Honda has recently unveiled 2013 models of the VTR250 and the VTR250F sports bikes for Japan only. Both the bikes are powered by 250cc V-Twin motor which generates 29.9 bhp of power at 10,500 RPM and peak torque of 22 Nm at 8500 RPM. The engine breathes via 4 valves which are actuated by Double Over Head Camshafts (DOHC). The engine features fuel injection technology and liquid cooling which is common among bikes in Japan. A five-speed manual transmission gearbox takes care of transmission duties, while the suspension setup comprises 41mm telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock. One of the biggest highlights of the bike is the red trellis frame that straddles a 110/70-17 wheel at the front and 140/70-17 at the rear, with twin piston brakes upfront.
The two models differ only in their external styling. While the VTR250 is a naked bike, the VTR250F gets a half-fairing design. The instrument cluster is also a little different – the VTR250F has an analogue tachometer with a LCD screen, while the VTR250 gets a smaller LCD screen with two analogue dials. Prices start at 3.28 lakh rupees (567,000 yen) and 3.39 lakh rupees (588,000 yen) for the VTR250 and VTR250F respectively.
In case you’re not familiar with the VTR250, it’s been made for years, starting as the VT250F back in 1982. It went through various forms, gaining an ‘R’ for the Interceptor VTR250 in 1988 – a kind of mini-VFR750 in terms of appearance – before disappearing in1990. After a hiatus, the bike re-emerged in 1997 with looks that were either ‘inspired by’ or ‘ripped off from’ the Ducati Monster, depending on your point of view. A facelift in 2009 created the latest version. The twins, especially the VTR250 seems to have potential in India but alas, Honda won’t bring these Japan-only bikes here.
Also see – Rumor – Honda could launch a naked streetfighter version of CBR250R
