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First I will look at each bike separately and then we will do a little comparison between them.
Honda CBR250R - $4,199
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The CBR250R has been a breath of fresh air in a segment that had become stagnant. It has also become a big seller for Honda. Riders have complimented the CBR on how comfortable the soft seat is, how supple the suspension is and how the riding position is nice and upright. The bike is light at just 357 pounds with a full tank. The CBR250R is in its element in urban environments.
A few criticisms though. Some complain of sticky shifting, and the removable gas cap and the bar bridging the fuel tank opening makes fill-ups a hassle. Thankfully the CBR250R has an average fuel economy of 59 mpg, trips to the gas station should be few and far between.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 - $4,799
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The Kawasaki Ninja 300 is a sporty little bike. It has angular body work and riders will reach forward to low clip-on bars and hook their heels on high-set, grippy footpegs. The 296cc parallel twin gives smooth, steady power that builds rapidly beyond 7,500 rpm. The Ninja is the only bike of the three to be able to get into triple digit speeds (in mph). The Ninja is suitable for long trips because of its 4.5-gallon tank. The highway isn't kind to the Ninja though with a lack of legroom, a hard seat, a shock that seems to be calibrated for heavy riders, and a buzz in the grips. Some other criticisms include a clutch that is hard to master (likely due to the slip-assist clutch mechanism), and the suspension transfers too much weight onto the undersprung fork. This is the best choice for sport riders.
Suzuki GW250 - $3,999
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The Suzuki GW250 is a quasi-naked standard with spacious ergos, a docile engine, and a number of beginner-friendly not found on the competition. The GW's parallel twin is low-tech and light on power. It produces just 21.2 hp at 8,200 rpm. The GW is geared low which means your tachometer will often be hovering near the redline. You can take the GW on the highway and keep up with traffic, but there's almost nothing left in reserve. If you avoid the freeway you can get your mpg to hop from 40 up to 60! The seat is the softest and so is the suspension of the three bikes. The bike is also the heaviest at 405 pounds, 22 more than the Ninaja and 49 more than the Honda.
Comparison
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Each bike is a good choice. The GW is the safe choice. it is the least expensive, most benign in performance, and gently suspended. Least safe is the ninja. It is more expensive, but is also more entertaining. The CBR250R is best as an all-rounder bike. Perhaps not the best choice for heavier riders though who might not be able to get up to 80 mph on the freeway.
Honda CBR250R - $4,199
The CBR250R has been a breath of fresh air in a segment that had become stagnant. It has also become a big seller for Honda. Riders have complimented the CBR on how comfortable the soft seat is, how supple the suspension is and how the riding position is nice and upright. The bike is light at just 357 pounds with a full tank. The CBR250R is in its element in urban environments.
A few criticisms though. Some complain of sticky shifting, and the removable gas cap and the bar bridging the fuel tank opening makes fill-ups a hassle. Thankfully the CBR250R has an average fuel economy of 59 mpg, trips to the gas station should be few and far between.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 - $4,799
The Kawasaki Ninja 300 is a sporty little bike. It has angular body work and riders will reach forward to low clip-on bars and hook their heels on high-set, grippy footpegs. The 296cc parallel twin gives smooth, steady power that builds rapidly beyond 7,500 rpm. The Ninja is the only bike of the three to be able to get into triple digit speeds (in mph). The Ninja is suitable for long trips because of its 4.5-gallon tank. The highway isn't kind to the Ninja though with a lack of legroom, a hard seat, a shock that seems to be calibrated for heavy riders, and a buzz in the grips. Some other criticisms include a clutch that is hard to master (likely due to the slip-assist clutch mechanism), and the suspension transfers too much weight onto the undersprung fork. This is the best choice for sport riders.
Suzuki GW250 - $3,999
The Suzuki GW250 is a quasi-naked standard with spacious ergos, a docile engine, and a number of beginner-friendly not found on the competition. The GW's parallel twin is low-tech and light on power. It produces just 21.2 hp at 8,200 rpm. The GW is geared low which means your tachometer will often be hovering near the redline. You can take the GW on the highway and keep up with traffic, but there's almost nothing left in reserve. If you avoid the freeway you can get your mpg to hop from 40 up to 60! The seat is the softest and so is the suspension of the three bikes. The bike is also the heaviest at 405 pounds, 22 more than the Ninaja and 49 more than the Honda.
Comparison
Each bike is a good choice. The GW is the safe choice. it is the least expensive, most benign in performance, and gently suspended. Least safe is the ninja. It is more expensive, but is also more entertaining. The CBR250R is best as an all-rounder bike. Perhaps not the best choice for heavier riders though who might not be able to get up to 80 mph on the freeway.
