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OK, I love my CBR 250R, it's a brilliant little agile and econonomical COMMUTER, which is just why I bought it, but it is still MUCH SLOWER than most 250 cc SPORTS bikes from 30 years ago. Your comments please. 
Let's nip this sportsbike nonsense in the bud
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Here's my take: The CBR250 is a sportbike just like the Honda S2000 is a sports cars. The power and pure performance doesn't compare to a "real" sports car...Corvette, 911, Lambo, etc.. (Maybe the Mazda Miata is a better comparison?)
What is more fun to blast around on every day? No comparison.
Honda could still sell the old CBR250RR, but it would be about the same price as a CBR600. All the good parts cost money even with smaller pistons. High performance 250 = high strung = high maintenance.
What is more fun to blast around on every day? No comparison.
Honda could still sell the old CBR250RR, but it would be about the same price as a CBR600. All the good parts cost money even with smaller pistons. High performance 250 = high strung = high maintenance.
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Surely sacrilege to utter such outrageousness here...... but true.OK, I love my CBR 250R, it's a brilliant little agile and econonomical COMMUTER, which is just why I bought it, but it is still MUCH SLOWER than most 250 cc SPORTS bikes from 30 years ago. Your comments please.
The current CBR250R's namesake was manufactured from the mid '80s to the mid '90s had four cylinders, revved to 19,000 rpm, produced more than 40 hp, and was good for over 180 km/hr (110 mph).
It may look sporty, but in concept the present CBR250R is closer to the CB250RS, which was a 128 kg (dry) 26 hp single that was good for about 150 km/h (over 90 mph). I had one for several years. Already ten years old when it became mine, it served me well as a commuter and tourer.
EXACTLY!!!OK, I love my CBR 250R, it's a brilliant little agile and econonomical COMMUTER, which is just why I bought it....
And a BLAST to ride on the back roads too!
The CBR250"RR" was a 4 cylinder, "RR" models are generally sportier then "R" models in Honda's line up.
But I digress. MotoGP3 how has a 250cc four stroke class and those bikes make under 50HP. I guess I'm too new to riding but I'm not so jaded to not be amazed every time I'm on the highway going 80 MPH with only a single hard working cylinder pulsating underneath me.
This is an amazing machine, and while it might be slower then two stroke screamers and four cylinder 250 engines of the same class, it has it's own sports character and on any back road it can hang with the big boys.
Unlike cruisers and adventure bike - it's a bike designed to be ridden enthusiastically - I still consider it a sports bike in every sense of the word.
But I digress. MotoGP3 how has a 250cc four stroke class and those bikes make under 50HP. I guess I'm too new to riding but I'm not so jaded to not be amazed every time I'm on the highway going 80 MPH with only a single hard working cylinder pulsating underneath me.
This is an amazing machine, and while it might be slower then two stroke screamers and four cylinder 250 engines of the same class, it has it's own sports character and on any back road it can hang with the big boys.
Unlike cruisers and adventure bike - it's a bike designed to be ridden enthusiastically - I still consider it a sports bike in every sense of the word.
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To me the term "commuter", as it applies to motor vehicles, has more to do with how a particular vehicle is used, as opposed to what it is designed to be based on unique characteristics specific to that vehicle. A guy drives a Porsche 911 to work, day in and day out, so he is commuting with it, but it is still what it was inherently designed to be... a sports car. Same holds true for a guy who commutes in a Chevrolet pick up truck. In my mind, the CBR250R is no more or less a commuter than a Dual Sport, or a Cruiser, or a GSXR, or a Gold Wing. "Commuter" is more of a term of usage, not necessarily a strict design parameter, although I think Scooters may be more suited to commuting than to any other type of use.
To me, what categorizes the CBR250R as a Sport Bike, is that it shares a similar frame geometry with other Sport Bikes, regardless of engine displacement. The Honda XR650L shares similar frame geometry with the new CRF250L, and that is what defines them as Dual Sports. Cruisers have their own unique frame design. And so on...
