Honda CBR250R 0-60 mph in 7.10 seconds
Honda re-entered the entry-level sportbike class in 2011 with the introduction of the CBR250R.
The bike was sold worldwide and targeted new riders who wanted a sporty-looking motorcycle that could double as a practical commuter while remaining reasonably priced.
In my view, the Honda CBR250R is not the best-looking motorcycle.
It was designed in an era when Honda released several models with rather awkward, Asimo-inspired styling.
Honda has traditionally been the most conservative of the major motorcycle manufacturers.
However, from time to time, they produce something truly bonkers, such as the NR750 or the more recent CBR1000RR-R Fireblade.
The CBR250R sits firmly on the conservative side of Honda’s design approach from that period.
It is powered by a compact 249 cc single-cylinder engine that produces a claimed 26 horsepower at 8,500 rpm. Peak torque of 16.8 ft-lb arrives at 7,000 rpm.
The Honda CBR250R weighs in at 168 kg wet, which makes it one of the lighter models in its class.
However, when combined with its modest power output, these figures do not set the world alight.
Since 2012, the entry-level market has evolved considerably, with something of an arms race to offer more powerful beginner-friendly motorcycles.
This shift has been driven largely by ever-changing learner licensing laws in many markets. As a result, the definition of an “entry-level” motorcycle is no longer determined by engine capacity alone.
Today, the entry-level category includes machines up to a very respectable “middleweight” 660 cc.
Some of the larger-displacement models in this class, often 500 cc and above, are electronically restricted to comply with power or power-to-weight limits, such as A2 or LAMS regulations.
The Honda CBR250R is a full-power 250 cc machine with no restrictions, unlike many of the larger 500 cc-plus motorcycles that now compete in the same entry-level segment.
As a new motorcyclist, you have a wide range of excellent choices from many different brands.
If you are a Honda fan, for example, you can choose from the CBR150R, CBR250R, CBR250RR, CBR300R, CBR500R and CBR650R. It is something of a minefield!
The Honda CBR250R has always been, and remains, a very popular motorcycle.
However, with the passage of time, it has become a less compelling option since the arrival of the CBR300R and CBR500R.
There is now a large number of competitors offering far more performance than the modest CBR250R.
With so many strong alternatives available, how does the Honda CBR250R stack up from a performance perspective in today’s market?
Honda CBR250R Dyno Chart
The Honda CBR250R produces a respectable 23 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 16 ft-lb of torque at 6,500 rpm.
Its power delivery is typical of a small-capacity, average-revving single-cylinder engine.
Most of the usable performance sits between 5,000 and 8,000 rpm. This does not mean there is no usable power below 5,000 rpm – there is, but with a peak output of only 23 horsepower, the figures are modest.
At 5,000 rpm, for example, you have just 12.5 horsepower available.
With so little power on tap, you will struggle to make meaningful progress in fourth gear from 3,000 rpm.
The CBR250R is happiest when kept in the lower gears with the revs kept above 5,000 rpm.
If you hold the engine between 5,000 and 8,000 rpm, the bike makes decent, relaxed progress without feeling overworked or underpowered.
Revving the engine beyond 9,500 rpm all the way to the 10,500 rpm redline will still move the bike along, but you can short-shift a little earlier without losing much progress.
In fact, short-shifting can actually improve acceleration when you are pushing hard.
We have not tested every motorcycle in the entry-level class, but of those we have, only the Suzuki GSX250R has weaker engine performance than the Honda CBR250R.
The other 250 cc machine we have tested is the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, which has a noticeably better-performing engine.
The main advantage of the Kawasaki is its parallel-twin layout, which allows it to rev higher and hold onto its power more effectively than the single-cylinder Honda.
The CBR250R is reasonably competitive with the Ninja 250R below 8,000 rpm, but it begins to struggle once the revs climb higher.
Honda CBR250R 0-100 km/h in 7.63 seconds
It is not all bad for the Honda CBR250R despite it not being a performance-oriented engine.
The Honda CBR250R can still accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.10 seconds. If in isolation, this is objectively quick, though it requires 3rd gear and two gear changes to hit 60 mph.
