Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India have commenced bookings of its much awaited CBR-250R model. The CBR-250R starts at Rs 1.5 lakh for the base version while the ABS equipped version costs Rs 1.8 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It will be fully manufactured in India and deliveries will begin in April.
Unveiled in Thailand some months ago, the CBR250R is a critical model that is all set to shake up the Indian motorcycle market and crack open a new segment, the 250R is developed keeping the demands from emerging motorcycle markets like ours foremost in mind.
A faired in, practical and city friendly bike, the new Honda will be manufactured in Thailand and India, from where exports will take it to over 20 countries. The CBR250R looks a scaled down VFR1200F from some angles. Sporty, stylish and full-size looking in the flesh, this is also a comfortable bike that feels light and street friendly. The instrumentation is compact, attractive and easy to come to terms with.
Honda has developed the short stroke, 249cc, DOHC, 4-stroke and single-cylinder engine for the CBR250R from scratch. Its fuel injected, liquid cooled and is allied to a 6-speed gearbox. While peak power made by the new engine will be close to 25.8bhp at 8500rpm in India, the maximum torque figure should be around 2.3kgm at 7000rpm.
Performance is meaty through the power band, with good mid range and the effortless ability to rev briskly over 10,000rpm. Enthusiasts will enjoy the new Honda’s perfectly sorted gearbox, top speed of over 140kph and an effortless cruising ability at speeds of 120kph.
A diamond type, steel pipe frame is deployed on the CBR250R, with 37mm diameter telescopic front fork suspension and a Pro-link monoshock rear system. The riding position is upright, with suspension feeling plush and conducive to daily commuting.
Honda is offering the CBR250R with front and rear disc brakes, plus the safety of combined ABS as a paid option.
The CBR250R will be available in color combinations like Candy ruby red and accurate silver metallic, sword silver metallic and accurate silver metallic, asteroid black metallic and accurate silver metallic
The CBR250R is a bike many Indians have long awaited. It’s taken a while, but our first brief impression shows the new Honda earnestly aims to make up for lost time.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
