[faster and faster] - 2017 Honda CBR250RR unveiled

[Ninjette Newsbot]

The new CBR250RR looks gorgeous. This is the true successor to the early-1990s CBR250RR

Honda have unveiled the all-new CBR250RR in Jakarta, Indonesia. This new bike, which seems to be closer in spirit to the glorious early-1990s CBR250RR than the rather more prosaic current generation CBR250R. Just look at the new bike - what a difference an extra 'R' in the name can make! "Passion and a high interest in Indonesia's motorcycle enthusiasts encouraged us to present the all new Honda CBR250RR," said Honda's Toshiyuki Inuma. That said, it was a pretty low-key unveiling for a machine that's been so keenly anticipated worldwide and which is likely to make its way to Europe, the US and various Asian markets by the end of this year. Honda did not even do a global press release, and official high-res pics of the bike do not seem to be available.

In any case, the 2017 CBR250RR is powered by a 250cc four-stroke liquid-cooled DOHC 8-valve fuel-injected parallel-twin, which should be quite a bit more powerful than the 26bhp single-cylinder 250cc engine which powers the CBR250R. Unlike the 1990s CBR250RR, the 2017 model doesn't have an aluminium twin-spar chassis, with Honda opting for a tubular steel 'truss type' unit this time, perhaps for a bit of cost cutting. Still, at least the 'gull-arm' swingarm is made of aluminium, and we hope the new CBR250RR will weigh a bit less than the 250R, which has a kerb weight of 163kg. The 1990s CBR250RR had a kerb weight of 159kg and a power output of 45bhp, so we certainly hope the new one beats those figures!

Notable bits on the new CBR250RR include Honda's Pro-Link rear suspension, 37mm USD Showa fork at the front, LED lights, seven-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, multiple riding modes and ABS. Colours available include racing red, metallic gray and metallic black, and the bike will go on sale in Indonesia by the end of 2016. Shortly thereafter, we hope, it will also be launched in other parts of the world. Honda will reveal prices closer to the actual launch, so stay tuned.
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