Honda CBR250R

Sporty and fuel efficient CBR for 2011

The concept of progressing onto bigger and bigger bikes as a rider becomes more experienced is ingrained in motorcycling. For decades, powerful, big-capacity machines have presented an obvious incentive to upgrade from smaller bikes, offering both increased performance as well as prestige on the street. But nowadays, busy roads, spiralling fuel prices and the sense of responsibility we feel more and more towards the environment all help make the lightweight and frugal small-capacity machine more relevant than ever.

Over the years CBR motorcycles of various engine sizes have come to define what a road-focused sportsbike should be; how it should perform and what it should feel like. As dynamically rewarding as a Supersports machine but with a versatility and accessibility those bikes lack, the CBR family has consistently confounded the opposition by blending the performance that expert riders demand with the ease of use so critical to building riding confidence in novices.

New for 2011, the CBR250R unites the inherent virtues of a 250cc machine with the timeless CBR qualities of high performance, intuitive handling dynamics and unrivalled ease of use. The result is a machine of outstanding versatility; one able to take on any task while also delivering the excitement that makes every ride a joy. With its lightweight and very efficient single-cylinder engine, advanced chassis and striking design, the CBR250R is set to appeal to a wide range of riders. Everyone, from leisure riders to style-conscious commuters keen to save time and money will be drawn by the bike’s easy handling, forgiving but powerful engine and rewarding chassis.

While the advantages of lightweight, small-capacity motorcycles are easy to see, such machines have traditionally been compromised in several key areas. While modern riders are keen to reap the rewards of low running costs, outstanding fuel efficiency and easy handling, they are unwilling to sacrifice the sophistication, riding excitement or attractive styling of big-capacity machines. The demand therefore exists for a 250cc motorcycle that could – both in the way it looks and the riding experience it offers – be mistaken for a more expensive and larger capacity machine.

The 2011 CBR250R is Honda’s response to this demand. Twin-cylinder engines are commonplace in the 250 class but the CBR250R is designed around an all-new 249.4cm³ single-cylinder engine with liquid cooling, an efficient 4-valve DOHC cylinder head and PGM-FI fuel injection. This single-cylinder configuration makes for a lighter, more compact and more fuel-efficient powerplant that also boasts a supremely usable torque curve. The rest of the CBR250R package is similarly balanced, combining satisfying performance with the kind of refinement and easygoing usability that make a difference on every ride. The result is extraordinary – a truly versatile 250cc sportsbike with unrivalled fuel economy in its class.