250cc Sport Bike | 2010 Model Overview
For the past 20+ years if you were in the market for a 250cc sport bike, there was just one name, one bike, one brand to choose from, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R. Simply put the previous and current generation 250R’s are great bikes, why there hasn’t been more competition in this sport bike class is beyond comprehension. However times are a changing, as new 250cc sport bikes like the Hyosung GT250R are beginning to loosen Kawasaki’s grasp on this market.
The Newest Kid on the Block: Hyosung GT250R Overview
Over the past several years a new brand of motorcycles has emerged as a solid manufacture, Hyosung. Based in Korea, they look poised to steal some market share away from Kawasaki and their 250cc sport bike the Ninja 250R. Let’s take a quick at Hyosung and their newest 250cc sport bike the 2010 GT250R, and the bike they look to dethrone the 2010 Kawasaki ninja 250R.
Styling and Ergo’s….
Man is this Hyosung GT250R a sexy pair of wheels. Stepping foot at my local dealer I asked the salesman to point me to Hyosung’s newest 250cc motorbike, walked right past it mistaking the headlamp for a Ducati. Making use of a 2stage projection beam headlight, and digitally displayed gauges gives the Hyosung a technological advantage in its motorbike class. Being 6feet tall I appreciated the taller and sportier seat however can easily see shorter smaller riders taking issue to the higher seating position this 250cc sport bike has.
Suspension and Powertrain….
Equipped with 43mm inverted front forks and preload adjustable rear spring the GT250R is both modern and functional. Weighing in on the slight heavy side at 415lbs.wet the motorcycle was still very manageable. The 249cc 75 degree fuel injected v-twin packs user friendly low-end torque maxing out at 17lb/ft @ 8000 rpm’s, and horsepower surging to 27hp @ 10500 rpm’s. At 10.3:1 compression this engine pulls strong with a very linear power band. On the negative side the Hyosung GT250R is still making use of a 5 speed gear box, with all the modern luxuries this 250cc motorcycle has, we have to just scratch our heads and ponder why a six speed box wasn’t one of them.
The Champ is Still Standing: Kawasaki Ninja 250R Overview
The 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250R is unchanged from the successful 2008 and 2009 revision of the previous generation 250R. Let’s briefly highlight the key components of the Ninja 250R, and see how these 250cc sport bikes compare
Styling and Ergo’s….
The Kawasaki Ninja 250R has always been a comfortable bike, and the 2010 edition is no different. The low seat height and upright riding position is tops in its class, a commuters and shorter riders dream. Lacking modern digital gauges the analog speedo and tach are very easy to read and function beautifully. Fingers are crossed as the 650R has digital gauges for 2010 look for Kawasaki to incorporate them to the 250R in the coming future.
Suspension and Powertrain….
The 5 way adjustable preload rear suspension and the revised firmer front 37mm front forks give the 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250R an effective, sporty edge in the 250cc sport bike class. The Ninja 250R is agile to say the least weighing in at a modest 375lbs. wet it’s nimble, quick, and responsive at every turn. The 249cc parallel twin engine screams to an alarming 14,000 rpm’s. Coupled to a six speed transmission, fun is definitely an understatement.
2010 Model Overview
It’s almost impossible to imagine a motorcycle dethroning the Kawasaki Ninja 250R in the 250cc sport bike class. Its brand name prowess and familiarity are second to none. However motorbikes like the Hyosung GT250R are offering more modern features creating a more competitive market. Kawasaki still holds the upper hand when considering the whole package of form and function, but they better not blink cause the 250cc sport bike class has gotten more competitive.
