Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer Honda Motorcycle has launched the updated 2021MY CBR250RR sportsbike in its home market. Compared to its previous 2019MY format, the new Honda CBR250RR comes with better performance, added equipment and four new colour choices: Matte Gun Power Black Metallic, Pearl Glare White, Grand Prix Red and Grand Prix Red (striped).
Ex-showroom prices start at JPY 8,21,700 (~ Rs 5.80 lakh) and vary with colour. Despite carrying a significant list of improvements, the motorcycle does not sport any major visual changes. Globally, the 2021MY Honda CBR250RR competes with the latest Yamaha YZF-R25 and Kawasaki Ninja 250. Kawasaki’s all-new Ninja ZX-25R, being a quarter-litre inline-four, plays in a different category.
Honda Motorcycle Japan targets an annual sales rate of 4,000 units for its latest quarter-litre model. The sportsbike will be available in a few more markets across Asia but we don’t see any possibility of an Indian debut. On the other hand, Honda Motorcycle India plans to launch the CBR500R in the near future. The Indian market is witnessing improved desirability for entry-level middleweight motorcycles. In fact, KTM India is working on an all-new ~500cc twin-cylinder model range.
The Honda CBR250RR is powered by a 249cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline-twin engine (not to be confused with a parallel-twin) capable of producing 40bhp @ 13,000rpm and 25Nm @ 11,000rpm. This is mated to a 6-speed transmission. ‘Slip-and-assist clutch’ comes as standard while quickshifter (bi-directional) is optional. In comparison, the 2019MY version made 37bhp @ 12,500rpm and 23Nm @ 11,000rpm.
The welcome bump in output was possible thanks to a new set of tin-plated piston rings, carburised connecting rods, retuned ECU and altered ignition timing. Both the intake and exhaust systems were tweaked a bit as well. Kerb weight has gone up marginally to hit 168kg.
As mentioned before, the new CBR250RR remains aesthetically identical to its previous avatar. The quad full-LED headlamp setup, split LED tail lamps, blue-lit digital instrument console (incorporates 5-lap shift indicator, lap timer and more), etc., are familiar components. The motorcycle employs a throttle-by-wire system and gets three riding modes: Comfort, Sport and Sport+.
Its truss-frame chassis supports 37mm USD forks at the front and a Pro-Link 5-step preload-adjustable rear monoshock suspension. Braking duties are carried out by 310mm and 240mm single petal discs at the front and rear, respectively, with dual-channel ABS. The 2021MY Honda CBR250RR rides on 110/70R17 and 140/70R17 tyres.