2011 Honda CBR250R "G Cars Collection"

 Honda Motorcycle has unveiled today the new 2011 CBR250R sport bike. It is a sporty, fun, lightweight and affordable motorcycle aimed for those entering the sport of motorcycling. "The CBR250R is specifically aimed at new riders, yet it’s packed full of high-tech features and offers great performance, all in a lightweight, affordable package. This new model expands another segment of the market for Honda buyers."

The new CBR250R is powered by an extremely efficient 249cc liquid-cooled single cylinder engine that features a sophisticated four-valve DOHC cylinder head, engine counter balancer, and fuel injection—this dependable and lightweight machine delivers nimble handling, a broad spread of easily accessible power and low operating costs all in one. The motorcycle weights only 359 lbs.

It will be offered in standard and ABS version and in Metallic Black and Red/Silver exterior colors. Sales will begin in the spring of 2011

 Yes! It has been officially confirmed! Honda will manufacture and sell the CBR250R in India from April 2011 onwards. As Honda will produce this motorcycle in the country, expect a mouth watering price tag of less than Rs.1.5 lakh.

Update 21/3/2011: Honda CBR250R now launched

Update 26/2/2011: Comparison of Honda CBR250R vs Kawasaki Ninja 250R vs Suzuki GW250

Update 20/2/2011: We have a photo gallery of the Honda CBR250R for you. Feast your eyes!

Update 18/1/2011: Honda CBR250R bookings open – the price is, as expected, Rs 1.5 lakhs. Read more.

Now, are there going to be many takers for the Rs. 3 lakh Kawasaki Ninja 250R? Bajaj better watch out. The Honda CBR250R just might have what it takes to rule the market for 200-300 bikes in India – and the Mahindra Mojo priced Rs 1.75 lakhs looks a bit silly! Of course, all that would work only if the bike really is priced at Rs 1.5 lakh – and things could change before the launch.

 We have a bunch of photos of the Honda CBR250R for you below. Till the actual launch happens, guess we will have to make do with these photos as well as an occasional video!

According to Honda’s press release, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India will start production of the CBR250R next spring and extend sales from India to South America. Honda will also offer the CBR250R at a more affordable price in the diversified Indian motorcycle market by effectively carrying out global procurement of parts and materials.

So what’s on offer with this performance bike? Honda CBR250R is powered by a newly-developed liquid-cooled 250cc 4-stroke, 4-valve, single-cylinder DOHC engine that is fed by an electronically controlled fuel injection system (PGM-FI). We expect power of above 30 bhp and torque above 18 Nm from this Honda engine.

 The CBR250R looks every bit superbike inspired. The CBR250R bears a full-cowl body that boasts a highly advanced design, yet highly functional. Inspired from the VFR1200F, the headlamp fairing of the CBR250R has killer looks.

Initially, we had assumed that the upcoming 250 cc motorcycle from Honda would be the VTR250 – not so.

Photos of the Honda CBR250R have been appearing on the Net for a while – and now we have official photos too. We have a couple of them here for you.

Honda bikes are known for their agile handling and steady maneuverability and the CBR250R is no exception. CBR250R is built on a highly rigid diamond frame that is both light and compact, offering superior maneuverability to the rider of this sports bike.

The Honda CBR250R comes with combined ABS, a first of its kind in a 250 cc class road sports model. CBS (Combined Brake System) and ABS (Antilock Braking System) are brought together in Combined ABS. This ensures limited skidding or wheel locking when applying brakes suddenly to avoid accidents or while using brakes over adverse road conditions.

 The Honda CBR250R measures 2035 mm x 720 mm x 1125 mm and weighs 161 Kg. The “Sports Tourer” tag is what would best describe the Honda CBR250R rather than a race track motorcycle.

The bike is expected to be offered in Red (similar to the VFR1200F Red), blue and black. The Honda CBR250R will roll on MRF tyres of sizes 110/70-R17 at the front and 140/70-R17 at the rear.

The premium bike segment in India is fast attracting bike enthusiasts. Within the 200-300 cc motorcycles range, bikers now have six options to choose from, consisting of: Bajaj Pulsar 220, 220F, Hero Honda Karizma ZMR, Karizma R, Kawasaki Ninja 250R, Mahindra Mojo and now, the upcoming Honda CBR250R from April 2010 onwards in India.

Honda will launch the CBR250R in Thailand next month. Once, the specifications are leaked, we will you know all the details of the CBR250R. And of course, we’ll try to snag a test ride for you!