Honda CBR 250 MC22 Review

Today, I am thrilled to discuss one of the most remarkable motorcycles of all time, the Honda CBR250RR MC22, often referred to as the CBR Gullarm. This extraordinary motorbike has revolutionized the motorcycle industry with its innovative features and distinctive design.

The MC22 astounds with its riding experience, whether on a gentle suburban street or blazing down a highway. More than just its performance, it symbolizes a distinctive epoch in motorbike history with its iconic construction and aesthetics. Deal for both motorcycling novices and dedicated collectors, the MC22 presents a tangible and vivid visualization of what perfection on two wheels looks like. Its unique appeal resides in the delightful blend of straightforward usability and the fantastic nostalgia it brings to enthusiasts of motorcycle history.

In comparison to its competitors, the CBR Gullarm confidently stands its ground, whilst permeating radiance of respect rather than a demeaning aura. Its distinctive superiority doesn't undermine others, but instead affirms the heights that design and engineering can reach when working in perfect unison. As we delve deeper into the majesty of the Honda CBR250RR MC22, it becomes evident why this motorbike has carved a permanent space in the annals of motorcycle history. It's an exemplary illustration of a classic era, making it a compelling choice for anyone with an affinity for historic motorbikes or an appreciation for motorcycling history in general.

Let’s talk a bit about the history of this bike. Honda CBR250RR MC22 is based on MC14, MC17 and MC19 and was first released in 1990 with a new improved look and technology. Brom 1990 to 1999 there were 3 models of this bike with power output between 40 and 45BHP. Designed exclusively for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), the Honda CBR250RR MC22 has always been a unique motorcycle. One might wonder why Honda decided to create a bike specifically for the JDM. While this detail remains elusive, it adds to the bike's historical context and intrigue, captivating both learners and collectors.

Despite Honda's targeted marketing strategy, this bike has found its way to riders around the globe, thanks to the efforts of third-party resellers. These resellers, instead of Honda, brought the CBR250RR MC22 to the international stage. The distribution process implies the resellers' dedication to introducing remarkable bikes like this to different markets. However, the exact mechanics behind how they navigated around Honda's domestic focus to globalize the bike would surely make for an interesting investigation.

Honda Hornet 250 and Honda Jade 250—these are other JDM-specific bikes worth mentioning. While we won't delve into detail on these models here, a future comparison could offer interesting insights into Honda’s strategy for the JDM and how these models compare to the CBR250RR MC22.

In this journey through the story of the Honda CBR250RR MC22, it's intriguing to explore how a bike, initially intended for one market, captured the attention of riders worldwide. Whether the reader is a seasoned biker or simply someone interested in unique stories, there's undoubtedly something fascinating here for everyone.

Please refer below for model numbers according to the manufactured year

1990 – Japan

Name: Honda CBR250RR

Frame: MC22-100~

Code: CBR400RR-L

 

1992 – Japan

Name: Honda CBR250RR

Frame: MC22-105~

Code: CBR250RR-N

 

1994-1999 – Japan

Name: Honda CBR250RR

Frame: MC22-110~

Code: CBR250RR-R

 

Engine, Power output, Top speed

First, let’s talk about the engine, this bike is equipped with a 249cc Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC in-line 4-cylinder engine. This engine can produce the max output that is possible from a 250cc four-stroke engine. Because this engine is equipped with DOHC (Dual overhead camshaft) technology it can be more costly than other bikes in this engine capacity. This bike can produce up to 45BHP, and can reach 0-100 between 5-6 seconds. If we talk about top speed this bike can reach up to 180kmph and sometimes even more than that. However, CBR 250 Fireblade model which was produced after 1994 was capped at 40BHP due to legal reasons.

Cooling

As most of the 250cc bikes that were produced by Honda at that time this bike is also equipped with a liquid cooling system. Because this engine is 4 cylinders and 16 valves compared to other 200cc – 250cc bikes this engine produced more heat, for this all, liquid cooling was the most suitable cooling system. Cons of having a liquid cooling system are that its so much costly than maintaining an air-cooled engine and also in case of an accident these parts were very costly and hard to replace.

Gear, Clutch, fuel supply

Honda CBR250RR is equipped with a six-speed gearbox and a Wet multiple plate coil springs clutch. With this clutch we can change gears in any speed without any noise. Fuel supply of this bike is equipped with a 29mm Keihin Carburetor. We can expect up to 18-25 kmpl fuel efficiency with a 13-litter fuel tank and 1.6 litter reserve capacity.

Design

If we talk about the design of this bike, we can clearly see that Honda focused more on rider than the passenger. The body fairing and all are designed to achieve high speeds while maintaining stability. If you’re always riding with a passenger this is not the bike for you. Because the passenger seat is located high and the foot pegs are also located high. If you always ride with a passenger Honda Hornet 250 will match your requirements better.

Full body kit of this bike is manufactured with plastic and fiber. Because this bike was last manufactured in 1999 there is no original body kits available in the market. If somehow you get into an accident or broke your body kit you will have to make a fiberglass body kit or will have to settle for a Chinese body kit.

This bike is equipped with an analogue meter panel. This is common for a bike that was built in the 90s. this meter panel is equipped with RPM, speed ODO, trip and temperature gauges.

As the head light Honda has used two 60/35-watt halogen lamp lights and 18/5-watt tail lights with 15-watt signal lights. 

Suspension, breaks, tyres

Honda CBR250RR is equipped with front 37mm Conventional Forks and rear mono shocks.  These suspensions are commonly used in bikes that were manufactured at that time.

If we talk about breaking Honda has equipped 275mm double disc brakes with dual-piston nisin callipers. In recent days front double discs are only equipped in high-capacity bikes only, but with the 4cylinder 250cc engine double discs are a must and with these breaks, riders can ride at top speed without thinking about breaks. With double disks, we get safety and a sporty premium look. Rear brakes are equipped with 220mm single disc with a single nisin piston calliper. Honda has equipped this bike with 110/70 front tyres and 140/60 rear tyres with 17-inch alloy wheels.

At last, this bike is now most suitable as a beginner bike or a collectable, because most of the bikes that are on the market are older than 20 years and to find a bike without any errors is so hard.

Hope you gained some knowledge through this post. If you have any questions, please fill the contact form.

Until the next post, be safe and keep riding ✌