Ladies and gentlemen, this is it, the better-late-than-never 250cc supersports motorcycle from Honda.
This is the first official sketch of Honda’s 250cc crotch rocket that will go one-up against the Kawasaki Ninja 250/300, the Yamaha YZF-R25 and R3, both also 250/300-ish, and the KTM RC200 and RC390. The full reveal is coming at next month’s Tokyo Motor Show, but for now, here’s all Honda has to say:
“Designed with the key phrase “strong presence,” this next-generation super sport concept model and features a look possessing a sense of speed that comes from its long nose and low crouching position. The combination of a plane architecture, which indicates the sense of hardness and solidity, and sharp edges emphasize the aggressive look of this model. Moreover, the exterior featuring matte-black-based low-contrast graphics expresses beauty and the remarkable form.”
At first glance, the Honda 250cc looks promising, and more aggressive (for its size) than anything we’ve seen from Honda in recent years. Yes, it looks even sportier and meaner than its bigger-engined siblings, such is the design. Take a look at the individual cycle parts and you will understand our unfettered enthusiasm for this image.
There’s a hint of the Kawasaki Ninja H2 and H2 around the fairing and the tailpiece, and we mean that as the highest praise possible. Echoing the tradition of newer breed of superbikes aping their MotoGP counterparts, the dual headlights are also almost not-there, and we love this too.
The engine is a parallel-twin, which is what we’ve predicted all along, and should do just fine for a motorcycle of this capacity. The chassis might look as if it has a perimeter frame, especially in this stealth-black colour, but it is actually a trellis frame, as you can see upon closer inspection.
Honda has chosen to go with upside-down forks for this machine, something that Kawasaki and Yamaha haven’t done for their Ninjas and the R25/R3, respectively. The KTMs, though, and the European-spec R125, does feature USDs. Tyre sizes seems to be a 100-section upfront and a 140/150 section at the rear, but the Honda comes with snazzy petal discs that we hope makes it into production.
And, Honda, please make those sweet Akrapovičs a factory accessory, at least for India, considering how hard it is to source quality exhaust cans in our country.
But, for now, the biggest question is: Will Honda go the way of its Japanese competitors and offer a 300-ish version of this stonking machine. We are holding our breath till the Tokyo Motor Show.