One of the more positive things about the CBR is something it doesn’t have, excess weight. At 359 pounds, the single-cylinder CBR is almost 20 pounds lighter than the Kawasaki. The result is a light and nimble feel that will provide entry-level riders with a feeling of total control.
The braking system of the CBR, which is composed of a 296mm disc and dual-piston caliper up front and 220mm disc and single-piston caliper out back, is no monster but gets the bike slowed down with relative ease. In terms of braking, the real fun comes when riding the ABS-equipped model. The ABS version of the CBR, which features a partially linked brake system that initiates one piston of the front caliper when the rear brake is engaged, removed any concerns I originally had while riding on the slightly damp and dirty roads along the coastline. And although you could feel the system cycle when mashing on the rear brake, grabbing a handful of front brake proved that the system worked without adversely affecting the suspension.
After a full day of seat time on the CBR250R, one thing is apparent and that is Honda’s emphasis on building the perfect bike for entry-level riders. In addition to the optional ABS and linked brake system that make this bike safer, weight is cut to a minimum and clutch disengagement is easy (Leaving from a dead stop, the clutch is extremely easy to disengage and very little throttle is needed to get the bike rolling – which limits the chances of stalling the bike). All of these things combine to make the CBR a great option for new riders looking for a cheap, easy and safe way to get into riding.
The truth is the CBR250R is the perfect machine for Honda’s lineup. The bike was designed with entry-level riders in mind and the final product is a machine that anyone can ride and have fun on. And at just $3999 for the base model and $4499 for the ABS model, the bike is the perfect option for riders looking for a cheap, safe entry into the world of motorcycles.
Be sure and stay tuned though for the promising comparison test between the Honda CBR250R and its obvious rival, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R.