The new 2011 CBR250R is a great small bike. 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.
Development concept
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 2011CBR250R 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.
Main features
- Powerful liquid-cooled 249.4cm3 single-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts and four valves for strong torque and outstanding acceleration.
- Advanced PGM-FI fuel injection for superb throttle response and impressive fuel economy.
- Diamond twin-spar steel frame with 37mm telescopic forks and Pro-Link Monoshock rear suspension for outstanding handling and ride quality.
- Stylish full-fairing cowl.
- Multi-function digital instruments including speedometer, tachometer, engine temperature display, multi-segment fuel gauge and odometer/trip meter.
Ergonomic design
Instinctive riding position
The CBR250R’s riding position is fundamental to its versatility, ensuring comfort and control regardless of the task at hand. It is designed around a low seat height of just 784mm, which puts riders of any stature at ease immediately since even shorter riders can put a supporting foot on the ground when stopping. The result is increased rider confidence and a bike that is in its element carving through traffic jams and other busy urban environments. The position of the handlebars and footpegs works with the seat to create a sporty riding position that offers outstanding control and a feeling of being at one with the bike. At the same time rider movement is not restricted in any way. Indeed, so balanced is the riding position that even long days on the road are a joy, relaxing the body and leaving the mind free to concentrate on riding.
Outstanding manoeuvrability
Lightweight at just 162kg, the new bike’s manoeuvrability is further enhanced by its perfect chassis balance. In fact, what little weight there is seems to disappear once the bike is on the move.
Full fairing cowl
Key to rider comfort when travelling long distances at speed, a full fairing with a windscreen considerably reduces windblast as well providing a degree of weather protection. The CBR250R’s fairing directly contributes to the bike’s ease of use, making riding less tiring and helping to maintain concentration levels.
Advanced digital instruments
The CBR250R’s sophisticated ergonomics are underlined by its multi-function digital instruments, which display all the information the rider needs at a glance. The result is less time looking at the display and more attention on the road. Speed, engine revs, engine temperature, fuel level, time and an odometer/trip meter are all clearly displayed.
Passenger comfort
With the power to carry two people effortlessly, the CBR250R is a very capable pillion machine. Grab rails on the tail unit are specially designed to take gloved hands, giving passengers a secure point of contact. Beneath the pillion seat a storage area makes the CBR250R a hugely practical bike, with space for the owner’s manual and toolkit that come with the bike as well as an optional U-lock, raincoat or emergency kit.
Styling
Too many sensible bikes are also sensibly styled but the CBR250R proves this needn’t be the case. Unmistakably Supersports-inspired in its design, the sculpted fairing sweeps up from the front of the bike to a light and purposeful tail. The bike’s lines are at once dynamic and sophisticated, communicating the machine’s dual personalities: exciting small-capacity sportsbike and practical all-rounder.
The CBR250R’s striking colouring concepts work with the classy and co-ordinated finishes on its chassis components. The result is a machine with the class to turn heads everywhere it goes.
Colouring concept
Asteroid Black Metallic
Black isn’t traditionally regarded as an extrovert or attention-grabbing colour but the Asteroid Black Metallic CBR250R turns that preconception on its head. Perfectly reflecting the new machine’s confident and sophisticated character, metallic black paint lends the CBR real presence on the road.
Pearl Blue Tricolour
Encapsulating Honda’s long and glorious racing heritage in a single colour concept, the Pearl Blue Tricolour design offers riders a striking alternative to black. Inspired by the liveries of countless victorious Honda race bikes, this colour option is a winner in its own right.
