Honda VTR250

Honda VTR250
Manufacturer Honda
Also called Interceptor 250
Production 1988-1990, 1997-
Predecessor Honda VT250 Spada
Class Naked bike
Engine 249 cc 90° V-twin DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore / Stroke 60 × 44 mm (2.36 × 1.73 in)
Compression ratio 11:1
Power 23.9 kW (32.1 hp) @ 10,500 rpm
Torque 23.5 N·m (17.3 ft·lb) @ 8,500 rpm
Transmission 5-speed, wet multi-plate clutch, chain drive
Suspension telescopic fork
Rake, Trail 23.3° 96 mm (3.8 in)
Wheelbase 1,405 mm (55.3 in)
Dimensions L 2,035 mm (80.1 in)
W 725 mm (28.5 in)
H 1,055 mm (41.5 in)
Seat height 760 mm (30 in)
Weight 141 kg (310 lb) (dry)
Fuel capacity 13 L (2.9 imp gal; 3.4 US gal)

The Honda VTR250 is a 90° V-twin motorcycle produced by Honda that has so far had one major revision. The original VTR250 was a faired model sold only in the USA and Canada from 1988 to 1990. The current model VTR250 is a naked bike, produced from 1997 to the present, available only in the Asia-Pacific region, and for 2009, Europe.

Generation I

The Honda Interceptor VTR250 was sold only in the United States from 1988 to 1990, with moderate changes occurring over the three model years. With a 249 cc four-stroke liquid-cooled DOHC V-twin engine and a six-speed transmission, VTR250 was the smallest of Honda's Interceptor line of motorcycles.

The 1990 model had a 17-inch front wheel and the front disc brakes were external.

Generation II

Introduced in 1997, the newer VTR250 has been compared to the Ducati Monster in appearance, with a trellis frame, transverse L-twin engine, and initially a similar instrument layout, with no tachometer. The transmission was also changed, from a six-speed to a five-speed. The 2009 model VTR250 saw the first major design changes since the instrument panel update in 2003, which added a tachometer. With a redesigned rear end and mid-section, the 2009 model also has electronic fuel injection.[1][2]

The VTR250 is widely sold in the Asia Pacific region but not in the US. While currently difficult to obtain in European countries, the 2009 model VTR250 will be imported to Europe.[1] It was officially imported into Australia between 1998 and 2007, with the 2009 model being reintroduced mid-2009.

References

  1. ^ a b Ets-Hokin, Gabe (2009-04-15), Revised Honda VTR250 Roadster Announced for Europe, archived from the original on Apr 28, 2009 18:36:48 GMT, http://google.com/search?q=cache:p5HbIE7CZK0J:www.motorcycledaily.com/15april09_honda_vtr250.htm, retrieved 2009-05-01, "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." 
  2. ^ First Look: 2009 Honda VTR 250, /02/2009 in articles, archived from the original on 1 May 2009 02:18:58 GMT, http://google.com/search?q=cache%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.visordown.com%2Fmotorcyclenews%2Fview%2Ffirst_look_2009_honda_vtr_250%2F6387.html, retrieved 2009-05-01, "Expect to see the new VTR250 in Europe next year CHECK OUT this, the first pictures of the all-new Honda VTR250. Currently, there's no details from Honda about the latest pictures, but it's clear that the hugely popular little bike has been given a pretty major make-over for this year."