HONDA CBR250R (2011 - 2013) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £3,120 |
| Power: | 26 bhp |
| Seat height: | Low (30.7 in / 780 mm) |
| Weight: | Low (355 lbs / 161 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesMotorcycling needs new blood to ensure survival. Honda’s take on this is to attract people into motorcycling with a cheap, honest and stylish workhorse – and the CBR250R is it. This all-new machine is not just suited to restricted cat’ A licence holders, but also anyone who wants a simple, easy to ride, modern-dressed machine capable of returning high mpg figures.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineWhere Honda’s CBR excels is it big-bike looks and pleasing ride quality. Providing you haven’t got giraffe-like legs it has a roomy seating position. Legs can be picked up and moved about the pegs and there’s enough seat room to move backwards to accommodate long arms. Comfort is guaranteed and, all-in, gives the comforting sensations of sitting astride a high-barred 600 rather than a pumped up 125. Suspension is plush rather than budget soft and soggy – how the chassis will handle a pillion is difficult to say because this test wasn’t possible at the CBR’s world launch.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe CBR isn’t fast-fast. With 26bhp at the crank it was never going to be furious. Instead it’s all about pleasure riding, looking good and, more importantly, gaining experience before moving further up the capacity ladder. But it would have been good if Honda eked out another 7bhp to meet the 33bhp limit. It’s happy to sit at 75mph for mile after mile and there’s not much in the way of vibration considering it’s a single-cylinder. Clutch, gearbox and fuelling are of the usual Honda quality, proving cheap doesn’t always mean cheap and nasty. Honda has made big claims about the 250’s fuel consumption, quoting 75mpg from rolling road tests. Doubtful this figure can be replicated on the open road, but if it does 60mpg we won’t complain.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueHonda has earned a reputation for making solid, reliable products. There’s no reason to think the CBR250R will be any different to the other models in its range even though it is built in Thailand – Honda quality is the same all over the world.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentTo design a complete new bike, from frame to engine to the info dash, costs money. So how Honda is making money out of the keenly priced CBR is a mystery to us – Kawasaki’s Ninja 250R costs £861 more at £4549 and even Hyosung’s capable GT250R is £3799. Ok, so production costs are lower in Thailand, but a sports-styled Honda for only £3688? Blimey.
Equipment
For £3688 Honda has delivered a bike that is extremely basic but extremely functional. Everything that’s needed to make a modern motorcycle is attached ie catalyser, steering lock, digital dash etc. There is an ABS version but as yet no date has been set for UK shipping if indeed it happens.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 249cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4v four-stroke single-cylinder. Six gears |
| Frame type | Steel dual beam frame |
| Fuel capacity | 13 litres |
| Seat height | 780mm |
| Bike weight | 161kg |
| Front suspension | n/a |
| Rear suspension | Adjustable for preload |
| Front brake | 1 x 296mm disc with 2-piston caliper |
| Rear brake | 220mm disc with single-piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 110/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 140/70 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 46 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £55 |
| Annual service cost | £3,120 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | - |
| Insurance group |
13 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 26 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 17.6 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 95 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 133 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2011 – Intro of new CBR250R
Other versions
None
Owners' reviews for the HONDA CBR250R (2011 - 2013)
20 owners have reviewed their HONDA CBR250R (2011 - 2013) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your HONDA CBR250R (2011 - 2013)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £3,120 |
Version: ABS
Year: 2013
Great commuter bike. I average 80mpg riiding in central London and 100mpg on a mix of motorway and traffic. The bike is light and clutch is soft making it great for traffic. The biggest issue for me is that it feels slightly unstable when filtering between lanes.
Brakes could have more bite but ABS is a nice feature.
Great usable torque in traffic. Would be nice to have slightly more top end power.
It's been fairly reliable but finish and build quality isn't as good as older Honda's such as my 98 Hornet. I've had issues with electrics such as neutral indicator, indicator relay and the kill switch is temperamental. The plastic fairing quality is not as good as older Jap bikes either
Has a fuel gauge, Digital Speedo, linked ABS. A bike of this class and power doesn't need anything more.
Year: 2012
Girlfriend loves her CBR
Girlfriend finds the bike super comfortable.. I only ride it once a year for the MoT test and find the seat uncomfortable after only 30 minutes… I guess she has more padding 🤣
More than quick enough for normal road use and cruising on the motorway… But a CBR 500 would be a great next step to have more fun
It’s a Honda. Oil and filter changes are easy for a novice like me to do.. super simple and reliable bike..
Bike does around 90mpg… and road tax is only about £35 per year… Home servicing costs peanuts…
More under seat storage would be helpful, as would a more protective screen… Adding adjustable levers and heated grips made a huge difference for my girlfriends cold and small hands.
Buying experience: £2k from a dealership… bargain
Version: ABS
Year: 2013
Annual servicing cost: £60
Pretty good for a 250 single, at age 57 & after owning many bikes I enjoy it for what it is & what it can do rather than focussing on what it isn't or what it can't do. It's very light & flickable, great fun and the first bike I've had in a very long time that I can get both feet flat on the ground. Keeps up with traffic at normal speeds, sits on motorway at 70 happily with another 20mph available for overtakes. Looks the part sufficiently that car drivers don't take the piss. Bars are a bit buzzy & I would imagine if you're very tall it might get a bit cramped...
Not the most comfortable bike but pretty good, riding position is more upright than it looks, could happily do a couple of hundred miles on it. Brakes are more than adequate, I have the ABS version that has linked brakes, rear brake does one of the front pistons as well...
Good for a 250 single, more revvy than I'm used to but it's good fun using all the bike's performance without going crazy fast...
Mine's 10 years old and barely a speck of rust, not high end obviously but for what I paid I'm very happy...
Cost of consumables...
Basic but it has everything you need - fuel injection, ABS, lights are adequate. Only lacks a gear position indicator but handily in 6th each 1,000 revs = 10 mph exactly...
Buying experience: Here's the really good bit, bough mine privately (April '23) for £1700 with 11k miles on the clock, still in very good condition with fsh. Some dealers asking prices are utterly ridiculous, especially so as the cbr300r is also available. I've seen up to £3.5k so I'd suggest looking for a looked after bike on private sale. You should be able to get a decent one for under £2k...
Version: Non abs
Year: 2011
75-90mpg, mega reliable, can do it all
Sharp handling. Switched fork oil to 20w and added some preload, made a huge difference to handling. Rear shock is very good for a stocker.
Amazing, a tad dull perhaps, not tons of character. You can potter at 4.5k rpm or rev the tits off it. Flawless and precise engine.
Built very well. Finish is good, not quite brilliant. Mega reliable.
I do all the work myself. I change the oil every 3k miles. Front brake pads last me around 15k, rears 9k. Valves clearance adjustment is easy for shims. I average mpg in the late 80’s, mid 70’s on the motorway at 75mph indicated.
Buying experience: Engine temp, trip, rev counter. Everything that I’d want
Year: 2012
Hard to beat at this price, around £1500.
Buying experience: The one fault on these bikes often reported is the overly race-orientated riding position, causing pressure pressure on wrists and lower back. This used to bother me to the extent that I seriously considered changing it for the earlier - and slower- CBF model. However, this can greatly improved by simply slackening off the pinch bolts and repositioning the clip-ons at the very top of the stanchions. It's a two minute, zero cost mod which you easily reverse if you don't like it (but you WILL), and the extra half-inch of height goes a long way to a comfier, more upright, commuter-friendly riding posture.
Version: Non abs
Year: 2012
Fantastic bike!
Super front brake, average rear. Feels a bit scary if you tank into bends because it's so light. A KTM Duke (whch everyone else seems to have) will murder it in the twisties.
Will easy hold 70-75 on the motorway. Runs out of legs at 77-78. Feels a lot more powerful than 26bhp. You can ride around all day without going over 7 grand. Great on 50-60 mph A roads. Obviously you keep snicking between 5th and 6th and down the th as an engine brake thru villages.
I don't fancy changing the spark plug. No mainstand. That's the price of keeping the orice down and all the plastic which is only there for show. No issues but then again I ve only had it fir a week!
I expect tyre wear to be minimal. Have a scottoiler which in my experience is like having shaft drive without the weight penalty. If you take it easy on one of these (ie within the speed limit) you're looking at easily over 90mpg and I'm a strapping lad of 6'" 2". Lighter riders could even top the magic 100 mpg. Makes you realise that 600 sports bikes, and I've had a few, are hopeless dinosaurs unless you want to ride 500 miles in one go, which I don't.