The design of the frame, more than any other element, is what defines the "category" a particular motorcycle falls into, not how the bike is being used at a given moment. Anyway, that's my take on it.
To me, what categorizes the CBR250R as a Sport Bike, is that it shares a similar frame geometry with other Sport Bikes, regardless of engine displacement. The Honda XR650L shares similar frame geometry with the new CRF250L, and that is what defines them as Dual Sports. Cruisers have their own unique frame design. And so on...
The design of the frame, more than any other element, is what defines the "category" a particular motorcycle falls into, not how the bike is being used at a given moment. Anyway, that's my take on it.
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Its pretty hard to throw a definition at the cbr250r. Its decent at most of the bike categories, but its not great at any of them. Because of this, the most accurate description I have is that the its a street bike. My explanation for this is thus:
Handling is actually pretty dman good. The bike is light and balanced, and because of this it corners and stops with confidence inspiring grace. Performance in the twisties is definitely not a problem for this bike. Power however, is woefully lacking. So much so that I can't consider this a sport bike. Acceleration is less than that of the most beige car in existence, the Toyota Camry, and a Honda Civic would crush it in a drag race of any distance. Top speed can be as high as 102mph, that is, provided you've got the patience and a few uninterrupted miles and minutes to get there.
So the cbr250r is sport bike ish, but not a sport bike.
Cruising is not so bad on this bike either. It has a nice deep growl, and barks when you give it a fistful. The riding position is pretty comfortable, and the rpm aren't stratospheric at 70mph. However, the look, feel, and panache of a cruiser are definitely not there. Its too small, the seating position is a bit to face forward and not upright enough, and because of it's sporty light weight its not as rock solid stable as a cruiser at speed. That and the 'air of a cruiser' feeling is almost completely missing.
So the cbr250r is cruiser ish, but not a cruiser either.
As an economical commuter it ticks a lot of the right boxes. Fuel economy is over 60mpg even if you drive like an oxygen sensor (gear heads'll get that one), and can do almost 80mpg if you drive sensibly. It even runs on comparatively inexpensive 87 octane fuel. However, you can get a scooter with almost the same power that'll do 100mpg+ for the same money. And it'll be more comfortable. And it'll have more cargo space. And it'll be cheaper to insure.
So the cbr250r is not the most practical option either.
If I had to define what the cbr250r DOES excel at, I'd say it excels at the ability to be like ANY of the aforementioned motorcycle that at any time. If you fancy ripping up the local B roads or having a go at a canyon run, the cbr250r will be right there with you up to the task. Should you want to take a long lazy cruise up the coast of California on highway 101 have at it, the cbr250r won't howl like a banshee, and it will be a comfortable reflective ride. And while you're commuting to work and breezing by stopped cars through rush hour traffic, you can sit secure in the fact that your're getting there faster and using far less fuel than your four wheel compatriots. And you'll enjoy the drive. And you'll have a much easier time parking when you get there.
So the cbr250r is an all around street bike then, a Jack of all trades.
And that's why I have one.
雷
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Handling is actually pretty dman good. The bike is light and balanced, and because of this it corners and stops with confidence inspiring grace. Performance in the twisties is definitely not a problem for this bike. Power however, is woefully lacking. So much so that I can't consider this a sport bike. Acceleration is less than that of the most beige car in existence, the Toyota Camry, and a Honda Civic would crush it in a drag race of any distance. Top speed can be as high as 102mph, that is, provided you've got the patience and a few uninterrupted miles and minutes to get there.
So the cbr250r is sport bike ish, but not a sport bike.
Cruising is not so bad on this bike either. It has a nice deep growl, and barks when you give it a fistful. The riding position is pretty comfortable, and the rpm aren't stratospheric at 70mph. However, the look, feel, and panache of a cruiser are definitely not there. Its too small, the seating position is a bit to face forward and not upright enough, and because of it's sporty light weight its not as rock solid stable as a cruiser at speed. That and the 'air of a cruiser' feeling is almost completely missing.
So the cbr250r is cruiser ish, but not a cruiser either.
