[naveenroy]

So I've finally landed the bike and though I do not want to say too much (as I've just ridden it for 23 kms), here are some of my initial observations.

Please remember that I am comparing this ride to the Royal Enfield Thunderbird that has been my (un)faithful companion for close to 6 years now. So some of my high points about this bike may not be high points at all - to those of you who have been riding normal, efficient, performance machines.

My first initial observation was that the riding posture in the CBR is something that I can get used to quite easily. Compared to an RE, it did take me a few missed attempts at the left footrest but this will just take me a few days to get used to. Though there is a slight uneasiness in the right wrist, I am putting this down to only not being used to this posture.

Secondly, the engine. Wow, what a butter smooth engine this is. I mean, I rarely hear it scream at me or swear back at me once I slot in the gears. This is going to be an awesome companion on my touring.

Thirdly, I am not used to not being able to see the front fork turn when I make a turn - if you know what I mean. Friends were warning me about this but it just took me one twist of the handlebar on the road to settle my fears.

Fourthly - I do feel that the suspension is a little hard. Again, put this down to my RE - I have ripped on bad roads without any ill feelings at all. Maybe am a little less confident with this bike. Will update as days go by.

Fifthly - gears. Though damn smooth, isn't it a pain to ride in traffic? And while I am on this, can someone let me know the rpm ranges that I have to shift gears through and also max speed I can touch for the first 500? 1000? kms?

Sixth - it is a head turner. After delivery, riding on BG road, an auto driver was chatting with me about the bike. Another biker stopped me to ask for the price etc. Hehe, I brought it to office and people are crowding around to discuss the bike. Once they know the price, they look at me like I am a madman!

Much more to come and yes, Mantrig, am posting this on rk_sans' ownership post. Hope he doesn't kick me out!

[JVH]

@naveenroy - Congrats on the baby CBR! Wish you have many miles of riding pleasure.

We are riding towards Horsely hills tomorrow @5.30am. rk_sans will also be joining. Why don't you join us?

[naveenroy]

Hello and thanks JVH!

I'd love to come but I've still not even got the number or the number plate and only took out the bike since it is new. Surely, the next time and thanks again!

[rk_sans]

Originally Posted by naveenroy

Fifthly - gears. Though damn smooth, isn't it a pain to ride in traffic? And while I am on this, can someone let me know the rpm ranges that I have to shift gears through and also max speed I can touch for the first 500? 1000? kms?

Much more to come and yes, Mantrig, am posting this on rk_sans' ownership post. Hope he doesn't kick me out!

Keep the bike within 5k rpm till 500-600 kms, get the first service done. Increase the rpm to 6-7k for any 500 kms and so on.

No issues, it would be a one thread for all queries on CBR250R.

[mantrig]

Originally Posted by naveenroy

So I've finally landed the bike and though I do not want to say too much (as I've just ridden it for 23 kms), here are some of my initial observations.


Much more to come and yes, Mantrig, am posting this on rk_sans' ownership post. Hope he doesn't kick me out!

That's a crisp initial ownership piece you have inked in. As far as settling in with the CBR (as compared with Thunderbird) goes, trust me - it's going to be a completely different feeling all together. I'm am confident the CBR won't let you down, however the feeling you get on a Bull is unmatched and something that can never be achieved on this baby.

I'm confident RK_Sans will be more than happy to have you on board.

Originally Posted by JVH

@naveenroy - Congrats on the baby CBR! Wish you have many miles of riding pleasure.

We are riding towards Horsely hills tomorrow @5.30am. rk_sans will also be joining. Why don't you join us?

Naveen - This is the reason I asked you to start penning on this forum. You already got invited for a ride.

Also, you will be able to share the experience with A.S.S. and exchange notes with fellow riders from the city.

Originally Posted by rk_sans

Keep the bike within 5k rpm till 500-600 kms, get the first service done. Increase the rpm to 6-7k for any 500 kms and so on.

No issues, it would be a one thread for all queries on CBR250R.

+1 to rk_sans suggestion. This is pretty much what even I have stuck with.

[PatienceWins]

Originally Posted by naveenroy

.

Fifthly - gears. Though damn smooth, isn't it a pain to ride in traffic? And while I am on this, can someone let me know the rpm ranges that I have to shift gears through and also max speed I can touch for the first 500? 1000? kms?

Naveen - Congrats. You will love it more once you clock more miles. Regarding run in, just follow what was proposed by rk_sans.

In my opinion, CBR is not meant for traffic. It cannot be really enjoyed in city traffic (especially bangalore traffic) due to the close initial gear ratio, less flickability at low speeds (due to the weight) and riding position (especially if you are tall); leaning forward is fine, but moving legs up and down repeatedly is difficult because of the high position of foot pegs. It is not an issue if you have a route with relatively less traffic. Low end torque is good and it helps in city traffic.

I find my Fiero more comfortable in city traffic due to the upright riding position, initial gear ratios, flickability at low speeds and good torque. It is not good above 60-70 kmph, but bangalore traffic does not allow me to go above 60 kmph. I do not have to worry about someone scratching the vehilcle as well.

It is awesome on open roads and feels at home on highways. Take it to where it belongs.

[naveenroy]

Originally Posted by mantrig

That's a crisp initial ownership piece you have inked in. As far as settling in with the CBR (as compared with Thunderbird) goes, trust me - it's going to be a completely different feeling all together. I'm am confident the CBR won't let you down, however the feeling you get on a Bull is unmatched and something that can never be achieved on this baby.

Thanks mantrig. Appreciate you checking it.

Originally Posted by PatienceWins

It is awesome on open roads and feels at home on highways. Take it to where it belongs.

Aaaasomely well said! And I agree.

