear: Pro-Link single shock with five positions of spring preload adjustability
Brakes: Front: Single 296mm disc
Rear: Single 220mm disc
Optional ABS
Tires: Front: 110/70-17 radial
Rear: 140/70-17 radial
Wheelbase: 53.9 inches
Rake (Caster angle): 25.0°
Trail: 95mm (3.74 inches)
Seat Height: 30.9 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons
Color: Metallic Black, Red/Silver
Curb Weight*: 359 pounds / 368 pounds (ABS)
Price: TBA Nov. 11, 2011
“The Honda is a lot more comfortable than the Kawasaki,” Editorial Director Ken Hutchison said. “The bike is smaller but more roomy and doesn’t cramp the rider as much. The seat is also way more comfortable than the Ninja perch.”
Motorcycle handling is a very subjective thing. Some prefer a machine that’s planted and stable, while others like the knife-edged, turn-on-a-dime feeling that machines like Yamaha’s R6 has made popular. Honda’s new mini-CBR definitely leans toward the latter, turning with the slightest input. Simply think of turning, look through the corner the Honda follows like a well-trained Labrador, mirroring one’s intentions without hesitation. As a tradeoff the front-end of this bike has a tendency to feel flighty when pushing along at a good pace, and doesn't feel quite as planted at the Kawasaki. That's a trade-off we are willing to make given how nimble it feels in the city though.
“The Honda steers quickly, quicker than the Kawasaki, but it also feels much less connected to the pavement when you are hauling butt around canyon roads,” Hutchison adds. “I think because it’s so light the front end feels a little vague compared to the Kawasaki, which carves up the faster roads better.”
Once up to temp and underway the little Ninja sparks to life with an EPA-muted whine, running well from 2000 rpm all the way to the 13,000 rpm redline. Throttle response, while not as good as the fuel injected CBR, comes to life and becomes far more precise as speeds increase. For a carbureted engine the Kawi does well to not hiccup or bog down too badly at lower revs, and when into the upper rpms it outpaces the Honda quite easily.
Conclusion
Overall I am very satisfied with my CBR250R. I love it so much and will continue to do so. It may seem a little expensive at first but just have a look at the market – with some research you will find out that CBR250R is worth the money.
As with all Honda products, it will have excellent resale value and your investment will be justified.
Memories, oh-so sweet memories. Swinging a leg over the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R for this test brought back a tidal wave-like rush of emotions. My first-ever street bike was a Ninja 250, bought when I was 16 in 1998. I had to work multiple jobs to pay for it, but all I remember was being so stoked to finally have a bike that I could handle which was actually decent-looking and sporty. It was a match made in heaven; a match that Kawasaki has been making for over 20 years.
But there’s finally a new kid in town from another of the major Japanese bands - Honda’s all-new CBR250R (be sure to check out the 2011 Honda CBR250R First Ride review). The big question that arose after riding the Honda a month back was: Can it challenge the tried-and-true Kawasaki, or will Honda come up short? Only one surefire way to find out - it’s shootout time!
But this will all change for 2011, as Honda released the CBR250R stateside. The lightweight sportbike will bring the attractive styling of its older brothers to the entry-level sportbike rider, all with at an affordable price (price will be announced in November).
Bill Savino (Honda Powersports Press Manager) says: "This is really an amazing machine we're adding to Honda's list of models for 2011.
The new 2011 Honda CBR250R is specifically aimed at new riders, yet it's packed full of high-tech features and offers great performance, all in a lightweight, affordable package. This new model expands another segment of the market for Honda buyers."
The Honda CBR250 R features an efficient 249cc, liquid-cooled single engine that features an all-new design with sophisticated four-valve DOHC cylinder head, engine counterbalancer, and fuel injection.
On the handling side, the lighweight Honda CBR250R features a diamond twin-spar steel frame plus a 37mm front fork and Pro-Link single-shock rear suspension, which provide impressive handling and a comfortable ride.
