2010
Honda CBR 250R
Honda CBR 250R was one of the most
awaited motorcycles in the Indian market, as soon as it was released in
the Indian market in the year 2010 people were overjoyed and they
accepted the sports bike with an open heart. The CBR 250R was already
launched in other Countries like Malaysia before India and was an
instant hit amongst the people, the reason behind their success was the
motorcycle has the much needed punch in the engine and also provides
comfortable ride quality and handles brilliantly too. Indian people
didn’t had any option to get a powerful bike for themselves which is
capable of commuting and also provides sheer joy of riding on open
highways and Honda just gave them the perfect machine to do so.
The
CBR 250R is powered by a 249.6 cc Liquid cooled, 4 stroke SI engine
which generates 25BHP of maximum power at 8500rpm and 22.9 NM of torque
at 7000RPM. The motorcycle is known for its good handling
characteristics. Finally the Indian people gets an affordable sports
bike and can step out of the commuter category. Lets get to find out
some more details about this motorcycle.
Design and engineering
The
front of the CBR 250R looks just like Honda’s VFR, it has a huge
headlamp with the pilot lamps integrated in them, the CBR 250R has been
fitted with a very futuristic looking analogue and digital instrument
cluster with bright bluish background, the blue LCD is soothing to the
eye and also adds to the sporty feeling of the motorcycle. The bike also
has 5 spoke Almunium cast wheel at the front and a huge 296mm disc
brakes with combined ABS to provide safety to the riders, the ABS works
well and does not allow wheel locking during sudden braking on any
surface.
The CBR 250R has been fitted with a huge sporty cowl
which will definitely attract anyone’s attention, the Cowl also
contributes to the aerodynamics of the motorcycle. The fuel tank of the
motorcycle is also huge and can hold up to 13 litres of fuel. The
seating position of the motorcycle is also very comfortable and the
seats are cushioned so the rider does not feel uncomfortable even during
long journeys. The CBR 250R has separate pillion seats for the maximum
comfort of the pillion rider.
The motorcycle also has a stylish
looking honeycomb tail light which looks stylish and unique. The exhaust
pipe is little smaller in size in comparison to the dimension of the
whole motorcycle, the rear wide tyres looks beefy and enhances the
overall appeal of the motorcycle. The rear also has been provided with
229 mm disc brakes. Overall the motorcycle looks sporty and appealing.
Engine and Performance
As
mentioned earlier the CBR 250R is powered by a 249.6 cc Liquid cooled, 4
stroke SI engine which generates 25BHP of maximum power at 8500rpm and
22.9 NM of torque at 7000RPM. CBR uses a single-cylinder powerplant,
the powerplant produces enough power to give one thrill when the person
revs the throttle on an open road. The clutch on the CBR is also very
light and needs minimum effort. The engine has been mated with a 6 speed
gearbox which also works smoothly and gearshifts are smooth and easy on
the new motorcycle.
The motorcycle engine does not feel strained
at all when pushed hard the engine is smooth and there is minimal
vibration from the handlebars.
| Engine Type | Liquid Cooled, 4stroke, S1 Engine |
|
| Displacement | 249,6cc |
|
| Bore X Stroke | 76mm X 55mm |
|
| Compression Ratio | 10,7:1 |
|
| Net Power | 18.7 KW (25bhp) @ 8500 Rpm |
|
| Torque | 22.9 Nm @7000rpm |
|
| Valve System | DOHC, 4valves |
|
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection |
|
| Starting System | Electric Start |
|
| Lubrication | Wet |
|
| Air Filter | Viscous Air Filter |
|
| Transmission | 6speed Gear, Constant Mesh |
|
Ride and handling
The
CBR 250R seating position is very comfortable and the handlebars are
also placed to the riders comfort which helps the rider in easy
maneuvering the motorcycle even in city traffics. The Motorcycle ABS
system works perfectly and increases the confidence of the riders.
CBR
250R uses telescopic forks at the front and Pro link suspension system
at the rear which provides maximum comfort and it handles Indian
potholes with ease. The wide 140/70 rubbers provides good amount of grip
on tarmac and gives the riders confidence to lean into corners. The ABS
which comes as option also does its job pretty well.
| Frame Type | Twin Spar Type |
|
| Suspension Front | Telescopic Fork |
|
| Suspension Rear | Pro-Link |
|
| Tire | Front 110/70 17, Rear: 140/70 17 |
|
| Front Brake Type | 296 Mm |
|
| Rear Brake Type | 220mm |
|
Pricing
The Honda CBR 250R pricing are as follows:
| CBR 250R STD TRICOLOR | 149887 |
|
| CBR 250R STD | 148868 |
|
| CBR 250R ABS | 174715 |
|
| CBR 250R ABS TRICOLOR | 175734 |
|
Competition
The Honda CBR 250R faces tough competition from
Kawasaki Ninja 250
The
Kawasaki Ninja is powered by a 249cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine
which generates about 33bhp of maximum power at 11000RPM and is also a
bit quicker than CBR 250R. It also has a top speed of 152 Km. The
Kawasaki Ninja 250 is a bit more expensive than the CBR 250R too.
