2017 Honda CBR250RR Officially Revealed in Indonesia
Sameer Contractor
1 min read
Jul 27, 2016, 08:15 PM
Key Highlights
- The CBR250RR uses a 250cc 8-valve, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine
- The CBR250RR gets Throttle-by-Wire, 3-way engine mode settings
- The CBR250RR is the highest capacity Honda bike to be made in Indonesia
Easily one of the most anticipated motorcycles to be launched this year, Honda Motorcycle has finally lifted covers off the highly awaited 2017 CBR250RR at a special event in Indonesia for the world. Honda's entry-level performance motorcycle has been in the news for over a year now with enthusiasts closely watching every little detail that emerged every now and then. With the reveal done, the red wing has officially entered into the ring against compatriots Kawasaki and Yamaha, which have been offering products like the Ninja 250 and R25 in the segment globally. The 250RR though will also lock horns with the pocket rocket - KTM RC390 that is due for a generation change next year.
The Honda CBR250RR started life as the Light Weight Super Sport concept unveiled at the Japan Motor Show in 2015. The performance offering shouldn't be seen as a replacement to the single-cylinder CBR250R sold currently in many markets and instead will co-exist with a higher price tag of course, as a more powerful and sportier version in the entry-level performance segment. Unlike the CBR250R which is a sports tourer, the CBR250RR aims to be an out-and-out super sport offering drawing power from a 250cc 8-valve, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin DOHC engine. Power output is yet to be undisclosed by Honda but the output is expected to be in the vicinity of 36-40bhp. The Japanese bike maker does say that the motor is easy to handle for urban riding, while it is just as comfortable on the circuit, with smooth output characteristics across the entire rev range. A 6-speed gearbox will be sending power to the rear wheel on the big red.
Honda has also confirmed that the CBR250RR will also get a segment first Throttle-by-Wire (TbW) as speculated previously, and will be offering for 3-way engine mode settings. So expect linear power delivery for urban/city mode, sport mode to exploit the top-end of the power band and possibly a track mode that beefs up all settings for optimum performance. Details on the same though can be expected closer to the commencement of sales.
Talking about mechanicals, the 2017 Honda CBR250RR uses a newly developed steel truss frame, while the swingarm are aluminium gull type with the right-side swingarm shaped to reduce exhaust pipe extrusion. This allows the bike to have a slimmer profile while retaining the bank angle. True to the concept, the CBR250RR features a USD suspension setup at the front and Pro-link suspension featuring 5-step preload at the rear. Braking performance comes from 310 mm front and 240 mm rear wavy disc brakes with dual-channel ABS available as optional.
The design on the 2017 Honda CBR250RR remains close to the concept and is a big step up for the bike maker that is otherwise known for its conservative styling. The lines are sharper, aggressive and certainly adds to the sporty quotient on the offering. The front retains its CBR roots with the dual-LED headlights with the new and stylish LED eyebrows, while the nose down-tail up design keeps it authentic to the sport bike styling. Lastly, the slim profile is accentuated by the double barrel exhausts on the model, which look very European and also reminscent of the new Ducati 959 Panigale.
We also see an all-digital instrument console on the CBR250RR in the first video that reads up to 14,000rpm, while other goodies including a lap timer, trip meters, and possibly a high speed recorder as well. The bike gets clip-on handlebars, so unlike the front forward yet relaxed riding position on the CBR250R, the 250RR will be a lot more aggressive with rear set foot pegs ensuring a track oriented riding stance. The cowl like rear seat is also something that we have really liked on the new CBR.
The new 2017 CBR250RR will be manufactured in Indonesia, making it the largest displacement Honda motorcycle to be produced in the South East Asian country. The Japanese bike maker plans to begin sales in Indonesia by the end of 2016, while the company says that sales in Japan will commence on a later date. It is likely that Honda will choose to make the Indonesian facility, its global manufacturing hub for the new CBR250RR, much like what Yamaha has done with the R25/R3. Not only will it help the company achieve higher production, but better economies of scale.
This brings us to the 2017 Honda CBR250RR making it to India or not. The Japanese bike maker is yet to confirm if it plans to bring the model in the country at all. In either case, we don't see it coming anytime before 2017-18. This is because reports are rife that Honda is also developing a 350cc version of the new CBR that will be targeted at European and American markets and makes sense for India as well, since unlike the Indonesian tax norms, we don't have heavy taxation on bikes above 250cc. Should the 350cc version make it to production, the new CBR will be one of the more sought-after offerings in the entry-level performance segment attracting an equally sought after price tag.