As an economical commuter it ticks a lot of the right boxes. Fuel economy is over 60mpg even if you drive like an oxygen sensor (gear heads'll get that one), and can do almost 80mpg if you drive sensibly. It even runs on comparatively inexpensive 87 octane fuel. However, you can get a scooter with almost the same power that'll do 100mpg+ for the same money. And it'll be more comfortable. And it'll have more cargo space. And it'll be cheaper to insure.
So the cbr250r is not the most practical option either.
If I had to define what the cbr250r DOES excel at, I'd say it excels at the ability to be like ANY of the aforementioned motorcycle that at any time. If you fancy ripping up the local B roads or having a go at a canyon run, the cbr250r will be right there with you up to the task. Should you want to take a long lazy cruise up the coast of California on highway 101 have at it, the cbr250r won't howl like a banshee, and it will be a comfortable reflective ride. And while you're commuting to work and breezing by stopped cars through rush hour traffic, you can sit secure in the fact that your're getting there faster and using far less fuel than your four wheel compatriots. And you'll enjoy the drive. And you'll have a much easier time parking when you get there.
So the cbr250r is an all around street bike then, a Jack of all trades.
And that's why I have one.
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黒
I think a better question might be why isn't the CBR250R a sport bike? Just because there exists a bike which is faster doesn't mean all other bikes are no longer sport bikes.
It has clip on handle bars, a short wheel base, aggressive steering geometry, and an agile light weight chassis. The sum of it's parts all point more to purpose built machine sports machine.
People race 50cc motorcycles, are they not racing sports bikes just because they have less then 25 horsepower? Are 600CC supersports not sports bikes because they aren't as fast as the 1000CC sports bikes of the same era?
If you read the definition of sports bike from wikipedia, it's a bike designed for speed, acceleration, braking, and cornering on paved roads. Extracting the performance that Honda did out of the tiny single cylinder engine, I think it meets all points.
Sport bike - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
It has clip on handle bars, a short wheel base, aggressive steering geometry, and an agile light weight chassis. The sum of it's parts all point more to purpose built machine sports machine.
People race 50cc motorcycles, are they not racing sports bikes just because they have less then 25 horsepower? Are 600CC supersports not sports bikes because they aren't as fast as the 1000CC sports bikes of the same era?
If you read the definition of sports bike from wikipedia, it's a bike designed for speed, acceleration, braking, and cornering on paved roads. Extracting the performance that Honda did out of the tiny single cylinder engine, I think it meets all points.
Sport bike - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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It's already been said, but I can't help but pile on. I don't care what you classify the CBR250R as, I only care about one thing: It's MY bike. Sometimes I'd love more speed, sometimes I'd love more comfort, but I have never found the bike to not be absolutely stellar in terms of the feeling I get while riding it. I admit I look at other bikes, I even lust after some (Street Triple R comes to mind), but when I'm on MY bike, there's no where I'd rather be.
Comparing the CBR250R to a Miata is a pretty good fit, in my opinion. Great balance, a fun ride, and, oh yes, it's reasonably practical and economical at the same time. No, it's not going to set any performance records, but when you're piloting it, you're in control and you're enjoying it. What else do you really want?
Comparing the CBR250R to a Miata is a pretty good fit, in my opinion. Great balance, a fun ride, and, oh yes, it's reasonably practical and economical at the same time. No, it's not going to set any performance records, but when you're piloting it, you're in control and you're enjoying it. What else do you really want?
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617 Posts
Really guys, call it what you want, this is one sweet ride that is dependable and a great value. I don't need ego boost, but I love the eco boost that I get from my CBR250R.
Enjoy the ride. This is a "little honey", for sure!
Cheers
Enjoy the ride. This is a "little honey", for sure!
Cheers
Agreed.
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601 Posts
When I bought mine I had just recently made a major change of life and moved to the Philippines on a full time basis. I will admit I did want a bigger bike when I bought this one.
I looked all over at the motorcycle dealers in and around the area that I live, the biggest I had seen was the CBR150R, all of the dealers said that was the biggest bike available. HMMPH didn't like that answer, so I expanded my search area.
