The updated Honda CBR250R has been launched in India and is likely to pose a threat to another 250cc sports tourer, the Yamaha Fazer 25. We do a paper comparison to find out how do they stack up against each other.
Thanks to the KTM Duke 250, Yamaha FZ25 and Fazer 25, the 250cc segment in India is still breathing. The Honda CBR250R was a contender too but since April 2017, it was missing from the action courtesy its inability to meet the BS-4 emission norms. However, now things have changed. The 2018 BS-4 compliant CBR250R has been launched and the prices too have been announced. So, does the 250cc sports-tourer have what it takes to give its rival a run for its money, let’s find out.
Design and Looks – The CBR250R retains the same design as the previous BS-3 spec CBR250R but gets new body graphics and new colour schemes, that’s all and for just this Honda made enthusiasts wait for almost a year! Not that the current CBR250R looks bad but just that we have been seeing the same old design for the last 7 years now. The Fazer 25, on the other hand, is essentially the FZ25 with a full fairing. The motorcycle has a love it or hate it design and we honestly were expecting at least dual headlights (like the Fazer 150) on the full fairing. If we had to pick one, only based on the looks, eyes closed it would be the Honda.
Dimensions – In terms of sheer dimensions, both the CBR and Fazer are closely matched. However, the CBR is marginally longer and taller while the Fazer is slightly wider. While the CBR250R has an advantage in terms of the seat height (at 784 mm as opposed to Fazer’s 795 mm) the Fazer’s wheelbase at 1360 mm is slightly shorter than the CBR’s 1369 mm. These would not make big differences in the real world as the figures are varying just marginally.
Features – Both the motorcycles here get a full LED headlight, disc brakes for the front and rear wheels and chunkier rubber but the Fazer 25 also offers a fully digital instrument console and LED tail-light. However, the CBR250R proves to be a safer choice owing to the optional dual-channel ABS it offers while the Fazer 25 clearly misses out on one. Both the motorcycles employ telescopic forks up front and a monoshock at the rear.
Performance – Apart from being BS-4 compliant, the CBR250R’s 249.6cc liquid-cooled and fuel-injected engine mechanically remains the same as the BS-3 CBR250R. It produces 26.5 PS of power and 22.9 Nm of torque while the Fazer 25’s 249cc air and oil-cooled powerplant makes 20.9 PS of power and 20 Nm of torque. Clearly, the Honda has an advantage in terms of sheer power and torque output. The CBR250R’s motor is also more tractable given the fact that it gets a 6-speed gearbox as opposed to the Fazer 25’s 5-speed unit.
Verdict – Given how price-conscious the Indian market is, there is no doubt that the Fazer 25’s price tag of Rs. 1.29 lakhs makes it the country’s most affordable fully faired 250cc sports tourer. But it all boils down to what you (as a buyer and an enthusiast) want from your sports tourer. The CBR250R is considerably expensive than the Fazer 25 but offers you a big-bike feel. Moreover, there’s an optional dual-channel ABS and most importantly, the 6th gear, that is vital for comfortable cruising on the highways.
Honda CBR250R vs Yamaha Fazer 25
