Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => General Monster Forum => Topic started by: Turf on October 27, 2010, 09:42:46 AM

Title: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Turf on October 27, 2010, 09:42:46 AM
CBR250R
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/5120081639_abb803510e.jpg)

359lbs
26bhp

yesss now more of this

more here
http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2010/10/yes-2011-honda-cbr250r-coming-to-america/#more-11082 (http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2010/10/yes-2011-honda-cbr250r-coming-to-america/#more-11082)
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Le Pirate on October 27, 2010, 09:45:02 AM
verrrryy interesting  :D
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: SacDuc on October 27, 2010, 09:50:32 AM


Hey Ducati! Look over there! Its a boat. And you seem to have missed it.

sac
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: poseur on October 27, 2010, 09:52:00 AM
Awesome. It's about time we got more small displacement bikes over here.

http://powersports.honda.com/2011/cbr250r.aspx (http://powersports.honda.com/2011/cbr250r.aspx)
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Slide Panda on October 27, 2010, 10:14:29 AM
Oh!  Anyone know if a 500CC twin model is planned?
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: matt922 on October 27, 2010, 10:22:55 AM
can't forget about the crf230m they make too. It weighs a LOT less. (less power too though)

(http://hellforleathermagazine.com/images/2009_Honda_CRF230M.jpg)
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Speeddog on October 27, 2010, 10:28:18 AM
359 lbs for a 250 single?  [roll]
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Turf on October 27, 2010, 10:31:36 AM
Quote from: matt922 on October 27, 2010, 10:22:55 AM
can't forget about the crf230m they make too. It weighs a LOT less. (less power too though)

(http://hellforleathermagazine.com/images/2009_Honda_CRF230M.jpg)

true, but i'm thinking the market for those who want a beginner sport bike was practically non existent aside form a ninja 250, I really do hope others bring in 250 sportbikes. which i think will help with the ohh dude you need a 600 for your first bike bullshit.

Quote from: yuu on October 27, 2010, 10:14:29 AM
Oh!  Anyone know if a 500CC twin model is planned?

doubt it, but i hear they have a 600cc I4  ;D
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: ducatiz on October 27, 2010, 10:39:52 AM
Quote from: Speeddog on October 27, 2010, 10:28:18 AM
359 lbs for a 250 single?  [roll]

it's only 259 lbs if you remove the emissions equipment
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Triple J on October 27, 2010, 10:41:16 AM
359 lbs and 26 hp...no thanks.
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Slide Panda on October 27, 2010, 10:42:36 AM
Quote from: Paper5tr3et7 on October 27, 2010, 10:31:36 AM
doubt it, but i hear they have a 600cc I4  ;D

I pondered that... but a light 500c twin would (in my little mind) fill a bit more of the "ohh dude you need a 600 for your first bike bullshit" gap than a 250 alone. Remember this is 'merica! Bigger is better
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Turf on October 27, 2010, 11:02:12 AM
Quote from: Speeddog on October 27, 2010, 10:28:18 AM
359 lbs for a 250 single?  [roll]

a ninja 250 is 375lbs
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Speeddog on October 27, 2010, 11:17:08 AM
Quote from: Paper5tr3et7 on October 27, 2010, 11:02:12 AM
a ninja 250 is 375lbs

OK, but that really doesn't make it that much better.
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: ducatiz on October 27, 2010, 11:28:54 AM
It is the standard for that class in the US.  Plus, that's in factory form with their cheapest components.
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: sbrguy on October 27, 2010, 11:34:59 AM
got to hand it to honda that bike from the side looks great, 10x better than even the new ninja 250

ok maybe the rwb doesn't look good but the red scheme does look as good from the side on the honda site as any of their bikes.
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: ducpainter on October 27, 2010, 12:20:35 PM
Quote from: Speeddog on October 27, 2010, 10:28:18 AM
359 lbs for a 250 single?  [roll]
If it makes you feel any better that's a wet weight.

Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: ducatiz on October 27, 2010, 12:27:59 PM
Quote from: Speeddog on October 27, 2010, 11:17:08 AM
OK, but that really doesn't make it that much better.

Pick up a 600SS... 53HP...172 kg (380 lbs)... Desmo goodness.

That's with all the factory steel, ABS fairings, etc.  Swap the wheels, brakes, fairings with CF, lighten the engine components and you can get it close to 330-350.

Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Speeddog on October 27, 2010, 12:44:44 PM
For comparison, here's a bike from over 20 years ago:

(http://www.thumperpage.com/articles/srx250/srx2.jpg)

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/yamaha/yamaha_srx250f%2087.htm (http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/yamaha/yamaha_srx250f%2087.htm)

32 HP and 123 kg claimed dry weight.
In that era, Yamaha's claimed dry weight was about 10% short of reality.
So, ~135 kg, 300 lbs.

Saw one on the freeway about a month ago, looked like it had just rolled off the showroom floor.  :o
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Ducatl on October 27, 2010, 12:48:59 PM
All of these are nothing compared to this:

(http://cmgonline.com/images/stories/bikes/Suzuki/tu250x/2009/tu250x_rsf.jpg)
http://suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/TU250/2011/TU250.aspx?category=standard (http://suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/TU250/2011/TU250.aspx?category=standard)

I think there are plenty of options, the problem being, nobody wants to pay what these are worth new. Does anyone actually buy anything under 600cc anymore?
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Goat_Herder on October 27, 2010, 01:50:37 PM
I like it!  It's about time somebody step up to the plate to compete against the Ninja 250.  I hope Honda continue to bring more small displacement bikes over here.  The CBs and VTR are fantastic bikes!
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: derby on October 27, 2010, 02:17:39 PM
Quote from: Ducatl on October 27, 2010, 12:48:59 PM

I think there are plenty of options, the problem being, nobody wants to pay what these are worth new. Does anyone actually buy anything under 600cc anymore?

not in the states, really... no tiered licensing (read, there is no built-in market of people that can't buy anything bigger), and the buyers that would be interested find it hard to justify the cost vs performance when they could buy a 650 twin or 600i4 for a few thousand more.
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Ducatl on October 27, 2010, 02:46:56 PM
Quote from: derby on October 27, 2010, 02:17:39 PM
the buyers that would be interested find it hard to justify the cost vs performance when they could buy a 650 twin or 600i4 for a few thousand more.

The thing is, it's not even that much.  You can buy the common 600+cc bike for less if you shop around and don't mind a used bike.
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: JEFF_H on October 27, 2010, 02:48:17 PM
We used to have a KLR250 that made 22 hp.
it was a giggle to ride in the twisties, and you didnt have to worry about letting off the throttle.

My current favorite scoot to ride to work has 4.9 hp  ;D
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: ducatiz on October 27, 2010, 03:01:16 PM
Its was the weight:hp ratio that did it for me.

A 50 hp bike weiging 400 lbs is a dog but the same hp at 300 or less is a blast.

Flick flick flick!
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: the_Journeyman on October 27, 2010, 04:44:01 PM
Why not updated versions of the CBR400RR, GSXR-250 or GSXR-400?  Those were all inline-4s and didn't weigh as much as the one above ~

JM
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Stinky Wizzleteats on October 27, 2010, 05:41:56 PM
I'd like one of these if/when they are sold. Wonder what they would go/look like.  ???

http://www.smh.com.au/business/honda-hits-the-road-with-600-motorcycle-to-cut-off-lowcost-rivals-20101007-169qc.html (http://www.smh.com.au/business/honda-hits-the-road-with-600-motorcycle-to-cut-off-lowcost-rivals-20101007-169qc.html)
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: speedknot on October 27, 2010, 05:46:21 PM
Keep it.  I'm sure any one of you that would buy it would have it for a few months only to realize that you can only hit 70mph on a downhill with the wind at your back. [laugh]
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: the_Journeyman on October 27, 2010, 06:24:54 PM
I still say GSXR-250.

304lbs, 45HP @ 14,000 RPM.

All the way from 1990.

JM
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Duck-Stew on October 27, 2010, 08:36:22 PM
Wasn't there a re-done VTR250 that Honda came out with last year or so?  Looked like a mini-Monster?!?  Why didn't they put that motor in this bike?  Oh wait, $.
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Speeddog on October 27, 2010, 08:58:58 PM
The production cost of I4 or V4 250 isn't that much less than a 600.
The bike is smaller and lighter, so it can be a bit cheaper due to that.

