The 250cc class is hot!
We have just heard that Yamaha is currently developing a 250cc motorcycle with an inline 4 engine. While not yet certain, the story is interesting.
In the 250cc class, manufacturers have been releasing single-cylinder and parallel-twin engine models one after the other, but Kawasaki, with its ZX-25R inline 4 engine, has taken the lead. Of course, there was no way that other manufacturers would just sit back and watch this happen. One of the most attractive features of the Kawasaki ZX-25R is its 250cc 4-cylinder engine, which produces 51PS (with RAM air intake) at 15,500rpm. Also, let's not forget the high-pitched sound. It has the latest advanced electronic control parts such as Quickshifter, Traction Control, Riding Mode, and ABS.
The Kawasaki ZX-25R is the most talked-about motorcycle in the world.
Kawasaki ZXR250R 1989 model, a pure racer replica that also featured the first inverted front fork in the 250 class. In addition to the side camshaft chain, down draft carburetor, throttle sensor, and e-box aluminum frame, it was based on the ZX-4, but with higher performance.
So, the first to react to that information was Yamaha. The R25M's specs, release date, and price are still lacking, but we're sure to find out soon enough. Yamaha, which has a musical instrument manufacturer in its family, is sure to be concerned about sound as well. With a history of supplying engines to Formula 1, it would be interesting to see if Yamaha would use their technology to create an ultra high-revving revving engine. It's also exciting to imagine that the motorcycle will have an R1M-like design like the R25 RACER that was displayed at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. If this information is true, it will make the 250cc class even more exciting.
The R25 Racer, the base of the top image, was displayed as a reference exhibit at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.
In 1989, it underwent a full model change from the previous model FZR250 and was renamed the FZR250R. The new delta box frame with better rigidity mounted the front-tilted 45-degrees straight 4 engine. Its driving parts were also reinforced, such as its disc brake with a variant piston caliper.
If Yamaha were to release a model with an inline 4 engine, Suzuki and Honda would not be able to keep quiet any longer.
In 1983, Suzuki launched the GS250FW as the world's first water-cooled 4-cylinder in the 250cc class. In recent years, Suzuki has also released the GIXXER250 with an oil-cooled 250cc engine, and it would be interesting if they were to develop an oil-cooled inline 4 engine.
The GIXXER SF250, surprisingly popular, is powered by a newly designed oil-cooled single-cylinder engine. The reason for its particularly high reputation is its high suspension performance.
Suzuki launched the GSX-R250 with a 4 valves engine in 1987. Although 4 valves are adopted to strengthen the characteristic in the high revolution range, the output characteristic is gentle, there is no peaking like 2-stroke replica, securing comfort in town ride.
Also, Honda, which at one time took the top spot in this class with its CBR250RR, would naturally enter the fray if all the manufacturers were competing with each other for the inline 4 engine. Of course, Honda has its own technology, such as the camshaft gear train, but it would be interesting to see if they dare to compete with the other manufacturers and enter this battle with a V2 engine. In fact, there is a rumor that Honda is also developing a 4-cylinder 250cc CBR250RR-R.
The parallel-twin CBR250RR with Yoshimura exhaust system looks pretty cool at this point, but if it had a 4-cylinder engine, it would be closer to the CBR1000RR-Rface.
The previous generation CBR250RR. It was brought to the market when the CBR400RR underwent its full model change. The ultra high rotation type engine, whose inhaling passage was mad almost straight, secured mid-low speed torque, and made the bike maneuverable even at extremely low speed.
Anyway, I can't take my eyes off the 250cc class motorcycles at the moment.
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