autoevolution
 

Honda CBR250RR Production Imminent, Western Markets May Receive a Bigger Bike

The latest rumors in the industry see Honda upping their game with the re-introduction of high-performance small-displacement motorcycles in the markets around the world. The Japanese manufacturer showed their initial plans last year at the Tokyo Motor Show, but it looks like things are already rolling.
Honda CBR250RR rendering 1 photo
Photo: Honda
The House of Tokyo is, in fact, believed to start the production of their CBR250RR around the mid-year point or so, with the new 250cc machines most likely being assembled in Thailand or Indonesia.

However, the new machine will not be a take on the existing CBR quarter-liter. The new Honda machines will be equipped with a new parallel-twin engine with superior power, most likely tapping into the segment where the R25 or 250cc Ninja are doing so well.

A bigger machine can be expected for the western markets, but it still needs to be confirmed

Honda's new motorcycle will also represent a solid step up from the current low-cost CBR250R, and this means that many of the components will be higher-specced. This includes the USD suspensions, a better rear monoshock, possibly two riding modes or more and even traction control.

ABS is required in Europe for all machines over 125cc, so it will be on the standard trim list anyway. If North America gets the bike, anti-locking brakes might be optional.

Still, the most thrilling part about the bikes that are supposed to be sold in Europe and North America is that Tokyo will have to come up with bigger, brawnier engines that would rival, if not even surpass what KTM, Yamaha and Kawasaki are currently offering with their RC390, R3 and Ninja 300, respectively.

As to whether Honda will decide to break the A2-license limits with its bikes, and offer them with extra power that has to be tamed with a restrictor, we sort of doubt this will happen. Great as a bike for a beginner or returning rider, more power for the Honda CBR250RR would only make sense if used on the track. But until further notice, we'll just have to wait and see Honda's next move.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories