250 is the new 1000, the 2011 cbr250r.

[Dave]

fuel injected, liquid cooled, single with optional abs.

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/102710top2-730x429.jpg

After almost 20 years of being absent in the USA 250cc sportbike market, American Honda is coming back with the aggressively styled liquid-cooled CBR250R and CBR250R ABS. Although pricing hasn’t been released, there are plenty of details that may make Kawasaki — makers of the outstanding $3999 Ninja 250R — nervous about its USA sales (which have been tremendous).

The new CBR is clearly aimed at the smallest Ninja. The motor is a 249cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve dual-overhead-cam Single, smoothed out and sophisticated with fuel-injection and a counterbalancer. The frame appears to be tubular steel, and the bodywork — love it or hate it — seems heavily influenced by the controversial new VFR1200. Wheels are 17-inchers, shod with radial tires (the back tire, a 140/70-17, is 10mm wider than the Ninja’s), and braking is handled with a two-piston caliper and 296mm disc in front. ABS is available. Seat height is .4 inches higher than the Ninja’s at 30.9 inches, but the seat looks very narrow at the front, negating that difference. Curb weight is a claimed 359 pounds, 15 pounds lighter than the 250R (add 9 pounds for ABS). Tank size is smaller than the Ninja’s 4.8 gallons at 3.4 gallons of dino-milk, but I’m guessing the FI Single might best the parallel-twin Ninja on range thanks to better fuel economy.

The theme in the moto-press for 2011 will be how the two bikes compare. It looks like the Honda will be a more nimble performer (both bikes have monoshock suspension and 37mm forks) thanks to its lighter weight and shorter 53.9-inch wheelbase. However, the motor could fall short in performance — it’s not the zesty, big-power mill out of the CRF250R motocrosser, but an all-new unit with lower compression and longer stroke, probably tuned for torque and newbie-friendliness. If the Ninja puts around 26 horsepower on the ground, expect the CBR to do somewhat less — although it may best it on torque.

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/102710bottom2-730x520.jpg

But the main issue will be price. Honda usually prices its products at a slight premium over the competition, which means the base model could be $4500 or more and the ABS-equipped version could be over $5000. But will the sporty styling and Honda nameplate be enough to lure customers away from Kawasaki’s best-selling sportbike? Whatever the results, 2011 will be doubly interesting to small-displacement sportbike fans.

[Avatard]

Funny thing is, I love surplus HP in a car (although I find that anything beyond 500 hp is essentially fucking worthless with only RWD), but I actually love small displacement bikes, and getting more out of less on two wheels. Smaller bikes react faster, and are actually more apt to bite you, and in many ways present more of a challenge to ride fast.

I'd probably love to flog the living shit out of that little thing.

The fucking exhaust (and back fender, for that matter) would be in the fucking garbage an hour after it came home, though. Ick.

[dReWpY]

Cliff notes:
is it coming here for sure?

[Trip]

I don't like the VFR look.

[Porkchop]

I love it... all of it.

But it would never be able to haul my fat ass around.

[smileyman]

I like it. Wonder if Kawi will bring it's Euro spec F.I.'d Ninja 250 to the fight? My wife is getting one or the other...So I can abuse it at the track!

[Porkchop]

I like it. Wonder if Kawi will bring it's Euro spec F.I.'d Ninja 250 to the fight? My wife is getting one or the other...So I can abuse it at the track!

I bet for damn sure for the 2012 year models they will. Unless they want to start losing sales. I saw more and more 250's sitting at dealers at the end of this year.

[smileyman]

Yeah, my wife tried on 4 diff colors last week. Decided on the red on black. With one extra cylinder, lower seat height, and easy pickin left over 10's, think I know what we will get.

[Dave]

Funny thing is, I love surplus HP in a car (although I find that anything beyond 500 hp is essentially fucking worthless with only RWD), but I actually love small displacement bikes, and getting more out of less on two wheels. Smaller bikes react faster, and are actually more apt to bite you, and in many ways present more of a challenge to ride fast.

