Grey Market Week continues with another weird and wonderful small-displacement sportbike from Honda, the CBR250RR. At a glance, it might be easy to dismiss this little 250 as a primitive commuter like the current CBR300, since these days, that’s exactly what you’ll get. The CBR, Ninja 300, R3 are all clearly built as budget-friendly options and even KTM’s RC390 is a simple, economical thumper. But this 1989 CBR250RR features a gear-driven inline four with an absolutely shrieking 19,000rpm redline and a 115mph top speed.
The non-adjustable front forks speak to the fact that the bike is intended more for learners than professional road-racers, but the triple disc brakes, six-speed gearbox, lightweight aluminum construction, and the aforementioned powerplant speak to a much more sophisticated package than entry-level machines generally offer. 40hp isn’t going to set the world on fire compared to most modern machines but, when it’s pushing just 350lbs wet, there’s plenty of performance on tap to entertain.
The CBR250 was produced between 1986 and 1996 primarily for the Japanese market and other countries that featured tiered licensing systems, where riders are often “stuck” riding smaller-engined machines until they reach a certain age or have had their motorcycle endorsement for a set period of time.
From the original eBay listing: 1989 Honda CBR250RR for Sale
Just imported through U.S. Customs this Spring, this 1989 CBR250RR comes with a title ready to be transferred into your name in your state.
Your new CBR250 is showing just 9,776 original miles (15,732 kilometers) on the odometer so it is a clean, lower mileage bike that runs well. The fairing bodywork is original with only a few cracks and I can’t find any evidence of crash damage or tip-over damage anywhere except those cracks. The foot pegs and bar ends and lever ends and even the original Honda muffler are in good shape with no scuffs or road rash, the original seat is in good condition too and the mirror stems are vibration cracked but the mirror ends are scuff free so no accidents. Triple drilled discs and a dual seat option make for nice features on this bike, the tires have ok tread but they should be replaced next riding season. The cracks are pointed out here; 1 barely visible on the left side corner of the front fairing by the headlight and one on the rear taillight panel. The largest of the three cracks is on the left fairing under the seat. You can see it in the pics and the video before it was shipped to the United States. All in all a very clean used 250R.
I can get great shipping rates (anywhere in California for $300 as an example) so don’t let the cost of shipping keep you from owning this collectible Japanese four-stroke streetbike. This motorcycle is already titled in the United States and ready to be transferred into your name just like any other vehicle purchase so the US Customs documents and EPA documents are not needed but I will include them in the sale of this bike so you have documentation your new CBR was legally imported.
The seller also includes a clip of the bike running before it was loaded up for transport to the US. This bike clearly isn’t pristine, with some discoloration on both plastic and metal surfaces, but with bidding is up to just $3,500 or thereabouts, this still looks like a pretty cool machine for the price. Bidding is very active on this one, with several days left on the auction, so apparently I’m not alone in feeling that way. Obviously, a CBR250RR is a bit more of a novelty than a serious sportbike here in the USA, but it’s probably worth it just for the soundtrack and, unlike bigger 1000cc or even 600cc counterparts, you’ll actually have to rev the nuts off it to actually make any progress on the road, meaning you can fully experience that tiny mechanical symphony!
-tad
tad, your description of the current smaller displacement sport bikes makes you a big part of why the motorcycle industry is failing economically. Your ignorance is beyond reproach.
Ouch! Having a bad day Howard? Or did Tad burst your new bike bubble for your just purchased CBR 300, Ninja 300, R3 or KTM 390 by (accurately) stating they are all clearly built as budget-friendly options.
I’m “a big part of why the motorcycle industry is failing economically”? Seriously? I play a larger role than the companies themselves? And the, you know, millions of customers? I’m flattered you think so but I think you’re seriously overstating my influence. Of course, your trollish comment doesn’t give us much to discuss, being completely non-specific as to exactly what the actual state of the small-displacement sportbike really is.
So, instead of simply throwing out the equivalent of “yo momma” insults, why don’t you tell me exactly how you think I’m doing these little machines and the entire motorcycle industry a disservice?
The masses don’t want a hardcore, highly technical and expensive small displacement sport bike so cry all you want. I just bought an RC 390 and this article didn’t hurt my feelings because I understand that if you want a modern day equivalent you’re either dreaming or have to start with what’s out there and get as close as you can by building it yourself. The author calls it as it is. Though my MC16 helps ease the pain lol
Exactly right! There’s a reason these little machines weren’t intended for the US market: no demand for a sophisticated quarter-liter bike. There wasn’t when the CBR250RR was new and there isn’t now. Sure, enthusiasts might complain about their lack of availability, but would a 250cc four-cylinder with gear-driven cams costing 20% more than the CBR and Ninja 300 sell here in the US? Not likely.
Good call on the RC390: I really like that bike. But i’m 185lbs, so I might need to upgrade that suspension a little bit… Surprisingly though, I actually fit on it [6’2″]!
Howard is a clown and TAd is completely correct. Ontario Canada has gone to graduated licensing. These Imports are snatched up very quickly and hold their value very well. The brand new small-displacement stuff is as described below average and then some don’t feel like a full size sport bike in any way. This is a great bike if you want a situation that holds its value the new bikes in two years are worth half their value. The real killer for the motorcycle industry is insurance at least that is the way it is up here
I can’t help but laugh at how insulted you sound Howard. All he stated were facts. It kinda sucks but the 25 year old Honda CBR250 shits all over the 2016 models. Don’t be offended if you have a new one it’s just the way it is. Nobody would really pay the higher prices a more advanced small displacement bike would command these days. It’s just like rock and roll I guess. You can’t beat the older stuff sometimes.
I would love to embarrass some 600cc track day heros on this bike. I have seen some Youtube vids of guys railing on these old CBR250RRs and they look like a hoot.
On the subject of Howard, can’t we just delete their comments? comments must be approved on most sites now because of these Lord of the Rings epic trolls.
We are moderating comments but trying to just delete malicious or spammy remarks. If the RSBFS community wants stronger moderation we can do that.
dc
I think the comments are fine, over moderation is like the government keep coming up with new laws, its not worth it.. This site has little drama so I like that people are kept honest.
Back to the bike the 19k readline is bad ass no matter what bike, this bike hasn’t aged either style wise, I think it looks pretty fun for the price. PS. We have a 390 duke in the garage its a nice bike too until you hit the rev limiter so soon..
No, I feel the comments should stay. Howards opinion is valid, though I feel, off base.
I like the CBR it’s a hot little bike. The new one is not the same category…not even close. But that has always been the case within the US. we have the 600 (750) and Liter bikes to fill that gap.
I cut my teeth on an Rz 350 then bought a CBR F2( now long gone), added a Ducati 851 and now at 50 years old track an RS 250 cup bike. The Ducati and the Rs are polar opposites and I love them both because of that.
Pistons nla new from honda for this sweet ride no aftermarket solutions unless you want some made.
Yeah, lets just edit the comments (like ’em or not, for good ‘ole boys sake) and keep showing rare push rod air cooled diesels, More Rare Sport Bike’s, please, jeez…