Racer replicas with 250cc 4-cylinder engines were created during the frenzied motorcycle boom of the 1980s, and each manufacturer introduced the latest technology. The MC22 "CBR250RR," which was in production for about 8 years, can be considered the perfect example of HONDA's 4-stroke 250cc replica.
HONDA's 4-Stroke 250cc 4-Cylinder "CBR" Series
The motorcycle boom that took off in the 1980s led to a dramatic evolution of motorcycles, especially those in the 250-400cc range. The reason for the extraordinary evolution of this class of motorcycle was due to the licensing system, which allowed riders to drive with the so-called "medium-sized license" of the time. Especially in the 250cc class, which was not subject to vehicle inspection, there was a kind of war between manufacturers of both 2-stroke and 4-stroke motorcycles, who put their prestige on the line and introduced new models every year.
The first 4-stroke 4-cylinder engine to be introduced in the 250cc class was the GS250FW, introduced in 1983. The GS250FW was powered by a liquid-cooled DOHC 2-valve 4-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 36PS. Yamaha's FZ250 Fazer, introduced in 1985, was powered by a liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve 4-cylinder engine, which produced a maximum output of 45 PS at 14500 rpm.
In 1986, the year after the shocking introduction of the Fazer, HONDA debuted the MC14 “CBR250Four” equipped with a liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve 4-cylinder engine.The specifications of the MC14E engine mounted on this model were almost the same as those of the Fazer, with maximum output of 45 PS at 14500 rpm and maximum torque of 2.5 kgm at 10500 rpm, but it was equipped with the most advanced technology of the time, including a cam gear train system. The new model was priced at aroundPHP210,400 (JPY549,000), around PHP19,1700 (JPY50,000) more expensive than the Fazer, because of its aluminum twin-tube diamond body and 17-inch wheels, which were just starting to be used at the time.
The first model, the MC14 "CBR250Four," was equipped with a DOHC 4-valve inline 4-cylinder engine with cam gear train delivering 45PS, mounted on an aluminum frame.
In response to the CBR's appearance, Yamaha introduced the "FZR250" in December 1986, equipped with dual headlights, a full cowl, and 17-inch wheels. In 1987, HONDA debuted the MC17 "CBR250R" with the pet name of Hurricane, wearing the aero design that HONDA was using for its CBR series at the time. The frame and engine were basically the same as those of the "CBR250Four," but the new model's combat power was enhanced by changes such as a larger-diameter carburetor, a large-capacity stainless steel exhaust system, and a disc rear brake.
The MC17 "CBR250R," based on the MC14 model and equipped with an aero-designed full cowl, was given the pet name "Hurricane."
However, the "CBR250R Hurricane" underwent a full model change to the MC19 "CBR250R" in 1988. While the engine was based on the MC14E model, it adopted the same dual headlights as the rival FZR, and the body design was greatly modified to the so-called racer-replica style. The frame was also changed to a twin-tube aluminum frame with an irregular 5-digit figure cross section, and the front brake discs were enlarged in diameter and the rear tire widened.
The MC19 "CBR250R" adopts a new frame and a racer-replica style with dual headlights modeled after its sibling, the CBR400RR.
In 1989, the 4-stroke 250cc racer-replica boom reached its peak with the introduction of the aluminum-framed "FZR250R" from Yamaha, the "GSX-R250R" from Suzuki, and the "ZXR250" from Kawasaki. Then, in 1990, HONDA fully remodeled the MC19 model and launched the MC22 "CBR250RR.
The MC22 "CBR250RR" evolved as a full-spec replica with a new frame that concentrates more mass and a double-disc front brake.
The aluminum frame combined with an aluminum swing arm and full cowl is a cost-effective solution.
MC22 "CBR250RR" equipped with MC14 series engine and completely newly designed chassis
The MC22 "CBR250RR," the 4th generation model equipped with the MC14 engine, was entirely redesigned with "high-dimensional human fitting" as the key concept in its development to enhance the sense of unity between the driver and the machine and to pursue the joy of driving.
The chassis is compact and light, and the handlebar position is higher than that of the NSR and other models, making it an easy position for a racer replica.
A 171cm tall, 65kg rider straddles the motorcycle. Both feet are firmly planted on the heels of the motorcycle, and the light weight of the motorcycle makes it easy to maneuver.
The MC22's design is a racer replica with dual-type headlights and a single seat, but its evolution in terms of utility cannot be overlooked. The rear seat is hinged open and has a 5.5-liter utility space underneath, and everyday usability features such as a retractable pillion step that doubles as a cargo hook.