I'd probably love to flog the living shit out of that little thing.

The fucking exhaust (and back fender, for that matter) would be in the fucking garbage an hour after it came home, though. Ick.

i'll agree on the fun factor of little bikes. i must admit im a bit underwhelmed by this effort though, a farmed out single isin't going to be quite as interesting as the lilliputian fours of the 250 hurricane or RR.

[Trip]

I'd like to see the return of the 400 class. Those would be fun little bikes.

[Dave]

I'd like to see the return of the 400 class. Those would be fun little bikes.

DEFINITELY. i used to know a guy in philly with a grey market vfr400. thing looked like a blast to ride

[Homeslice]

No thanks to the styling......And I see no advantage to a single on a street bike.......Sorry but twins are always better.

Honda lost it's way after the 90's.........In both cars and bikes

[EpyonXero]

Pics?

[Dave]

Pics?

of?

[derf]

of?

yo mamma

[L8 Braker]

Not too bad looking

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/6118/70818802.jpg
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/4260/000aiw.jpg
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/6003/00000y.jpg
http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/8906/84313629.jpg
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/589/0000tb.jpg

[dReWpY]

needs 2 cylinders

[fasternyou929]

Smaller bikes react faster, and are actually more apt to bite you,

How do you figure? More twitchy in handling than a big bike?

I usually equate likeliness of getting bit with throttle finesse necessary to keep the shiny side up, which gives the bigger bikes a higher degree of difficulty.

[Avatard]

How do you figure? More twitchy in handling than a big bike?

I used to race pocketbikes. Fast ones. Real ones...from Italy.

I used to crack up when even experienced racers of bigger bikes would get their fucking clocks cleaned. Trip can probably chime in here, because he races fiddys.

It's kinda like what you get when you balance a broom on your hand...you can do that, right? Now try a pencil. No go. Too fast to follow.

Shorter level moves away from center of balance far too fast.

Same with smaller bikes. Far faster reacting.

Same lever, only inverted. Shorter lever, faster reaction.

[z06boy]

Cute little bikes but just doesn't do much for me. I can see new female riders being attracted to these.

Now the 400's as mentioned...humm...yep I could see me interested in that.

As far as the comment about anything more than 500 hp in a rear wheel drive car(?)...sure...as long as that is at the wheels. :lol: That's where I'm at with my car and I'm fine with it. I'm not in to revving it up and dumping the clutch from the light anyways. :idk:

[Homeslice]

I used to race pocketbikes. Fast ones. Real ones...from Italy.

I used to crack up when even experienced racers of bigger bikes would get their fucking clocks cleaned. Trip can probably chime in here, because he races fiddys.

It's kinda like what you get when you balance a broom on your hand...you can do that, right? Now try a pencil. No go. Too fast to follow.

Shorter level moves away from center of balance far too fast.

Same with smaller bikes. Far faster reacting.

Same lever, only inverted. Shorter lever, faster reaction.

The same would be true of a little bike racer who tried to jump into 600+. They'd get their clocks cleaned as well. For the first few races at least.

Personally I find larger cars & bikes to be more difficult, simply because of the weight & size. Try driving a Dodge Challenger as fast as you would drive an Elise or Miata down a very tight mountain road. You wouldn't, because the Dodge is much bigger and heavier, therefore making it much harder to read the steering & tires to predict when it's going to break traction. Not to mention you can't even see the boundaries of the road, because of how big that car is. Insecurity forces even the best drivers to slow down.

[L8 Braker]

Like a baby VFR

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/4193/12018855.jpg
http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/8906/84313629.jpg


http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/7349/84317923.jpg
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/4260/000aiw.jpg

[smileyman]

These bikes are for beginners to feel confident on but arent meant to be ridden at the absolute limits where the lightweight makes for instability or abrupt manners. So really the whole big vs small thing is a mute point. Styling, seat hieght, play more of a role.

[Mikey]

I think it's cool, but it will be underpowered and, in typical Honda fashion, overpriced. If I wanted a 250, I'd definitely be going Ninja.

