Photo: ED type Racy-looking 17" five-spoke cast aluminium wheels mount wide, low-profile tubeless tyres for light handling and responsive control on both city streets and winding mountain roads. Attractive, aerodynamic meter assembly mounts large-face, fully electronic speedometer and tachometer dials in a sleek package that accentuates the CBF250’s speedy looks. Meters also include a large liquid-crystal odometer/trip meter/clock display and a handy fuel gauge for a highly visible indication of operating parameters. Sporty stainless steel canister exhaust system fea- tures built-in catalytic heat tube to reduce harmful emissions while providing an exciting exhaust note from its angled endpiece. Lightweight and rigid box-section aluminium swingarm sprung by an effec- tive Monoshock damper system for pro- gressive operation that provides superb riding comfort and confident control when the riding gets brisk and the roads twisty. Large-diameter 276mm drilled front disc brake rotor gripped by a lightweight and compact dual-piston calliper combines with a leading/trailing rear drum brake to assure quick and confident braking control. High-performance 37mm front fork provides precise handling and 130mm of smoothly compliant operation for excellent road tracking capability. Bright multi-reflector headlight and beautifully integrated taillight combine with compact, sporty-looking indicators to keep riding and visibility easy well after the sun goes down. Quick-revving air-cooled DOHC 4-valve single-cylinder engine provides strong midrange power output for quick acceleration and responsive performance. A built-in balancer keeps the ride smooth and comfortable, while a high-capacity oil cooler maintains steady performance however hot the riding becomes. Crisp, modern European styling makes the new CBF250 a true leader of its class, with a gorgeously contoured 16-litre fuel tank and wide, comfortable tandem seat contributing to its superb comfort and control.
Transcript
Photo: ED type
Racy-looking 17" five-spoke castaluminium wheels mount wide, low-profiletubeless tyres for light handling andresponsive control on both city streetsand winding mountain roads.
Attractive, aerodynamic meter assemblymounts large-face, fully electronic speedometerand tachometer dials in a sleek package thataccentuates the CBF250’s speedy looks. Metersalso include a large liquid-crystal odometer/tripmeter/clock display and a handy fuel gauge for ahighly visible indication of operating parameters.
Sporty stainless steelcanister exhaust system fea-tures built-in catalytic heat tubeto reduce harmful emissionswhile providing an excitingexhaust note from its angledendpiece.
Lightweight and rigid box-sectionaluminium swingarm sprung by an effec-tive Monoshock damper system for pro-gressive operation that provides superbriding comfort and confident controlwhen the riding gets brisk and the roadstwisty.
Large-diameter 276mm drilled frontdisc brake rotor gripped by a lightweight andcompact dual-piston calliper combines with aleading/trailing rear drum brake to assurequick and confident braking control.
High-performance 37mm front forkprovides precise handling and 130mm ofsmoothly compliant operation for excellentroad tracking capability.
Bright multi-reflector headlight and beautifullyintegrated taillight combine with compact, sporty-lookingindicators to keep riding and visibility easy well after thesun goes down.
Quick-revving air-cooled DOHC 4-valve single-cylinder engine provides strongmidrange power output for quick acceleration and responsive performance. A built-inbalancer keeps the ride smooth and comfortable, while a high-capacity oil coolermaintains steady performance however hot the riding becomes.
Crisp, modern European styling makesthe new CBF250 a true leader of its class, with a gorgeously contoured 16-litre fuel tank andwide, comfortable tandem seat contributing toits superb comfort and control.
2004
CBF250 PRESS INFORMATION
2004 CBF250 - E2
Introduction
The intermediate 250cc motorcycle class commands a small but important
segment of the European motorcycle market, providing an easy and economical step
up from the license- and power-restricted entry-level 125cc class on the way to the
more challenging models of the 600cc midrange class and beyond.
Honda produces several models in this class, including its Jazz and Foresight big
scooters, the Rebel 250 American-style cruiser, and the basic standard CB250, which
has enjoyed over a decade of steady sales owing to its low entry cost, stable
performance and almost bullet-proof reliability, not to mention its dramatically lower
insurance and road tax charges compared to the big bikes. However, in spite of these
advantages, the class has continued to lack much in the way of excitement and strong
appeal in its on-road segment that could attract new users to this comfortable and
highly satisfying range of motorcycling enjoyment.
Honda has long felt that what the class needed was a more sporty and exciting
new offering that combines sleek, highly attractive styling touches with full-bodied
riding performance that could attract a broader cross-section of riders, both those who
are relatively new to the sport and more experienced riders looking for a relatively
cheap runabout. A compact, confidence-inspiring and highly economical mount offering
features more often associated with much larger displacement machines, with plentiful
power and sharply responsive handling to keep the fun meter running high.
