HONDA CB250RS (1979-1980) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Honda CB250RS was a motorcycle part of the CB series in Honda's range designed for road use and powered by a 250cc four-stroke air-cooled upgraded version of the engine used by the earlier XL250S trail bike.

The RS bike was known for its slim figure and nimble handling, with a dry weight of only 128 kg (282 lbs) and an engine fitted with counterbalancers that reduced vibrations and allowed the bike to carry a lighter frame.

The engine was used as a stressed member of the chassis, which reduced the overall weight and featured a kick starter with an automatic decompression lever. Later, Deluxe models were fitted with an electric starter and different color schemes.

Some of the known issues of the bike included the ignition coils that failed over time, the CDIs, and the lack of battery cranking power if an inadequate battery was used.

For suspension, the bike packed a telescopic fork on the front and dual shock absorbers with preload adjustability on the rear, while the braking performance was handled by a 250 mm disc with a hydraulic caliper on the front wheel and a 140 mm drum braking unit on the rear wheel.

In the performance department, the 1980 Honda CB250RS had its soul brought to life by a 249 cc four-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled engine fed by a Keihin carburetor and delivered an output power of 26 hp with maximum strength at 8,500 rpm and 13 Nm (9 lb-ft) of torque available at 8,000 rpm.