Honda has recently obtained a patent for the CBR250RR in India. However, despite this patent, it is highly unlikely that this particular bike will be introduced in the Indian market.
One of the standout features of the Honda CBR250RR is its liquid-cooled, 249cc, parallel-twin engine. In the standard version, it produces 38.7hp and 23.3Nm of torque, while the higher-spec SP version offers 42hp and 25Nm of torque. The engine is coupled with a 6-speed gearbox featuring a quickshifter. Weighing in at 166kg (or 168kg for the SP variant), it is slightly lighter than the KTM RC 390.
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However, it is important to note that the Honda CBR250RR does not share major components with any of the Honda motorcycles currently available in India. As a result, the likelihood of this sportbike being launched in India remains slim.
This patent filing seems to be a case of Honda protecting its intellectual property rights in India, similar to other trademarks like the Forza 350, Hawk 11 cafe racer, Winner X, and NS125LA scooters. The small-capacity sportbike market in India is already competitive, with established rivals such as the KTM RC 390 at the more affordable end and the parallel-twin Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Ninja 400 dominating the premium segment.
Furthermore, with the imminent launch of the Yamaha R3, the market space for the Honda CBR250RR becomes even narrower. Considering that the CBR250RR would be an imported product, its pricing is expected to be less competitive compared to its rivals in the market.