Since arriving stateside in 1986, the only quarter-liter sport bike on the market was the Kawasaki Ninja 250, the perfect platform for a beginning motorcyclist.But in 2011, Honda decided to take on the iconic Ninja 250, entering the market with its CBR 250 R. The bike offered more technology, highlighted by a 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that features a sophisticated four-valve DOHC cylinder head and counterbalancer, PGM-FI fuel injection, something the Ninja 250 lacks, and optional ABS.The CBR 250 R gets around 77 mpg, and the 2013 model retails for $4,199 and $4,699 with ABS.Since its inception, the bike hasn’t changed much, except for color options. For 2013, the CBR250R is available in three colors – the Pearl White/Blue/Red, Red and Black, and the one that everyone MotoGP fan will surely enjoy – Repsol (only available in standard model without ABS).Also new for 2013 are black wheels (not available on the Repsol), and a new black exhaust cover. For a preview of the 2013 CBR250R, click here.Attached above is a photo gallery of the CBR250R, and each image works great for wallpaper. To use as wallpaper, simply click on the desired thumbnail to expand, and right click to save to desktop background.Non-studio photography by Don Williams
Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory + Steve ’Stavros’ Parrish
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
Hello everyone and welcome once again to Ultimate Motorcycling’s weekly podcast—Motos and Friends. My name is Arthur Coldwells.
Our first segment features the new Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory. Senior Editor Nic de Sena brings us his report on the flagship version of Aprilia’s upright middleweight machine. He gives us insight into whether it’s worth spending the extra money on the Factory version, and also of course, whether this sporting Aprilia is really the motorcycle for you.
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The next guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—one of the most iconic sportbikes ever. Check it out in person at your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In this segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with (arguably) one of the most interesting Suzuki race riders of all time. the iconic RG500 alongside teammate double World Champion Barry Sheene. The two were almost as famous for their exploits off-track, as for their success on it. Those were the days! Steve also raced the Isle of Man TT for about ten years where he won 13 Silver Replicas, and got a podium finish. His insight into that particular brand of mayhem are fascinating.
But there’s waaay more to Steve Parrish than his motorcycle racing. He is also the most successful Semi-Truck racer ever, and, little known piece of useless trivia—he’s my birthday twin: 24th February. He is a natural entertainer and you can’t miss his recounting of the world’s most entertaining—and arguably terrifying—double-decker bus ride ever. If any of you were actually on that hell-ride then we’d love to hear from you!
