Why Honda Discontinued This Popular Bike In India?

Now, many of you may be wondering about which bike we are talking about. Well, this was one of Honda’s first sports bikes in India, whose design was inspired by its flagship VFR1200 and even today, enthusiasts love this sports bike. So, why did Honda discontinue this masterpiece? 
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Why Was The Honda CBR250R So Special?

If you haven’t guessed it already, it is none other than the CBR250R. Launched in 2011, the CBR250R was Honda’s most affordable sports bike not only for India but also for other international markets. Like every other Honda, the CBR was reliable and very refined, allowing for a smooth and serene riding experience. As it was inspired by the Honda VFR1200F, the CBR250R was more of a sports tourer with a comfortable riding triangle. Moreover, the CBR was one of the most well-rounded bikes in terms of design, performance, comfort and reliability. The bike was so capable that you can take it to the track, you can tour with the bike and then use it for your daily commute. Even today, many praise the CBR250R for being analogue, simple and yet very fun to ride. 

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Its 249.6cc engine produced 25.7bhp and 23Nm of torque along with a smooth 6-speed gearbox. No complex electronics, no screens, no features, just a pure riding experience. The only safety feature it received was ABS, which was a good addition. However, it did not do anything else. When compared to today’s 250cc bikes, the CBR250R might seem outdated in terms of everything. But if you hop on the Honda and take it for a short ride, it will definitely bring a smile to your face. You will forget the features and the screen, and just enjoy the tactile and mechanical riding feel. So, if the CBR was such a special bike, why was it discontinued?

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Honda CBR250R Discontinued

Well, Honda decided to discontinue the bike for a few reasons. Honda was not very happy with sales, which kept declining gradually. Around 2017, Honda decided to discontinue the bike as it was not very feasible for the brand, considering low sales and intense competition among other brands. Other brands were offering more power and features, which attracted many buyers towards the new bikes. So, in 2017, the bike was officially discontinued. However, in 2018, Honda launched the CBR250R with a BS4-compliant engine and a new LED headlight, along with a few cosmetic changes.

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Unfortunately, the sales were quite stagnant or even lower. Moving forward with this bike seemed like a challenge to Honda. This is because the stringent BS6 norms were being enforced in India. Honda would have to re-engineer the engine to meet the norms, which would need more funds and effort. So, Honda decided to discontinue the CBR250R in 2020, after which the sports tourer was never revived. You can still find the legendary bike in the used car market, and if you are looking to buy a used bike, this is still one of the best bikes you could pick.