For those who no longer consider themselves beginners and who are not interested in 125 cc motorcycles, but who are not yet ready to try 600 cc bikes, models with a 250 cc engine become the golden mean. Often they are chosen not for road trips or biker hangouts, but for quick and comfortable movement around the city or for starting a sports career. Speed, comfort, exterior and affordable price are valued here.
Yamaha YBR 125
The Japanese two-wheeled stallion is one of the common names for the small-capacity, compact, but quite powerful and dynamic motorcycle Yamaha YBR 125 for its class.
By the way, we recently did a detailed review of the Yamaha YBR 125. I recommend that you read it.
The first generation of which was produced from 2004 to 2006. It is characterized by:
- optimally balanced parameters;
- efficiency in terms of fuel consumption;
- good maneuverability;
- excellent handling.
Of course, this model costs several times more than the 250 cc Chinese motorcycles, video presentations that flooded the World Wide Web. But the Japanese manufacturer notes that the potential owner will not overpay for the brand and company name when purchasing a Yamaha YBR 125.
The fact is that the cost of this model is fully justified and corresponds to:
- innovative technologies used to manufacture YBR 125;
- high-quality modern materials used to create the motorcycle;
- official guarantees and additional services that a biker receives when purchasing a Yamaha.
But some Chinese 250cc motorcycles are getting quite positive reviews.
The main emphasis is on low cost, decent performance properties and unpretentiousness. The only, but important, “but” is the fact that only the original “Chinese” ones receive good ratings, and among the full flow of fakes imported into our country, it is quite difficult to distinguish and identify them without being a professional or a fairly experienced biker.
Japanese or Chinese motorcycle – what to choose?
When looking for a more affordable alternative to the Yamaha YBR 125, you can safely look at the Chinese motorcycles, photos of which are presented below. Experts call these models a worthy replacement for the YBR 125.
Irbis 250 VJ250. The price is just over 50,000 rubles. Photo 1.
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Zongshen ZS250GS 250cc. Price from 80 thousand rubles. Photo 2.
Even based on the appearance, we can conclude that Chinese manufacturers did not save either money or imagination when designing the exterior and giving it a dynamic, moderately aggressive look. Swift lines, sporty smartness and sophisticated elegance will attract the attention of both other road users and pedestrians, and connoisseurs will appreciate the original execution of the design idea.
Of course, in no case can one say that the latest, fourth, generation of the Yamaha YBR 125 can be “outdone”, especially with a smaller budget, but the elegant and, most importantly, individual style of the leading Chinese motorcycle manufacturers was still able to not only create and preserve , and also “adjust” it to the most popular trends in profile fashion. This is at least worthy of respect. Therefore, Chinese motorcycles, the price of which is much “nicer” than the Japanese counterpart YBR 125, are of active interest among those who have “grown up” from small cars, but are not yet ready to switch to powerful and large motorcycles.
Demand, as we know, creates supply, and in the very near future the range of inexpensive small-capacity motorcycles will rapidly increase, which will certainly play into the hands of the average consumer or novice biker.
Criterias of choice
The selection criteria are determined by the preferences of the buyer himself. He himself needs to make his choice according to three parameters from the list:
- Purpose.
- Driving style.
- Budget for purchase and maintenance.
It should also be noted that the scooter cannot be considered only a youth car. It is preferred by people of all ages and incomes.
Purpose
A distinctive feature of all models: small wheel radius and low ground clearance. This limits its use to city streets. Or paved roads. Trips to work or school, shopping - almost any brand is suitable for this. To visit the dacha on country roads, it is better to choose a scooter. It has a larger wheel radius.
The efficiency of this transport makes it popular not only in the city. In rural areas they often want to buy one for trips over the same short distances.
Driving style
Even with a 50cc engine, this is a car of calm style. Small wheels do not allow you to quickly gain speed. However, there are some nuances here too. Two-stroke engines are slightly more powerful than four-stroke engines. In addition, they are more convenient for tuning. They are less demanding and will last longer before repair. Four-stroke engines are noisier and more difficult to handle and maintain.
For a more aggressive driving style, pay attention to the braking system. Experts advise having disc brakes on the rear or both wheels
Installed only on the front ones, they make driving much more difficult. Especially for beginners. A telescopic front fork would also be useful. It significantly conceals road unevenness.
Budget
The purchase price directly depends on the brand, year of manufacture and condition of the scooter. Chinese manufacturers produce cheap but lower quality products. However, the opinion of experts agrees: with proper care, their equipment can last quite a long time. In addition, the parts to repair them cost less.
During operation, four-stroke engines consume about 2.5 liters per 100 km. With economical driving and proper condition, it is possible to keep within 1.6-2 liters. Two-stroke engines have more consumption. Up to 5 liters. But some manufacturers produce engines with a consumption of 3-4 liters.
