Honda CB250R - Top alternatives

It was in 2017 when Honda revealed its Neo Sports Cafe project for the first time. And just by the first look of it, we gave it imprinted in our minds. Later in 2018, the world saw the first implementation of Honda’s NSC (neo sports cafe) project in the form of the new CB1000R. And later, Honda carried forward the same design philosophy in a smaller form and launched the CB250R.

Honda CB250R became one of the best looking naked streetfighter motorcycles in its segment. It carries a mix of retro and modern styling that charms everyone easily. It is powered by a 250cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine which produces 27 bhp of max power at 9000 rpm and 23.3 Nm of peak torque at 8000 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The CB250R is a fresh package in the quarter-litre segment that is priced at RM 22,999. But being fresh doesn’t mean it is the best one out there. Here are its top alternatives.

KTM Duke 250

You cannot go wrong with a KTM and that’s why one of the top alternatives to the Honda CB250R is the KTM Duke 250. It might be of the same displacement but it is a completely different machine. Unlike the Honda, the Duke 250’s power delivery is urgent and instant. You have nearly 30bhp to play with and when you bring in the weight of the bike into the picture, things become more fun.

The Duke 250 is also very nimble and agile thanks to its lightweight and steel trellis frame. It is also comfortable to ride because of its upright riding posture. KTM doesn’t like to compromise when it comes to the equipment and the Duke 250 is no exception. It features USD forks at the front, fully digital instrument panel, 300 mm front disc, mono-shock at the rear, etc. Yes, the styling might not be everyone’s cup of tea and the fit and finish aren’t as fine as on the CB250R, but you forget all that when you hop on to it. With a price of RM 20,500, Duke 250 is a great package.

Kawasaki Z250 ABS

Giving a tough competition to its rivals, the Kawasaki Z250 ABS holds a solid place in the quarter-litre segment. Its biggest advantage over the other motorcycles in this category is that it is a twin-cylinder engine; 249cc, DOHC, 8 valves with 37 PS of max power at 12,500 rpm and 23 Nm of peak torque that kicks in at 10,000 rpm. The twin-cylinder configuration also gives the Z250 ABS a much better exhaust note than the others.

Kawasaki Z250 ABS also nails it when it comes to the design. It has borrowed styling cues from the latest Z400 and looks fantastic, especially in the Ninja green paint job. The front end is more aggressive and modern and the fuel tank has been made more muscular. Unlike the Duke 250, this one here gets conventional telescopic forks at the front. The brakes include a 310 mm rotor at the front and a 220 mm rotor at the back, further aided by ABS. For a price of RM 21,998, the Z250 ABS is a great deal.

Kawasaki Versys-X250

The Versys-X250 isn’t exactly a replacement to the CB250R but it falls in the same price range and has got a lot to offer. That’s why we were ought to mention it in this story. So, if you can be more flexible with your choice, then the Versys-X250 could be a really good option. It offers a similar upright riding position which is very relaxed and forgiving. Its seat is very comfortable for both the rider and the pillion. Yes, the design of the bike is oriented towards the adventure side but that shouldn’t be a problem while riding in the city. On the plus side, you can take this motorcycle almost anywhere without worrying.

The Versys-X250 is powered by a 249cc, parallel-twin engine which produces 34 PS of max power at 11,500 rpm and 21.7 Nm of torque at 10,000 rpm. So there is smooth, torquey power at low and medium rpm and powerful acceleration at high rpm. Also, the heat management of this engine is impressive. The best thing about Kawasaki is that it usually provides a parallel-twin engine even in its low-end models. The Kawasaki Versys-X250 price is RM 22,444 and for that amount, it is a good option for the adventure lovers.

These were some of the top alternatives to the Honda CB250R. Out of all the aforementioned models, of course including the CB250R, which one would you pick? Also, do you have any other motorcycle in mind that would be a better alternative to the CB250R? Let us know.