This is pretty much the optimum 0-60mph time for this motorcycle in most hands.
The majority of reasonably sized and weighted people with decent enough skills will be doing eight-second runs.
Speed in gears at 5000 rpm
| Speed at 5000 rpm | GSX250R | Ninja 250R | CBR 250R |
| First | 14.3 mph | 13.9 mph | 14.5 mph |
| Second | 22.6 mph | 20.2 mph | 22.8 mph |
| Third | 29.2 mph | 25.7 mph | 30.7 mph |
| Fourth | 33.1 mph | 31.2 mph | 37 mph |
| Fifth | 38 mph | 36.2 mph | 43.3 mph |
| Sixth | 42.8 mph | 40.6 mph | 50.1 mph |
You must avoid using the clutch when changing gears, as it will definitely add a few tenths to your times.
This is especially important on small-capacity, low-power machines like the CBR250R, which require more frequent gear changes to reach the same speeds.
The Honda CBR250R feels most at home below 70 mph, or in the first four gears.
This is not because it is inferior to its competitors, but simply because it is a 250 cc motorcycle producing just 23 horsepower.
You will spend most of your time in these gears around town and on slower country roads.
Once you select fifth gear, the CBR250R starts to run out of steam – both objectively and when compared with its rivals, although it still accelerates at an acceptable rate.
If you nail your 0-30 mph and 0-60 mph launches close to the optimum (under eight seconds), keep feeding the gears smoothly while maintaining a tight tuck, the Honda CBR250R will run the quarter mile in 15.86 seconds at 81 mph.
That is a respectable time for such a low-powered, small-capacity motorcycle.
In fact, anything under 16 seconds puts it on par with many small-capacity turbocharged entry-level cars – not a bad effort at all from the little Honda.
The CBR250R will usually record a slightly lower terminal speed than those cars because it gets off the line a touch quicker, but accelerates more gradually at higher speeds.
Of course, these are optimum figures achieved with perfect launches and shifts.
In everyday riding, most owners will see mid-16-second quarter-mile times with a terminal speed of around 75 mph.
Top speed is highly dependent on the rider’s size and the wind conditions on the day.
This applies to all motorcycles, but the lower the power output, the greater the impact of the rider’s size and weight on the final performance figures.
Honda CBR250R Top Speed 93 mph
We recorded a top speed of 93 mph on the Honda CBR250R, although it took a lengthy 97 seconds to reach it.
A more realistic top speed for most riders is around 90 mph, which the CBR250R can achieve in approximately 25 seconds from a standing start.
Without a full MotoGP-style tuck, you can expect a maximum of about 85 mph.
Your actual top speed will vary depending on your size, weight, and the wind conditions, as mentioned earlier.
For the average rider, 90 mph is a realistic ceiling unless you have an exceptionally long, straight road with favourable conditions.
Back in 2011, the Honda CBR250R was reasonably competitive within its class, even if it was not the fastest.
Today, however, the entry-level segment has moved on, and there are now many significantly quicker options available.
If you are looking for the maximum performance from a 250 cc motorcycle, the CBR250R is no longer the best choice.
Honda itself offers stronger alternatives, and rival brands provide even more capable machines.
If you want a sporty entry-level Honda and plan to race your friends on rival bikes, the CBR300R or CBR500R deliver noticeably better straight-line performance.
Alternatively, the new Honda CBR250RR – a high-revving four-cylinder 250 – is a far more potent option, although it is not available in all markets.
Honda CBR250R Acceleration
| Honda CBR250R Acceleration | |
| Speed | Time |
| 0-10 mph | 0.72 |
| 0-20 mph | 1.46 |
| 0-30 mph | 2.24 |
| 0-40 mph | 3.49 |
| 0-50 mph | 5.10 |
| 0-60 mph | 7.10 |
| 0-70 mph | 10.17 |
| 0-80 mph | 15.19 |
| 0-90 mph | 26.476 |
| SS/QM | 15.86/81.2 mph |
| SS/KM | 31.14/91 mph |
| SS/Mile | 45.599/92 mph |
| Top Speed | 93.3 mph |
