Honda CBR250R: Small, Sporty and Spot On
The CBR250R was Honda’s sporty take on the A2 category licence. The model ran from 2011 to 2013, when it was replaced by the CBR300R. The bike we tested was a 2011 model with 14,485 miles on the clock, featuring a carbon mudguard and hugger.
Give me some spec
A 249cc single-cylinder engine, putting out a modest 24bhp (17.7 kW @ 9900rpm, max torque 14.6lbft/19.86 Nm @ 6750 rpm) is housed in a steel twin-spar diamond frame. Braking comes via a single 296mm disc, two-piston calliper up front with a 220mm disc with single calliper to the rear.
So what’s it like to ride?
Despite a 780mm seat height, most riders will be able to get both feet down, as the CBR250R is wasp-waisted. It is a tiny bike, but well designed, allowing lots of room to move about (to get the best out of the bike, moving around in the saddle is a given).
Starting out, nothing happens lower in the rev range or gears: first gets you moving, second is over and done with quickly. But third is surprisingly flexible, working from 20 to 50mph. Get it up to its maximum power range as quickly as possible and things smooth out, but it can be buzzy lower down, like most singles.
Handling is a delight; being such a light bike (162kg/356lb – add another 4kg for the ABS model we were riding) it is easy to flick around and likes being ridden in this way. Move around the saddle and work with the little Honda and it will tip quickly, easily and accurately into the corners – it accepted a mid-turn line change with no fuss.
In the B road part of the ride, I found myself taking at as fast if not faster than on a lot of larger capacity machines thanks to its quick and accurate handling. You do need to carry that corner speed though; drop off the revs and you’re fighting to get them back.
The suspension is taut enough to aid the handling, but plush enough to cope with most roads – though there is a poorish surface on the approach to the B road section of the test route that upset it and fed unwanted masses of vibration back through the bars.
Town work was a doddle (easy filtering thanks to that narrow frame), but motorways are to be endured rather than enjoyed – the fairing deflected a lot of wind round my head.
What nick is it in?
The front tyre will need replacing in the not too distant future and at closing in on 15,000 miles the next service isn’t too far away; but the dealer should service the bike as part of the deal.
What’s it worth?
The dealer is looking for £2595 for a 2011 bike with 14,485 miles on the clock with a full service history. The dealer search revealed another 2011 machine with similar mileage for £2195 with the rest of the available bikes being 2012/2013 ranging from £2700 with 9000 miles logged up to £3195 for a bike with just 800 miles under it’s belt.