Conclusion
The
CBR 250R is an affordable sports bike and it has been specially
designed to withstand Indian road conditions. The power delivery and the
shorter gear ratio makes the motorcycle fun to ride on city as well as
on the highways. The Motorcycle is lighter by 7kgs than the Kawasaki
Ninja and thus handles well too.
Quotes
“Honda’s
smarter-looking, made-in-India, CBR250R today swaggers in at under Rs 2
lakh to eclipse and out-value the Ninja. It also makes up for its slower
performance and the lack of an extra cylinder with relatively useable
power, and slightly better efficiency”—Autocar India.
“With the
200-250cc segment in the country growing steadily, Honda too has jumped
into the ring with the CBR250R street-bike that offers oodles of style
and practicality with matching performance”.—Zigwheels India.
Practicality
Ride and handling
Pricing
Press Release
Currently,
the fundamental order within the U.S. motorcycle market automatically
ushers 250cc street bikes into the beginner-bike niche. However, it
wasn’t always so; plenty of longtime riders currently roaming the roads
still recall how quarter-liter bikes evaded such tight pigeonholing
decades ago. Moreover, in most markets around the world today, 250s
serve as mainstream motorcycle transportation with plenty of merit to
stand on their own. Also, up until the last few years, purpose-built
250cc race bikes continued to compete in AMA and World GP competition,
providing spectators and competitors with good, tight racing action. As a
rule, such machines offered good enough horsepower but really shined in
terms of excellent handling and remarkably light weight.
And so
Honda embarked upon a mission to build a modern-era 250cc street bike:
The CBR250R, a machine that offers enough power response to produce an
entertaining ride while truly shining in terms of sporty handling and
light weight—all at an eminently affordable price. Such universal
qualities appeal to all riders. In order to achieve such an outcome, the
CBR250R design incorporates a slew of high-tech features—including 27
patented technologies within the engine and chassis.
CBR250R Engine Design
The
CBR250R engine development took shape by aiming at a global
single-cylinder design that transcends all boundaries; a next-generation
four-stroke liquid-cooled powerplant that would deliver sporty and
torquey performance not only at low engine speeds but also in the
high-rpm range, while still being smooth-running. Economical operation
in terms of fuel efficiency and simple servicing was also a must-have
characteristic. In addition, light engine weight and compact dimensions
would set the stage for superior handling traits.
To fulfill such
sport performance requirements with an eye toward efficient operation, a
dual overhead camshaft layout was selected as the valve actuation
system. DOHC designs improve combustion efficiency by reducing the
weight of the reciprocating portion of the valves. This design also
allowed Honda’s engineers great freedom in choosing the included valve
angle, the port shape, and the shape of the combustion chamber—all key
elements for optimal performance. In addition, the choice of a DOHC
configuration contributed to improved product appeal as a sports bike as
well as adding sheer performance.
In the CBR250R’s valve train, a
roller rocker arm was adopted in combination with the DOHC engine
configuration—a world’s-first application that has been patented. This
unique combination produces a low-friction valve train with a smaller
cylinder head and an ultra-compact layout for the roller rocker arm. The
choice of a shim design for valve tappet adjustment reduced the rocker
arm weight, while internal engine friction was further reduced by
setting the valve spring load to a low level. For ease of maintenance
and reduced operating costs, the valve shims can be replaced for valve
adjustment maintenance without removing the camshafts. This design also
allowed the engineers the freedom to incorporate a pent-roof combustion
chamber with a narrow included valve angle for enhanced combustion
characteristics.
To reduce the flow of blow-by gasses and minimize
oil consumption, a spiny sleeve design was adopted for the cylinder
sleeve. With this configuration, small spines have been added to the
outer surface of the cylinder sleeve to improve cooling performance and
help reduce distortion of the cylinder’s inner shape. In addition,
centrifugal casting allows a thin, uniform wall thickness, which aids
weight reduction. For emissions reductions, an O2 sensor is combined
with the built-in air injection (AI) system, and a catalyzer is fitted
inside the exhaust pipe to comply with emissions standards.
