We’ve ridden the newest Honda motorcycle in India and think it’s a bomb. Here’s why!

1. I don’t need to tell you guys this, but it looks like a mini-VFR. And it’s no bad thing at all. Out on the road, the CBR250R’s looks get more positive reactions than the VFR1200, to be honest!
2. Fat Continental ‘Go’ tyres offer superb looks and grip. The front is a 110/70, while the 140/70, both running on 17-inch wheels.

3. Liquid-cooled four-valve 249.6cc motor develops 25 bhp@8500 rpm and 2.33 kgm@7000 rpm. This gives you enough poke for our road conditions, though a few more horses would’ve made this 167 kg motorcycle seem even lighter.

4. While an indicated 140 kph is achieved effortlessly, the CBR250R still has another gear to spare at this point. However, the CBR’s long-legged character means that acceleration is more satisfying than shattering. Expect around a 9-second run to 100 kph when we get the testing figures ourselves.

5. Throttle response is excellent. The fuel injections system displays no tendency to jerk or baulk at any speed.

6. However, you do need to work the gearbox in city conditions because of the tall overall gearing. Makes for an effortless long-distance bike, though.

7. Returns close to 45 kpl on the highway being ridden under 100 kph. The cherry on the icing, I say!

8. The 296 mm front disc (and the 220 mm rear, if you need it) works brilliantly with the Combined Anti-lock Braking System, whether you’re on smooth roads or rough. I found it almost impossible to lock up either wheel, except on one occasion in a really bumpy corner that I overcooked. Even then, it recovered before the front could wash out. Superb stuff.

9. Substantial cycle parts, a strong motor and a stylish appearance make this an extremely appealing motorcycle for India. The clincher? Read ‘10’.

10. Rs 1.51 lakh for the standard model and Rs 1.77 lakh for the C-ABS version make this Honda fantastic value for money and seals the deal. What are you waiting for? Go ride one and see if this Honda is for you!


HONDA CBR250R REVIEWED!