That said, the 400 class really is where it's at. I got a lot of seat time on 400s when I lived in Japan, and they are an absolute blast. Trouble is, the pricing on a 400 is damn near the same as a 600, so they really wouldn't sell well in the US.

[Trip]

I used to race pocketbikes. Fast ones. Real ones...from Italy.

I used to crack up when even experienced racers of bigger bikes would get their fucking clocks cleaned. Trip can probably chime in here, because he races fiddys.

It's kinda like what you get when you balance a broom on your hand...you can do that, right? Now try a pencil. No go. Too fast to follow.

Shorter level moves away from center of balance far too fast.

Same with smaller bikes. Far faster reacting.

Same lever, only inverted. Shorter lever, faster reaction.

Yeah, it's hard to describe how out of control a small machine is. If I ride the GS for awhile and not ride the fiddy for a few months, when I get on the fiddy I scare the ever living shit out of myself just by how quick it reacts and how unstable it is.

[defector]

Yeah, it's hard to describe how out of control a small machine is. If I ride the GS for awhile and not ride the fiddy for a few months, when I get on the fiddy I scare the ever living shit out of myself just by how quick it reacts and how unstable it is.

Definitely takes some getting used to going between the mini and fullsize stuff. I do it almost monthly, and I have more pucker moments on the small stuff by far.

[Sean]

I'd like to see the return of the 400 class. Those would be fun little bikes.

I agree, and I think it'd be neat to have something unique rather than another "competitor".

That being said, I understand the 400s actually command a price *premium* over the 600SSs in Japan.

[Avatard]

Yeah, it's hard to describe how out of control a small machine is. If I ride the GS for awhile and not ride the fiddy for a few months, when I get on the fiddy I scare the ever living shit out of myself just by how quick it reacts and how unstable it is.

Rossi started on pocketbikes. He still goes back to race them every so often. Hones the skills like a motherfucker.

Once you can dominate the faster reactions of the small bike, the big bike can seemingly do no wrong, as it appears to be moving in slow mo by comparison.

You can then better dominate the big thing because it seems lazy and predictable in contrast. Small bike is a great learning tool. Teaches you how to conserve corner speed too.

[smileyman]

Perhaps why so many champs start on 125s. Of course then there's Bayliss, never on anything smaller than a 750...I am sure there are example of each.

[tallywacker]

I like this and the VFR's styling.

[Porkchop]

That said, the 400 class really is where it's at. I got a lot of seat time on 400s when I lived in Japan, and they are an absolute blast. Trouble is, the pricing on a 400 is damn near the same as a 600, so they really wouldn't sell well in the US.

Are these 400s full on sport bikes like 600s, or more semisport like the 250?

I like this and the VFR's styling.

Me too. Bike looks much better in person.

[Dave]

Are these 400s full on sport bikes like 600s, or more semisport like the 250?



Me too. Bike looks much better in person.

Full on, just like the 250 strokes they replaced

[ontwo]

I like it

[Particle Man]

I like it as well. I've always been a fan of 250's. Something about flicking around at high revs and NOT getting a performance award from the local PD is appealing.

[jalaan1]

looks.... eh.
i think the baby ninja looks better.

but i do think it's great for new riders to have more options.
maybe more manufacturers will follow suit.

[Avatard]

I like it as well. I've always been a fan of 250's. Something about flicking around at high revs and NOT getting a performance award from the local PD is appealing.

My Ninja 250 does 110...115 if you lay on the tank.

It has more than enough scoot available to upgrade you from "Do you know why I pulled you over?" right to "Good afternoon sir, you're under arrest, please step off the motorcycle".

[Dave]

looks.... eh.
i think the baby ninja looks better.

but i do think it's great for new riders to have more options.
maybe more manufacturers will follow suit.

Yamaha might, suzuki is too busy furiously treading water to consider new bike markets

[smileyman]

My Ninja 250 does 110...115 if you lay on the tank.

It has more than enough scoot available to upgrade you from "Do you know why I pulled you over?" right to "Good afternoon sir, you're under arrest, please step off the motorcycle".

