Sportbikes
1988Honda NSR 250 R
31 fields on record
The 1988 Honda NSR250R is a two-stroke V-twin sports bike for Japan with 45 hp from 249cc and a 16-litre tank.
- Capacity
- 249.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, two-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 127.0 kg
- Seat height
- 770 mm
- Power
- 45.0 HP (32.8 kW) @ 9500 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built as a pure sport and track-focused replica, it rewards aggressive riding on twisty roads or circuits far more than commuting or touring.
- Built for
- A screaming, lightweight two-stroke V2 with razor-sharp aluminum-framed handling, it has the raw, visceral character of a road-going grand prix bike.
- Not ideal for
- It is a poor choice for new riders, long-distance touring, passenger comfort, or anyone wanting low-maintenance, easygoing daily transport.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usReliability & safety
Bike Reliability score, safety recalls and owner complaintsBike Reliability
How the score works →47
out of 100Average
The 1988 Honda NSR 250 R passed its annual roadworthiness test first time 83.6% of the time, 0.2 points below expected for bikes of the same age and mileage. That beats 47% of models.
All years of this model: 53 / 100 (average) from 762 tests.
83.6%Passed first time
3.5%Failed outright
12.9%Fixed during test
17,000Typical miles
171Tests
Pass rate by miles ridden
All years of this model.
Score by year first registered
31
47
46
198719881989
Against its rivals · ranks 5 of 6
| # | Model (all years) | Score | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yamaha RD 350 F | 76 Good | 141 |
| 2 | Suzuki RG 500 Gamma | 66 Good | 2,168 |
| 3 | Yamaha TZR 250 | 59 Average | 3,338 |
| 4 | Yamaha RD 350 | 56 Average | 16,292 |
| 5 | Honda NSR 250 R | 53 Average | 762 |
| 6 | Suzuki RGV 250 Gamma | 39 Below average | 2,632 |
Rivals are the most-viewed bikes on MotorcycleDB in the same category and engine size, from within three years of this model.
From British annual roadworthiness tests, 2005-2025. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (DVSA MOT test data, Great Britain). How Bike Reliability works.
Engine
- Capacity
- 249.0 ccm
- Power
- 45.0 HP (32.8 kW) @ 9500 RPM
- Torque
- 35.0 Nm (3.6 kgf-m) @ 8500 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, two-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.3543 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 54.0 x 54.5 mm
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Carburettor
- Starting
- Kick
- Ignition
- CDI
- Lubrication system
- Injected 2-stroke oil
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
- Clutch
- Wet plate
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1360 mm
- Overall length
- 2035 mm
- Overall width
- 705 mm
- Overall height
- 1105 mm
- Seat height
- 770 mm
- Dry weight
- 127.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 16.00 litres
- Ground clearance
- 135 mm
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Aluminum tube type frame
- Front suspension
- Telescopic air valve semi- adjustable
- Rear suspension
- Rear: Pro- Link Single shock swingarm non- adjustable
- Rake (fork angle)
- 23.0°
- Trail
- 87 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- 2x disc s 2 piston calipers
- Rear brakes
- Single disc 1 piston caliper
Specs last verified against published sources: .
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1988 | 1990 | 1991 | 1993 | 1994 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 249 cc | 249 cc | 249 cc | 249 cc | 249 cc |
| Dry weight | 127 kg | 132 kg | 132 kg | 132 kg | — |
| Seat height | 770 mm | 770 mm | 770 mm | 770 mm | 770 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 16 L | 16 L | 16 L | 16 L | 16 L |
| Bike Reliability ⓘ | 47 Average | Too few tests | Too few tests | Too few tests | Too few tests |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Honda NSR 250 R?
The 1988 Honda NSR 250 R has a Capacity of 249.0 ccm (15.19 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Honda NSR 250 R have?
The 1988 Honda NSR 250 R has a Power of 45.0 HP (32.8 kW) @ 9500 RPM.
How many gears does the Honda NSR 250 R have?
The 1988 Honda NSR 250 R has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Honda NSR 250 R?
The 1988 Honda NSR 250 R has a Torque of 35.0 Nm (3.6 kgf-m or 25.8 ft.lbs) @ 8500 RPM.
How much does the Honda NSR 250 R weigh?
The 1988 Honda NSR 250 R has a Dry weight of 127.0 kg (280.0 pounds).
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