First Look: 2011 Honda VTR250

Will UK novices finally get the bike they've been waiting for?

SAY HELLO to the 2011 Honda VTR250 - a naked, learner friendly machine ideal for restricted licence holders.

The 250cc four-stroke V-twin's destined, at the moment, for European shores only in 2011 with an estimated price tag of just over £4,000.

The liquid-cooled Honda tips the scales at just 161kg and has a seat height of 775mm, which should make it ideal for newcomers wanting a light bike that's not too tall.

And that's good news, because at 29.9bhp the Honda conveniently falls into the sub-33bhp category, making it legal for restricted licence holders.

We first looked at the little VTR in 2009. Honda didn't import it then and they don't look as though they're going to bother in 2011.

We're waiting for Honda UK to get back to us over whether they have plans to bring the bike into the country.

2011 Honda VTR250 specs:

Type V-twin 90° liquid-cooled 4-stroke
Layout DOHC
Displacement 250cc
Power 29.9 hp at 10,500 rpm
Torque 22 Nm at 8,500 rpm
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Tubular steel chassis
41mm telescopic fork
Rear Monoshock with adjustable preload/damping
Front tyre 110/70-17
Rear 140/70-17
Seat height 775 mm
Wheelbase 1405 mm
Front two-piston caliper 220mm Disc
Fuel capacity 12.4 litres
Dry weight 161 kg
Colours white, red, black
Price approx €4.839,00 euros