I found a Honda dealer over by my wife's moms house, walked in the show room... they had the 250 on the showroom floor. I asked about a 600 or anything bigger then the 250. AGAIN BIGGEST BIKE AVAILABLE!!! After a few days of thinking about it, i went back and bought it.
At first was happy with the performance that it does have, still wanted a bigger bike in the back of my mind. Now after driving the hell out if it I am very happy with the 250, its not a 600 or 1000, but in all reality there isn't any place on the 1000 islands of the Philippines to really use all of the power they have.
The 250 commutes really well with all the traffic in Manila, I can and do go between all the cars on the highways, they will move over enough for u to squeeze through, have seen a few 600's that couldnt squeeze through where I could. I am sure they could have made it between the cars, but opted to find a bigger opening.
For the place I live and the area I drive a 400cc would be a bit better, as expressway limitations are 400cc and above, but for day to day commuting, site seeing, long haul rides my 250 does everything I ask of her and more.
I am sure I will upgrade to a bigger bike one of these days (Kawi 400 sounds good) , but I will keep my 250, to go cut them twisties in half.
Not a sports bike, not a big cruiser, but everything i want and need for now.
I looked all over at the motorcycle dealers in and around the area that I live, the biggest I had seen was the CBR150R, all of the dealers said that was the biggest bike available. HMMPH didn't like that answer, so I expanded my search area.
I found a Honda dealer over by my wife's moms house, walked in the show room... they had the 250 on the showroom floor. I asked about a 600 or anything bigger then the 250. AGAIN BIGGEST BIKE AVAILABLE!!! After a few days of thinking about it, i went back and bought it.
At first was happy with the performance that it does have, still wanted a bigger bike in the back of my mind. Now after driving the hell out if it I am very happy with the 250, its not a 600 or 1000, but in all reality there isn't any place on the 1000 islands of the Philippines to really use all of the power they have.
The 250 commutes really well with all the traffic in Manila, I can and do go between all the cars on the highways, they will move over enough for u to squeeze through, have seen a few 600's that couldnt squeeze through where I could. I am sure they could have made it between the cars, but opted to find a bigger opening.
For the place I live and the area I drive a 400cc would be a bit better, as expressway limitations are 400cc and above, but for day to day commuting, site seeing, long haul rides my 250 does everything I ask of her and more.
I am sure I will upgrade to a bigger bike one of these days (Kawi 400 sounds good) , but I will keep my 250, to go cut them twisties in half.
Not a sports bike, not a big cruiser, but everything i want and need for now.
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282 Posts
Wynn & AgentP, I like the comments about the question. I bought mine out economics as well. It's a good all around bike! Alot of us can comment on its function but it's up to you as a individual to see what it is!
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Thanks for your comments everyone, much appreciated. Honda actually market this bike as a "Super Sports" bike, which it most definitely isn't in my opinion. I think it's a brilliant little all round motorcycle though, which you can do anything on, on the road, apart from touring two up. It's perfect for what I need, and I wouldn't want it to be any different. It's just not a "Super Sports" bike, as far as I'm concerned, which is a good thing, on the road.
Agree with you there, the supersports class is pretty well defined as the 600CC race replica class of bikes with some minor exceptions usually given for things like the GSXR750, Ninja 636, and the Ducati 848 superbike.
That said I've never seen Honda call the CBR250R a "supersports" bike in any of their marketing material. I searched Google for "supersports cbr250r" and the only place Honda references it as that on the Austrailian web site where the CBR250R is in the Supersport section (along with the CBR125R):
http://motorcycles.honda.com.au/Supersports/CBR250R
I think that's just because the bike doesn't really fit into any of the other website categories so they put it there. Just like Yamaha puts their "FZ6R" in the "Supersport" category on their website even though it doesn't really fit with the high handlebar ergonomics and comfortable riding position.
Other then that which I don't consider marketing - I don't see the "supersports" term appearing in any of Honda's marketing for the CBR250R.
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