So, for 2004, Honda developed an all-new 250cc standard with a more sporty
outlook to succeed the venerable CB250. One that injects a lively new feeling of
excitement into the class with sharp and modern style, impressive get-up-and-go, and
swiftly responsive handling that really lets a rider experience the fundamental joys of
motorcycle riding through its strong acceleration and effortless cornering control. A
new name that all of Europe will soon come to know and love—the new CBF250.
2004 CBF250 - E3
Development Concept
Adding a much-needed jolt of spice to the often overlooked 250cc class, the new
CBF250 was designed to set pulses racing with swift-looking styling and light,
responsive performance that never fails to excite. No boring, low-cost two-wheeled
transporter, the new CBF incorporates many of the top performance features of Honda’s
most popular street bikes in a compact and light-handling configuration that quickly
brings a smile to the face of all who ride it.
Built for easy and inexpensive fun, the CBF’s rush of exciting acceleration comes
by way of a new DOHC 4-stroke single-cylinder engine that pumps out a satisfying
charge of power for a wide variety of riding scenes, from quick cross-town trips to daily
city commutes to breathtaking sweeps through tight mountain and coastline twisties.
The CBF’s chassis and handling was also specially configured for exciting yet always
confident control, with smoothly responsive suspension components and wide tyres
providing not only the look but the exhilarating feel of full sport riding-oriented
performance.
Besides its sporty looks and performance, the new CBF250 was also designed to
be rugged, reliable and up-to-date with Europe’s latest emissions regulations,
providing a wealth of riding fun with minimal impact on the environment—and a
rider’s pocketbook.
For exciting and economical riding enjoyment, nothing comes close to the new
CBF250 for its class-leading combination of looks, performance and all-round
dependability. Just one ride proves it.
2004 CBF250 - E4
Styling
The new CBF250 sets a whole new standard in 250cc-class streetbike
performance and aggressive style with a slim, sleek and sporty design that should
prove to be a big attraction for a wide range of riders, whether new to the sport or
experienced enough to know that big fun very often comes in small packages.
Displaying its engine to maximum effect, the new CBF’s compact naked
configuration makes it a great all-round fun bike and daily commuter, with clean,
curvaceous lines tapering back from the wide, smoothly integrated shrouds
surrounding the front of its fuel tank into the sharp edge of its tail for a look of swift,
quick-handling performance. These shrouds also direct a large volume of air at higher
speeds to both the engine’s head area and its frame-mounted oil cooler for enhanced
cooling efficiency. Up front, a sleekly curved, colour-matched mudguard features a
sporty aerodynamic form that closely hugs the perimeter of the wide front tyre.
The CBF’s beautifully contoured 16-litre fuel tank is large for its class, for a
greatly extended range of riding enjoyment between refills. Its form curves inward at
the back to meet the narrow front lines of the overlapping seat, providing the rider
with a comfortable riding position for both easy commuting and quick handling when
the tarmac gets twisty. Medium height handlebars offer excellent leverage for quick
and effortless changes of direction, giving riders of all sizes and levels of experience
greater confidence to ride fast and corner smoothly.
The seat’s stepped shape also provides pillion passengers with a broad, firm and
comfortable mount, further assisted by a pair of tubular steel hand grips protruding out
from under either side of the seat, and foot rests mounted to the frame on sturdy and
attractive cast aluminium step holders.
The CBF’s distinctive aluminium-finish sidecovers suggest the look of a high-
tech sportbike frame design, their lines blending with the cast aluminium step holder
pivot plates to accentuate the bike’s look of quality and technical refinement. Behind
them resides a powerful maintenance-free battery providing plenty of charge for
instant engine starts in all conditions.
Even the CBF’s wheels accentuate its agile sportbike looks with slim, racer-style
spokes, wide, low-profile tyres and an impressive large-diameter front disc brake.
2004 CBF250 - E5
Fully Electronic Instruments
The CBF’s stylish meter assembly mounts its large speedometer and tachometer
dials inside a single, sleek aerodynamic package that accentuates the bike’s speedy
looks. These high-accuracy, fully electronic meters are joined by a handy fuel gauge
and a large liquid-crystal odometer/trip meter display that also provides a clock
readout. Large, bright LED indicators provide a highly visible warning of standard
operating parameters.
Bright Multi-Reflector Headlight
With its clear front lens and large internal reflector, the CBF’s bright multi-
reflector headlight keeps the riding confident well after the sun goes down, providing a
brilliant, long-distance view of the night-time road ahead. At the back, a high-visibility
multi-reflector taillight is beautifully integrated into the underside of the slim upswept
tail cowl for an impressive closing statement on the CBF’s sporty riding intentions.
Front and rear indicators are compact and brightly visible.
2004 CBF250 - E6
Colouring Concept
The new CBF250 will be released in three attractive colour variations that best
accentuate its sleekly modern design. A rich metallic silver complements the metal
finish of the CBF’s engine, exhaust and sidecovers for an accentuated look of urban
style, while bright candy red and solid black emphasise its inherent agility and spunky
performance. Large, sharply angled sidecovers and lightweight 5-spoke wheels share a
silvery sheen like bare metal that further corroborate the CBF’s impressive sport
riding credentials.
