Honda NSF250R breaks cover

Honda has launched its latest race track weapon, the NSF250 Moto3 race bike, at the Catalan Grand Prix. The sleek new motorcycle will contest the all-new Moto3 series from 2012, and is expected to be one of the front-runners thanks to the factory's significant R&D investment.

Honda has finally released the engine specifications for the new model, which will one of several engine and chassis combinations to be fielded in 2012.

So, the 249.3cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine is water-cooled and develops 47.6 hp (35.5kW) at 13,000rpm and pumps out 28Nm of torque at 10,500rpm and tips the scales at a very handy 84kg.

Those figures suggest it'll have a similar power-to-weight ratio of a 450 MX bike - very impressive stuff.

In a media statement, Honda says its "new-generation road racing machine that complies with Moto3 regulations ... will help revitalize road racing while meeting the expectations of road racers."

The new Moto3 race bike was priced at €23,600 at its launch in Spain, and that money buys you exotic components such as titanium valves to improve power delivery at high revs and a nickel silicon carbide coated cylinder designed to reduce friction.

Honda says the NSF part of the name is short for "Next Racing Standard" and says the new bike "reaped the benefits of racing technology cultivated in the RS125R, thereby achieving a high-level combination of outstanding controllability and racing competitiveness."

Other features being touted by the big H include a front-intake/rear-exhaust configuration with high charging efficiency while adopting a layout with the cylinder tilted back 15° to concentrate mass.

The engine's power is transferred to the rear wheel via a "swap-in, swap-out" close ratio six-speed cassette gearbox that has been "optimized over a large variety of racing circuits."

Sticking to its word, Honda used the RS125R's frame as the basis for the NRS250R's chassis, saying "The frame ensures a degree of freedom in cornering and nimbleness that matches and goes beyond the RS125R by revising the rigidity balance and the shape while inheriting the compactness of the RS125R."

Front and rear suspension also remain relatively similar to the two-stroke 125cc race bike but the rear swingarm looks a bit beefed up. The bodywork has been crafted to be equally as aerodynamic to that of the RS125R.

The new race bike will replace the two-stroke Honda RS125R, and adheres to the new Moto3 rules, meaning the 125cc two-stroke engines will be binned in lieu of four-stroke engines, another instance of motor racing taking a more environmental stance.

Rules stipulate that all 250cc single-cylinder engines in the Moto3 class can have a maximum bore of 81mm.

As the current engine provider for the Moto2 category, Honda is obviously keen to show initiative and score more customers by being one of the first motorcycle companies to show off its new machine.

As the 125cc championship faces its last year, the Moto3 competition will provide a whole new challenge for riders and teams in 2012, and perhaps a few real-world side-effects too.

Honda has a CBR250R, but will we see a race replica version of the NSF250? Watch this space.

HONDA NSF250R SPECIFICATIONS

Model type MR03
Overall length × Overall width × Overall height(m) 1.809×0.560×1.037
Wheelbase (m) 1.219
Ground clearance (m) 0.107
Seat height (m) 0.729
Caster angle (degree) 22° 36?

Curb weight (kg) 84
Fuel tank capacity 11 litres

Engine type liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC single cylinder
Displacement 249.3cc
Bore × Stroke (mm) 78.0×52.2

Maximum power (kW/rpm) 35.5/13,000
Maximum torque (Nm/rpm) 28.0/10,500

Oil Capacity (ENG OIL/T.M OIL) (l) 1.27/0.55
Transmission Type Constant mesh
Gear ratio 1st 1.875, 2nd 1.524, 3rd 1.304, 4th 1.167, 5th 1.077, 6th 1.000
Reduction gear ratio Primary 2.952, Secondary 2.333

Devices (Intake) IACV
Fuel supply system PGM-FI
Ignition type Full-transistor
Clutch type Wet multiplate
Lubricating type Semi-Dry Sump

Tyre size Front 90/580R17
Tyre size Rear 120/600R17
Rim size Front 2.50-17
Rim size Rear 3.50-17
Brake Front Type Hydraulic disk Diameter 296
Brake Rear Type Hydraulic disk Diameter 186

Suspension Front Inverted, telescopic
Suspension Rear Pro-link suspension system
Frame type Aluminum twin tube

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