250cc Cruiser | 2010 Model Overview

Most of us when imagining a motorcycle picture a sleek bad-to-the-bone cruiser. Lucky for us as the 250cc motorcycle class has many options all of which are great choices. Today we will look at 4 distinct cruiser motorbikes from some of the top manufactures in the market: Honda, Suzuki, Hyosung, and Yamaha.

2010 Honda Rebel (msrp $3,999)

Originally introduced in 1986, the Honda Rebel or Rebel 250 is a fantastic beginner motorcycle. The Honda Rebel at 310 lbs. and a class leading 26.6 inch seat height is often seen at motorcycle training facilities worldwide. Its 234cc carbureted parallel twin offers plenty of grunt while still gaining 70+ mpg. The design is classic to say the least, but with an 18” front wheel is still flashy enough to be considered modern. In the words of our elders “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. Honda’s are known to be reliable and this 250cc cruiser doesn’t disappoint. Easy to work on, and a large aftermarket and cult following are strong bonuses to owning a Rebel.

2010 Hyosung GV250 (msrp $3,899)

New to the motorcycle world, Hyosung is beginning to gain popularity by designing quality well functioning motorcycles. Their take on a 250cc cruiser, the GV250, is no different. By offering some modern features not found on other bigger named motorcycles the Hyosung GV250 is gaining status and ground within the 250cc community. Measuring in at a manageable 350 lbs. coupled to a 27.9 inch seat height the GV250 is a great choice for all types of riders. The boys at Hyosung seem to get it, they are constantly making subtle changes and upgraded to their bikes year after year. New for the GV250 this year we can see an upgraded exhaust, improved styling, lowered handlebars, but most importantly fuel injection.

As we saw with their GT250R sportbike, Hyosung is beginning to toss the dated tradition of carburetion and offer fuel injection on their entry-level motorcycles. Pairing modern fuel injection with a classic 249cc v-twin is a great combination. A best in class 10.3:1 compression ration ensures this 250cc cruiser will perform at a high level time and time again. Aftermarket wise the GV250 as are most Hyosung creations is still lacking, but as far as bang for the buck goes the GV250 is a winner.

2010 Suzuki GZ250 (msrp $3,999)

The GZ series from Suzuki has been around since 1998 and have always been great entry-level motorcycles. The GZ250 is very simple in design and function, light at 331 lbs., low with a 27.8 inch seat height, and hands down the best fuel economy in its class at 82mpg you simply can’t fault a GZ250 purchase.

At first glance the Suzuki looks like most other 250cc cruisers, however look closely and you’ll realize this bike only packs one cylinder. That’s right no parallel or v-twin here, just a good old fashioned 249cc single. Carbureted and ran at a modest 9.0:1 compression the GZ250 isn’t the most modern of motorcycles; however with less moving parts to break this Suzuki is a reliability monster. If you are a serious novice and wanted to learn how to operate and maintain a motorcycle while still looking stylish in the process than take a look at the Suzuki GZ250 as your purchase of choice.

2010 Yamaha VSTAR 250 (msrp $3,999)

Formerly known as the Virago 250, the VSTAR 250 from Yamaha has been gracing the roads since 1988. Starting with a 308 lb. waste line and a low 27 inch seat height the VSTAR 250 is both user friendly and highly maneuverable. Combining great looks as evident in the 18” front wheel, and loads of aftermarket parts, it’s not wonder these bikes have been so popular over the years.

Yamaha no matter the motorcycle class has been known to produce great performing engines; this 250cc cruiser is no different. Packing a 249cc carbureted v-twin at 10:1 compression it’s amazing to feel the smooth powerband and great fuel economy of 78mpg. We can credit the great agility, performance, and fuel economy to the low weight of this Yamaha. With probably the largest aftermarket parts in this series, the Yamaha VSTAR 250 offers us cruiser fanatics the complete package: looks, style, performance, and customization. Proven both on the road and in the garage the VSTAR 250 is a great motorcycle.

Conclusion

As we can see the 250cc cruiser class is very competitive. These manufacturers understand that if they make great high quality entry-level bikes than if you so choose to move up the cc latter in the future your good experiences will hopefully make your brand preference lean in their favor. All of these 250cc cruisers are good bikes some offer more modern features, some stick to their classic nature. Best advice, would be to ride them all, see which you prefer, but always ride safe and enjoy the ride.

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.

250cc Sport Bike | Kawasaki Ninja 250R (2008-Current)

In our first look, we saw the sleek styling and best in class rider position that the new Kawasaki 250R offers. In part two of our review we find out just how great this 250cc motorcycle from Kawasaki can be.

Suspension….

As great as the previous generation 250R was, the suspension at times left us wanting more. To our delight, you notice right away, that the guys at Kawasaki addressed these suspension concerns. Right out of the 600cc and greater sport bike play book, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R employs an adjustable rear shock. With 5 levels of preload adjustment the rear end can be fine tuned to the rider’s preferences. This is a great feature allowing heavier riders to increase the preload for their commuting comfort, but importantly allowing all riders to have an adjustable rear on the track. Complimenting the upgraded rear section this new 250cc sport bike also fixes the once soft front fork of its dated name sake. Firming the front end makes the Kawasaki Ninja 250R that much more fun on the track. The ability to corner and the stability of the act are increased with this new attribute. However potholes and rough roads are going to feel rougher when compared to the soft almost bouncy front end of the last generation.

