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Edition:
Honda NS 250 R - [1985]
This edition of the Honda NS 250 R is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1985. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1986 Suzuki RH 250 X and the 1986 Suzuki GSX-R 1100 DOHC.This particular Honda NS 250 has a 249cc Liquid cooled, Four stroke, Transverse Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Transverse engine, Sport style motorbike includes the Norton Superlight SS - [2020]
The 1985 NS 250 shares its Transverse engine and Sport style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Norton Superlight SS and the 2019 Norton Superlight Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the NS 250's Sport style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1995 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin | 1995cc.1994 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin | 1994cc.
Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Honda NS 250 R in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, give or take 50kg.
The 1985 Honda NS 250 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025]
In terms of power the 249cc 10 valve Transverse 2 cylinder engine produces 45 bhp (33 kW) @ 9500 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm] or the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm].
The Reed Valve Four stroke unit throws out torque of 25.7 lb-ft (34.9 Nm) @ 8500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [17.8 lb-ft (24.2 Nm) @ 8100 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Honda NS 250 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1988 Yamaha XT 600 Single has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1985 Honda NS 250 R.
The 1985 Honda NS 250 R has a Power to weight ratio of 274.3 bhp per ton and 157.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1985 NS 250 competing with the 1988 Yamaha XT 600 Single [298.7 bhp\ton] and the 1985 Kawasaki ZL 750 Eliminator [298.4 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Honda NS 250 generating around 157.3 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1985 Yamaha XV 700 Virago [182.3 lb-ft per ton] and the 1986 Suzuki VS 700 GL Intruder [182.3 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 13.5 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 13.8 secs, this makes the Honda NS 250 R similar in acceleration to the 2021 Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S Cafe (13.5 secs) and the 2021 Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S ABS (13.5 secs). This Honda NS 250 R also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1985 Honda NS 250 R and the 2010 Yamaha XT 250 Serow
When talking about the performance of the 1985 Honda NS 250 R on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2010 Yamaha XT 250 Serow (0 secs) and the 2021 Honda CRF 300 L (0 secs).
The 1985 version of the Honda NS 250 R has a maximum speed of 110mph.
Top Speed of the 1985 NS 250 equals the 1991 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1985 Honda NS 250 R then how about a 1991 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R (121 mph) and the 1990 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R SP II (121 mph).
Kawasaki Ninja 1000 DOHC
Engine Capacity: 1043 cc
Top Speed: 152 mph
Quarter Mile: 10.6 secs @ 0 mph
