Honda’s CB250SS Scrambler Concept is a 249cc neo-retro scrambler. It made its world debut at the 2026 China International Motorcycle Show (CIMA) in Chongqing, which opened on 19 September 2026. Honda says the production version arrives in spring 2027, China first.
Here is everything we know so far, in numbers.
• 249cc: single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine
• 19–22 September 2026: CIMA show dates, Chongqing International Expo Center
• Spring 2027: Honda’s confirmed timing for the production bike in China
• 6: new or updated models on Honda’s CIMA stand
• 2: show colours, Pearl White and vivid red
What is the Honda CB250SS Scrambler Concept?
It is an entry-level retro scrambler built around a 249cc single. Honda pitches it at China’s Gen Z riders as “good-looking, fun and easy to ride”.
Honda calls the style “NeoRetro × Scrambler”. The bike borrows its look from the classic CB family but adds modern hardware.
What does “SS” stand for?
Honda’s official line is “Style” or “Story”, with no single answer. Its China teasers also played with “Sunset”, “Slow Sunday”, “Sound Story” and “Simple Style”.
The open-ended name hints at the plan: the bike is meant to be personalised. Honda says factory accessories will be on sale at launch.
Where and when was it revealed?
The concept was shown at the 24th CIMAMotor show in Chongqing, China. The show ran 19–22 September 2026 at the Chongqing International Expo Center.
Media day was 19 September. Honda’s stand was in Hall N6, booth 6T12.
Organisers billed CIMA 2026 at 1,000+ exhibitors, 100+ brands and over 3,000 vehicles.
What does the CB250SS look like?
It mixes classic CB cues with off-road touches. The key design details:
• Fuel tank: teardrop shape with knee recesses, white with red stripes and CB250SS badging
• Headlight: round, Rebel-style unit with quad LED projectors behind an X-shaped guard
• Fly screen: small, white centre with red borders
• Seat: brown, ribbed “tuck-and-roll” retro saddle with Honda branding
• Exhaust: upswept, with a twin-barrel end can on the right
• Protection: radiator guard with a white grille, plus a bash plate
• Finish: brushed metal, black side panels with SS logos and a gold engine casing
• Colours: Pearl White and vivid red two-tone
What engine does the CB250SS use?
A 249cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. Honda says it is tuned for strong low-end torque and linear power.
Honda has not published power or torque. Most reports expect it to share the DOHC four-valve single from the Japanese-market Rebel 250 and CL250.
In the Rebel 250 that engine uses a 76 × 55 mm bore and stroke. It makes about 26 PS (25.6 hp) at 9,500 rpm and 22 Nm, with a 6-speed gearbox. Treat these as a guide until Honda confirms the CB250SS figures.
What chassis and hardware does it get?
The spec sheet is generous for a 250:
• Frame: newly developed, lightweight steel frame
• Front suspension: gold anodised upside-down (USD) fork
• Rear suspension: Pro-Link multi-link monoshock
• Wheels: 17-inch alloys front and rear (spoked wheels reported as an option)
• Tyres: block-pattern dual-purpose tyres
• Brakes: ABS
• Dash: round TFT display
• Connectivity: second-generation Honda RoadSync, with phone pairing and navigation
Can the CB250SS go off-road?
Only lightly. Suspension travel looks short and the 17-inch wheels are road-biased.
Think gravel tracks and broken city roads, not trails. It is a styled road bike, closer to a street scrambler than a CRF250L.
When will the CB250SS launch?
Honda China has confirmed spring 2027 for the production model. Its 24 September 2026 teaser read: “Spring 2027, formal debut!”
China comes first. Honda says it will then roll out to overseas markets, but no country has been named.
The show bike is still labelled a concept. Details may change before production.
Will the CB250SS come to India, Japan or Europe?
Nothing is confirmed for any market outside China yet.
• Japan: a 249cc bike sits in the light two-wheeler class, so it skips the costly “shaken” inspection. That makes it a natural fit.
• Europe and UK: most European outlets think a launch there is unlikely.
• India: Honda has said nothing. Its 350cc retros (H’ness CB350, CB350RS) already cover that space.
What will the CB250SS cost?
Honda has not announced a price. Chinese media rumours range from under CNY 20,000 to about CNY 27,999.
That is roughly ₹2.4–3.4 lakh or US$2,800–3,900 at today’s rates (approximate).
In Japan, analysts expect a price near the CL250 (JPY 649,000) and GB350 (JPY 649,000–715,000).
Which bike does it replace?
In China it is widely seen as the step-up from, or successor to, the Wuyang-Honda CB190SS.
The CB190SS launched in 2019 at a guide price of CNY 16,880 (2021 model). Tests recorded 0–100 km/h in 13.97 seconds and a 112 km/h top speed.
What are the CB250SS’s rivals?
Expect it to face small retro and scrambler bikes such as:
• Honda’s own CL250 and GB350 S
• Royal Enfield Hunter 350
• Kawasaki Meguro S1
• Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X
What else did Honda show at CIMA 2026?
Six new or updated models shared the stand:
• CM500 and CM250: updated cruisers with E-Clutch and a 3.6-inch TFT; China launch early 2027. CM250 seat height is 690 mm.
• CB500 Super Four: Honda’s first China-made four-cylinder, 502cc, priced at CNY 43,480. New classic colour edition.
• NSS350 and ADV350: limited “night black” editions, 1,000 units each, at CNY 40,980 and CNY 42,480.
Honda also said it expects to sell 22.8 million motorcycles worldwide in 2026.
Honda CB250SS: quick specs
Figures marked “expected” are not confirmed by Honda.
Honda CB250SS: quick specs
Figures marked “expected” are not confirmed by Honda.
| Spec | Honda CB250SS Concept |
| Engine | 249cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled |
| Power | ~26 PS @ 9,500 rpm (expected, Rebel 250 basis) |
| Torque | ~22 Nm (expected, Rebel 250 basis) |
| Bore × stroke | 76 × 55 mm (expected) |
| Gearbox | 6-speed (expected) |
| Frame | New lightweight steel frame |
| Front suspension | Gold anodised USD fork |
| Rear suspension | Pro-Link multi-link monoshock |
| Wheels | 17-inch alloy, front and rear |
| Tyres | Block-pattern dual-purpose |
| Brakes | ABS |
| Instruments | Round TFT, Honda RoadSync Gen 2 |
| Colours (show bike) | Pearl White with vivid red |
| Debut | CIMA 2026, Chongqing, 19 September 2026 |
| Launch | Spring 2027, China first |
| Expected price (China) | CNY 20,000–27,999 (rumoured) |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Honda CB250SS a production bike?
Not yet. It is a concept, but Honda has confirmed a production version for spring 2027.
What is the engine capacity of the CB250SS?
249cc, from a liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine.
How much power does the CB250SS make?
Honda has not said. If it shares the Rebel 250 engine, expect about 26 PS and 22 Nm.
Where was the CB250SS unveiled?
At CIMA 2026 in Chongqing, China, which opened on 19 September 2026.
What is the expected price of the CB250SS?
No official price yet. Chinese reports suggest CNY 20,000–27,999 (about ₹2.4–3.4 lakh).
Is the CB250SS launching in India?
No India launch has been announced. China gets it first, then other markets.
Does the CB250SS have ABS?
Yes. The concept has ABS, a round TFT display and Honda RoadSync connectivity.
