The Honda CBR 250R may not be rolling out of showrooms anymore, but out on the road and in the used market — it still feels very much alive. There’s a reason seasoned riders light up when this bike is mentioned. It isn’t the loudest performer in its class, nor the flashiest, but few motorcycles have aged as gracefully or as dependably as this 250cc Honda.
It carved out a loyal following because it does something simple, yet rare: it makes motorcycling easy. Easy to ride, easy to maintain, easy to live with. And in a segment that often leans toward aggression, the CBR 250R remains the calm, composed adult in the room.
A Sportbike That Doesn’t Try Too Hard
Honda pitched the CBR 250R as an everyday sportbike, and you can see that intent in the design. The fairing is aerodynamic without being shouty; the lines are sharp but mature. The front cowl, VFR-inspired headlamp, and split seats give it a proper sportbike profile, but it never overwhelms you with edgy styling.
It’s the kind of design that looks just as fitting in office parking as it does on a weekend breakfast ride. The proportions are friendly, the ergonomics welcoming, and the visual stance—timeless.
Engine: Smooth, Refined, and Very Honda
Under the fairing sits a 249.6cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that’s become something of a legend for its refinement. It doesn’t surge; it flows. Twist the throttle, and the power builds in a clean, predictable arc—ideal for new riders and satisfying for commuters who want confidence, not surprises.
It’s quick enough to enjoy on open roads, steady enough to tour with, and smooth enough to stay comfortable at 100 km/h all day long.
Highlights from the saddle:
- Linear, friendly power delivery
- Minimal vibrations — even at cruising speeds
- Throttle response that builds confidence
- Remarkable long-term reliability
This engine is precisely why so many used CBRs still feel fresh even after years of ownership.
Mileage: Surprisingly Friendly on the Wallet
Despite its performance, the CBR 250R returns 30–35 km/l, depending on how you ride it. That figure makes it one of the more fuel-efficient 250cc motorcycles of its era.
| Riding Condition | Expected Mileage (km/l) |
|---|---|
| City | 30–32 |
| Highway | 33–35 |
| Mixed | 30–34 |
It doesn’t drink fuel like a high-performance quarter-liter, yet it gives you the refinement of one.
Braking: Safe, Strong, Reliable
With disc brakes at both ends and an optional ABS variant, the CBR 250R delivers braking performance that still feels modern. The lever feel is progressive, the stopping distance controlled, and the ABS helps tremendously during sudden braking or wet-weather riding.
Even used models tend to retain quality braking thanks to Honda’s component durability.
Comfort: The Secret to Its Long-Running Popularity
Ask any CBR 250R owner what they love most, and comfort almost always tops the list. While most 250cc sportbikes push the rider forward, the CBR takes a more neutral, upright approach—ideal for daily use and weekend trips.
What stands out:
- Relaxed, upright ergonomics
- Wide, supportive seats
- Soft, compliant suspension
- Easy slow-speed handling
It’s a bike you can commute on Monday–Friday and take for a 300 km ride on Saturday without needing a chiropractor on Sunday.
Features & Build Quality
Sure, it doesn’t have fancy modern amenities—no Bluetooth, no ride modes—but what it does have is solid engineering. The semi-digital console is simple but effective, the split seats durable, the alloys strong, and the overall build quality classic Honda.
It’s one of the few quarter-liter bikes that shows very little ageing even after years of daily use.
Price & Used Market Value
Since the CBR 250R has been discontinued in many regions, the used market is where riders are hunting for them. In India, prices typically fall between:
- ₹70,000 to ₹1.3 lakh, depending on condition, mileage, and year.
What’s remarkable is how well the bike holds its value. Buyers know what they’re getting—reliability, comfort, and an engine that rarely complains—so demand stays consistently high.
Final Take
The Honda CBR 250R may belong to yesterday’s lineup, but it still feels relevant on today’s roads. It’s the motorcycle you recommend to someone who wants a dependable tourer, a smooth commuter, or a friendly first big bike. It doesn’t chase trends — and maybe that’s why it has aged so well.
It’s a mature, well-rounded machine that continues to deliver exactly what riders need: comfort, composure, efficiency, and long-term trust.
FAQs
Around 30–35 km/l, depending on riding style and road conditions.
Yes. Its upright seating and smooth engine make it an excellent touring bike.
Yes, some variants were sold with factory ABS.
No, it’s discontinued in most markets, but widely available in the used market.
It can reach 135–140 km/h under ideal conditions.