All the rider info. My bike has a couple of LEDs not working in the speedo console. Bike shop will sort it under warranty so no problem but it's something to check if buying privately. No mainstand (grr!) but ligt enough to pick up the back of your bike and get a friend to turn the wheel and oil the chain.
Buying experience: Bike shop. Two grand. Delivery and 30 day warranty incl.. 17k on the clock. The previous owner fitted a brand new C&S kit and rear carrier. You never see a scruffy one!
Year: 2012
Annual servicing cost: £200
Great step up from a 125, well crafted and forgiving engine and suspension, lets you make mistake and correct mid-corner and stay on the black stuff. Sometime the ABS can be a little intrusive, but this makes it a safe bet for anyone that's not confident on the road entirely. Seat is comfortable and I don't understand those who say it's not, but the vibration is a lot worse then the seat, it's at around 7k rpm. Once past this, it gets less bothersome. Also if you like a bike with a tank that makes you feel locked in and also fairings like that, this is not the bike for you. It can feel a bit like sitting on top of it rather than in it. Couple of really annoying things, fuel tank baffles make it impossible to fill up at full flow from the pump and locks out the fuel delivery continuously, next thing side stand it awkwardly got to between gear lever and footpeg, with motorcycle boots on this a pain in the behind. She'll do nigh on 80 mpg, even when pushed a little. Nice thing about the rev gauge in top gear is as follows,4k rpm is 40mph, 5k 50mph, 6k rpm is 60mph, 7k 70mph and so on.
ABS can be a bit intrusive, plus the front is not strong enough in my opinion until sintered pads are applied.
Punch engine with power at and around 7-8k. Makes for a sixth gear that can be used from 35mph up to 100mph on a track obviously. I have GPS tracked it on a track and it will hit 100mph, with an aftermarket slip on and a double bubble screen. Plus 80mpg it can be basically run on fumes.
Honda, what do you expect. 17k miles on the bike and it's tight as you'd expect a bike with delivery miles on it. Regular oil changes would probably see it out last most other bikes. Plastics are good, as are electrics, all surprising with it being a bike made in Taiwan.
Not much stress on the bike, with most bit being made for much heavier and larger machines.
Digital dash and ABS is about as far as Honda took it. Tank range is 150-160, not much more than that to save sucking up the horrible debris at the bottom of the tank in the future. Fuel gauge drops one notch when its been on side stand, but once ridden goes back up.
Buying experience: Bought privately for the pricey sum of £1500. Joking aside this is a good amount of bike for £1500 and would recommend it to anyone.
Version: Repsol Edition
Year: 2013
Annual servicing cost: £220
Great learner bike! Overall perfect reliability, quality etc. cheap to run, low maintenance once a year/12,000km oil change, which ever come first. (I do it every 6,000km but technically its 12,000km) does 7.5 seconds 0-100km/h bone stock after market K&N high flow air filter and Yoshimura R-77 full system exhaust it does 6.5 seconds 0-100km/h. Is high revving at high speeds on the highway (110 km/h+) and does vibrate the bike being a single cylinder but I don't highway ride I town ride so it doesn't effect me :) I'd recommend it very popular easy to get parts, parts can be expensive.
Pillion does get a sore ass after an hour not really made for doubling but to and from shops is ok not a long distance pillion bike. but ride quality perfect so soft, gentle and all round is perfect one word HONDA QUALITY.
Great for around town but on the highway is a bit high revving after a while but a quality engine. 110+ km/h does vibrate the bike and is annoying but being a single cylinder you get this.
Honda reliability no problems at all just Tyre changing at 11,000km as the bone stock tyres were worn.
$220 AUD annual service $18 AUD full tank of fuel 98 octane Major valve clearance service $300 AUD
Perfect just needs a bit thicker seat can be uncomfortable long term.
Buying experience: $5,000 AUD brand new ride away no more to pay.
Version: ABS
Year: 2013
Annual servicing cost: £12,000
ABS is just outstanding.
Great control, good acceleration and finest braking system.
