Honda CBR 250R VS Kawasaki Ninja 250R VS Hyosung GT 250R: The Quarter Liter Battle
Well this is going to be an eventful year for the 200cc-250cc motorcycle segment in India. Already some big players in the market and some are seriously contemplating of entering into this highly competitive segment. For those who are planning to buy a motorcycle in 200-250cc category it’s important that they should compare these motorcycles so that they can make a right choice.
I am giving below a small comparison which I feel may help you in making up your mind. I am choosing Honda CBR 250R, Kawasaki Ninja 250R, and yet to be showcased in India the 2012 Hyosung GT 250R.
Kawasaki Ninja 250R
Kawasaki Ninja 250R
Let’s start with my personal favorite the Kawasaki “Kawacker” Ninja 250r. This was the first and the till date the true 250cc sports motorcycle in India. It’s till date a genuine entry level sports motorcycle in India and in the entire world. It’s been compared with many 250cc motorcycles around the world and it has shown them the door with its impeccable and unmatched performance. In India the biggest thing that goes against this motorcycle is its price tag.
Kawasaki Ninja 250R
You can call it a smallest or the baby Ninja but it’s not a baby by any means. Its 249cc parallel twin power plant churns out 33 bhp @ 11000rpm and a 22 Nm of torque @ 8200 rpm which makes it a rocket on the road. To cool this monster off it houses an all new liquid cooling Desno radiator. With a 17 liter fuel tank and a mileage of around 35-40 km/l (depends on whether you are riding on a highway or a city) it can make a brilliant package of performance and economy.
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
When it comes to the speed it’s a rocket and no 250 cc motorcycle can match it. It can attain a speed of 0-60 in just 3.1 seconds and 0-100 km/h in meager 8.1 seconds. With a top speed of around 170 km/h it’s a speed demon. The handling is superb and it takes the corners with an ease. It’s a true entry level super sports motorcycle for those who what to graduate to bigger little class super sports motorcycles. Most of the time guys feel that their motorcycle needs to be faster as they are not happy with 140-145 km/h speed of their 250cc motorcycle. The best part about Ninja 250R is that you got enough speed (170 km/h) in its power plant that you almost never grow over it which is a common thing when you ride other 250cc motorcycles. Thanks to its dual throttle valves it responds very well across the rev range.
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
It’s not only a speed demon but a demon that is a stunner to look at. It looks great in all colors but its flagship green color is the best. It’s beautifully crafted sporty looks with beautifully styled front faring and dual lamp headlights, makes it even desirable. What I would like to be changed is its dated speedometer and an ABS as standard. It’s all analog and nothing is digital that is a standard in almost all the 200-250cc segment motorcycles. The instrument cluster is comprised of speedometer, trip-meter, tachometer and fuel gauge, turn indicators, high beam, low fuel, low oil, high oil temperature, choked air filter, and low battery indicators. The overall package is a true super sports machine that’s made to ignite your senses. The only thing that goes against this gorgeous speed demon is its price tag.
Honda CBR250R
Honda CBR250R
As they say Honda can never go wrong and they have proved it yet again with their CBR250R. This is an excellent machine that is the combination of all the important ingredients that makes a motorcycle a great success. Honda CBR250R motorcycle is available in two variants the standard and the one with ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), of course the price is higher for the ABS version and I believe that its always better to go for the ABS model. The riding position is very comfortable and coupled with superb engine performance makes the riding very enjoyable. It’s good at taking corners but not as good as the Ninja 250R
Honda CBR250R
Its houses a very efficient liquid cooled SI 249.6cc single cylinder power plant that churns out good 25 bhp @ 8500 rpm and a peak torque of 22.9 NM @ 7000 rpm. In a flat out run its decent torque can help it competing with Ninja 250R at the initial few seconds but in no time it will lose the battle as Ninja’s torque is well distributed throughout the rpms. Like Ninja it’s a 6 speed transmission motorcycle which gives it an edge while on long drives. It scores on Ninja when it comes to the speedometer. It’s beautiful and futuristic looking digital speedometer looks much better than the dated speedometer of the Ninja. Also the ABS is an added feature of Honda CBR250R which is missing in the Ninja.
Honda CBR250R
It comes with a special stainless steel black color coated silencer gives it a unique look from the side and closely resembles the one on VFR 1200F. Honda CBR250R closely resembles the VRF1200F. Overall Honda CBR250R is a great package of price, performance and practicality. It’s for sure the true contender of the crown of the king of 250cc segment.
Hyosung GT250R