Originally Posted by rk_sans

Keep the bike within 5k rpm till 500-600 kms, get the first service done. Increase the rpm to 6-7k for any 500 kms and so on.

No issues, it would be a one thread for all queries on CBR250R.

Thanks for that rk_sans. Hopefully we'll meet tomorrow at the CBR meet.

Will keep you guys posted on my ownership details.

And I really loved this part from the manual - "The vehicle presents you a challenge to master the machine, a challenge to adventure. You ride through the wind, linked to the road by a vehicle that responds to your commands as no other does. Unlike an automobile, there is no metal cage around you. Like an aeroplane, a pre-ride inspection and regular maintenance are essential to your safety. Your reward is freedom"

[naveenroy]

Hey very nice meeting rk_sans and IronWolf at the CBR owners meet today.

Though the event is a well-meaning event, perhaps would have been better if it was a little better organized but appreciate the effort by the dealers!!

Only thing that pissed me off was some immature morons trying stoppies and wheelies without any gear on! Oh well.....

[rk_sans]

@naveen,
It was nice meeting you and Ironwolf.

The same guys were doing same stunt at the end of the event also and when some of us pointed to that guy to wear the gears, he promptly wore it.

[naveenroy]

Looks like what mantrig mentioned turned out to be true. I've been having too much fun with the bike to even sit down to pen a few lines on my ownership and the bike's performance.

I've been so hooked to the bike that I am taking it to office everyday now! My Thunderbird is sadly sitting in some corner hoping I will show her some love too

Took the bike on an impulsive ride till A2B on NH7 on Sunday. I finally was able to switch on to 6th gear for an impressive stretch. Didn't want to settle the bike in one particular speed so as per rk_san's suggestion, I kept it under 4.5k rpm. At this speed, it exactly is at 73 kmph. So I opened up the throttle a bit more upto 80 (5 k rpm) and ran for a few kms and then brought it down to under 4.5k rpm. Only once did I open it up to 90 kmph and never went there again.

The bike is very stable and composed at the speeds that I am riding in. Since I have the Thunderbird (without discs), I usually am a little apprehensive to open up the throttle even on open roads. I don't have that fear here and am more confident when braking.

It has run close to 300 kms now and hope to ride till Salem and back this weekend. That will add another 400 kms to the odo. Hoping to give it for the first service next week to get the gunky oil out. Fingers crossed!

Would appreciate any feedback or suggestions.

[Furebo]

Thanks for the update Nav!

I was wondering about the reason for no updates from your side. Well, I must say the reason behind no updates is a really good one.

Originally Posted by naveenroy

Would appreciate any feedback or suggestions.

Feedback: Keep the updates coming!

Suggestion: Please keep posting fresh pics with every update.


Thanks in advance,

Furebo

[naveenroy]

Originally Posted by Furebo

Thanks for the update Nav!

I was wondering about the reason for no updates from your side. Well, I must say the reason behind no updates is a really good one.



Feedback: Keep the updates coming!

Suggestion: Please keep posting fresh pics with every update.


Thanks in advance,

Furebo

Thanks! Yeah, will try and get some pics done this weekend if I am riding. Don't really like to carry the camera bag, so blame it on that!

[mantrig]

Originally Posted by naveenroy

Looks like what mantrig mentioned turned out to be true. I've been having too much fun with the bike to even sit down to pen a few lines on my ownership and the bike's performance.

....


Would appreciate any feedback or suggestions.

As far as the way you are going with the speed variations, you are doing it just the way we need to go about it. A little higher speed (90kmph) at times wouldn't really hurt, however make sure you don't rev it too high and let the bike get there gradually. And trust me, you won't even realize when you get to those speeds.

Also, make sure you check with those guys about having the oil filter in stock before you drop in for the service. I would highly recommend, if possible pick one up if possible in coming days and take it along when you go for the service. Just in case they don't have one in stock, tell me a day in advance and I will ship across one from Mumbai.

Good going with the kms being piled up soon.

Keep Riding & Ride Safe!!!

P.S. :- Please don't ignore the lady (TB) parked in the garage for your newly found chick (CBR).

[naveenroy]

Originally Posted by mantrig

As far as the way you are going with the speed variations, you are doing it just the way we need to go about it. A little higher speed (90kmph) at times wouldn't really hurt, however make sure you don't rev it too high and let the bike get there gradually. And trust me, you won't even realize when you get to those speeds.

Also, make sure you check with those guys about having the oil filter in stock before you drop in for the service. I would highly recommend, if possible pick one up if possible in coming days and take it along when you go for the service. Just in case they don't have one in stock, tell me a day in advance and I will ship across one from Mumbai.

Good going with the kms being piled up soon.

Keep Riding & Ride Safe!!!

P.S. :- Please don't ignore the lady (TB) parked in the garage for your newly found chick (CBR).

Hello and thanks mantrig! Yeah, the bike surely is pining to fly away. I am also feeling bad to keep it in check. But just a little more time and I can wring the throttle.

Yes, will surely give them a call and check on the oil filter and will let you know. Appreciate the offer.

And yeah, the lady is making faces at me but right now, the chick is really hot and all my attention is on her.

[BunnyPunia]

Picked up mine on the 29th September. Done 390km as of today.
The first service is not at 500-600km but 1000km or 30days whichever is earlier. And yes, these are modern day machines and hence u can safely keep 5k on the tachometer.
I commute 65km each day and 50% of the riding is in 5th and 6th and these are the rpms I am sticking to right now.
Gears are smooth and the ergonomics very comfy - i stand 6 feet tall.
Fuel economy after the 2nd fill up today has turned out to be 33.61kmpl.

PS: I notice one CBR250R each day on my way back home - this bike is selling like hot cakes here in Delhi!