Nowadays you can get all kinds of 250-400cc entry level sportbikes in the US, but back in 1990 the entire market was basically the Kawasaki Ninja 250 and the Honda VTR250. In Honda’s home market of Japan, things were a bit more exciting. That’s where they offered the CBR250RR, affectionately known as the Babyblade. The 250cc inline four engine produced 45 horsepower (back when the Ninja 250 made about 32) and redline was 19,000 rpm!
With fun decals like “Direct Air Intake” and “Super Response Quarter”, how could you go wrong?
The small inline four-cylinder, four-stroke motor was paired with a 6 speed transmission, and top speed was approximately 115 miles per hour. It weighs just 315 pounds, so it’s lighter and more powerful than the new Honda CBR300R. These were never legally imported to the United States, though after 1996 Honda had a whole bunch of leftover bikes that they sold in Australia.
This example has less than 3,000 miles and it looks to be in good shape. The asking price is significant but it’s not like these are easy to get into the US. I’ve featured just one previously (back in 2016) and it was bid up to $6,650 but did not sell.
Find this RR for sale in Crystal Lake, Illinois for $12,000 here on Craigslist.
This bike-uriousity brought to you by Shane A and Dan A!