250cc Honda Sport Bike for Canada/US

[JeffM]

VFR inspired. Of course the rear fender has to go.

<edit> Optional ABS

[Nemesis]

In race trim it's going to look a lot like the Ninja250r. I can already see it.

[JeffM]

Honda's official site: http://world.honda.com/CBR250R/index.html

[00NissanNinja]

I don't know if I would like the single cylinder (but honda would probably tune it just rights so that it would work really smooth) but I like the features it has (features that I wish the ninja had). The ninja still looks better IMO. I would really like FI for ease of use, though after shimming the needles on the bike it is really easy to get it going even on a cold day.

[g21-30]

Originally Posted by greg737

I like to bang rocks together to make fire.

Stay away from kkim! He loves to play with fire.

[sombo]

I gotta say that after watching the video on their site, I'm rather impressed. I seems to run smooth, has the FI, has ABS, and even has a digital dash. I think the ninjette looks better, but the cbr isn't so ugly I wouldn't ride it. I think it will be the first healthy competition that the ninjette has had since it came to the states.

I think the reason behind this move is timing. First the small car revolution has begun and Honda knows it. More and more people are looking at the small car market for lower cost in both purchase and maintaining them. Second, the sales of the ninjette after the remodel shook the motorcycle world to it's core. I don't think anyone could have predicted the sales numbers the ninjette has scored since 2008. It's always been one of Kawasaki's top selling bikes world wide, but the redesign made those sales sky rocket. Granted it was helped by the fuel crunch, but it's still selling at higher rates then it did prior to the redesign.

Taking that into consideration, it was only a matter of time before at least one of the other 4 decided to get into the small bike market. Now is the time for the small bike revolution to begin in the states right alongside the small car revolution. I say look for the others to start bringing some version of a 250cc sportbike to the states in the next couple years.

[jonthechron]

Time to sell the 250, before value drops! Mines already in our for-sale section!

[johnjohn]

They will sell a ton of these bikes for sure, not everyone is a Kawi fan out there. As a note, it seems like they just beefed up the CBR125R to get this bike to market. And added a glitzy exhaust system.

[thurt88]

Well, I really like it. Alot. I do not know what a "thumper" is nor the difference it has with my ninja but I will definately test ride one of these in November.

[dubojr1]

Originally Posted by thurt88

Well, I really like it. Alot. I do not know what a "thumper" is nor the difference it has with my ninja but I will definately test ride one of these in November.

I pretty sure "thumper" means single cylinder engine.

[Snake]

^^^ Yes, "thumper" is the term for a single cylinder engine due to the thump, thump, thump...noise from the exhaust.

[backinthesaddleagain]

Now if you could only slip a CRF250R mx motor in there...

[spooph]

Thumper

[Snake]

Originally Posted by backinthesaddleagain

Now if you could only slip a CRF250R mx motor in there...

Only if it had electric start as well. I hate to kick start a cold motor.

[backinthesaddleagain]

Originally Posted by Snake

Only if it had electric start as well. I hate to kick start a cold motor.

OK the CRF250X then.

[patw]

There's a video on the Honda World site showing the bike in action. It also has the exhaust note in a few places. It sounds.... like a bigger CBR125R

<sniff> Good memories.

[TygaUSA.com]

Originally Posted by devmasa

Honda will market the FI and ABS as an excuse for the higher price tag plus I am sure that Honda will market this bike like crazy..given the popularity of the ninja

I do know that Honda is no longer making any carb'd models in Thailand, everything went FI for emissions last year.

[TygaUSA.com]

Originally Posted by caliente103

it would be nice if you guys would make a kit
Posted via Mobile Device

Will take a look into it!

Honda did the world launch yesterday for the new CBR at Bira Circuit in Thailand!

Tyga has already ordered their bike and will probably have one of the first production ones in a few weeks time...expect aftermarket parts by the time they hit US dealers in the spring!

