Honda unveils new NSF250R Moto3 bike

Honda has taken the wraps off its new Moto3 250cc four-stroke racer in Catalunya this afternoon.

The new NSF250R was given its first public viewing during a special HRC presentation in the Montmelo circuit paddock earlier today.

Honda gave some details about the new project, with the bike available to purchase for 23,600 Euros, while sales of the bike are estimated to commence in December.

A press kit issued by Honda said: “The NSF250 engine was developed exclusively for road racing, to ensure superior quality and greater potential for commercial racing machine. With a development concept of “lightweight, compact, high output and efficiency,” numerous technological advances were introduced to create an engine befitting a racing machine.

“The DOHC single-cylinder 249cc engine demonstrates a racing machine’s power delivery and response, with intake from front and exhaust to rear to improve air charging efficiency, and a cylinder tilted back 15 degrees to concentrate the engine’s mass, primarily to improve its stability. In order to deliver ample power into the high rpm range, the DOHC system incorporates titanium valves for both intake and exhaust (Honda patented).

“The new design also offers improved air charging efficiency along with ram-air intake, thanks to the straight intake port and throttle body with 50-mm diameter bore. In shaft layout, the balancer shaft is placed above the crankshaft to make the engine shorter and concentrate the mass.”

Explaining details of the chassis concept, Honda said it was heavily based on the RS125R chassis.

“The NSF250R’s frame is based on the RS125R’s proven unit. To optimise the rigidity in balance and torsion of a 4-stroke engine, frame specifications were determined from actual riding tests and CAE analysis. For the front engine hanger and the main pipe section, optimum balance was achieved mainly by enhancing torsional rigidity.

“A newly configured swing-arm and frame body also resulted in a structure allowing smooth torsional characteristics. On the whole, stability during braking is improved, and a leeway and nimbleness during cornering exceeding those of the RS125R is ensured. The frame offers superb handling so that riders will not feel the weight increase of a 4-stroke engine, even when approaching corners.”

Spain’s first MotoGP world champion Alex Criville will complete demo laps on the bike during this weekend’s Catalunya Grand Prix.

MCN revealed over a year ago that the current 125cc two-stroke class would be replaced by a 250cc four-stroke series in 2012.