2018 Honda CBR 250R vs Bajaj Dominar vs TVS Apache 310 vs Others

Disclaimer – As the manufacturer (TVS Motor Company) has blacklisted Rushlane from it’s events/rides as a consequence of decisions based on restrictive practices, Apache 310 Specs are attributed to freely available media material.

Honda CBR250R, discontinued following the implementation of BS IV emission norms has been relaunched with several updates. The 2018 variant is priced from Rs 1.64 lakhs for the standard model while with dual channel ABS, prices are at Rs 1.93 lakh, Rs 29,523 over the standard model. (ex-showroom prices).

Honda CBR250R quarter liter sports bike now gets new color options, feature upgrades and full LED headlamp. It faces competition from rivals such as Bajaj Dominar 400, Benelli TNT 25, Apache RR 310 and KTM’s Duke 250. We compare how these keen competitors fair against each other in terms of price, on-board features, engine specifications and other factors.

Price – Honda CBR250R is priced at INR 1.64 lakh for the standard model and at INR 1.93 lakh for the ABS variant. The Bajaj Dominar 400 carries a price tag of INR 1,67,000 as against the Benelli TNT25 which is priced at 1,84,000 and the Apache RR 310 at INR 2,05,000 and the Duke 250 at INR 1,77,225.

Design – 2018 Honda CBR 250R boasts of a similar design to its earlier counterpart with subtle changes such as a new LED headlamp cluster and new paint options such as grey-orange, grey-green, yellow and red.

Bajaj Dominar 400 sees similar styling to the CS400 concept with a well sculpted body and an aggressive stance. It gets LED headlamp making it the first model from Bajaj to receive this feature. A large fuel tank, wide handlebars, and an all digital LCD instrument cluster are a part of its makeup. The Dominar 400 is launched in three new color options of Rock Matte Black, Canyon Red and Glacier Blue and it comes in with Gold Dust alloy wheels which give the bike a more premium look.

Benelli TNT 25, in colors of Rosso (Red) and Bianco (White) is positioned on a steel tube lattice frame. It offers excellent stability while riding and is lightweight for better maneuverability. State of the art features include a well proportioned body with machine and cast alloy parts. The TNT 25 offers a comfortable seating position that makes long distance travel very comfortable.

Apache RR 310 carries forward styling cues from the Akula 310 concept which was showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo. It sports a tall windscreen, clip on handlebars and dual LED projector headlamps in the front and at the rear it gets shark fin tail lamps. Riding stance is more upright offering better touring facilities while the RR 310 also houses a LCD instrument console with engine temperature display, fuel levels and speed along with gear indicator, clock and odometer. The Apache RR 310 rides on Michelin Pilot Street tyres and is presented in two color options of red with white stripes and matte black.

KTM’s Duke 250 in orange and white color schemes gets a new headlamp shroud with LED running lamp. It also receives a bolt on subframe and larger fuel tank borrowed from the 390 and a smaller front brake from the Duke 200.

Engine specifications – 2018 Honda CBR 250R has been introduced with a new 249.6cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled engine complying with BS IV emission norms. This engine offers 26.5 PS power at 8,500 rpm and 22.9 Nm torque at 7,000 rpm mated to a 6 speed gearbox. The bike is capable of a top speed of 135 kmph.

Bajaj Dominar 400 is powered by a 373.3 cc single cylinder engine with Triple Spark technology. This liquid cooled, fuel injected engine is the same as that seen powering the KTM Duke 390 offering 34.5 bhp power at 8,000 rpm and 35 Nm torque at 6,500 rpm mated to a 6 speed gearbox. Acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph is achieved in 8.23 seconds while top speed is at 148 kmph.

Benelli TNT 25 comes with a 249cc, 1 cylinder engine offering 28.16 bhp power at 9,800 rpm and 21.61 Nm torque at 8,000 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 60 kmph is achieved in 3.83 seconds and from 0 to 100 kmph in 10.73 seconds while top speed is at 145 kmph.

Apache RR 310 gets its power from a 313cc, liquid cooled, single cylinder engine offering 34 PS power at 9,500 rpm and 28 Nm torque at 7,500 rpm mated to a 6 speed manual transmission. Top speed is at 160 kmph. Acceleration from 0 to 60 kmph is possible in 2.93 seconds and top speed is pegged at 160 kmph.

KTM’s Duke 250 is powered by a 248.8cc, single cylinder, four stroke, DOHC engine capable of 29.91 PS power at 9,000 rpm and 24 Nm torque at 7,500 rpm mated to a 6 speed gearbox.

Dimensions – 2018 Honda CBR 250R measures 2,030mm in length, 720mm in width and1,127mm in height. It has ground clearance of 145mm and wheelbase measuring 1,369mm with total kerb weight of 164 kgs.

Bajaj Dominar 400 measures 2,156mm in length, 813mm in width and 1,112mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 1,453mm and ground clearance of 157mm along with kerb weight of 182 kgs.

Benelli TNT 25 measures 2,080mm in length, 810mm in width and 1,125mm in height. It has seat height of 780mm, ground clearance of 160mm and wheelbase of 1,400mm along with kerb weight of 159 kgs.

Apache RR 310 stands at 2,001mm length, 786mm width, 1,135mm height and gets a 1,365mm long wheelbase. It has ground clearance of 180mm, seat height of 810mm and kerb weight of 169 kgs.

KTM’s Duke 250 measures 2,026mm in length, 836mm in width and 1,267mm in height. It has ground clearance of 185mm and seat height of 830mm along with a 1,357mm long wheelbase. Kerb weight is at 161 kgs and fuel tank is of 13.5 liter capacity.