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Bottom Line: A Winning Formula of Affordable Style and Unadulterated Fun

Year after year, Kawasaki was the only manufacturer offering a sporty, quarter liter beginner bike—- which made Honda's primary alternative the solid but uninspired Rebel 250. It was a baffling dominance, and Honda's new-for-2011 CBR250R (which happens to be identically priced) is a long-overdue entry that finally challenges Kawasaki's Ninjette.

The good news for Honda is that the CBR250R is a potent contender; though its rev ceiling is lower than the Ninja's, it offers more usable low-end power in a package that includes a fuel-injected engine, fresh styling, and instrumentation that makes the Kawi's analog dashboard look archaic by comparison. The Honda's curb weight is lower—- even when equipped with the optional ABS, which is not available on the Kawasaki.

But more important than comparisons against Kawasaki are the CBR250R's qualities that stir desire: it’s an attractively designed, well-engineered bike with fun performance and nimble handling. Thanks to its aggressive price point and slickly packaged mechanicals, the Honda CBR250R is not only a great bike, it's one that should attract a new generation of riders into motorcycling.

>>Click here for a 2011 Honda CBR250R Photo Gallery

2011 Honda CBR250R: Key Specifications

• Price: $3,999, $4,499 (with ABS)
• Colors: Red & silver, black
• 249cc single-cylinder fuel-injected engine with dual overhead camshafts
• Peak horsepower @ 8,500 rpm, peak torque @ 7,000 rpm
• Six-speed transmission with chain final drive
• Diamond twin-spar steel frame
• Rear suspension: Pro-Link single-shock with 5-way spring preload adjustability (4.07 inches of travel)
• Front suspension: 37mm fork (4.65 inches of travel)
• Seat height: 30.5 inches
• Fuel capacity: 3.4 gallons (estimated cruising range over 200 miles)
• Curb weight: 359 pounds, 366 pounds with ABS
• Available accessories: Passenger seat cowl, carbon fiber tank pad, carbon fiber fuel lid cover, outdoor cover

>>Click here for a 2011 Honda CBR250R Photo Gallery
>>Click here to read more about Honda motorcycles

Who Should Buy the 2011 Honda CBR250R?

Beginner and/or budget-minded sportbike enthusiasts looking for a lightweight, fun-to-ride bike.
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