The Best Of Japanese 250cc Sportsbikes Compared on Paper

Honda has revealed the 2021 CBR250RR in Japan. The updated quarter litre sportsbike now makes more power and gets extra goodies like a slipper clutch and a quickshifter. However, it is two cylinders short of Kawasaki’s outrageous 4-cylinder 250cc supersport, the Ninja ZX-25R. Does the new CBR250RR offer more value than the more powerful Ninja ZX-25R? We compare the two bikes on paper to find some answers. 

Powertrain:

For 2021, the Honda CBR250RR gets redesigned pistons, connecting rods and a revised intake port that reduces friction and increases the compression ratio. The new motor now makes its peak power and torque at a more accessible rev range. The addition of two cylinders help the Ninja ZX-25R rev higher and, with the help of ram air, make more power as well. Despite weighing more, the Ninja offers better power to weight ratio as well. Interestingly, the Japanese spec Ninja ZX-25R offers a restricted power output. The unrestricted version sold in Indonesia delivers a heady 51PS @ 15,500rpm and 22.9Nm @ 14,500rpm.

Both motorcycles get a slipper clutch and a bi-directional quickshifter. They both are quite useful features on the race track. Both motorcycles get rider modes. While the CBR250RR gets 3 rider modes (Sport, Sport+ and Comfort), the Ninja ZX-25R gets 2 power modes (Full  and Low). The Ninja also gets traction control. The Ninja impresses with its mighty output from a small motor as well as the extra rider aids. 

Underpinnings:

Both motorcycles use a trellis frame and have similar suspension layouts. However, the Ninja ZX-25R packs in top-spec suspension components. While both have similarly sized front discs, the Ninja gets monobloc calipers that offer superior brake bite and feel. Surprisingly, the CBR250RR still uses a front sliding caliper setup when even 125cc supersport bikes like the KTM RC125 use radially mounted front brake calipers. The Honda, however, has a larger rear disc brake. While both motorcycles feature similarly sized front tyres, the Ninja ZR-25R gets a larger section rear tyre that should help it put down that extra power better. The Ninja ZX-25R clearly has superior hardware than the CBR250RR.

Dimensions:

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R gets a slightly more accessible seat height but loses out on ground clearance. It also gets a slightly larger fuel tank. That said, the Honda CBR250RR is a whopping 24kg lighter than the Ninja ZX25R, which should make the bike easy to move around in the parking lot.

Price and verdict:

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The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R is currently the only 250cc production motorcycle to feature an inline four-cylinder motor (There is reportedly a 4-cylinder 250cc Yamaha in the works as well). It is also the most powerful 250cc production motorcycle currently on sale. Apart from the motor, the Ninja ZX-25R gets exotic hardware and electronic rider aids found in bikes with four times the engine capacity. Considering that, the Rs 41,000 price premium over the Honda CBR250RR seems like a fantastic bargain. While both motorcycles offer fantastic performance and kit, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R sets the bar quite high for other 250cc and even larger supersports motorcycles.