Engine Performance
To
enhance engine performance, a very oversquare, short-stroke engine
(bore x stroke: 76mm x 55mm) was chosen to improve responsiveness. The
resulting bore and stroke are commensurate to those of the CBR1000RR,
Honda’s high-performance supersport literbike. The 30mm intake valves
are a mere half-millimeter smaller in diameter than those used in the
CBR1000RR, while the 24mm diameters of the exhaust valves match exactly
between the two bikes.
To reduce reciprocating weight and
friction, the CBR250R piston carries a very short skirt and features a
slick molybdenum coating. Friction was further reduced by creating light
striations on the piston to facilitate retention of lubricating engine
oil, lowering the tension of the piston rings, and applying a smooth,
shot-peen-hardened finish to the piston pin. Another slick bit of design
work further reduces engine friction: The cylinder centerline is offset
from the center of the crankshaft 4mm toward the exhaust side. Doing so
reduces the lateral resistance generated between the piston and the
cylinder during the power stroke. Granted, it’s a small increment, but
it’s an ingenious design element exemplifying attention to detail that
yields free benefits.
To boost power output from low- through
high-rpm ranges, charging efficiency was improved by straightening flow
pathways from the air cleaner to the exhaust pipe. The valve stems have
been made thin (4.5mm) so as to not impede intake and exhaust flow,
although valve diameters are large for both sets of valves. This valve
design is coupled with a wide opening angle and a high-lift cam to
improve intake/exhaust efficiency. To achieve output characteristics
that are easy to handle at low speed and smooth rev-up at high rpm, the
intake/exhaust systems were thoroughly analyzed and tested to adopt the
ideal port/pipe length and diameter.
In designing the crankshaft,
no efforts were spared to reduce weight in order to lower the inertial
mass while achieving additional weight reduction in the connecting rod.
This new-generation crankshaft helps create an engine full of
high-quality feel while maintaining high output. First, a metal bearing
(half-split, press-fit) was chosen for the crank journal for the first
time on a Honda single-cylinder motorcycle. A cast-iron bushing was
selected for the crank bearing section in order to improve the rigidity
of the crankcase housing and control changes in the crank journal’s oil
clearance arising from thermal expansion, while improving engine
quietness at the same time.
Selection of a built-up -type
crankshaft allows the big end of the connecting rod to use a
low-friction roller bearing, and the optimal crank web shape was
realized as a result of a computer analysis of strength and rigidity. In
sum, these measures ensure high rigidity on a par with a solid-type
crankshaft.
To reduce engine vibration, a primary balancer shaft
is incorporated into this cutting-edge single-cylinder engine. It’s
placed so close to the crankshaft that the balancer weight passes
between the two crank weights—a design that keeps the engine as compact
as possible while helping improve mass centralization. Also, crankshaft
rigidity is enhanced further and quietness is improved by placing the
engine counterbalancer’s driving gear on the right cover inside the
clutch housing—a design that narrows the distance between the left/right
crank bearings and efficiently places a load-bearing ball bearing at
the tip of the crankshaft’s right side.
Chassis
With the
CBR250R chassis, Honda’s engineers targeted agile handling, solid
tracking and sporty, responsive steering traits as key objectives.
Toward that end, the newly developed lightweight and compact engine, a
short 53.9-inch wheelbase, an optimized front/rear weight distribution,
and a focus on mass centralization all helped shape the CBR250R into a
handling star. At the same time, weight reduction and reduced vehicle
vibration were achieved by optimizing the position of the engine
mounting points and the frame rigidity/flex balance.
The CBR250R
engine bolts up to a diamond-configuration truss-braced twin-spar
tubular steel frame that is lightweight while also offering plenty of
frame rigidity for optimal handling. The 37mm front fork offers a
generous 4.65 inches of travel, and the Pro-Link® single-shock rear
suspension uses a linkage system to provide rising-rate travel
characteristics for a soft, comfortable ride during the initial portions
of travel, with the damping forces increasing progressively as wheel
travel is extended. In addition, the shock offers five-position spring
preload adjustability. Together, these components combine to provide
impressively agile handling along with rider comfort.
Powerful
braking capabilities come via a front brake consisting of a twin-piston
floating caliper clamping down on a large, 296mm floating disc and a
rear brake consisting of a big 220mm disc and a single-piston caliper.
As an option, the CBR250R can be had with Combined ABS, which combines a
front/rear-wheel interlocking brake system with an anti-lock brake
system (ABS). This Combined ABS is a Honda-original brake system in
which the front/rear-wheel connection generates a braking force
distributed between both wheels when the brake pedal is actuated.
