HONDA CB250RS (1980-1981) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1981, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Honda CB250RS, a motorcycle part of the CB series in Honda's range, powered by an upgraded version of the engine used by the earlier XL250S trail bike.

The CB250RS model 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.

Also, 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, while later, Deluxe models were fitted with an electric starter and different color schemes.

In addition, the bike came with standard features, such as a chromed, short dual exhaust system, analog instrument dials, a one-piece dual seat, a black-finished steel frame, a square headlight, a wide handlebar, and wire-spoked wheels.

For handling and safety, the bike featured 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.

As for the power figures, the 1981 Honda CB250RS took its muscles from a 249 cc four-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled engine that 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.