Colours
• Force Silver Metallic
• Candy Bromeria Red
• Black
2004 CBF250 - E7
Engine
Sporty DOHC 4-Valve Performance
The new CBF250 is powered by the first new 250cc-class air-cooled single-
cylinder engine Honda has introduced on the European market in well over a decade.
Like the most powerful sportbikes on the road today, this new engine features a pair of
chain-driven camshafts in a highly efficient double overhead cam (DOHC)
configuration that directly actuate the compact combustion chamber’s four valves for a
major step up in performance compared to its predecessors—a full 15kW (or 20.4PS)
of peak output compared to the two-cylinder CB Two-Fifty’s 13.4kW (18.2PS).
However, peak power output is not where the CBF250 was meant to excel.
Instead, this quick-revving DOHC single delivers a satisfying rush of acceleration
from deep in its powerband, with a strong midrange to zip a rider up to speed and
through traffic with confident ease, for a major boost in riding fun and excitement that
reacts instantly to every input. Its highly responsive 32mm constant velocity
carburettor combines with an advanced digital electronic ignition system to ensure
strong, reliable performance throughout its rev range, while a push-button electric
starter combines with the hot-firing ignition to make start-ups quick and easy, and
ensure smooth and strong operation right from the start.
Besides being lighter and simpler in configuration, the head’s shim-under-
bucket lifters also maintain more precise valve clearance settings over much longer
service intervals than conventional screw-type adjusters, for both reduced maintenance
and more reliable performance at higher engine speeds.
Once up and running, the engine’s built-in balancer chases away the buzz of
secondary vibration for an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride for this class of
motorcycle. And since the new CBF250’s sporty appearance almost begs to be ridden
hard, a compact yet high-capacity oil cooler takes up position under the steering head
to ensure that stable engine temperatures are constantly maintained for smooth, strong
and reliable performance, however hot the riding becomes.
High Fuel Economy and Low Emissions
2004 CBF250 - E8
The new CBF250 is also a miser with fuel, a feature that will certainly appeal to
rider pocketbooks as much as its sleek styling tickles one’s sense of riding enjoyment.
Its engine’s four-valve configuration ensures optimum combustion efficiency for both
top performance and a longer riding range on a tankful of fuel.
The engine’s DOHC 4-valve head also makes a significant contribution toward
reducing emissions of harmful exhaust gases. Exhaust emissions are further reduced
by a built-in Air Induction system, which feeds a jet of fresh air into the exhaust port
to ensure more complete burning of exiting gases. After this, a perforated catalytic
heat tube installed at the entrance to the exhaust system’s silencer scrubs down
emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrous oxides(NOX) and hydrocarbons (HC) to
achieve cleaner exhaust that easily passes Europe’s strict EURO-2 emissions
regulations.
Finally, the light staccato exhaust note purring out of the tilted end of the
exhaust system’s attractive canister-style stainless steel silencer provides an
exhilarating accompaniment to all the quick and lively riding fun the CBF has in store.
Quick-Shifting 6-Speed Transmission
The CBF also features a close-ratio six-speed transmission which has been
specially configured to take optimum advantage of the engine’s broad band of power
for an impressive combination of swift acceleration and strong performance in all
riding situations, whether dicing through dense traffic or climbing hills in a bout of
sport riding fun.
2004 CBF250 - E9
Chassis
The CBF250 gains its sporty handling by way of a lightweight and rigid semi-
double cradle frame that incorporates a large-diameter steel tube backbone and square-
section front downtube for enhanced resistance to the torsional stresses generated by
spirited sport riding.
High-Performance Suspension
Suspension components are also top-notch, with a sturdy 37mm fork up front
providing both excellent rigidity for precise handling and 130mm of smoothly
compliant operation for excellent road tracking capability.
The new CBF also features a lightweight and rigid box-section aluminium
swingarm, which is effectively supported by a monoshock damper for 100mm of
progressive axle travel that provides superb riding comfort and confident control when
the riding gets brisk and the roads twisty.
Lightweight, Sporty-Looking Cast Aluminium Wheels
Grippy, low-profile tubeless tyres, including an ultra-wide rear tread, are
mounted on racy-looking 17-inch 5-spoke cast aluminium wheels, providing light
handling and impeccable control in both city traffic and on twisty mountain roads.
Strong, Responsive Brakes
Adding to its look and feel of sporty performance, the front wheel mounts a large-
diameter 276mm drilled disc brake rotor which is quickly and confidently stopped by a
lightweight and compact dual-piston calliper that assures instantly responsive braking
control. Operation is smooth and linear, providing confidently strong stopping power
which requires very little time to become accustomed. At the back, a 130mm