However, for a more sporting response, when the front brake lever is
applied, the front brake alone functions independently without actuating
the rear brake.
The CBR250R with Combined ABS features a
three-piston caliper in front, front/rear wheel speed sensors that
detect the condition of the vehicle, and an ABS modulator with a
built-in Electronic Control Unit. The ECU processes information from the
wheel speed sensors and controls the flow of hydraulic pressure to the
caliper. This advanced braking performance was achieved with an eye
toward optimal handling by placing heavier items, such as the ABS
modulator, near the bike’s center of gravity.
Sporty riding
ergonomics position the rider into a slight forward lean, just the right
amount to help counter the oncoming airflow at about 50 mph and up, and
there’s plenty of legroom. Such a riding position proves eminently
comfortable in just about every riding situation, and the roomy seating
also makes it easier to maneuver the bike. The seat sits only 30.5
inches high, an easy reach to the ground that provides a rider-friendly
perch especially suited to beginners. The fairing and windscreen combine
to offer good coverage, forming an excellent still-air pocket that is
arm to arm in width and up to about collarbone level on a 6-foot-tall
rider. Also, the fairing and windscreen have been carefully shaped to
produce a wind flow at freeway speeds that’s smooth and free of
turbulence and back-eddies. And this CBR has an ideal angle to the
handlebars—it’s very comfortable for long stints in the saddle.
Unmistakably
supersport-inspired in its styling, the CBR250R’s aggressively sculpted
fairing sweeps up from the front of the bike to a slim, light and
purposeful tail. The bike’s lines are at once dynamic and sophisticated,
communicating the machine’s dual personalities: exciting small-capacity
sportbike and practical all-rounder.
No doubt the new CBR250R
serves as a very well-rounded package, a fantastic fit for riders new to
the sport. It offers stellar handling along with satisfying power,
which beginners will appreciate. The CBR’s light weight pays dividends
in all sorts of riding conditions, and it offers a power feel that is
distinctly entertaining; a chassis that feels modern and up to date with
crisp handling, sound suspension and strong brakes; and an extremely
comfortable riding position that’s both practical and sporty.
There’s
a reason racing machines are small and light; these are two qualities
that make genuine racers so much fun to ride. The CBR250R puts these
qualities to best use on the street.
CBR250R
The all-new
2011 CBR250R brings a fresh take on the fun side of motorcycling, one
that will appeal to a wide range of riders. Beginners and experienced
hands alike will key in on the extreme versatility of this sporty,
easy-to-ride and affordable new offering from Honda.
Thanks to its
extremely efficient 249cc liquid-cooled single cylinder engine—an
all-new design featuring a sophisticated four-valve DOHC cylinder head,
engine counterbalancer, PGM-FI fuel injection and more—this dependable
and lightweight machine delivers nimble handling, a broad spread of
easily accessible power and low operating costs all in one. Whether the
day calls for a commute to work, quick trips around town or all-day
explorations in the countryside, the CBR250R offers as much fun per mile
as anything around, all at a price that just about anyone can afford.
Features/Benefits
The
sophisticated, all-new 249.4cc single-cylinder engine is thoroughly
modern in design thanks to its dual overhead camshafts driven by a
Hy-Vo-type chain, forked roller rocker arms, four-valve head, shim-style
valve adjustment, counterbalancer shaft and liquid cooling.
The CBR250R’s single-cylinder engine produces a remarkably broad torque
curve with peak torque generated at an easily accessible 7000 rpm. Peak
horsepower kicks in at 8500 rpm, well before the 10,500-rpm
redline—further testimony to the wide spread of power. Such power
characteristics facilitate easy, responsive operation while also
returning impressive fuel economy.
The crankshaft runs in plain bearings for quieter operation, and the big end of the connecting rod spins in a needle bearing.
Gear-driven counterbalancer shaft helps quell engine vibrations for
rider comfort. It’s located so close to the crankshaft that the balancer
weight passes between the two crank weights to keep the engine as
compact as possible while boosting mass centralization.
Engine countershaft sits lower than the mainshaft to further reduce the front-to-back engine dimension.
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) continuously monitors several
variables to ensure the correct fuel mixture for the existing riding and
atmospheric conditions, thereby delivering optimal performance and
remarkably crisp throttle response over a wide range of operating
conditions, plus increased fuel economy.
PGM-FI system incorporates an Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) to minimize
torque reaction and smooth responses to small changes in throttle
position. This is accomplished through gradual reductions of air and
fuel intake when the throttle is opened and closed.