The Honda CBR250RR started life as the Light Weight Super Sport concept unveiled at the Japan Motor Show in 2015. The performance offering shouldn't be seen as a replacement to the single-cylinder CBR250R sold currently in many markets and instead will co-exist with a higher price tag of course, as a more powerful and sportier version in the entry-level performance segment. Unlike the CBR250R which is a sports tourer, the CBR250RR aims to be an out-and-out super sport offering drawing power from a 250cc 8-valve, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin DOHC engine. Power output is yet to be undisclosed by Honda but the output is expected to be in the vicinity of 36-40bhp. The Japanese bike maker does say that the motor is easy to handle for urban riding, while it is just as comfortable on the circuit, with smooth output characteristics across the entire rev range. A 6-speed gearbox will be sending power to the rear wheel on the big red.
Honda CBR250RR in Red
The Honda CBR250RR gets 3 riding modes
We also see an all-digital instrument console on the CBR250RR in the first video that reads up to 14,000rpm, while other goodies including a lap timer, trip meters, and possibly a high speed recorder as well. The bike gets clip-on handlebars, so unlike the front forward yet relaxed riding position on the CBR250R, the 250RR will be a lot more aggressive with rear set foot pegs ensuring a track oriented riding stance. The cowl like rear seat is also something that we have really liked on the new CBR.
The new 2017 CBR250RR will be manufactured in Indonesia, making it the largest displacement Honda motorcycle to be produced in the South East Asian country. The Japanese bike maker plans to begin sales in Indonesia by the end of 2016, while the company says that sales in Japan will commence on a later date. It is likely that Honda will choose to make the Indonesian facility, its global manufacturing hub for the new CBR250RR, much like what Yamaha has done with the R25/R3. Not only will it help the company achieve higher production, but better economies of scale.
2017 Honda CBR250RR Instrument Console
Related News
Popular Honda Models
Latest Cars
Upcoming Cars
Latest News
Bilal Firfiray | Jun 4, 2026BMW M2 Gets AWD For The First Time; No Additional Power, But Is 0.3 Seconds QuickerWe all frowned when the M3/M4 got a (switchable) AWD system. Now the smaller and more fun to drive M2 has received the same hardware. Should the RS3 be worried?1 min read
Jafar Rizvi | Jun 4, 2026Skoda Peaq SUV Exterior Revealed In Design Sketches; Unveil On June 23The Peaq brings to life the Vision 7S concept that was showcased at the Auto Expo 2025.4 mins read
car&bike Team | Jun 4, 2026All-New Hyundai i20 Teased Ahead Of Global DebutLatest generation of Hyundai's popular hatchback is all set to make its global debut in Brazil next month.2 mins read
Amaan Ahmed | Jun 4, 2026Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Flex Fuel Showcased In Delhi; Can Run On Pure EthanolThe flex-fuel variant of one of India's highest-selling cars was unveiled in the presence of road transport minister Nitin Gadkari and petroleum minister Hardeep S Puri.2 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Jun 4, 20262026 Toyota Innova Crysta Launched At Rs 19.72 LakhRefreshed diesel MPV gets updates to the design, new upholstery & trim colours and some added features.2 mins read
Preetam Bora | Jun 4, 2026E85 Fuel Rollout Imminent, Could Be Much Cheaper Than PetrolThe Indian government is now emphasising increasing ethanol blending to 85 per cent, or E85 petrol, in comparison to current E20 petrol, where 20 per cent ethanol is mixed with 80 per cent petrol.2 mins read
Preetam Bora | Jun 4, 2026Royal Enfield Bullet 650 Review: Is This the Most Desirable RE 650 Twin Yet?We spent some quality time with the new Royal Enfield Bullet 650, and here's our honest take – what we love, and where there's room to do better.1 min read
Janak Sorap | Jun 2, 2026California Superbike School: Finding Speed The Right WayThree days of coaching, track time and self-discovery at California Superbike School revealed that riding faster begins with understanding how to ride better.7 mins read
Girish Karkera | May 31, 20262026 Honda City e:HEV Review: Smartest Compact Sedan To Buy?The most affordable strong hybrid sedan in India looks more interesting than any of its past avatars1 min read
Bilal Firfiray | May 29, 2026Skoda Octavia vRS Review: The Sensible Car Every Car Guy (Eventually) WantsThe Skoda Octavia vRS blends practicality with performance. It’s a real enthusiast appeal in a sensible sedan package.1 min read
Bilal Firfiray | May 25, 2026Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo DCT Road Test Review: The Solid Middle GroundMarking its return, the Renault Duster offers a strong ride quality, a refined 1.3 turbo-petrol engine, balanced handling and lot more impressive cabin. Should you buy it though?5 mins read