There’s been little doubt that a new parallel twin Honda CBR250RR is on the way and a new teaser video now gives final confirmation of the bike’s existence.
Honda revealed its Light Weight Super Sports concept bike last year. Since then it’s been quite clear that the firm is working on a new CBR250RR with a parallel twin engine. Its configuration means it will go head-to-head against the Kawasaki Ninja 250 and Yamaha YZF-R25 in Asian markets.
In Europe and American markets, it’s likely that the Honda will fo llow its Kawasaki and Yamaha rivals by getting a larger-capacity version of the same engine. Rumours suggest the version we get will be a 350cc model.
The new teaser video was revealed by Honda’s Indonesian arm, Astra Honda, reflecting the fact the bike will be built in Indonesia. It shows a machine that’s visually nearly identical to the Light Weight Super Sports concept. Notable changes include a more production-spec exhaust system and less extreme brake discs. The headlight – missing from the concept version – is still not shown in the new video, but its design has previously been leaked in a patent image (http://www.motorcycle-magazine.com/honda-cbr250rr-headlight-design-leaked/).
The video also confirms the bike’s ‘CBR250RR name’, zooming in on the logo on the side of the machine.
Other alterations compared to the concept version include a redesigned seat. There are also slight changes to the side panels and different pillion footrest hangers.
The teaser video doesn’t reveal any technical details about the bike or let on about its official release date, but it’s likely to be just days until more information emerges. Performance will be at least on a par with the Yamaha YZF-R25, with the European version matching the YZF-R3. Production will be as a 2017 model, at least for the Asian model but Europe and America may have several more months to wait.
