Honda Cbr250rr
The Honda Cbr250rr has a top speed of 170 km/h, produces 38 hp and weighs 168 kg. Motoryk rates it 8/10.
The Honda CBR250RR was originally produced from 1986 to 1996 as a high-revving 250cc inline-four sportbike, legendary in the Japanese domestic market for its 18,000 rpm redline and race-bred performance. Honda revived the CBR250RR nameplate in 2017 as a modern parallel-twin aimed at Asian markets, featuring ride-by-wire and aggressive styling to compete with the Kawasaki Ninja 250. The new generation quickly became one of the most popular 250cc sportbikes in Southeast Asia due to its premium features, sharp handling, and Honda reliability.
38 hp
Power
23 Nm
Torque
168 kg
Weight
170 km/h
Top Speed
4.5 L/100km or approximately 22 km/L (typical real-world average for 2017+ model)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
High-Revving Engine
The CBR250RR's inline-4 engine revs to an impressive 19,000 RPM, delivering a thrilling riding experience rare in the 250cc class. This complexity means valve clearance checks are critical maintenance — budget for them every 16,000 km.
Strong Resale Value
Due to its popularity as a learner and track bike, the CBR250RR holds resale value exceptionally well compared to competitors. Low-mileage examples in good condition rarely depreciate significantly, making it a smart buy.
Watch for Worn Carbs
Older models with carburetors are prone to clogged jets and fuel delivery issues if left sitting unused. Always inspect for rough idling or hesitation on throttle, as a full carb clean or rebuild may be needed.
Generations & Specs by Year
Inline four-cylinder 45-degree engine, 45hp, twin-spar aluminum frame, aggressive supersport styling.
"The quarter-litre that rewrote what small bikes could be."
That 249cc inline-four screaming to 15,000 rpm is genuinely addictive — it's the sound of engineering obsession, and Honda clearly had no business putting this much technology into a learner-legal motorcycle. Below 10,000 rpm you're basically riding a slightly buzzy commuter, but crack it past 12k and the thing transforms into something urgent and alive that shames bikes twice its size on a twisty road. The twin-spar alloy chassis is telepathic — it turns in precisely, holds its line, and never once feels nervous, though at 159kg it's not as featherweight as the specs suggest. The honest weaknesses: that power band demands constant gearbox work, parts are increasingly scarce 25 years on, and anyone over six feet will feel genuinely cramped after an hour.
Pros
Cons
New parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine, ride-by-wire, Showa SFF-BP forks, Assist-Slipper clutch introduced.
Updated bodywork, improved ergonomics, revised suspension tuning, new color schemes introduced.
Used Buyer Review
"The best small-bore sportbike available, if you find a clean one."
$4,500-$7,500 usedThe CBR250RR is genuinely impressive for what it is — a small-displacement sport bike that actually handles like it means business. That parallel-twin pulls cleanly from low revs and the six-speed gearbox is slick enough to make you forget you're riding a quarter-litre. Honda built this thing properly, not as an afterthought. Used examples vary wildly though. These attract learners and track-day warriors equally, so inspect every one like you're buying a second-hand race bike. Check for dropped fairings, worn footpeg feelers, and fork seals leaking from aggressive use. Chain and sprockets are consumables previous owners ignore. A neglected one will nickel-and-dime you immediately. The ergonomics are genuinely sporty — you're committed to that crouch whether you like it or not. Power feels adequate around town but freeway stints above 100km/h get tiring fast. This is ultimately a learner's sports bike done exceptionally well, not a long-haul companion.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Honda Cbr250rr — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 2 CRITICALCold start behavior, idle quality, throttle response smoothness
Listen for metallic rattle first 10 seconds after cold start
Battery voltage at idle should read 13.5-14.5 volts
Oil residue on fork tubes below triple clamp
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid if maintained, fragile when neglected
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Honda Cbr250rr
Yamaha R15 V4
Cfmoto 450sr
Honda Cbr400rr
Honda Nsr250r
Kawasaki Zx-25r
Compare Honda Cbr250rr Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Honda Cbr250rr vs Yamaha R15 V4
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Cbr250rr vs Cfmoto 450sr
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Cbr250rr vs Honda Cbr400rr
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Cbr250rr vs Honda Nsr250r
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Cbr250rr vs Kawasaki Zx-25r
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Honda Cbr250rr? +
Carburetor clogging from ethanol fuel sitting: Cold start behavior, idle quality, throttle response smoothness (moderate) | Worn cam chain causing rattling at startup: Listen for metallic rattle first 10 seconds after cold start (serious) | Stator and rectifier electrical failure: Battery voltage at idle should read 13.5-14.5 volts (serious)
Is the Honda Cbr250rr a good motorcycle? +
The best small-bore sportbike available, if you find a clean one. Rating: 8.0/10. Best for: Serious learners wanting genuine sporty riding experience. Avoid if: You need comfortable daily commuting machine.
What is the horsepower of the Honda Cbr250rr? +
The Honda Cbr250rr produces 38 hp @ 12,500 rpm, with 23 Nm @ 11,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 170 km/h.
Is the Honda Cbr250rr good for beginners? +
Yes — the Honda Cbr250rr is a reasonable choice for new riders (38 hp is manageable), weighing 168 kg. Serious learners wanting genuine sporty riding experience
Is the Honda Cbr250rr reliable? +
Owners report 2 critical issues to watch for on the Honda Cbr250rr, notably: Worn cam chain causing rattling at startup (Listen for metallic rattle first 10 seconds after cold start). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Honda Cbr250rr good for daily use? +
Serious learners wanting genuine sporty riding experience Fuel: 4.5 L/100km or approximately 22 km/L (typical real-world average for 2017+ model).
How fast is the Honda Cbr250rr? +
The Honda Cbr250rr reaches a top speed of 170 km/h, producing 38 hp at 168 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Honda Cbr250rr? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Honda Cbr250rr, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/honda/cbr250rr/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