The Honda CBR 250 R will also be available with ABS. Colors are Metallic Black and Red Silver. Honda expects the bikes on the showroom floors in Spring 2011.
Looks
Lets start of with the most basic aspect any college student would want from his ride. In looks, it has no compromise. Its one of the best looking bikes I have ever seen in this segment.
The body balance right from the head light to the tail grab is superbly done with a great balance making it look like the pearl on the roads.
Light, Narrow, Low.
Because it’s a single-cylinder machine, the new CBR250R is narrow, and with its low 30.5-inch seat height and light 359-pound curb weight, putting your feet down in parking lots or at stoplights can be a lot easier.
The Power of One.
The new CBR250R uses a single-cylinder engine with fuel injection, double-overhead cams and a counterbalancer. Sure that’s tech talk, but the architecture offers some very real advantages. Maybe the most important is power delivery: a single offers the kind of torque and midrange power that’s well suited for all levels of riders.
2011 Honda CBR250R | Features and Benefits
• The sophisticated, all-new Honda 249.4cc single-cylinder engine is thoroughly modern in design thanks to its dual overhead camshafts driven by a Hy-Vo-type chain, forked roller rocker arms, four-valve head, shim-style valve adjustment, counterbalancer shaft and liquid cooling.
• The Honda CBR250R has a single-cylinder engine that produces a remarkably broad torque curve with peak torque generated at an easily accessible 7000 rpm.
•Peak horsepower kicks in at 8500 rpm, well before the 10,500-rpm redline-further testimony to the wide spread of power.
•Such power characteristics facilitate easy, responsive operation while also returning impressive fuel economy.
• Honda Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) continuously monitors several variables to ensure the correct fuel mixture for the existing riding and atmospheric conditions. This is accomplished through gradual reductions of air and fuel intake when the throttle is opened and closed.
• Thanks to its single-cylinder configuration, the CBR250R incorporates a light, •The six-speed transmission works in concert with the engine's broad power delivery to produce quick acceleration plus admirable fuel economy during top-gear cruising.
• ABS version available for enhanced braking characteristics.
• Base weight of only 359 pounds gives the CBR250R outstanding maneuverability and helps instill rider confidence.
• Stylish full fairing with windscreen deflects the oncoming wind to boost rider comfort.
• Full-sized 17-inch cast wheels return big-bike feel and handling traits.
• Fuel capacity of 3.4 gallons gives the CBR250R a cruising range of more than 200 miles.
• An external fuel filter maximizes fuel tank capacity while also easing fuel filter maintenance.
• Multi-function digital instrument pod includes speedometer, tachometer, engine temperature display, fuel gauge, clock, odometer and trip meter.
• Exciting Honda CBR250R colors: Metallic Black and Red/Silver.
2011 Honda CBR250R | Genuine Accessories
• Seat Cowl
•Carbon Fiber Tank Pad
•Cycle Cover
Performance
This is what makes this bike stand out from all the other bikes. Powered with a 250cc single cylinder engine, whit 26 BHP, it has a superb power which anyone can realize by riding the bike for just for a few meters. I found it very very difficult to keep the speed in control while the bike was in the run-in period.
The throttle response is too sensitive and works amazingly. Not to be shocked, the engine alone has 19 patents out of the 22. And, the engine smoothness is as good as any other Hondas engine, very smooth producing a huge power. And also I was getting a very good average of about 35kmpl even before the 1st service
Handling
The bike handles like a flower. Though its too heavy, while riding the rider gets the feeling of being flying in the air with its beautiful aero-dynamics and wind path. The wheelbase is one of the largest in this segment, making the bike very stable. I drove the bike on wet, dry and muddy roads and to my surprise the bike never lost its balance even though I was speeding in the wet and dry roads at high speeds.
While I was a little careful on the muddy roads not able to speed, but still it was a lot stable than the while any other bike would have lost its balance while I was doing 20+ kmph on such places.
Price
There are 2 versions of CBR250R available, the standard version and the Combined-ABS mounted variant.. The standard version costs 1.69 laks on road while the ABS model would cost a 30,000 more, 1.99laks. And I personally feel the ABS is really worth the extra penny making your ride more secure and pleasure.
