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Just finished reading a new article that compares the CBR250R with the Ninja 250R at the track. Here is the link to the Motorcycle-USA article.
2011 250 Sportbike Shootout Track - Motorcycle USA
Thoughts?
1. Where are the lap times? I couldn't find them in the review.
2. I generally agree with the following, even though we've seen on this forum some evidence that the CBR250R - at least when setup for the track - can be competitive with the Ninja 250R.
"While both bikes offer great platforms as all-around entry-level sportbikes, when considered purely for track use, the Kawasaki’s extra power simply can’t be ignored. It revs hard and the extra horsepower can be put to use at all times on a closed-circuit environment."
3. I wonder... if the CBR250R was geared lower like the Ninja 250R - if this might improve the CBR250R's grunt on the racetrack - particularly accelerating in the upper end of the rev range?
“I liked the acceleration power of the Kawasaki best,” admits Sorensen. “I felt like the power came on quicker and as I shifted and accelerated the power was there in midrange also. The Honda felt a little slower in the high end.”
4. The next two tidbits were surprising to me. Many online comments I've read from larger riders is that they found the CBR250R more roomy and more comfortable. The following comments from the article disagree with this.
"A slightly longer 55.1-inch wheelbase and more spread-out ergonomics make the Kawasaki a little easier to pilot for big riders, but the 30.5-inch seat height is still incredibly easy to mount for women or beginners. At 5’11” I was more comfortable on the Kawasaki with more room for my torso and comfortable reach to the pegs, but it doesn’t take a tall rider to appreciate the versatile layout."
"The Honda’s small fuel tank helps make room for the pilot down below the small windscreen. Ergonomics are excellent for our 5’2”, 112-pound female rider, but the men were slightly more scrunched."
5. The comment below is interesting. I've read reviews which suggest the CBR250R emits less vibration than the Ninja 250R. Then again - they don't comment on how it compares with the Ninja 250R in terms of vibration in the article.
"A single-cylinder engine powers the CBR with dual overhead camshafts and four valves. The 249.4cc Single use shim-style valve adjustment and a gear-driven counterbalance positioned lower than the mainshaft which keeps the ride smooth despite the Single’s penchant for vibrations."
Any other thoughts to add to the comparo?
Mike
2011 250 Sportbike Shootout Track - Motorcycle USA
Thoughts?
1. Where are the lap times? I couldn't find them in the review.
2. I generally agree with the following, even though we've seen on this forum some evidence that the CBR250R - at least when setup for the track - can be competitive with the Ninja 250R.
"While both bikes offer great platforms as all-around entry-level sportbikes, when considered purely for track use, the Kawasaki’s extra power simply can’t be ignored. It revs hard and the extra horsepower can be put to use at all times on a closed-circuit environment."
3. I wonder... if the CBR250R was geared lower like the Ninja 250R - if this might improve the CBR250R's grunt on the racetrack - particularly accelerating in the upper end of the rev range?
“I liked the acceleration power of the Kawasaki best,” admits Sorensen. “I felt like the power came on quicker and as I shifted and accelerated the power was there in midrange also. The Honda felt a little slower in the high end.”
4. The next two tidbits were surprising to me. Many online comments I've read from larger riders is that they found the CBR250R more roomy and more comfortable. The following comments from the article disagree with this.
"A slightly longer 55.1-inch wheelbase and more spread-out ergonomics make the Kawasaki a little easier to pilot for big riders, but the 30.5-inch seat height is still incredibly easy to mount for women or beginners. At 5’11” I was more comfortable on the Kawasaki with more room for my torso and comfortable reach to the pegs, but it doesn’t take a tall rider to appreciate the versatile layout."
"The Honda’s small fuel tank helps make room for the pilot down below the small windscreen. Ergonomics are excellent for our 5’2”, 112-pound female rider, but the men were slightly more scrunched."
5. The comment below is interesting. I've read reviews which suggest the CBR250R emits less vibration than the Ninja 250R. Then again - they don't comment on how it compares with the Ninja 250R in terms of vibration in the article.
"A single-cylinder engine powers the CBR with dual overhead camshafts and four valves. The 249.4cc Single use shim-style valve adjustment and a gear-driven counterbalance positioned lower than the mainshaft which keeps the ride smooth despite the Single’s penchant for vibrations."
Any other thoughts to add to the comparo?
Mike