2012 Honda NSF250R Race Bike Coming to America

American Honda announced it is bringing the new 2012 HRC NSF250R Moto3-spec race bike to the U.S.

Though it was developed primarily for competition in the Moto3 World Championship, the 249cc Honda NSF250R will be legal for some racing classes in the U.S. including in USGPRU and WERA.

The Honda NSF250R will also be eligible for American Honda’s 2012 racing contingency program (full details are coming, but Honda says the payouts will be similar to those offered to CBR racers).

According to Honda, the NSF250R has a maximum power output of 47.6 hp at 13,000 rpm, with torque peaking at 20.7 ft-lb. at 10,500 rpm. Claimed curb weight is 185 pounds.

The 2012 Honda HRC NSF250R will be offered for $28,599. Authorized Honda dealers will only accept orders until Sept. 2, 2011. Delivery is expected by February 2012.

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[Source: Honda]

Honda NSF250R Coming to the U.S.

Torrance, CA: American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is proud to announce the upcoming arrival in the USA of the 2012 HRC NSF250R. Newly developed for FIM GP road racing competition in the Moto3 class, the NSF250R is powered by an all-new liquid-cooled single-cylinder 249cc four-stroke engine specifically designed for racing. In 2012, this globally distributed model will also be legal in the USGPRU Moto 3 and WERA Motorcycle Road Racing classes in the USA, as well as in other local racing events.

Technical highlights include a front-intake/rear-exhaust configuration with high charging efficiency, plus an engine layout with the cylinder tilted back 15 degrees to concentrate mass. To generate strong power throughout the high-rpm range, the NSF250R incorporates titanium valves for both intake and exhaust to reduce friction and lighten the valve train. Furthermore, the design reduces friction between piston and cylinder and improves durability by offsetting the cylinder centerline and applying nickel silicon carbide (Ni-SiC) for the cylinder surface treatment. The cassette gearbox design was selected for quick and easy gearset changes for the close-ratio, six-speed transmission, thereby allowing gear selection to be optimized over a large variety of racing circuits. This lightweight, well-balanced machine offers impressive power output and superb handling to achieve a great blend of high performance plus rider-friendly traits well suited to up-and-coming racers.

“This is a great opportunity for people who want to start road racing with a full-on track bike,” said Keith Dowdle, Assistant Manager Honda Riders Club of America® (HRCA®). “Now riders have the option of buying a purpose-built race-ready motorcycle right out of the box, as an alternative to modifying a street bike—all at a reasonable price. Just as off-road riders can purchase and race one of our full-on CRF450R or CRF250R motocross bikes, now road racers have the means to buy a race-ready track bike.”

In the United States, the NSF250R will be included in American Honda’s 2012 racing contingency program with levels of awards similar to those granted to racers competing on CBR models. Complete contingency payout details will follow with the 2012 contingency program announcement. The NSF250R will be made available to all Honda motorcycle dealers who wish to become an authorized NSF250R dealer, and delivery is estimated for February 2012. However, dealers will only be able to place orders up to the cutoff date of September 2, 2011, so riders planning to purchase an NSF250R will need to visit their dealer before that date to place an order. MSRP for the NSF250R has been established at $28,599.

For more information and images, go to http://powersports.honda.com/racing/road/headlines.aspx.

About Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and MUVs in the U.S. American Honda’s Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.

By Dennis Chung