A large battery capacity will allow you to charge the battery less often. This means maintaining the condition of the terminals longer. Protecting the carburetor from moisture will prolong its trouble-free operation.
Two-wheeled modifications:
1. Enduro.
Chinese enduro
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Japanese and Chinese 250cc enduro motorcycles are manufactured in full compliance with the requirements of this motorcycle discipline. Strong, reliable, capable of withstanding even the most severe loads and mechanical pressure, such modifications are excellent for overcoming many kilometers of difficult terrain.
2. Road models.
Chinese road worker
Relatively inexpensive Chinese road motorcycles with a 250-cc working unit are distinguished by their versatility and unpretentiousness. They cope quite well with the “peculiarities” of our road surface, are resistant to extreme temperatures and operating conditions, which attracts domestic bikers.
3. Cross modifications.
Cross "Chinese"
Considering the desire with which motocross is developing, it is quite logical that two-wheelers of the corresponding modification are in high demand, both among professionals and those who are just entering the world of speed on closed tracks. Thus, when purchasing a Chinese 250 cc motocross motorcycle, you can safely count on victories and dizzying speeds, not much inferior to the Japanese analogue of the Yamaha YBR 125.
In general, every original Chinese sports motorcycle is quite competitive and can, in the skillful hands of a racer or biker, show crazy power, excellent response to any actions of its owner, excellent ride quality and impeccable performance characteristics. It is important not to forget about preventive measures and still do not skimp on fuel in order to extend the useful life of the “two-wheeled stallion”.
Model Patron Indigo 250
Another good representative of the class of Chinese choppers 250 cc, made in a traditional style and shows others maximum solidity and good engine performance. They also thought about comfort here; you can easily go on a long trip on the Patron Indigo 250, which will help with a comfortable two-tier seat. There is a backrest on the seat for better comfort. The solid appearance is further emphasized by high-strength alloy wheels. If you want to reach top speeds, a vibration-eliminating balance shaft will help provide added comfort.
The motorcycle boasts compact dimensions; with a length of 2,240 mm and a width of 860 mm, it is an ideal solution in city traffic jams. The appearance of the Indigo 250 is especially worth mentioning; the motorcycle imitates a real chopper as closely as possible and there are many chrome-plated parts. Branded optics will help ensure both a stylish look and safety on the road. The drop-shaped tank looks organic and has a good volume, allowing you to go on a long trip without refueling. The engine capacity of 250 cc and a 5-speed gearbox is enough for good acceleration, and an excellent braking system will help ensure safety.
Price comparison
The price of Chinese 250 cc motorcycles often becomes a decisive factor. After all, neither Japanese nor European analogues can compete in this matter with manufacturers from the Middle Kingdom. But an acceptable price in no way indicates poor quality. On the contrary, it is in China that the price/quality ratio can be pleasantly surprising. The main thing is not to overdo it in saving and not to follow the lead of those who offer cheap fakes. They have no certificates, licenses, or official warranty cards.
This rule also applies to the domestic motorcycle industry. For example, the original irbis motorcycle, developed by a group of talented engineers from Vladivostok, is also in no way inferior to European and Asian modifications, and its cost invariably pleases racers and even the most demanding bikers.
Read other motorcycle reviews of the Yamaha YBR-125 - is it really the best small-capacity motorcycle?
High-quality, stylish, powerful and high-tech inexpensive motorcycles are widely represented both in the domestic and global specialized markets. Each potential buyer has the opportunity to choose the optimal model that matches personal preferences and individual wishes, without spending enormous amounts of money.
The best 50cc scooter from Germany
A feature of the production of scooters in Germany has been the recent appearance of models created on the basis of well-known automobile and motorcycle giants. Having a high-tech base and engineering staff, they produce worthy samples. The products are able to compete with traditional suppliers of this transport. The struggle for the market determines its pricing policy. Sometimes bikes with identical characteristics are cheaper than their competitors.
BMW C evolution
In 2012, the BMW Corporation entered a new market for itself by releasing the BMW C evolution electric scooter. Company managers believe that rising fuel prices, bans on motor transport in city centers, as well as environmental problems will make this type of transport the most popular. The proposed model has decent characteristics for small city trips. A hundred-kilometer power reserve and full battery recharge in just three hours. In this case, the optimal speed is 120 km per hour.
Advantages:
Convenient and comfortable scooter when boarding. And it’s the same for both the driver and the passenger. The 26 horsepower engine is liquid cooled. Which makes it reliable even when used at maximum speed. The lithium-ion battery is forced air cooled. It is noteworthy that it fills the first 70% of the capacity in just half an hour. Plastic body with broken lines of futuristic design
What attracts the attention of young people. A video of his presentation quickly gained popularity on the Internet. The scooter confidently holds the road when cornering.