Thanks to its single-cylinder configuration, the CBR250R incorporates a
light, compact and fuel-efficient powerplant, resulting in an overall
package that is remarkably compact and nimble for intuitive handling
dynamics.
The six-speed transmission works in concert with the engine’s broad
power delivery to produce quick acceleration plus admirable fuel economy
during top-gear cruising.
Diamond twin-spar steel frame plus a 37mm front fork and Pro-Link®
single-shock rear suspension provide impressive handling and a
comfortable ride.
ABS version available for enhanced braking characteristics.
Base weight of only 359 pounds gives the CBR250R outstanding maneuverability and helps instill rider confidence.
Stylish full fairing with windscreen deflects the oncoming wind to boost rider comfort.
Sporting ergonomics keep the rider perched in a well-balanced seating
position to deliver a natural feel and comfortable stance even over
daylong rides.
Full-sized 17-inch cast wheels return big-bike feel and handling traits.
Fuel capacity of 3.4 gallons gives the CBR250R a cruising range of more than 200 miles.
An external fuel filter maximizes fuel tank capacity while also easing fuel filter maintenance.
Grab rails on the tail section are designed to fit gloved hands, giving passengers a dedicated handhold while riding two-up.
A handy underseat storage area adds to the CBR250R’s versatility.
Multi-function digital instrument pod includes speedometer, tachometer,
engine temperature display, fuel gauge, clock, odometer and trip meter.
Exciting colors: Metallic Black and Red/Silver.
Honda Genuine Accessories†
Passenger Seat Cowl
Carbon Fiber Tank Pad
Carbon Fiber Fuel Lid Cover
Outdoor Cover
† WARRANTY: Because we’re so confident in the quality of each of our
Honda Genuine Accessosries, we’re pleased to offer one of the best
warranties in the industry. Warranty begins on the day accessories are
purchased by the customer. Gold Wing®, ST1300 and Valkyrie®: 3 years.
NT700V, Big Red™, DN-01, Dual-Sport, Cruisers, Standards, Sportbikes,
Scooters, ATV and PWC: 1 year.
2011 Specifications
Model: CBR250R / CBR250R ABS
Engine Type: 249.4cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 76mm x 55mm
Compression ratio: 10.7:1
Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction: PGM-FI, 38mm throttle body
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance
Transmission: Six-speed
Suspension
Front: 37mm fork; 4.65 inches travel
Rear: Pro-Link single shock with five positions of spring preload adjustability; 4.07 inches travel
Brakes
Front: Single 296mm disc
Rear: Single 220mm disc
Optional ABS
Tires
Front: 110/70-17 radial
Rear: 140/70-17 radial
Wheelbase: 53.9 inches
Rake (Caster Angle): 25.0°
Trail: 95mm (3.74 inches)
Seat Height: 30.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons
Colors: Metallic Black, Red/Silver
Curb Weight*: 359 pounds / 368 pounds (ABS)
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.
Meets current EPA standards.
Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
CBR250R Global Production Story
Avid
Honda fans likely recall that American Honda first opened its doors way
back in 1959. Here’s a tougher Honda trivia question: When and where
did Honda first produce products outside of Japan? Answer: In 1963,
Honda began producing motorcycles in Belgium. Four years later, Honda
cranked up production of motorcycles at another location—in Thailand—and
this long-established source is where the all-new 2011 CBR250R
originates. Next came production plants in Malaysia, Taiwan, Mexico,
Indonesia, the Philippines, Brazil and Italy—all in the 1960s. It wasn’t
until 1979 that Honda began producing products in the USA. And now the
total stands at 20 countries the world over where Honda has established
manufacturing plants.
All of which underscores the fact that since
its early years, Honda has focused on serving a global market.
Naturally, consumer needs vary from region to region. Based on a
commitment to build products close to the customer, Honda has steadily
pursued local production. By focusing on localization early on, even in
the areas of product development and sales, Honda has been able to
respond to changes in product demand and supply more promptly, and
quality and cost competitiveness have increased in each market. To
deliver products that satisfy customers in all regions, Honda
established a manufacturing system that responds to customer requests
rapidly and with great flexibility at all production bases around the
world.
The CBR250R will be launched by Thai Honda in 2011 as a
global model for export to a wide range of places, including the ASEAN
(Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, Japan, Europe, North
America and Australia. The 5400 associates at Thai Honda have now
reached an annual manufacturing capacity of 1.5 million motorcycles and
scooters, and total motorcycle/scooter output from Thai Honda since 1967
far exceeds 18 million units
