2012 Honda CBR250R ABS

2012 Honda CB250RA ABS ReviewYou’ve read all the glowing media reviews. You’ve heard the buzz on the street. The Honda CBR250RA. has taken motorcycling by storm. and no wonder. The CBR250RA is far removed from the sort of basic commuter bike often found in this class – it’s a true Honda sportbike loaded with sophisticated engineering and high-tech components. The good stuff starts with the CBR250RA’s jewel of an engine. Purpose-built just for this bike. the 249 cc liquid-cooled single with PGM-FI electronic fuel injection was conceived. engineered and built to provide an optimum torque curve for street riding. impressive top-end power. and the superior power-to-weight ratio that makes riding a high-performance 250 so exciting. The compact size of the engine was a key element in allowing engineers to create a sporty chassis and rider ergonomics that comfortably fit riders big and small. With its centralized mass. compact wheelbase. full-size 17-inch wheels. nimble steering geometry and light overall weight. the CBR250RA achieves that magical state of feeling like it’s responding to your very thoughts. Plus. it’s the only bike in its class to offer the benefits of ABS brakes. It knows how to have fun. Do smart and fun fall into your equation for the ideal vehicle? If so. the 2012 CBR250R is the perfect bike for you. The CBR250R serves up everything first-time and long-time riders look for in a bike: Lightweight. Excellent fuel economy. Solid build quality. A user-friendly powerband. And a cool factor that can’t be beat. Plus. since it’s a Honda. the CBR250R is loaded with features few other bike companies can match. including our renowned reliability. But perhaps the best news is that there’s more than one version to choose from: the CBR250R. and the CBR250R ABS with our Anti-lock Brake System—a first for the segment and a truly valuable option that riders of all experience levels can enjoy. Easy RiderSince it’s a single-cylinder machine. the new CBR250R is narrow. Add that to a low 30. 5-inch seat height and light 359-pound curb weight. and the CBR250R is as easy to handle on the curves as it is at a stoplight. Super PowersWe equipped the CBR250R with a fuel-injected single-cylinder engine. with double-overhead cams and a counterbalancer. Why? Because when you put it all together. you end up with a bike that delivers consistent power. mid-range torque and loads of confidence. Development conceptWhile the advantages of lightweight. small-capacity motorcycles are easy to see. such machines have traditionally been compromised in several key areas. While modern riders are keen to reap the rewards of low running costs. outstanding fuel efficiency and easy handling. they are unwilling to sacrifice the sophistication. riding thrill or attractive styling of big-capacity machines. The demand therefore exists for a 250cc motorcycle that could - both in the way it looks and the riding experience it offers - be mistaken for a more expensive machine with a bigger engine. The 2011 CBR250R is Honda's response to this demand. Twin-cylinder engines are commonplace in the 250 class but the CBR250R is designed around an all-new 249. 6cm³ single-cylinder engine with liquid cooling. an efficient 4-valve DOHC cylinder head and PGM-FI fuel injection. This single-cylinder configuration makes for a lighter. more compact and more fuel-efficient powerplant that also boasts a supremely usable torque curve. The rest of the CBR250R package is similarly balanced. combining satisfying performance with the kind of refinement and easygoing usability that make a difference on every ride. The result is extraordinary - a truly versatile 250cc sportsbike with unrivalled fuel economy. 2012 Honda CB250RA ABS Key FeaturesEngine / DrivetrainThe 249 cc single-cylinder engine has been purpose-built for the CBR250RA. and boasts such high-performance features as dual overhead camshafts driven by a Hy-Vo-type silent chain. forked roller rocker arms. a compact four-valve cylinder head. a counterbalance shaft. and liquid cooling. The light and compact engine contributes to the CBR250RA’s nimble steering. intuitive handling and impressive power-to-weight ratio. which allows it to outperform twin-cylinder bikes of similar displacement. Shim-style valve adjustment allows easy inspection and maintenance. although with a recommended inspection interval of 48. 00 km. you’ll ride a long. long time between any needed adjustments. The engine countershaft sits lower than the mainshaft in a “stacked” formation to further reduce the engine’s front-to-back dimensions. Bore and stroke measurements are equivalent to those of the CBR1000RRA’s high-performance engine. The engine produces a remarkably broad torque curve for strong low-rpm performance. and peak horsepower kicks in at 8. 00 rpm—well before the 10. 00-rpm redline. This wide spread of power makes the CBR250RA easy and confidence-inspiring to ride. in both stop-and-go situations and on the highway. while also returning impressive fuel economy. The crankshaft runs in plain bearings for quieter operation and the big end of the connecting rod spins in a needle bearing. both contributing to the engine’s high-performance credentials. A gear-driven counterbalance shaft helps quell engine vibration for enhanced rider comfort. It’s located so close to the crankshaft that the balancer weight passes between the two crank weights to keep the engine as compact as possible while improving mass centralization. Honda’s Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) continuously monitors several variables to ensure the correct fuel mixture for the current riding and atmospheric conditions. thereby delivering optimal performance and remarkably crisp throttle response over a wide range of operating conditions. plus improved fuel economy. The PGM-FI system incorporates an Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) to smooth responses to small changes in throttle position. The CBR250RA’s engine meets both EPA 49-state and Euro-3 emissions standards by incorporating the latest in exhaust and catalyzer technology. The tri-metal catalytic converter reduces the level of hydrocarbons. carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides. while an oxygen sensor in the exhaust enables the engine’s Electronic Control Unit to ensure complete combustion within the engine. The six-speed transmission works in concert with the engine’s broad power delivery to produce quick acceleration plus excellent fuel economy during highway cruising. *Chassis / SuspensionDiamond-shaped twin-spar steel frame plus a 37 mm front fork and Pro-Link single-shock rear suspension provide impressive handling and a comfortable ride. The CBR250RA is the only bike in its class to offer the benefits of ABS. The CBR250RA’s Combined Braking System with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) provides sure control on even difficult road surfaces. Curb weight of only 166 kg (366 lb) gives the CBR250RA outstanding manoeuvrability and helps instill rider confidence. Sporty ergonomics promote a balanced seating position for optimum control and long-distance comfort. Full-sized 17-inch cast wheels with a 110/70 – 17 front tire and a 140/70 – 17 rear tire provide big-bike feel. grip and handling traits. Additional FeaturesVFR1200-style full fairing with windscreen enhances aerodynamics while also deflecting the oncoming wind for excellent rider comfort. Multi-function digital instrument panel includes speedometer. tachometer. engine temperature display. fuel gauge. clock. odometer and trip meter. Fuel capacity of 13 litres gives the CBR250RA a cruising range of more than 320 kilometres. An external fuel filter maximizes fuel tank capacity while also easing fuel filter maintenance. Grab rails on the tail section are designed to fit gloved hands. giving passengers a dedicated handhold while riding two-up. A handy underseat storage area adds to the CBR250RA’s versatility.