• More powerful early model
• Bought directly from Honda Japan
• 9km from new

Although changes to the learner laws had all but killed off the 250 class in the UK, in Japan it remained an important market sector. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, fierce competition between the 'Big Four' saw a host of exotic Grand Prix-inspired two-stoke twins introduced, and these exquisite little jewels are now among the most highly sought-after of modern Japanese classics. Honda being Honda, it had to have a four-stroke in the mix alongside its NSR250 series of two-strokes, hence the CBR250, which sold in competition with quarter-litre fours from Kawaskai, Suzuki and Yamaha. Never officially imported into the UK, the CBR250 is most often encountered – in engine form at least – powering replicas of Honda's 1960s-era RC-series Grand Prix racers that have become so popular in recent years.

A family that first appeared in the mid-1980s, these Honda CBR250s were all powered by a water-cooled, 16-valve, inline, four-cylinder engine. Looking like a miniature Fireblade, the CBR250RR version (designated MC22) inherited its MC14E engine from the preceding CBR250R (MC19) but benefited from an altogether more modern aluminium chassis featuring a 'gull' swinging arm from the NSR250. Importantly, it also had a twin-disc front brake rather than the single disc of the CBR250R.

The CBR250RR was produced from 1990 to 1996 and originally sold only in Japan. Early models had a maximum of 45bhp on tap at 15,000rpm, while from 1994 onwards this was reduced to 40 horsepower (at 14,500 revs) in line with changes to the Japanese regulations. Weighing in at 142kg (312.4lb) dry and with a seat height of only 725mm (28.5"), the compact CBR was deservedly popular with smaller riders yet had an upright, relaxed riding position capable of accommodating those with longer legs (up to a point). Relatively small it might have been, but the CBR250RR was no slouch, as evidenced by a top speed of around 113mph.

Giancarlo Morbidelli purchased this CBR250RR from Honda Japan in 1992 for experimental purposes (he was developing a 12-cylinder engine). Currently displaying a total of only 9km on the odometer, it represents an exciting opportunity to acquire a virtually unused example of this future classic.