Yes first gear is very short, oncce I am moving I shift to 2nd. I strikes me as a granny low on a powerwagon.
My Dad had a honda shop in the late 50's and early 60s. Had the shop longer, got Honda then and sold shortly after. Anyway He told me that on the 305 superhawk you could chang the overall gear ratios, I believe with the existing gears. it could be set up wide ratio or close ratio. I wonder if this might be in the cbr 250 design. for racing especially this would help, or newbies that need to graduate. Personally I like mine fine, I selected this bike for what it is. I would like a more even ratio, but can easily live with the current setup.
I posted elswhere that I thought a 250 or 350 Ducati bevel drive single would be a fun ride. But then you have to chase parts, modify old supension, I like disc brakes and on and on. the cbr250 is really a fine bike. One thing the ducati 250 at around 270 pounds, no fairing was supposed to do 100 mph. I think Honda is hiding a lot in this bike and more is to come. About the Ducati single, I believe it was 4 speed like most road bikes that size and era, maybe 5 but definately not 6.