Transmission/Brakes/Tires….

The braking system could always be found in the pro column for the older generation Ninja 250R. Good news cause the new model retains this same braking prowess. The front and rear are blessed with 290mm and 220mm discs. Applying the stopping power are two piston calipers front and rear, giving this 250cc sport bike plenty of braking bite. The brakes are precise and forgiving just like the six speed transmission of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R.

These 250cc motorcycles are great for beginner riders, one of the main reasons being the transmission. The clutch is easily engaged and the transmission very forgiving yet still sport bike precise, it’s uncanny to say the least. The smooth power band of this 250cc sport bike really allows for a consistent and predictable shifts. Six speeds assure you won’t run out of fun, and combined with rider comfort make these bikes manageable for highway commuting or long distant trips.

Kawasaki was kind enough to use Bridgestone as their tire of choice.  The Kawasaki Ninja 250R sports a 110/70-17 front tire and a 130/70-17 rear tire both Bridgestone Battlax BT45’s. Bridgestone makes some of the best motorcycle tires in the world from cruisers to sport bikes Bridgestone has you covered. However, if there was one area on the Kawasaki Ninja 250R that could be improved in the future it would be the use of these tires. The BT45 has proven to be a pretty good tire for most riders needs, but to add a touch more sport to this superb motorbike we would like to see the use of a radial tire.

To recap, in part one we admired the comfort, ergo’s, and edgy styling. Part two brought much love for the sportier suspension tweaks Kawasaki implemented, and to top things off the continued excellence of the drive train. It’s with great admiration that Kawasaki was able to take a wonderful motorcycle and make it even better. GO GREEN.

(2008-Current) Kawasaki Ninja 250R Specifications

250cc Sport Bike | Kawasaki Ninja 250R (2008-Current)

For the last 20+ years the previous generation Kawasaki Ninja 250R went unchanged and unchallenged in the 250cc sport bike class, making it one of the most successful and top selling motorbikes of all time. It’s no wonder that motorcyclists around the globe couldn’t wait to get their hands on Kawasaki’s latest 250R revision.

It’s without question that the newest Ninja 250R has some huge shoes to fill. How do we think Kawasaki did? Let’s just say we wouldn’t be surprised if this latest “little ninja” made it another 20+ years.

Styling….

At first glance it’s hard to believe these 250cc motorcycles from Kawasaki are truly  250cc motorcycles. With styling that many believe rival larger and more race driven sport bikes, Kawasaki has done an excellent job of designing a beautiful, modern, and edgy motorcycle. If you correlate stealth like attributes to everything ninja, then this 250cc sport bike lives up to these martial art standards. If you had never seen this sport bike before there is no way you’d think to yourself it must be a 250cc motorcycle. Whether it’s the dual lamp headlights, the full faired plastics, or the 17 inch spoked wheels you’d be hard pressed to say anything but “This bike looks FUN, this bike looks FAST”. After circling this motorbike surveying its clean and quality bodywork it was time to mount this beast

Rider Position and Feel….

If you have ever ridden or perhaps read our article on the previous generation Kawasaki Ninja 250R, you’d recall the low seat height and upright seating position lead to a comfortable and confidence inspiring ride. This latest version is no different, although different feeling both bikes are excellent at establishing a comfortable, worry free feeling.

The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R statistically has virtually the same seat height as its predecessors this motorbike however feels sportier. This difference in feel is primarily due to the spacing and height of the handle bars causing your hands to be slightly lower than years past. Personally I enjoy the new feeling, seating wise you perfectly match how the bike looks, sporty and edgier. Comfort is not lost though, and I’m glad to see this 250cc sport bike not loose any of its commuter attributes.

Look down and you’d notice the speedometer is larger for ease of viewing than years past and a much needed fuel gauge compliments the upgraded gauge clusters. With the narrow parallel twin engine design and scaling in at a light 375lb. wet weight it’s no wonder this motorbike is so easy to maneuver from a stopped position. Combined with its low seat height even the shortest of riders should have no problem planting both feet firmly on the ground. This 250cc sport bike feels like a winner. Tune into part 2 of our Kawasaki Ninja 250R review, as we fire this bad boy up.

(2008-Current) Kawasaki Ninja 250R Specifications

250cc Sport Bike | Kawasaki Ninja 250R (1983-2007)

Since 1986 Kawasaki has pretty much owned the 250cc sport bike class, and for good reason. The current and previous generation ninja 250R proved that it’s not always about muscle but about the sum of parts that make a great motorcycle.

In the Beginning….