[Sailariel]

I welcome Hondas re-entry into the 250cc niche. I read this entire thread--good input. The concept of a "Thumper" is one many of our Ninjette owners may want to explore. A single cylinder engine responds very differently to inputs from the rider. A high performance single is an absolute terror on the twisties. Back in the old days of FIM Racing, the Norton Manx--a 500cc single, the NSU Rennmax--a 250cc single, and the NSU 125cc single, dominated TT Racing. My personal favorite was the Bultaco Metralla--a 200cc single 2 stroke. I believe a Metralla would give a Ninja a hard time. Singles are like a good Scotch--you acquire a taste for them. They are more forgiving than a multi and are a lot more relaxing to ride. I do believe that Honda made a good choice. Their 250 will be a superb entry level bike--more so than the Ninja (in my opinion) It is a whole different ride. I hope that many Ninja riders try one out. You would be surprised in the results. Incidentally, I plan to keep the Ninja. It is set up perfect for me.

[ryu hayabusa]

Originally Posted by backinthesaddleagain

nice looking ride

I'll wait for the type R model... lol

[caliente103]

I like my Ninja but I wish it was FI
Posted via Mobile Device

[Bleak21]

In the next few years, we should expect every major manufacturer to offer more beginner-friendly models and portray a friendlier image of the activity in some way. All recent research I've had the privilege to read (thanks Boss!) shows a high interest in motorcycling in the young male (18-25) and female (18-44) groups but an equally high perceived barrier of entry to the sport. Honda's new entry (especially with its recognized name to outsiders) can circumvent current stagnation/saturation by introducing fresh buyers.

Oh yeah, and the bike looks good. It will give the ninja a run for its money

[Sailariel]

Dan, I agree with you 100%

[devmasa]

I've never ridden a thumper before...so a question for you guys....
Given the single cylinder and lesser weight than a ninja,how will this bike fair at freeway speeds with respect to a ninja 250?

[Rayme]

Originally Posted by devmasa

I've never ridden a thumper before...so a question for you guys....
Given the single cylinder and lesser weight than a ninja,how will this bike fair at freeway speeds with respect to a ninja 250?

It will be significantly slower at higher speed. At high speed you want horsepower and a high revving engine (you can effectively have shorter gearing if you have a higher redline). You people thought the ninja 250R was "buzzy" at highway speed? This will be worst. However, this is just observation talking.. for highway use the Ninja 250R already looks better on paper. Another thing, this will sound like an ATV with an exhaust, alot less sexier than the already not so sexy 250R exhaust tone :/

[00NissanNinja]

The single cylinder probably won't be as smooth like Rayme said, unless honda tunes it just right (which could happen it is honda). Twins will typically make more power and will have a better torque curve, but once again it comes down to tuning. Can't wait till the summer so I can try one out at honda's demo day just to see how they run.

[Tastytoast]

The new Ninja 250's gauges are pretty bad IMO. The Honda's gauges are pretty sweet. Fuel injection?? that's going to hurt for kawasaki, but I'm pretty confident that K will bring over a FI model for the US soon.

What i'm really curious is the mpg, the service intervals, and highway capability.

MPG should be better, considering it's lower powered and lighter. Maybe lower 70s?

Servicing the engine should be easy too, since there are only one cylinder to do a valve adjust. I hope they improve on valve adjust period too.

One thing that's nice about the ninja is that it's got power to hit 100 ish top speed. that's a good amount of headroom for travelling on the freeways. with it's lower power, will the Honda feel as comfortable? top speed of maybe 85, or 90? It'll be interesting, looking forward to this!

[sombo]

Actually, from the video on their site it sounds more like their scooters. People think the ninjette sounds like a scooter? They'll really think you have a scooter with the CBR. I also wouldn't underestimate it's highway capability. Those HP numbers we've seen could be from the wheel for all we know. If that's the case then it's just a hair under the wheel hp of the ninjette. Which would mean it's just as capable of highway speeds.


o.O I just went to the Honda USA site, and it's the first thing that pops up. It's coming here as a 2011 model. It's going to be offered in Red/Silver and Black. They don't have as much info, pics, or videos as the Thai site does, but it does show that's 100% coming here to the states.

