Some of the more popular YouTube clips are called “unboxing” videos. The format is that someone receives a new product, and the viewers join them on the journey of discovery as they unpack the item and usually operate it for the first time. The diversity of these videos is incredible, ranging from buyers unpacking the latest iPhone to one where former Top Gear UK host James May unboxes his shiny new Toyota Yaris GRMN. Someone has the chance to produce such a video featuring a classic motorcycle. It is a 2012 Honda CBR 250R that is begging to be unpacked and enjoyed. The seller listed it here on eBay in Elmhurst, Illinois. Although the bidding has been frantic, it still sits below the reserve at $2,650.
This Honda’s seller has opened the cardboard and pulled back the plastic to reveal what the winning bidder will receive. The CBR 250R is ideal for novice riders, and under the dust, this one looks stunning in Metallic Black. Honda took an interesting path with the CBR’s presentation, limiting the amount of chrome in favor of polished aluminum alloy. Naturally, the paint is flawless, and the lack of oxidization on the alloy components suggests the storage environment has been ideal. The decals are crisp, and the plastic is spotless. It needs cleaning and detailing, which is a satisfying task the winning bidder can perform in their home workshop once they have consigned the cardboard and plastic to some remote corner.
The CBR 250R is not a superbike, but it is ideally suited as a commuter or for a novice to develop their skills. The 249cc single-cylinder engine features double overhead camshafts, four valves, and fuel injection. It pumps out an impressive 27hp which finds its way to the road via a six-speed manual transmission. There were few mechanical options, although this Honda features the luxury of ABS. While it isn’t a powerhouse, it should cruise effortlessly all day at 70mph. However, its low weight and maneuverability mean it would come into its own in the cut-and-thrust of commuter or city traffic. This classic has never fired a shot in anger and will require a thorough inspection before the new owner hits the key for the first time. Once they do so, they will have the rare privilege of rolling out of their garage on a twelve-year-old motorcycle with an odometer that genuinely reads zero. How good is that?
Walking into any dealership to buy a new vehicle, whether a car or a motorcycle, is a wonderful experience. However, actually unpacking a shiny new motorcycle as it emerged from the factory would be enormously satisfying. That is the opportunity offered with this 2012 Honda CBR 250R. It has never seen a road nor had someone sit on its seat. The price sits below the reserve, but this Honda has generated an impressive twenty-nine bids. If you yearn for a motorcycle that is user-friendly and in excellent condition, this could be the ideal candidate.
You couldn’t buy a new 250 from a dealer for $2,650.00. This bike looks to be fully assembled so probably the only wrenching would be to add fluids and a battery. Looks like a great deal for someone wanting a bike this style and CC.
There’s a YouTube channel called “Bikes and Beards” that has a specialty of this. The most recent was a ~50 year old Triumph. I don’t care much about bikes, but it’s entertaining.
It was a Norton 850 Commando that they unboxed on Bikes and Beards.
Sure. Pay a premium for an ‘in-the-box’ bike, replace all the rubber and seals then take a loss on any resale value because it’s no longer original and untouched. Makes sense.
I hope someone didn’t hold this one back for investment purposes. If so it probably should have stayed in the warehouse another decade or two. As said in the write up these are excellent beginner bikes… and that’s about as far as it goes. At 12 years in the crate I wouldn’t imagine there would be much rubber rotten at all. Add battery and fluids and enjoy.
My BIL won one of these at a Vegas convention, but in a red / white / blue pattern. Had it shipped to him in FL and when I saw it, it was unboxed, but no fluids and no charge on the battery, which were addressed. Took it out around the neighborhood and it was a neat little thing. His price was right around the same. Not worth driving it back to NY.
No box, but here’s a “new” 1998 BMW R1100R Anniversary Edition https://www.hemmings.com/auction/1998-bmw-r1100r-997700
“Not worth driving back to NY.”