Honda has shown a neo-retro scrambler that is bound to get enthusiasts talking. The Honda CB250SS debuted as a concept at the CIMA Motorcycle Trade Show in Chongqing, China, with a 249cc single-cylinder engine and retro styling, according to Rushlane. It is a concept only, and Honda has not announced a production version, a price or a launch date.
The Design
The CB250SS follows a classic scrambler recipe with a modern twist. It has a teardrop fuel tank with knee recesses, red striping and CB250SS branding, a small front fly screen, a circular LED headlight with quad projector units and a protective headlight guard. The seat is brown and ribbed with Honda branding, the side panels are black with “SS” badges, and the mudguards are red and white. An up-swept exhaust ends in a double-barrel can. You can read about the brand on Honda’s Wikipedia page and see its bikes at Honda 2Wheelers India.
Honda CB250SS Concept at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder |
| Possible output | 26 bhp and 22 Nm if shared with Japan-spec Rebel 250 (speculative) |
| Instrument cluster | Circular TFT with Honda RoadSync Gen 2 |
| Front suspension | USD forks with gold finish |
| Wheels and tyres | Apparent 17-inch wheels, block-pattern dual-purpose tyres |
| Lighting | Circular quad-projector LED headlight |
| Extras | Bash plate, headlight guard, small fly screen |
| Debut | CIMA Motorcycle Trade Show, Chongqing, China |
| Status | Concept; price and launch not announced |
Engine and Electronics
The 249cc liquid-cooled single is thought to be related to the engine in Honda’s smaller cruisers. The report suggests it could be shared with the Japan-spec Rebel 250, which makes about 26 bhp and 22 Nm, and says it belongs to the same family as the 286cc unit in the CB300R and Rebel 300. That sharing is speculation, not a Honda statement. The bike also carries a circular TFT cluster with Honda RoadSync Gen 2, which offers connected features and navigation.
Is It a Real Scrambler?
The styling says scrambler, but the hardware raises questions. The tyres have a block pattern that suggests mixed on- and off-road use, yet the wheels appear to be 17-inch and the suspension travel looks modest. That points to a street-focused neo-retro bike rather than a serious off-roader. Production versions could change significantly. We cover related launches on our Honda motorcycles page.
Will It Come to India?
Honda has a strong presence in India’s 250cc-and-below market, and neo-retro bikes are popular, so interest is natural. But there is no sign of an Indian plan. It is not even clear whether a production bike would be limited to China or sold globally, so any India talk is purely hopeful.
What Is Not Confirmed
These details are not confirmed:
- Whether Honda will build a production version.
- The final name, price and launch timing.
- Engine output, since the 26 bhp figure is borrowed from the Rebel 250.
- Any launch in India or outside China.
- The real off-road ability of the production bike.
What is the CB250SS?
A neo-retro scrambler concept from Honda.
Where was it shown?
At the CIMA Motorcycle Trade Show in Chongqing, China.
What engine does it use?
A 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder.
Is it on sale?
No. It is a concept.
How much will it cost?
No price has been announced.
The Takeaway
The CB250SS is a promising design study, and a production bike in this class would please riders who want retro looks with everyday usability. Until Honda announces more, treat it as a preview of where small-capacity neo-retro bikes are heading, and watch for confirmation, specifications and any global plans.
Source: Rushlane report on the Honda CB250SS concept. Details are as reported; check Honda’s official channels for confirmation.
