Honda VTR250 Roadster Announced for Europe

Another one for the cool-bike-we-can't-get-here files: Honda announced a revamped VTR250 naked-sports-standard for the European market. The new model, a revised version of the Japan-only VTR that's been on sale since 1997, gives yet another option to European motorcyclists looking for a fun, inexpensive and sporty machine. We probably won't see it in the U.S.

The VTR uses a 90-degree, four-valve, liquid-cooled V-Twin that has identical bore and stroke numbers to the motor you may remember in the 1989-1990 VTR 250 Interceptor sold here in the USA. Is it the same motor? I'd guess it is (or at least a derivative), and there's nothing worng with that: it's good for a claimed 29 hp at 10,500 rpm, about the same as Kawasaki's Ninja 250R. That motor rides around in style, bolted into a tube-steel trellis frame with a 55.3 inch wheelbase. Wheels are 17-inchers front and back, with bias-ply rubber, but a 41mm fork (Mr. Ninja uses 37mm tubes) should keep things stable. A floating 296mm brake disc and two-piston caliper in front should be enough to slow the 359 pounds of claimed wet weight. A 30.5-inch saddle height (identical to the Ninja) should make the bike attractive to the under-legged.

It's topped off with a tank, seat and instruments that look very much like a Ducati Monster's. In fact, this might be a bike frequently mistaken for a small Monster, but that should add to the appeal. Available accessories include an alarm and nav system. There's no European pricetag on it yet, but the Ninja 250R sells for the U.S. equivalent of about $5,900 (including tax and registration), so expect it to be priced about the same.

What do you think? Is there a market in the land of big spaces (and big people) for a small naked sportbike? Let us know. The American Honda folks read MD, too…

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