Honda teases 2017 CBR250RR, but can it match the original?

By Marcus Yam July 17, 2016

The Honda CBR250RR from the 90s is a cult favorite thanks to its screaming redline of 19,000 rpm. Sold only in Asia and Australia, these motorcycles were a favorite among sport bike enthusiasts living in areas with engine-displacement restricted licensing systems.

Now, more than 20 years after Honda ceased production of the last model, the CBR250RR is coming back later this year.

First teased at the Tokyo Motor Show last fall as the “Light Weight Super Sports” concept bike, the upcoming 2017 CBR250RR partially breaks cover in a very brief video teaser showing off twin-piston ABS brakes on a petal disc rotor, upside-down forks, clip-on bars, a fairly large exhaust, and aggressive, angular body styling.

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2017 honda cbr250rr video lightweight super sport concept 02 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

2017 honda cbr250rr video lightweight super sport concept 01 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The 2017 CBR250RR certainly looks the part, but those expecting the stratospheric redlines from the previous model may be disappointed. The new model is expected to rev to 14,000 rpm, which is still very sporty for a parallel twin motor – but potentially yet another disappointment for those hoping for an inline four cylinder like the old one.

Comparisons to the decades-old bike aside, the upcoming CBR250RR has a lot going for it against Honda’s recent small-displacement sport bikes. The CBR250R debuted in 2011 with a single cylinder engine and was given a 50cc displacement bump to become the CBR300R in 2014. They were dependable and easy to ride, but lacked in the thrills department.

Honda hasn’t released engine output numbers yet, but the four-cylinder CBR250RR of old made 45 hp and the more recent single-cylinder CBR250R was rated at 27 hp, so expect something in-between those figures.

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Marcus entered tech media in the late '90s and fondly remembers a time when an overclocked Celeron 300A and Voodoo2 SLI…

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