Enthusiasts can appreciate a nice small-bore, but they just don't buy many.
I remember when that SRX250 came out.
Since then I've seen 'em on the road about five times here in LA.  :P
I've seen way more Ninja 250's, but even those aren't very common at all.
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: poseur on October 27, 2010, 09:26:33 PM
Quote from: Ducatl on October 27, 2010, 12:48:59 PM
All of these are nothing compared to this:

(http://cmgonline.com/images/stories/bikes/Suzuki/tu250x/2009/tu250x_rsf.jpg)

I love that bike, but it's not available in California.
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: wantingaduc on October 28, 2010, 08:28:02 AM
I'm sure any one of you that would buy it would have it for a few months only to realize that you can only hit 70mph on a downhill with the wind at your back.

There's the truth. Isn't this the same group of riders who are replying to the 100hp on the street thread that "that's not enough", because "more is always better" etc.
I can't count how many times I've heard the 620 Monster is a "chicks bike" reply since I got mine.

The IDEA of a 40hp 250 or single is nice. Sure they're light, flickable, nimble, etc. So is my 620 and so is my 250 Diana.
But I'd bet that not many people are willing to step up and buy one and the ones that do will eject it from the garage as soon as they get passed by a 848 or a Corvette on their favorite road.

The unfortunate truth is the market caters to the dollars spent and here in the US the dollars aren't spent on small displacement bikes.

jimi
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: poseur on October 28, 2010, 08:35:59 AM
Quote from: wantingaduc on October 28, 2010, 08:28:02 AM

The unfortunate truth is the market caters to the dollars spent and here in the US the dollars aren't spent on small displacement bikes.


That's because we don't have enough options to choose from for a small displacement bike. Once gasoline goes above $5 or $6 a gallon we'll start seeing more small bikes and way more scooters on the roads (and less SUVs!). Especially in urban centers where parking is expensive and traffic normally doesn't move very fast.
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: ajw85 on October 28, 2010, 08:38:35 AM
is this a new engine design, old engine design, or did they source it from one of their dirtbikes?

would be neat for a single cylinder track bike if it is reliable
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: ducatiz on October 28, 2010, 08:43:11 AM
Quote from: poseur on October 28, 2010, 08:35:59 AM
That's because we don't have enough options to choose from for a small displacement bike. Once gasoline goes above $5 or $6 a gallon we'll start seeing more small bikes and way more scooters on the roads (and less SUVs!). Especially in urban centers where parking is expensive and traffic normally doesn't move very fast.

people who think about buying 2 wheels due to gas prices go to scooters. 

i would >love< to ride my bike to work everyday, but guess what?  it doesn't work too well with a suit on.

With a scooter, I can ride wearing a suit.  People who are going to commute or ride 2 wheels due to gas prices want to go to work on their ride.   Which means not a motorcycle.
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: derby on October 28, 2010, 08:59:10 AM
Quote from: ajw85 on October 28, 2010, 08:38:35 AM
is this a new engine design, old engine design, or did they source it from one of their dirtbikes?

would be neat for a single cylinder track bike if it is reliable

reading elsewhere, it appears to be a new design.
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: JEFF_H on October 28, 2010, 09:22:55 AM
KTM Duke 125 looks better to me

http://www.facebook.com/KTM125 (http://www.facebook.com/KTM125)

(or the 690 with 65 hp and 327lbs dry)
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Raux on October 28, 2010, 09:58:44 AM
I love the 250 option, and with some gearing changes and maybe some small mods, could be a GREAT commuter bike.

Mods I would do on this bike:
lighter less restrictive exhaust
less restrictive intake
fueling computer
light weight parts everywhere
gear ratio changes for more top end

I hope the price is good
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: csorin on October 28, 2010, 11:20:40 AM
Yup, the KTM is rad.  I would have DEFINITELY bought one of these for a first bike.  Heck, I'd get one for a cool commuter if I didn't plan on keeping my 620.
 