The face design is sporty and tailored with dual headlights reminiscent of endurance racers.
The meter is a trinocular type with a tachometer engraved up to 20,000 rpm in the center, and is sponge-mounted for a racy look.
The left switch box is compact with all necessary switches. The clutch is a cable type.
On the right side, the switch box and throttle holder are separate, creating a racy image.
The fuel tank has a racer replica design with a gouged knee grip. It has a sufficient capacity of 13 liters.
The seat is thin and compact, typical of a racer replica, with a large step between it and the tandem seat.
The pillion seat can be opened on hinges, and a utility space is provided under the seat. The round, two-light taillight is also a distinctive feature.
Aluminum is mainly used around the steps, but the heel plate is made of plastic for a more racy effect.
A lever labeled "PUSH" is attached to the side of the seat cowl.
By operating this lever, the pillion step, which is folded inside, comes out.
The engine is based on the MC14E model, but the intake air passage from the air cleaner to the carburetor and combustion chamber is arranged in a nearly straight line to achieve high filling efficiency in combination with the newly designed port shape. The rigidity of the connecting rods and crankshaft has been increased to improve response in the mid- to low-speed range. In addition, a direct air intake, which directly introduces outside air from the front of the front cowl, has been adopted to promote the introduction of fresh air for combustion and improve efficiency. This engine initially delivered maximum output of 45PS at 15,000rpm and maximum torque of 2.5kgm at 12,000rpm, but these were changed to 40PS at 14,500rpm and maximum torque of 2.4kgm at 11,500rpm at the 1994 model change to meet voluntary regulations. This MC14E series engine was also used in the naked models “Jade” and “Hornet” and was produced until 2007.
The engine housed under the undercowl is the MC14E model, which has been used since the first generation model while undergoing a series of refinements. Maximum output is 45PS at 15,000rpm.
The exhaust system is of a racy design with a separate silencer that produces a high-pitched exhaust note.
The frame is a newly designed aluminum LCG (Low Center of Gravity) twin-tube frame type with a low center of gravity to thoroughly pursue the concentration of inertial mass, and a newly shaped gull arm is used for the swing arm to ensure high rigidity and to efficiently layout exhaust pipes. The wheels are spring-loaded to reduce weight. Lightweight 6-spoke aluminum wheels are used to reduce the sprung weight, and wide radial tires (11/70-17 front, 140/60-17 rear) are mounted on the wheels. The front brakes are double discs for enhanced stopping power.
It is given high-strength front forks and lightweight 6-spoke type cast aluminum wheels.
The brakes are of the double-disc type, providing both high controllability and stopping power.
The swing arm is made of lightweight and rigid aluminum, and the right side is a gull arm with a large curve to allow more freedom for the exhaust system.
The rear brake is a single disc type with a single pod caliper. The wheels are 6-spoke cast aluminum like the front.
The MC14 has undergone a full model change every year since the MC14, but the MC22 continued to be manufactured until 2000 with only minor changes. Although the naked boom made it difficult to develop racer replicas as before, it should be considered that there was a certain level of need for them. The MC22 CBR250RR, which was in production for almost 10 years, is a machine that will remain in the history books as one that is packed with HONDA's 4-stroke technology. After production of the MC22 was discontinued, the CBR name disappeared from the 250cc class for a long time, but in 2011, the MC41 "CBR250R" with a single-cylinder engine was introduced, and in 2017, the MC51 "CBR250RR" with a two-cylinder engine, popularly known as the "two-double" engine, was introduced. The "CBR" name is once again leading the 250cc class.
The MC41 "CBR250R," which revived the CBR name in the 250cc class in 2011, has a single engine mounted on a steel frame.
The MC51 CBR250RR, introduced in 2017, is a sportier model equipped with a parallel two-cylinder engine that produces 38 PS.
CBR250RR Major Specifications (1990)
Overall Length x Width x Height: 1975 x 675 x 1080 mm
Wheelbase: 1345mm
Seat Height: 725mm
Vehicle Weight: 157kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve inline 4-cylinder 249cc
Maximum Output: 45 PS/15000rpm
Max. Torque: 2.5kgm/12000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed return
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13L
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tire: F=110/70-17, R=140/60-17
Price: approx. PHP229,671 or JPY599,000 (price at that time)
Photography Cooperation: Bike O Discontinued Model Gallery
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