Honda recently re-introduced the updated CBR 250R in India. The bike was earlier discontinued when the industry moved to BS-IV emission norms. In the Indian market, it faces direct competition from the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 and the KTM RC200. How does it fare against its biggest rivals? We find out in this competition check.
Design
The bigger Honda VFR1200 continues to be the design inspiration for the new CBR 250R. It retains the full-fairing and a sharp rear section that includes a slightly raised pillion seat. However, the touring-oriented bike now sports a full-LED headlamp and refreshed colours and graphics for 2018.
The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 sports a busy design thanks to the edgy lines that run all through the bike. It offers a slightly upright riding position that is similar to the CBR 250R. The manufacturer has equipped the bike with dual projector headlamps and a distinctive LED tail lamp.
The KTM RC200 on the other hand, sports a sharp design that can be distinguished by its unique-looking dual projector headlamps with LED DRLs. The track focused bike offers a dedicated riding position with lower set handlebars and rear set foot pegs. The bike is offered only in one colour scheme which consists of white, black and orange.
Features and Cycle parts
The Honda CBR 250R as well as the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 gets a part analogue-part digital instrument cluster. The KTM RC 200 on the other hand, sports an LCD instrument cluster that displays gear position indicator, average speed among the basic information.
Braking duties on the Honda CBR 250R are taken care of by 296mm disc up front and a 220mm disc at the rear. Both the Pulsar RS200 and KTM RC 200 use a larger brake setup with a 300mm disc for the front and a 230mm rear disc. While the Honda CBR 250R and Bajaj Pulsar RS200 sport ABS as an option, the former gets a dual-channel setup while the latter features a single-channel unit. The KTM RC200 misses out on ABS altogether.
The Honda CBR 250R and the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 ride on conventional telescopic forks up front. Meanwhile, KTM RC200 gets inverted front forks. All three bikes feature a monoshock for the rear.
Engine
The Honda CBR 250R uses a 249cc, single cylinder motor that is now BS-IV compliant. This unit produces 26.5bhp and 22.9Nm of torque via a six-speed gearbox. The Pulsar RS200 is powered by same 199cc engine that powers the naked Pulsar NS200. However, this engine puts out 24.5bhp at and 18.6Nm of torque via a six-speed gearbox.
The KTM RC200 is the most powerful bike of the lot. It uses a 199cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 25.10bhp and 19Nm of torque. This unit is also mated to a six-speed gearbox.
Pricing
The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 is the most affordable bike here priced at Rs 1.23 lakhs for the standard version and Rs 1.35 lakhs for the ABS variant. The KTM RC 200 retails at Rs 1.76 lakhs but justifies its price tag with the added features like the inverted forks, LCD instrument cluster and a powerful engine.
Honda has priced the non-ABS version of the CBR 250R at Rs 1.63 lakhs. On the other hand, the ABS version retails for a premium of Rs 30,000 over the standard variant at Rs 1.93 lakhs.
All prices ex-showroom, Delhi.