Most of my small bike experience has been 40 and 50 mph in 20 and 30 mph corners so no worries there...
I have track time on FZR400s, TZ250s, SV650s and they will teach you more than a 600 or 1000 will. Not to say thelearning curve is safe and pain free.
Think these small cc 4 strokes are key to building a newbies confidence tho, at less refined and stable platforms that supersport they eventually upgrade to will feel like a jet fighter, but they will be more relaxed and comfy on it.

[Homeslice]

I like it as well. I've always been a fan of 250's. Something about flicking around at high revs and NOT getting a performance award from the local PD is appealing.

Too bad a single-cylinder can't rev.

[Mikey]

Are these 400s full on sport bikes like 600s, or more semisport like the 250?


Full on, just like the 250 strokes they replaced

What Dave said. They are deadly serious machines, and in the right hands are faster than damn near anything you'll find on a tight twisty road. They really scream up top, but you have to ride them very much like a 2-stroke and keep them on the boil at all times. They are challenging to ride really fast, but hugely rewarding when you get it right.

[Particle Man]

Too bad a single-cylinder can't rev.

Depends on your definition of rev.

[Homeslice]

Depends on your definition of rev.

If it is like a KTM SMC/SMR, then it won't rev worth a dick, and will in fact start to run out of steam at only 5K :lol:

[Homeslice]

Now this is a 250.
Fuck that other garbage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRKILaydPGA&feature=grec_index

[Avatard]

Depends on your definition of rev.

The Ninja 250 revs to fucking 14 grand. Scary.

[Avatard]

Now this is a 250.
Fuck that other garbage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRKILaydPGA&feature=grec_index

Fucking thing revs to 19K. Nutty. Must sound like a fucking siren going by at speed.

[Dave]

If it is like a KTM SMC/SMR, then it won't rev worth a dick, and will in fact run out of steam at only 5K :lol:

if its like a duke r it'll go to 8k

[fnfalman]

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?lnk=rss&article=42521

Aprilia is joining the fray with the RS4 125-cc thumper. A sad farewell to the RS125 two-smoker.

[smileyman]

Saw that too, sadly dont think it will have the appeal of the 2 stroker, but still a looker!

[Dave]

Saw that too, sadly dont think it will have the appeal of the 2 stroker, but still a looker!

Street legal though, and it may woo some of their center city customers who would otherwise buy a scooter

[smileyman]

Be a shame to see a bunch of squared off rear tires parked at the espresso bar.

[defector]

Just read earlier that WSBK is doing a race series similar to the Red Bull Rookie Cup, and they will be using spec 250's.

With the (relatively) large price of the Moriwaki's, it makes sense that either Kawi or now Honda would be the machine supplier.

[Dave]

Just read earlier that WSBK is doing a race series similar to the Red Bull Rookie Cup, and they will be using spec 250's.

With the (relatively) large price of the Moriwaki's, it makes sense that either Kawi or now Honda would be the machine supplier.

That sounds as much fun as the Harley one make series

[defector]

That sounds as much fun as the Harley one make series

I believe it is for kids aged 14 to 17 yrs, to move them through the ranks of factory racing.
Edit: http://motomatters.com/news/2010/11/01/world_superbikes_to_set_up_series_to_riv.html

[Dave]

I believe it is for kids aged 14 to 17 yrs, to move them through the ranks of factory racing.
Edit: http://motomatters.com/news/2010/11/01/world_superbikes_to_set_up_series_to_riv.html

Interesting, I hope its a hit. The 250 class could use competition, especially in the likely future of even more expensive gas and a larger population of new riders

[smileyman]

Shame they went and crushed all those Buell Blasts...

[Porkchop]

Shame they went and crushed all those Buell Blasts...

:lol

[Dave]

Us Pricing has been announced at $3999. The naked cb1000 is listed @ $10999. No price for the 600f so I don't think were getting that one yet.

