Bikers looking to invest in new Honda motorcycles next year may be interested to learn that one of the brand's 2011 models has received a ringing endorsement from a leading publication.
While the UK is forced to wait until February for the first shipments of Honda's CBR250R to arrive, the Japanese manufacturer has already launched its latest newcomer in south-east Asia.
Matt Shields, a journalist for the Australian Motorcycle News has ridden the new machine, offering up his verdict on the publication's website.
"The Honda CBR250R has the civility that entry-level riders want, with enough scope in its performance to broaden your riding skills with every ride," he wrote.
According to the expert's first impressions, the CBR250R represents a "real rival" to the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, which could see more bikers pledging their allegiance to new Honda motorcycles.
Japanese tuning house Mugen has also got its hands on the Honda CBR250R and has given the bike a full performance and styling overhaul.