Honda CBR250R

Overview

When it comes to premium sports bike, there are very few options available in India. Most of the buyers either opt for Bajaj Pulsar 220 or Hero Karizma ZMR. If you want to buy a more powerful bike than these then Kawasaki Ninja 300 is the only option available which is almost twice expensive than these bikes.

To deal with this problem, Honda has launched the first affordable 250cc bike in India known as CBR250R. The company has also launched the 2015 model in India and the changes are limited only to new shades and graphics. The 2016 dual light model is still pending and it is expected to be launched in India by mid-2017.

Design and Style

At first glance, CBR250R looks extremely macho and handsome. Its big, edgy Y-shaped headlight resembles to much expensive VFR1200F. The integrated sporty cowl couldn't have been more aerodynamic. It also houses black coloured rear view mirrors on it. The front transparent visor adds to the charisma of this bike. Its full body fairing looks neat and clean with few graphics. The matte-black finished alloy wheels and stainless steel silencer goes well with its all color schemes.

The bike features dual tone colors on it. Its split seat and perfectly sliced fuel tank looks explicit when seen from either side. One can also notice its black coloured split grab rails and stylish tail light at the back. The rear fender of this bike is short and looks cool with its rear fatty tyre. The overall designing of this bike is very futuristic and it certainly looks better than Pulsar 220 and Karizma ZMR. The looks of this bike makes it a tough competitor of Ninja250R.

Instrument Console

Honda CBR250R has a very advanced instrument console which completely out dates the analogue instrument console of Ninja250R. This instrument panel is coated with silver finishing. It features a sporty analogue tachometer and a rectangular LCD with Blue back light. This LCD consists of digital speedometer, odometer, trip meter and fuel gauge. This instrument console is easily readable and also has few LED indicators.

Engine and Gearbox

This bike uses a single cylinder, liquid cooled 250cc engine. It’s a four-stroke, 4valve, DOHC engine which yields out a peak power of 26.15 bhp at 8500 rpm. The modest torque of 22.9 Nm can be achieved at 7000 rpm. This engine is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox with one gear down and five gears up-shift pattern.

Acceleration and Performance

Honda has used a very refined engine in this bike which offers you an enthusiastic performance. Yes, the power production of this engine is less than Ninja 250R but it’s not a major issue as the utmost power of CBR250R can be achieved way before than Ninja. The throttle response is quick and you don’t have to wait for the power. The massive torque is an additional advantage which comes as early as 7000rpm. It helps this bike to run effectively in city traffic without much gear shifts. In bigger gears, this bike picks up faster than Ninja.

Yes, this bike is slightly slower than Ninja and that shows when you drag these both bikes. Honda does 0-60km/hr and 0-100km/hr with in 3.5 and 8.90 seconds respectively which make it slower than Ninja by more than 1 second. This DOHC engine feels very relaxed and refined and can easily reach a top speed of 145km/hr. Gear ratios are very short and crispy which makes it a good bike in city traffic. Gear transitions are also very smooth and the bike performs best between 3000-7000rpm.

Mileage

The bike features PGM-Fi technology of Honda which increase the overall mileage of the bike, it can give you a fuel efficiency of around 25-30 kmpl in city conditions while it ranges from 35-40 kmpl on the highways.

Comfort While Riding

The well cushioned split seat of CBR250R is more comfortable than Ninja. In fact, the overall comfort offered by this bike makes it superior than Ninja 250R. The rear set foot pegs feels very sporty and the cutting of its fuel tank also allows your thighs to grab it firmly. This bike feels a bit spacious and wider than Ninja. It features clips on handle bar which offers you a fantastic palm grip.

Suspension and Brakes

Honda CBR250R sports telescopic shock absorbers of 37mm at its front while it has a 5-step self-adjustable mono shock absorber at the back. As far as braking system is concerned, the bike comes loaded with optional combined ABS which makes this bike unique in India. It distributes the braking force automatically between front and rear wheels and avoids wheel locking during sudden braking. The standard variant features a disc brake of 296mm at its front and a disc brake of 220mm at the back.

Ride and Handling

CBR250R is 7kgs lighter than Ninja 250R and that’s evident as soon as you drive this bike. The handling and response of this bike around sharp corners and city traffic makes it a better bike than Ninja. You can also sense it at high speeds as the bike feels more nimble and accurate than its rival. With its wide tyres, ground clearance of 145mm and wheelbase (1367mm), this bike remains grounded and you get extra stability which boosts your confidence. Moreover, its suspension system confirms you a comfortable and pleasant ride. There is no loophole in this department.

Variants and Shades

Honda CBR250R is available in 2 variants: CBR250R with ABS and CBR250R without ABS. Honda CBR250R is available in three shades: Sports Red, Sports Black and Pearl Amazing White. The Repsol Edition has now been discontinued.

Verdict

Honda CBR250R’s pricing is the biggest USP of this bike. At this price, it offers you premium looks and features with extremely refined and responsive engine. Ride and handling of this bike is even better than its costlier competitor. To add more, the bike features optional combined ABS which confirms you safe journeys. Yes, the top variant could have been priced a bit low but it’s not that expensive either. Undoubtedly, it’s completely worth to buy this bike and it is one of the favourite sportbikes in India.

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