Special Features of Honda CBR250R
The 1st special thing I observed in this bike was the head lamps (55wt Halogen bulb) are extremely powerful any clearly visible. The credit goes to extreme reflective principle used in this bike.
And also to my surprise while on the dip mode, the lights at the left part of your road is more wide and powerful when compared to the right side, making it very pleasant for the vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
Braking
The C-ABS system gives a 50% breaking pressure on the front wheel when the rear breaks are applied. Overall the ABS system is great. I applied the breaks so hard while riding at 70KMPH and I was amazed by the stopping distance.
Cons of CBR250R
•The plastic parts used are not of the Honda’s standards and the finishing of the frame and all looks a bit sloppy.
•A real long waiting period.
•While riding on wet roads, be sure to have an extra set of shoes and pants as the shoes and the pants become dirty by the water spilling over them.
2011 Honda CBR250R | Motorcycle Specs
Model: CBR250R / CBR250R ABS
Engine Type: 249.4cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 76mm x 55mm
Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction: PGM-FI, 38mm throttle body
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance
Transmission: Six-speed
Suspension: Front: 37mm fork
Rear: Pro-Link single shock with five positions of spring preload adjustability
Brakes: Front: Single 296mm disc
Rear: Single 220mm disc
Optional ABS
Tires: Front: 110/70-17 radial
Rear: 140/70-17 radial
Wheelbase: 53.9 inches
Rake (Caster angle): 25.0°
Trail: 95mm (3.74 inches)
Seat Height: 30.9 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons
Color: Metallic Black, Red/Silver
Curb Weight*: 359 pounds / 368 pounds (ABS)
Price: TBA Nov. 11, 2011
“The Honda is a lot more comfortable than the Kawasaki,” Editorial Director Ken Hutchison said. “The bike is smaller but more roomy and doesn’t cramp the rider as much. The seat is also way more comfortable than the Ninja perch.”
Motorcycle handling is a very subjective thing. Some prefer a machine that’s planted and stable, while others like the knife-edged, turn-on-a-dime feeling that machines like Yamaha’s R6 has made popular. Honda’s new mini-CBR definitely leans toward the latter, turning with the slightest input. Simply think of turning, look through the corner the Honda follows like a well-trained Labrador, mirroring one’s intentions without hesitation. As a tradeoff the front-end of this bike has a tendency to feel flighty when pushing along at a good pace, and doesn't feel quite as planted at the Kawasaki. That's a trade-off we are willing to make given how nimble it feels in the city though.
“The Honda steers quickly, quicker than the Kawasaki, but it also feels much less connected to the pavement when you are hauling butt around canyon roads,” Hutchison adds. “I think because it’s so light the front end feels a little vague compared to the Kawasaki, which carves up the faster roads better.”
The biggest difference is the cruising speeds on the freeways. The Honda has to work harder in order to keep pace on the freeway once you reach that 55-65 mph range, running near top speed and vibrating more than the Ninja 250. This makes it tougher to pass when the time comes, as one isn’t left with much breathing room to get around the faster cars ahead. The Kawasaki isn’t exactly a high-speed racer, but it does give a few thousand more rpm to play with when overtaking slower traffic.
Once up to temp and underway the little Ninja sparks to life with an EPA-muted whine, running well from 2000 rpm all the way to the 13,000 rpm redline. Throttle response, while not as good as the fuel injected CBR, comes to life and becomes far more precise as speeds increase. For a carbureted engine the Kawi does well to not hiccup or bog down too badly at lower revs, and when into the upper rpms it outpaces the Honda quite easily.
Conclusion
Overall I am very satisfied with my CBR250R. I love it so much and will continue to do so. It may seem a little expensive at first but just have a look at the market – with some research you will find out that CBR250R is worth the money.
As with all Honda products, it will have excellent resale value and your investment will be justified.
Hi, may i know the lenght of this bike?
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