A 400 lb 250cc bike?

[CB4ME_imp]

Would you buy this?





6 speeds, 60 plus MPG, 3.5 gal tank, liquid cooled twin, only 24 hp but tuned for low and midrange. On the heavy side, yes, but MSRP is only $3,999.

The Suzuki GW250!

[pechorin75_imp]

I suspect I'd want a bit more engine, but I'm also on the heavier side. Apart from that I think it looks like a lot of bike for the money...and it seems to have "real motorcycle" proportions--which I like, even if it means extra weight.

If I had to choose between this, a CB250R and a Ninja 300 for general riding (and wasn't worried about "retro" styling), I'd probably go for this. Some people don't like the looks, but they don't bother me. Webbikeworld.com has one for a long-term test, I believe.

[The Spaceman_imp]

Water-cooled four-strokes are just heavier than the air-cooled two-strokes we grew up with.

I've read both extremes in the reviews of this bike; Motorcycle.com liked it pretty well, Cycle World or M/C panned it. If I were looking in that range it would definitely be the Ninja 300. That's an extremely well-developed bike that gets rave reviews from everybody.

[the Ferret]

My daughter in law had a Ninja 300. I rode it twice. Just not in my nature anymore to have to ride around in the north end of the tach. The thing didn't even begin to run until it got above 6000 rpms. If you had to slow down it was mad downshifting so you didn't bog it when getting back on the gas...and they are just so....small, and I'm a pretty small fella.

I'm basically a liter bike guy or bigger. Just couldn't live with anything smaller than a 750 and really prefer big bore roadsters.

[chrisross_imp]

Considering Honda's new CB®500 line, I can't see why anyone looking at any of the mentioned bikes wouldn't go ahead and step up to that. They are priced extremely well and have been constantly raved about. Plus there's a version for everyone (naked, sport, adventure). I myself planned on getting the naked model before I purchased the 1100

[CB4ME_imp]

Considering Honda's new CB®500 line, I can't see why anyone looking at any of the mentioned bikes wouldn't go ahead and step up to that. They are priced extremely well and have been constantly raved about. Plus there's a version for everyone (naked, sport, adventure). I myself planned on getting the naked model before I purchased the 1100

This?



$5499

[chrisross_imp]

That's the one. I still think either would've been a great buy but I'm happy with my purchase.

[wildezt_imp]

the headlight looks kinda like the BKing's..

[emptysea]

My last bike was the CBR250r. I loved it and Im not a tiny person by any means. It was so easy to toss around and for great gas mileage, too. I did not move to the CB because the 250 was too small. I moved to it because I fell in love with it. So, yes, I would own a 250cc bike. However, if the CBR500r had been available at the time, I would have got it instead of the 250.

[Papa Weeley_imp]

I suspect I'd want a bit more engine, but I'm also on the heavier side. Apart from that I think it looks like a lot of bike for the money...and it seems to have "real motorcycle" proportions--which I like, even if it means extra weight.

If I had to choose between this, a CB250R and a Ninja 300 for general riding (and wasn't worried about "retro" styling), I'd probably go for this. Some people don't like the looks, but they don't bother me. Webbikeworld.com has one for a long-term test, I believe.

My thoughts exactly.
I know a lot of people say, "It's more fun to ride a slow motorcycle fast, than a fast motorcycle slow", but I've never really understood that opinion. I've had plenty of conservatively-powered bikes, and though they may have been fun in their own way, they've always left me wanting for more. My Bonneville is a case in point - it is actually a very fun, easy to ride, tossable bike, but at the end of the day, I'm always wishing it had 20-40 more hp. In fact, if it had that, I might never have bought the CB11. (I'd still be drooling over it however...) The CB may not be a powerhouse by any means, but it is at least "sufficient", and can get out of its own way. And when the need or want arises, you know that a healthy twist of the throttle and/or downshift will invoke a fairly impressive response.
Having said all that, I think this is a good looking little bike, even if it wouldn't be on my radar.