I've had this bike for a year now. Starts every time, returns 72 mpg thrashed everywhere. easily sit at legal speed limits and can go faster. the best thing about this bike is the handling, it's so sweet, easy to throw about and holds it's line. this is my 6th bike (i've had 600cc Sports bikes and 750cc cruisers) The cbr 250r is my favourite bike to date. The 8000 mile service interval reduces the overall running costs but i do have issue with build quality on this motorcycle. the exhaust is prone to rusting and the stand and key barrel need regular oiling to prevent the seizing up. the buttons on the dash require excessive pressing to operate....the other down side is that i find the bike tiring on motorway journeys over 2 hours (more than other bikes i've owned) With hindsight i would still buy this bike because it looks good, runs well, is cheap to own and service and has made me a better rider than the larger capacity bikes i've owned but above all is such a fun bike to ride.
I returned to biking in June 2011 after a 25 year gap. Bought a second hand 125 Varadero in beautiful condition and thought it would be enough. Whilst it was a great machine, it just didn't have enough power on the open road - especially when overtaking - so I decided to change. Very little in the 250 market, however, having always been a Honda man I gravitated towards the CBR. And I'm glad I did. I've only had the bike for 10 days, however the difference between this and the Varadero is enormous. Obviously, as it's new, the engine is still tight and I'm giving it about 300 miles at a steady pace to help break it in. However, once warmed up the motor is eager and pulls strongly in all gears. Riding position is good and there's more protection from the screen and fairing than I expected. It is a really smart looker (I bought the tri colour version) and the build quality is spot on. The six speed gearbox is well spaced and acceleration is smooth and consistent throughout. I'm noticing a bit of vibration through the handlebars but I gather others have experienced a similar thing. I can only hope this will go as the engine beds in and no doubt the first service will nip things up a bit. Overall I'm a happy man and I think that my purchase will see me through many years of happy motorcycling .....but that's what I said about the Varadero!
I've owned my CBR250R from new for a whole year and am still blown-away by its overall performance. The handling is sharp and agile, the engine is very quick for a 250cc single and provides loads of torque, and it cruises easily at 80mph. It's also reliable, very cheap to run, has a good build quality, looks smart and is comfortable to ride.
I bought this bike new and have been running it for seven months. It's simply brilliant and its big-bike looks are very smart! The handling is sharp and its light weight makes it very agile. I've turned up the rear-shock pre-load to 4 which improves it's poise and it's also happy with a pillion, but I'm told the rear seat isn't very comfortable beyond 20 miles! The single-cylinder engine is very responsive across the entire rev-band and it sounds nice too! Okay, it's not the fastest of bikes, but it's fast enough and you'll still lose your licence if you get carried away. The economy is great, returning an average 80+ mpg, road-tax is cheap and it's only Ins Group-9 (not 13), so it's an absolute no-brainer if you're thinking about getting one. Well done, Honda, for producing a bike that's entirely suited to the troubled economic times we're enduring!
Moving on doesn't always mean moving up! (cc's) I have had my CBR250R for 4 months now, genuine 80+ to the gallon easy motorway cruising (75 no prob's) nippy around town, and I have found that nearly every trip is achieved in the same amount of time.Moving down from an 800 was a good move, forget the BHP thing, it's torque that matters and where it is produced in the rev range> At 57 I need economy more than bragging rights and boy do I have that. Overall I am very pleased indeed with my choice,( even the exhaust!what's wrong with it for heavens sake?)
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Took a test ride on the CBR 250. It was a delight. Being accustomed to a GPZ 1100, I had expected to find it sadly lacking,but found it to be a proper little bike. My only dissapointment was a stiff rear suspension at low/medium speeds. I had expected that it had been set by last user with a high pre load but in fact it is non adjustable and that greatly surprised me.
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MPG: 83 on a run / 70 round town or thrashing it
Being in Thailand some of us have had this bike since the end of December 2010 In recent years I've had a CB1 400/4 a Transalp and a 1970's Vespa but this does the business. Review Bought 20 Dec 2010 Cost: £2,000 (Assembled here. No tax. Sorry. This time we benefit) Value: Exceelent! Miles: 5,000 (300+pw) Usage: Daily commute + long trips MPG: 83 on a run / 70 round town or thrashing it Quality: No issues at all. Pillion: With a 102kg/16st mate plus my 75kg/12ston the back fine as fine can be including negotiating speed bumps. Plus points: Bangkok lane splitting is a breeze. Good for distance riding. Looks great and handles well. Good shielding from fairings and screen. Nice and quick up to 70mph Cruises all day at 70-80 Negatives No hooking points! Longest day: 300+ miles on soso thai highways roads and no aches.
