There are a lot of different motorcycles from different eras that have become legends for different reasons. The thing that sets the Honda CBR250RR apart from other bikes is that even though it’s a classic bike dating back to the 90s it still has performance that is hard to beat today.
Instead of being revolutionary only for its time or associated with a famous rider or movie, it’s famous for what it can still do on the road today. This Honda has an interesting history and mechanics that make it a desirable modern classic. Here is more on the storied rev monster and how it became a unique sport bike for the streets.
The 250RR Performance Stems From Japanese Law
The CBR250RR's performance effectively stems from Japan’s sport bike restrictions during the early 90s. A lot of bikes were optimized under tight restrictions and this explains the 250RR and its out-of-this-world high revving engine. Before 1994 in Japan there were laws restricting inexperienced riders to 250cc, also, there was a street racing culture amongst the youth and if an engine was under 250cc or smaller the motorcycle was exempt from inspections every six months for safety, noise, and emissions.
These regulations helped create a huge market for 250cc race bikes and the manufacturers were in an arms race to create the ultimate small displacement bike for teenage street racers during that era in Japan. Honda dominated for several years with their CBR250RR which can rev higher than a modern Formula One car. Most modern turbocharged Formula One cars typically top out at about 15,000 rpm. These Hondas won’t get moving till around 14,000 rpm, and will only hit the redline at 19,000 rpm!
The MC22 Is A High Revving Race Bike For The Streets
Many people reading about the 250RR might be wondering how such a rev monster can be ridden anywhere besides the racetrack? It’s a very good question considering those kinds of revs are usually only seen on MotoGP bikes but the thing that will leave most riders gob-smacked to hear is that this little FireBlade reaches that kind of rpm at street-legal speeds. This means that a rider can hit the redline rpm on their way to work.
On the open road getting that motor to sing and shriek is a cinch all while not getting any unwanted attention from the local police. The bike is a thrill to ride, listening to those pistons whine and all the strain make you feel like you are going much faster than you really are. The MC22 is one of the few ways to feel extreme revs off of a racetrack at street legal speeds, cementing the motorcycle's place in history.
Honda Engineering At Its Finest
The engine of the 250RR is a 249cc liquid-cooled, inline-four with four carburetors. The engine pumps out a modest 44 Horsepower and 18 ft-lb of torque but of course, overall power isn't really what this engine is about. If the motor is running at 20,000rpm that means each valve has to open roughly 167 times per second. For it to run at this incredible speed and still work like a Honda, which is to say, like clockwork, it requires a gear-driven camshaft because chain driven is simply not precise enough. Rapid revolutions mean when the motor is pushed the G forces that are working within put enormous strain on the engine. So the only way to keep it all together is to make every part with extreme precision, with minute tolerances.
Hearing about the 90s Honda CBR250RR might leave readers wondering how available and how affordable the motorcycle is, and the answer currently is; yes to both. Over the past couple of years, the legendary Honda has been migrating stateside. This is partly due to the 25 year rule making an international vehicle over 25 years old exempt from current regulations making it easy to import. This is fantastic news for anyone who wants to experience a serious screamer like this on the road and not have to be confined to a racetrack. The bike has a low curb weight of 346 pounds and has adjustable suspension, it is very responsive and handles well even by today’s standards. The classic Honda is thankfully very affordable, ranging from $8,000 capping out at $15,000 so far on the market. It is the perfect time to pick up one of these classic bikes and ride off screaming into the sunset like it is 1990.