Difference between revisions of "Category:250cc displacement motorcycles"

==As beginner motorcycles==

==As beginner motorcycles==

With the demise of the 150-200cc class, the next step up in displacement from the [[:Category:125cc displacement motorcycles|125cc class]] is now the 250cc class (15 cubic inches). Today a 250 is considered a "small" [[motorcycle]], but they used to be considered "middleweights," which they truly are. Ideally, a 250cc class motorcycle is what the rider who has learned primary riding skills on a 125 should move up to.  

With the demise of the 150-200cc class, the next step up in displacement from the [[:Category:125cc displacement motorcycles|125cc class]] is now the 250cc class (15 cubic inches). Today a 250 is considered a "small" [[motorcycle]], but they used to be considered "middleweights," which they truly are. Ideally, a 250cc class motorcycle is what the rider who has learned primary riding skills on a 125 should move up to.  

For the aspiring sport bike rider, the '''Kawasaki Ninja 250''' is the obvious, and only, choice. It has a high revving, sophisticated, 248cc [[DOHC]] [[inline twin]] engine, and a six-speed transmission. The rear suspension is provided by a mono-shock. (All of the other 250's discussed here have conventional twin rear shocks.) It also comes with cast wheels, disc brakes front and rear, and a full sport fairing. The gas tank holds a whopping 4.8 gallons. The Ninja's dry weight is 304 pounds. It is the fastest and best handling of the modern 250's, with a top speed of approximately 100 mph.  It is the only bike in this list that can reliably attain interstate speeds without vibrating itself apart.  It's 29.3 inch seat height and sport bike ergonomics will be the main drawbacks for some riders.

For the aspiring sport bike rider, the '''Kawasaki Ninja 250''' is the obvious, and only, choice. It has a high revving, sophisticated, 248cc [[DOHC]] [[inline twin]] engine, and a six-speed transmission. The rear suspension is provided by a mono-shock. (All of the other 250's discussed here have conventional twin rear shocks.) It also comes with cast wheels, disc brakes front and rear, and a full sport fairing. The gas tank holds a whopping 4.8 gallons. The Ninja's dry weight is 304 pounds. It is the fastest and best handling of the modern 250's, with a top speed of approximately 100 mph.  It is the only bike in this list that can reliably attain interstate speeds without vibrating itself apart.  It's 29.3 inch seat height and sport bike ergonomics will be the main drawbacks for some riders.

For the person who wants the versatility of a [[standard motorcycle]], the '''Honda Nighthawk 250''' is about the only choice. The Nighthawk is attractive and practical. Its 234cc sohc [[parallel-twin]] engine and 5-speed transmission gives it adequate performance. Its laced wheels and drum brakes front and rear should make it economical, but its list price was actually somewhat higher than the other 250's, $100 more than the Virago, and $400 more than the Ninja. The gas tank holds 4.3 gallons, enough to go a long way on a 250. The Nighthawk's seat height is the same as the Ninja's, and taller than the other 250's, at 29.3 inches. It weighs 287 pounds.

For the person who wants the versatility of a [[standard motorcycle]], the '''Honda Nighthawk 250''' is about the only choice. The Nighthawk is attractive and practical. Its 234cc sohc [[parallel-twin]] engine and 5-speed transmission gives it adequate performance. Its laced wheels and drum brakes front and rear should make it economical, but its list price was actually somewhat higher than the other 250's, $100 more than the Virago, and $400 more than the Ninja. The gas tank holds 4.3 gallons, enough to go a long way on a 250. The Nighthawk's seat height is the same as the Ninja's, and taller than the other 250's, at 29.3 inches. It weighs 287 pounds.

The best selling motorcycles today are cruisers, which explains why there are three cruisers in the 250cc class. The '''Honda Rebel''' was that company's entry. The same engine and transmission that powers the Nighthawk powers this mini cruiser. Strangely, the Rebel cruiser has a shorter wheelbase than the standard Nighthawk, but weighs in 19 pounds heavier (at 306). It gets a disc brake in front, which is a real improvement, and laced wheels. Fuel capacity is 2.6 gallons. The seat height is only 26.6 inches, and the center of gravity is lower than the Nighthawk's.

The best selling motorcycles today are cruisers, which explains why there are three cruisers in the 250cc class. The '''Honda Rebel''' was that company's entry. The same engine and transmission that powers the Nighthawk powers this mini cruiser. Strangely, the Rebel cruiser has a shorter wheelbase than the standard Nighthawk, but weighs in 19 pounds heavier (at 306). It gets a disc brake in front, which is a real improvement, and laced wheels. Fuel capacity is 2.6 gallons. The seat height is only 26.6 inches, and the center of gravity is lower than the Nighthawk's.

The '''Suzuki GZ250''''s 249cc sohc single cylinder motor gave it a reported top speed of 76 mph; You should expect a little more horsepower from the Honda 234cc inline twins, and the Yamaha 249cc V-twin. But there is no denying that singles are fun. A disc in front and a drum in back provide braking, and the wheels are laced. The GZ250 cruiser weighs 301 pounds, and has a generous 3.7 gallon gas tank. Seat height is 27.8 inches.

The '''Suzuki GZ250''''s 249cc sohc single cylinder motor gave it a reported top speed of 76 mph; You should expect a little more horsepower from the Honda 234cc inline twins, and the Yamaha 249cc V-twin. But there is no denying that singles are fun. A disc in front and a drum in back provide braking, and the wheels are laced. The GZ250 cruiser weighs 301 pounds, and has a generous 3.7 gallon gas tank. Seat height is 27.8 inches.

==See Also==

==See Also==