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs884.snc4/71700_452306181944_353934581944_5721039_4759735_n.jpg)


Here's the Honda us North Americans miss out on.  VTR-250.  It looks like a mini-monster:

(http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/jpg/200902/honda-vtr-250w.jpg)

Quote from: JEFF_H on October 28, 2010, 09:22:55 AM
KTM Duke 125 looks better to me

http://www.facebook.com/KTM125 (http://www.facebook.com/KTM125)

(or the 690 with 65 hp and 327lbs dry)

Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: KopfjÀger on October 28, 2010, 02:10:19 PM
Quote from: JEFF_H on October 28, 2010, 09:22:55 AM
(or the 690 with 65 hp and 327lbs dry)


And even lighter as soon as I finish make the beast with two backsing with mine.  ;)
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: muskrat on October 28, 2010, 05:22:03 PM
I'm waiting to hear back on the KTM 125.  Guy at the dealer says he wont know for another month but I told him I'm ready for a deposit.......crossing fingers.
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Drunken Monkey on October 28, 2010, 06:25:37 PM
Too heavy, and too low on power.

For me the magic numbers that I'm looking for in a bike like this are 325 lbs (less than) and 40 HP (more than)

The 690 fits the bill, too bad it's a naked (I already gots two of those)
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: matmcd78 on October 29, 2010, 08:26:17 PM
Quote from: Ducatl on October 27, 2010, 12:48:59 PM
All of these are nothing compared to this:

(http://cmgonline.com/images/stories/bikes/Suzuki/tu250x/2009/tu250x_rsf.jpg)
http://suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/TU250/2011/TU250.aspx?category=standard (http://suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/TU250/2011/TU250.aspx?category=standard)

I think there are plenty of options, the problem being, nobody wants to pay what these are worth new. Does anyone actually buy anything under 600cc anymore?

Bought one of these for my wife while she was getting back into riding. She loves it. Enough to get her around town and to work and back.
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: justinrhenry on October 30, 2010, 06:48:20 AM
i never called honda asking for this little bike.   [puke]
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: the_Journeyman on October 30, 2010, 07:53:39 AM
What about this Honda 250:

(http://image.motorcyclistonline.com/f/9050704+w750+st0/122_0706_02_z+1990_honda_vtr_250_interceptor+right_side.jpg)

JM
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Raux on October 30, 2010, 08:12:27 AM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on October 30, 2010, 07:53:39 AM
What about this Honda 250:

(http://image.motorcyclistonline.com/f/9050704+w750+st0/122_0706_02_z+1990_honda_vtr_250_interceptor+right_side.jpg)

JM
:D

(http://www.alligatorpapiere.de/images/Miami-Vice-Staffel-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: poseur on October 30, 2010, 08:17:04 AM
Quote from: ducatiz on October 28, 2010, 08:43:11 AM
people who think about buying 2 wheels due to gas prices go to scooters. 

i would >love< to ride my bike to work everyday, but guess what?  it doesn't work too well with a suit on.

I ride my monster to work (50 miles one way), and carry work clothes in a backpack. A suit would be difficult (impossible). In that case, I would leave clothes at work to change into.

For distances less than 20 miles though, you're right, a scooter would be the ticket. You see lots of people on scooters wearing suits in Italy.
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Raux on October 30, 2010, 08:24:09 AM
when i commute i use either a two piece oversuit or a one piece rain suit. i wear armor over my work clothes, then the oversuits.

getting near forty mpg and a daily commute of 50 miles... save A LOT of money.

Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Drunken Monkey on October 31, 2010, 09:22:50 AM
One Piece Aerostitch. Fits easily over clothes, built in armor, good venting and is effortless to get on and off.

I use it on 99% of all my rides to work and for fun.

Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: the_Journeyman on October 31, 2010, 09:44:31 AM
I 80% commute on the bike.  However, I'm able to manage 40-45mpg out of my 900SS belive it or not.  I wear two-piece textile throughout the year over my nice work clothes ~

JM
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: The Bacon Junkie on October 31, 2010, 11:41:16 PM
Keep an extra set of pants and two shirts in my locker at work.

I wear two-piece leather suit (pucks and all [laugh]) because SoCal traffic is the suck.

I'll also carry stuff in a backpack (shoes, pants, etc...)

Once I get to work, I can get changed and everything locked up in the locker in under 7 minutes.

I save more than double that by commuting by moto...  Plus, all the kids look forward to seeing me in my getup.   :) 
The moms make comments, the dads get jealous cuz they're stuck driving the minivan!   [laugh]




[bacon]
Title: Re: Honda answers the call for non literbike in america
Post by: Duc796canada on November 01, 2010, 10:44:18 AM
Now only if the government can enact the graduated license(limiting cc for a year)! It would bring down insurance rates as well as unnecessary crashes!