A 250cc motorcycle is every enthusiasts wet dream today, which quite a few automakers are trying to fulfill. However there is one motorcycle maker, who is yet to enter this space in India. But this could change soon as Yamaha is all set to unveil the YZF-R250 at the upcoming EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan, which takes place between 15-18 November, 2012. This motorcycle has been codenamed ‘Project 1W’ and could shake up the entire quarter-litre segment, specially the Honda CBR250R and Kawasaki Ninja 250R.
The Yamaha R250 is expected to draw styling inspiration from the Yamaha R6. It will be showcased in concept form, with the production version arriving in early-2013 and sales starting later next year. The Yamaha R250 is touted to be a sub-$4000 (Rs. 2 lakhs) machine and ABS is going to be offered as an optional extra. Yamaha will locally produce the bike in India, in order to lower costs of this performance motorcycle.
Details about the specifications of the Yamaha R250 are still sketchy but we expect Yamaha to offer the motorcycle with a twin-cylinder engine. A power output of around 35 BHP will be enough to propel the R250 to 100 km/hr from standstill in less than 7 seconds. The Japanese automaker can share parts with the R15 to reduce costs further and a Rs. 2 lakh price in India can help the R250 to become an instant success. Competition in the performance bike segment is only heating up with Bajaj Auto planning to bring in the Pulsar 375, KTM Duke 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 300R next year.
