HONDA The Power of Dreams

In April 1986, Honda launched the CBR250 FOUR, the first 4-cylinder road sport model in the 250cc class to adopt a cam gear train. The CBR250 FOUR was powered by a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve 250cc 4-cylinder engine, and featured a cam gear train directly derived from racing machines. By ensuring precise valve actuation at high engine speeds, the engine delivered a maximum output of 45 PS at an extremely high 14,500 rpm. With a redline starting at 17,000 rpm, this engine was truly a piece of racing technology.

The 4into1 exhaust system and other features ensured easy handling characteristics in the mid to low rev range, for frequent riding in urban areas.

The CBR250 FOUR employed a twin-tube aluminum frame with an established reputation for racing bikes, providing excellent rigidity befitting the CBR name.

Honda's cam gear train technology traces its roots back to the RC160, which made its debut win in the Mount Asama Volcano Race in 1959, using a 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, 4-cylinder cam gear train engine with the same displacement as the CBR250 FOUR.

The RC162, which reflected the know-how gained from the RC160, was introduced in the 250cc class of the 1961 World Grand Prix championship (WGP) and won the manufacturers’ and riders’ championship (Mike Hailwood) with overwhelming strength. This was Honda’s third year in the WGP.

The CBR250 FOUR’s engine clearly reflects technology directly derived from racing machines.

The CBR250 FOUR evolved in 1987 into the CBR250R, which evolved into the CBR250RR in 1990. Many fans were infatuated by its high-performance engine, as it could rev to ultra-high speeds.