The story of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R takes us back to early 80’s Japan, where the development of a belt driven 250cc motorcycle would shape the manufactures design philosophy for years to come. The first generation little ninja known as EX250-C also as GPZ-250 was Kawasaki’s first attempt to develop a 250cc sport bike. In 1983 and 1984 the first gen. ninja hit the market, belt driven, and in need of some serious redesigning Kawasaki went back to the drawing board. Motivated by these early failures Kawasaki was about to design one of the most successful motorbikes of all time.

The Dawning of a New Age….

Ninja 250R FUN!!!

In 1986 the completely revamped Ninja 250R hit the Canadian and American markets. Coded as the EX250-E, it was marketed as direct competition to another great iconic 250cc motorcycle the Honda Rebel. Although the Rebel is a cruiser and the Ninja250R a sport bike due to the lack of serious competition in the 250cc motorcycle class these two met head to head. With its comfortable upright seating position, 14,000 rpm redline, and modern sport bike styling the 250R was a success. However, it wasn’t until a few small design tweaks in 1988 that would cause this 250cc motorcycle to last 20+ years.

The next generation 1988 Ninja 250R, coded EX250-F is one of the most successful motorcycle designs of all time. Minor cosmetic changes, the resizing of the carburetor diameter to 32mm, and raising cylinder compression from 12.0:1 to 12.4:1 made the 1988 Ninja 250R a whole lot better. The slight engine modifications allowed for an easier revving motor, making that climb to 14,000 rpm’s all that much more fun. Now cosmetically more in tune with the modern sport bikes of its era and the engine punch to back it up, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R was primed to take the community of 250cc motorcycles by storm.

The classics never die

(1988-2007) Kawasaki Ninja 250R Specifications

Q: “Why 250cc Motorcycles are the Best?”

A: “It’s Simple, Strength in Design, Strength in Numbers”

Whether a novice or an experienced rider, 250cc motorcycles provide all the thrills of larger displacement motorbikes, with fewer costs, ease of use, and higher average resale values.

250r picture courtesy www.kawasaki.com

Simple but edgy designs give 250cc motorcycles advantages over the other motorbike classes. With most 250cc motorcycles easily tipping the scales sub 400 lbs., this lightweight advantage breeds excellent agility, control, confidence, and lower operational costs. For the novice motorcyclist the importance of control and ease of use is second to none. The last thing you want to do is be messing with the clutch lever and having to tach the gas just right to get that smooth shift, you want forgiveness. 250cc motorbikes offer this forgiveness: with smooth shifting gear boxes, upright seating positions, low seat heights, and lightweight controllability, these combinations are unavailable elsewhere in the market. This forgiveness spawns confidence with its operator; it will make you a better motorcyclist as you are able to push the motorbike safely to new limits. Besides being stylistic mirrors to their larger displacing brethren, one of the first things you will notice is the price, or lack there of.

A key component of 250cc motorcycle popularity and success is the low out of pocket and operational costs. Let’s face it, you wouldn’t go out and buy a Ferrari as your daily commuter and expect it to cost less to maintain and get better gas mileage over a well designed sedan built for these purposes, motorcycling is no different. Why blow all that money to get 30 or maybe 40 miles to the gallon on that $15000 sport bike, cruiser, or chopper, when you can have equal the fun getting 70, 80, and even a 100 mpg. 250cc motorcycles offer this stellar advantage, with equally sized gas tanks, that’s twice the range, less stops, and more time to enjoy riding, it’s a win-win scenario. These motorbikes new range $3000-$5000 that includes dealer fees and assembly, a steal to say the least. Whether you prefer a 250cc sport bike, 250cc cruiser, 250cc chopper, 250cc dual sport, 250cc dirt bike, or even a 250cc scooter manufactures have been producing and will continue to produce these superbly designed motorbikes for years to come.

GV250 pic courtesy www.hyosungmotorsusa.com

WR250F pic provided by www.yamaha-motor.com

Rebel image via http://powersports.honda.com

The used 250cc motorcycle market is probably one of the most over looked bonuses of 250cc motorcycles. Due to their high dependability, lower operational costs, and ease of use everyone from entry level riders to budget conscience gurus are looking for used motorcycles or motorbike parts driving the high demand. Whether you choose a new 250c motorcycle or a used 250cc motorcycle you can be reassured a return on your investment. Looking forward, one of the most promising new demands for 250cc motorcycles are women.

In what has forever been described as a patriarchal motorsport, motorcycling is getting some new members. Women in droves are discovering the freedom, practically, and good out fashion fun that 250cc motorcycles offer. Best part is I can equally enjoy staring at the rider as much as starring at the bike. With the average woman’s small overall size and newly found novice expertise 250cc motorbikes offer the lightweight, ease of use, low seat height, and simple design required to be safe and comfortable.

Whether you are a man, a woman, a novice or a seasoned veteran, the 250cc motorcycle class has something for everyone. A plethora of designs be it 250cc sport bike, 250cc cruiser, 250cc chopper, 250cc dirt bike, or 250cc scooter, ease of use, low costs, and a growing competitive market make 250cc motorcycles a great choice.

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Image courtesy KTM.com

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