Thoughts on new Honda CBR250R

[s_wilwerding]

A little background - I'd like to get started out in motorcycle riding, and am looking for a good starter bike. Ran across a review in CycleWorld about the new Honda CBR250R - they gave it good reviews, and thought it would be an excellent started bike:

2011 CBR250R Overview - Honda Powersports

It only tops out at around 90 mph, but it's light, and I figure as a beginner, driving more than 90 mph will only lead to bad things anyway.

Thoughts?

[nynor]

depends on how big you are. however, no matter what, it is going to be a dog going uphill. it'd probably be better, and actually safer, to get something a little bigger, perhaps in the 500cc range.

if you are going to use it primarily (exclusively, IMO) to run around town, it would be a good bike to start with.

edit: i just looked at the specs. 359lbs is not all that light, considering the HP output, ~28HP. my bike weighs about 415lbs. i am sure it handles extremely well and stops on a dime.

[MotoSook]

Better you buy a used 600. Plenty of them out there for cheap and you won't cry if you lay it down. Speed is governed by your right wrist.

[Gogar]

+1 get something a little bigger, maybe shoot for 50HP or something.

I'd also suggest that you go SIT on your top choices. Comfortable riding position will be very important to you when you're learning.

[HardDrive]

No.

Buy a used 500cc bike, perhaps one that has already been dropped. One of the safety 'features' of a motorcycle is the ability of accelerate yourself out of trouble. A 250cc bike is not going to have much pop. I would only consider a 250cc as a neighborhood commuter (all surface streets) bike.

I would never recommend that someone start with a new motorcycle. Even experienced riders end up dropping their bikes in the driveway, or slipping on gravel at low speed. Typically the only thing injured is your pride and the bike. Start with a used 500, and if you feel comfortable, spring for a new bike at the end of the season when the dealers are ready to make a deal. If you make any early errors, you won't feel so bad if the bike gets banged up. I swear, I worry way more about dropping my bike at 1 mph trying to get it into the garage than dropping it on the road.

Just my 2 pence.

[HardDrive]

Maybe this one?

Suzuki gsxr 600

[Brando]

Get a 500cc + bike, a 250 is not enough for most people 150lbs and up. Not to mention keeping up with traffic on the freeway can be difficult...

[Tim Hancock]

It would make for a nice nimble commuter in my opinion. I almost caved and let my daughter buy a new Ninja 250 a couple years ago. I eventually talked her out of spending her dough, but I like the idea of a lightweight decent handling bike to start out on or to simply use as a fuel efficient local commuter.

While I enjoy a scary fast crotch rocket as much as the next guy, I also am aware of my tendency to explore the limits which on a modern crotch rocket can mean insane speeds. I do my best to avoid the occasional urge to buy a newer rocket and instead just putter along on my old VF500 when I feel like taking a spin.

Hondas have always been my favorite brand over the years as their quality and fit/finish has typically been a bit better than the other Jap bikes.

[Hugh R]

Originally Posted by nynor

, it is going to be a dog going uphill. .

He's in Nebraska, I don't think they have hills.

Gotta agree you'd be happier with a bigger engine.

[MotoSook]

Every guy I have known who's bought a 250cc regretted it within a few months of ownership. Then they go trade it in for a 600.

Used used used! There are few reasons to buy a brand new motorcycle.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Suzuki SV650.

You will regret a 250.

[Mrmerlin]

if your gonna ride go big in CCs
no need to figure out that you want more power after the second tank of gas.
My first bike a 1978 KZ 1000 MKII , never dumped it and was great for 2 up riding.
Better yet do some dirt riding once you get your coordination down then ride the street

[s_wilwerding]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

He's in Nebraska, I don't think they have hills.

For most of Nebraska, that's true - Lincoln, for example, is almost completely flat, which makes it a great bicycle town. Omaha, on the other hand, is very hilly. Three miles west of the Missouri, the land is 300 feet higher, and Council Bluffs right across the river didn't get that name for no reason.

[nynor]

the hills i was thinking of were canyons, like here in utah. it would probably be ok in nebraska, even omaha. i spent some time there, in my youth (south omaha, grand island, norfolk, kearney, and all points in between).

even so, a bit bigger bike is going to be a lot more fun and practical.

[id911T]

I would pass on it for a variety of reasons. As nynor said, 359lbs is not terribly light. If this bike had the dry weight of an Aprilia RS50 (~200lbs), then it would have a chance. Being a single, it requires a fairly large flywheel to run smoothly, which translates to even more sluggish operation compared to a twin 250. Power is a double edged sword with a motorcycle. It can get you into trouble, but it can also save you in a pinch. That's not to say that everyone needs a liter bike, but something with some oomph that requires a certain degree of self control for everyday riding isn't a bad thing either.

[nynor]

Originally Posted by id911T

I would pass on it for a variety of reasons. As nynor said, 359lbs is not terribly light. If this bike had the dry weight of an Aprilia RS50 (~200lbs), then it would have a chance. Being a single, it requires a fairly large flywheel to run smoothly, which translates to even more sluggish operation compared to a twin 250. Power is a double edged sword with a motorcycle. It can get you into trouble, but it can also save you in a pinch. That's not to say that everyone needs a liter bike, but something with some oomph that requires a certain degree of self control for everyday riding isn't a bad thing either.

this one is a parallel twin.... but what you said still applies.

[id911T]

Is it? The posted link shows the bike having a single cylinder engine.

[nynor]

my bad. you are correct. sorry.

one advantage of a thumper is improved torque.

[on2wheels52]

I'd say get a used 250 Ninja if your're really looking for on that size and wait for a used Honda to show up later.
Jim

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Unless the 250 is a 2-stroke, it would have a hard time keeping up with one of these: