Honda CBR250R.

[EdM]

While I'm certainly not young (67) I'm a returning rider who has been seriously interested in a 250 machine.

I like the Suzuki TU250 for it's fuel injection. I like the Ninja 250 for it's more powerful (compared to the TU) engine. Now it seems Honda may be offering a attractive compromise.

I would agree price is a factor/concern but if this is in the $5k range it may be the one for me.

Ned

[Superzoom]

Originally Posted by stik__boy

& one more thing.......
359 lbs?????

Is it just me, or is that heavy!?

It seems like a lot of people are still getting used to the idea of publishing curb weights. The 250 Ninja is over 370 lbs.

[LuciferMutt]

Originally Posted by EdM

I like the Suzuki TU250 for it's fuel injection. I like the Ninja 250 for it's more powerful (compared to the TU) engine. Now it seems Honda may be offering a attractive compromise.

Interesting view point. I hope you're right. Sure there are some things I don't like about this bike but I hope they sell like crazy. We NEED more small bikes here.

[GotMojo?]

I'm surprised they made the gas tank as small as they did... 3.4 gallons. That's about 1.5 gallon less than the little Ninja.

[RaY YreKa]

Originally Posted by stik__boy

Let's not forget who this appeals to.....new/young riders.....
so you tell me, does the average 19-23 year old want this for $4000, or a used R6 for $4000???

Come with me if you want to live..

[GotMojo?]

Originally Posted by stik__boy

Let's not forget who this appeals to.....new/young riders.....
so you tell me, does the average 19-23 year old want this for $4000, or a used R6 for $4000???

I think Kawasaki sells more Ninja 250R's than any other bike in their line. Lots of people buy these small bikes, especially beginners, and maybe Honda wants to tap into that market. Not every young kid (or squid wanna-be) lusts after R6's. Seems like most of the guys around here riding those bikes don't even use a 25% of what the bike is capable of because you simply can't on the streets, unless you want hassled by the law, or worse, killing yourself.

[waveydavey]

Honda selsl the CBR125 in Canada for about $3400 (CDN). I can't see them being able to sell the CBR 250 for almost 70% more. Loss leader maybe?? I predict $3995

[Paulvt1]

Think i saw a price on one of the French sites. €4000. What that means for any other market i don't know.

[bostonsr]

Originally Posted by stik__boy

& one more thing.......
359 lbs?????

Is it just me, or is that heavy!?

sounds a bit heavy.

ABS is a HUGE benefit over the ninja.

abe

[EdM]

Received a little blurb from Cycle World regading the CBR.

Mentions it will be built in Thailand - which we knew. I was a little surprised to learn that Thai Honda has been producing motorcycles(?) since 1967 with over 18 million made.

I wrote "motorcycles(?)" as they also note this is the first sportbike and also the largest displacement engine to be built there so I'm thinking most of their production was of scooters but don't know for certain.

Ned

[GotMojo?]

Originally Posted by bostonsr

sounds a bit heavy.

ABS is a HUGE benefit over the ninja.

abe

Its lighter than the Ninja, by about 20 lbs. And I consider my Ninja 250R pretty lightweight (feels that way anyways).

And yea, I'd love to have ABS and have been wondering when we will start seeing it on smaller bikes. Maybe Honda will start a trend.

[XPADREX]

There is a fine line between a bike being too heavy for the "experts" out there, but too light to feel stable in crosswinds.

The fact that so many new riders start on small cruisers is a testament to seat height, as well as a feeling of security- at least that's the anecdotal evidence I've gleaned over the years.

This bike has potential appeal to new and returning riders, but frankly, I'll wager many of them will go into the garages of long-time riders wanting a "hoot" of a li'l ride.

A recent call I had with someone at Honda suggested it WILL be priced aggressively with or below the Ninja 250. If so, I'm excited.

[LuciferMutt]

Originally Posted by GotMojo?

I'm surprised they made the gas tank as small as they did... 3.4 gallons. That's about 1.5 gallon less than the little Ninja.

It'll probably get better fuel economy with a thumper.

[Rick West]

Originally Posted by CheesyRider

I believe Honda has another flop on it's hands.

Like most of their bikes

[Wuwei]

I like it! A lot. I think smaller road bikes = more fun per buck. With Ninja 250s selling so well it has surprised me how long it has taken Honda to bring something into the US market, particularly since they had some good ones in the past and already had some other great small bikes on other continents. Now will Yamaha and Suzuki follow suit?