2011 Hondas Unveiled…Sort Of

Honda is planning to unveils a new adventure bike at EICMA next week.  This new bike is based on the new V-4 platform that is currently embodied only in the VFR1200F.  Honda has been saying that this new platform will be the basis for a number of different motorcycles, and this new adventure bike will be the second.  There’s only a sketch of it, no photos or anything else.

2011 Honda V4 adventure bike sketch

You can tell it’s an adventure bike, because it has a beak.  Despite being an “Adventure” bike, Honda has indicated this will be an on-road bike.  Other than that, we’ll have to wait for EICMA next week in Italy to learn more. So, I guess this doesn’t actually count as an unveiling yet, especially as the new bike probably will vary a fair bit from this sketch.  In particular, the rear looks like they just slapped a CBR100RR  rear end on it. Surely, for an adventure bike, those pegs will be thicker and wider.  As always, I love me a single-sided swingarm.

What we do have firm details on, is the new CBR250R, an entry-level street bike that incorporates what appears to be a new design direction for Honda, following the controversial looks of the VFR1200F.

2011 Honda CBR250R

Note the multi-layered fairing and the frog-shaped headlight–design features shared not only by the VFR, but the adventure bike sketch above. I guess this is a look that will define the new generation of Hondas. In this case, the design is wrapped around a 250cc four-stroke thumper that puts out about 26HP through a 6-speed transmission. I really like the looks of this bike a lot, and it should be a great beginner bike, especially as this little guy also comes with optional ABS brakes.

A&R has a couple of more pics with the different color schemes.

Honda provided the tech specs below.

2011 Honda CBR250R / CBR250R ABS Technical Specifications:

Engine:
Engine Type: 249.4cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 76mm x 55mm
Compression ratio: 10.7:1
Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction: PGM-FI, 38mm throttle body
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance
Transmission: Six-speed

Suspension:
Front: 37mm fork
Rear: Pro-Link single shock with five positions of spring preload adjustability

Brakes:
Front: Single 296mm disc
Rear: Single 220mm disc
Optional ABS

Tires:
Front: 110/70-17 radial
Rear: 140/70-17 radial

Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 53.9 inches
Rake (Caster Angle): 25.0°
Trail: 95mm (3.74 inches)
Seat Height: 30.9 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons
Colors: Metallic Black, Red/Silver
Curb Weight*: 359 pounds / 368 pounds (ABS)

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.