[Homeslice]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S5cgxbikCY&feature=grec_index

[Dave]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S5cgxbikCY&feature=grec_index

Grey markets show up over here at around 6k

[Dave]

Just read earlier that WSBK is doing a race series similar to the Red Bull Rookie Cup, and they will be using spec 250's.

With the (relatively) large price of the Moriwaki's, it makes sense that either Kawi or now Honda would be the machine supplier.

I believe it is for kids aged 14 to 17 yrs, to move them through the ranks of factory racing.
Edit: http://motomatters.com/news/2010/11/01/world_superbikes_to_set_up_series_to_riv.html

Interesting, I hope its a hit. The 250 class could use competition, especially in the likely future of even more expensive gas and a larger population of new riders


new details, looks like its spec ninjas



FacebookPrintE-mail

junior_cup_logoThe European Junior Cup is an exciting new class that will feature at the events of the 2011 Superbike World Championship organized by Infront Motor Sports. Open to 14 to 17 year old racers from around the world the European Junior Cup takes place at some of the most famous and legendary racing circuits in the calendar.


Riders will compete on identical race prepared Kawasaki Ninja 250R motorcycles and will have the opportunity to display their talent in front of thousands of racing fans when they take to the track, directly before Sunday's second World Superbike race.


The fantastic European Junior Cup package includes:
• Race prepared Kawasaki Ninja 250 R and pit equipment
• Transport of motorcycle to all rounds
• Entry fees, tyres and fuel
• Riding equipment and team wear
• Hospitality at the Junior Cup paddock village
• Technical support
• Race coaching from star riders
• Pre season training camp in Spain.


To prepare the young riders as they begin their international racing careers there will be an active coaching programme throughout the season, beginning with a training camp for all participants in Guadix, Spain.


The series then visits the following circuits:
• Assen (15-17 April)
• Monza (6-8 May)
• Aragon (17-19 June)
• Silverstone (29-31 July)
• Nurburgring (2-4 September)
• Magny-Cours (30 September - 2 October)


The European Junior Cup welcomes racers from a wide range of motorcycling disciplines. Entries will be considered from all riders who have held a competition license for at least one year in either road racing, motocross, enduro, supermoto, trials or minimoto.


For further information or to enrol in this exciting new youth series please visit the www.europeanjuniorcup.com website, which will shortly be online.

[Homeslice]

More secksy with the round headlights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-shNw3RcjA&feature=grec_index

[Porkchop]

More secksy with the round headlights



Hate round headlights....

[Homeslice]

Hate round headlights....

Flush rectangular headlights remind me of Ford Tempos and other 80's atrocities

[pauldun170]

Round headlights FTW

[smileyman]

Back on topic here...CBR250 has a single cyl and weighs 366 lbs. Ninja 250 has a parallel twin and weighs 372 lbs. The deliver of the two engines couldnt be more different. And any comparison to the incoming Moto3 class is ridiculous as their single has a min weight of 62 WITH rider...
I am certain in a close tight course either is fun and amusing but the Ninja has a greater rpm limit which in my head means it would be the best adapted to different tracks or street riding.

[Dave]

Back on topic here...CBR250 has a single cyl and weighs 366 lbs. Ninja 250 has a parallel twin and weighs 372 lbs. The deliver of the two engines couldnt be more different. And any comparison to the incoming Moto3 class is ridiculous as their single has a min weight of 62 WITH rider...
I am certain in a close tight course either is fun and amusing but the Ninja has a greater rpm limit which in my head means it would be the best adapted to different tracks or street riding.

See sbk junior cup

[101lifts2]

250ccs of power

[dReWpY]

250ccs of power

that just seems like a oxymoron

[z06boy]

that just seems like a oxymoron

He's a tall midget. :lol:

[101lifts2]

that just seems like a oxymoron

I'm thinking this thing prolly has the same power and my EX500 with 37k on the clock and semi-fucked up carbs.

[Homeslice]

I'm thinking this thing prolly has the same power and my EX500 with 37k on the clock and semi-fucked up carbs.

Dude why did you trade your SV for that piece

[Particle Man]

Round headlights FTW

I miss that era