[00NissanNinja]

Pretty sure the cbr will be just fine on the highway. Gotta say I like the features(and there are some really good features I wish the ninja had). Hopefully this will make kawasaki step their game up some more with future ninjas.

[johnjohn]

I have a Buell Blast which is a thumper of 34 hp. 492 cc and it will hardly make 95 mph. If Honda does tune this small thumper right it should do what the Buell struggled for. We have a CBR 125R also in the fold and it will do 80 mph indicated, (72 actual) if you are down on the tank. These small engines are buzzy but that is the nice thing about them because you can really work the gears and the red line to your advantage. Puts the fun back in riding, and doing the twisties is a real treat if you keep the bike in its power band. Can't wait to get a ride on their 250!
Actually for us Canadians who have the 125 already, I would buy another as they probably will be blowing them out the door when the 250 arrives.

[dubojr1]

I love all my Honda bikes and even own 2 Acura's for cages but I think the tail alone kills it for me. This bike wouldn't be my garage choice for 2 up so those grab bars are totally not needed, not to mention they are hideous.

Alex: I realize they will not be ninjettes but will we be making an area for discussions once these come out?

Vince: Time to put the PS skills to work again. Need some new paint schemes. May I suggest Kawi green...

[Alex]

I dunno Jason. I don't own one, and don't know anything about one, which is different than how ninjette.org came to be.

[dubojr1]

That's cool. I'm sure most of it will be comparing it to our Ninja 250's so it can go in "General Discussion" if nothing else.

[Reswob]

Originally Posted by spooph

I hope Kawi brings FI to the states... I don't understand why they don't offer both...

Because at today's exchange rate the FI 250R costs $7,000. No one would pay that much for a 250.

[dungY]

sigh.... digital speedo wish the ninja had it ...

[CZroe]

Likes: Gauges, streamlined exhaust (though I think it should be much smaller or have the bulk beneath the fairings), swingarm, hugger, ABS, FI
Dislikes: Styling (prefer Ninjette), handlebars (no better than Ninjette's), colors, banana seat, etc.

I actually hope it prompts Kawi to add FI, optional ABS, digital gauges, more streamlined exhaust, and a beefy suspension/frame (not that it isn't adequate, but the swingarm and frame just look wimpy) while keeping the styling the same.

Sportier bars would be nice too but it looks like they both need that.

[CZroe]

Originally Posted by Reswob

Because at today's exchange rate the FI 250R costs $7,000. No one would pay that much for a 250.

Doesn't mean they couldn't do it for a bit over $5,000... maybe $5,300 or $5,500. Things are typically cheaper in The States and we don't have VAT to deal with. After all, they were comfortable selling me mine for $3,500 MSRP and that was after a $500 yearly increase over the 2007 model.

[kevlarorc]

I welcome any competition that can lower prices. That muffler looks horrid though.

[ithaca00]

Originally Posted by CZroe

Likes: Gauges, streamlined exhaust (though I think it should be much smaller or have the bulk beneath the fairings), swingarm, hugger, ABS, FI
Dislikes: Styling (prefer Ninjette), handlebars (no better than Ninjette's), colors, banana seat, etc.

I actually hope it prompts Kawi to add FI, optional ABS, digital gauges, more streamlined exhaust, and a beefy suspension/frame (not that it isn't adequate, but the swingarm and frame just look wimpy) while keeping the styling the same.

Sportier bars would be nice too but it looks like they both need that.

Why would Kawi add a "beefier looking" frame/suspension? The current 250 doesn't stress the frame, swingarm or suspension to require more material. If you want the look add a swingarm cover.

The seat on the CBR 250 is not a banana seat although those usually offer more rider comfort.

The handle bars are one of the nice looking features of the new CBR. They are tall enough to provide a comfortable ride and give better leverage for spirited riding while still allowing access to the forks. As they're designed now they look like the design will lend itself nicely to the aftermarket and "clip-ons" or lowered risers.

[headshrink]

Now I'm considering forgiving Honda for what they did to the VFR....