Best 250cc Motorcycles
Japanese manufacturers have long won the image of the best in the motorcycle industry. High speeds, recognizable shapes, personal style - many people want to be the owner of such equipment. And if you are among them, then you should pay attention to these models:
- Honda REBEL 250 is a maneuverable and well-handling cruiser. The driver has at his disposal a 2-cylinder 4-stroke engine, 17.4 horsepower, 5-speed gearbox. REBEL 250 began production in 1985, and since then its exterior has not undergone much change. The maximum speed is 140 km/h. Thanks to its stability and good cross-country ability, it can become a worthy candidate for the role of the first bike.
- The Kawasaki KX250 is a 250cc motocross bike that has been on the market for thirteen generations, produced from 1974 to 2008. Buying this “Japanese”, you get 54 hp, which is with a vehicle weight of 100 kg. open up a lot of opportunities for offroad.
- Yamaha YBR 250 is a road representative of the “Japanese family”, captivating with its daring exterior. At your disposal is a 154-kilogram design, endowed with 21 horsepower and accelerating to 140 km/h. YBR 250 is ideal for overcoming traffic jams and just a comfortable ride. Among the latest features it is worth noting a multi-reflective headlight and an LCD instrument panel.
What the listed 250cc motorcycles have in common is an impeccable reputation and a large army of fans.
Best Chinese 250 motocross bike
Each manufacturer in the Middle Kingdom has a model range of bikes that corresponds to a comprehensive line of motorcycle modifications that are in demand in the motorcycle community. Cross-country or enduro motorcycles, sports bikes, choppers and classic road motorcycles. These are all major trends in the bike universe. Let's take a closer look at each representative.
A motocross or enduro motorcycle is known among those who like to ride off-piste over rough terrain. Enduros are supplied to the Russian market with a title. This makes it possible to move around in urban environments. Representatives of this type are more comfortable and have a softer suspension. Representatives of motocross motorcycles come to Russia without a title. Thus, obtaining numbers for them and registering them becomes impossible.
The Irbis TTR 250 was replaced by the Motoland XR 250 endurik. It comes with a huge bonus - it has a title. Motoland XR 250 Lite is the twin brother of the endurica. The only difference is that he does not have a PTS. Motoland GS 250 is a representative cross-country bike with universal cross-country ability. With such an iron horse you will conquer both smooth asphalt and any off-road terrain.
Motoland motorcycles occupy leading sales positions. The online store PITBIKER.RU presents a wide selection of models of this family.
Chinese 250 cc motorcycles: new players in the motor market
The main advantage of motorcycles from China is, of course, an affordable price. But with all the availability, many options have decent quality and fairly decent characteristics. Some examples:
- Lifan LF250-3A is a road bike with a power of 20 hp and a 6-speed gearbox. It does not require large investments: it costs about $2,000, and consumes only 2.2 liters per 100 km.
- Patron Taker 250 is a worthy sports representative of the Middle Kingdom. Provides good maneuverability, acceleration up to 140 km/h and reliable braking due to 300 mm front discs.
- Blackster 250 V2 is a stylish cruiser, the designers of which were apparently inspired by the American Harley-Davidson. It won't impress Harley fans, but it will do just fine for the average person.
When choosing Chinese 250 cc bikes, it is worth remembering that their appearance is often more aggressive than their character, and the riding dynamics may not live up to expectations. Therefore, no matter how powerful the model may seem, carefully study the characteristics and reviews of the owners.
Cross and enduro
The main difference between a motocross bike and an enduro bike is that a motocross bike is designed almost exclusively for sport riding. Motocross racing on challenging tracks attracts both spectators and participants. These types of motorcycles provide not only the ability to ride fast, but also the extreme thrills associated with the conditions that the motorcycle must cope with.
Large selection of Cross helmets from Europe
In the case of enduro, we are dealing with a wider application - that is why motorcycles are equipped with turn signals and headlights (which are usually not present on motocross bikes, although there are exceptions). However, that's not all. Enduros have higher suspension and are usually lighter, but cross bikes are still considered professional off-road machines. Of course, the equipment is different, although in the case of motorcycles of this type, most of the changes are made independently. Tuning of such cars usually takes place in local workshops.
Enduro Honda XRE300
Cross-country 250 cc motorcycles: what to choose?
If you have seriously decided to take up cross-country racing and you have ambitions for victories, then you should pay attention to the “titled” models:
- Kawasaki KX250F is a lightweight, nimble and obedient “Japanese”. Features smooth gear shifting and a powerful engine. The KX250F has repeatedly won prestigious tournaments.
- Yamaha YZ250F – has been produced since 2001 and is constantly modernized to meet the needs of competition participants. The latest models are comfortable due to the new frame, controlled due to the precise transmission, and reliable due to the improved chassis.
When choosing a reliable motocross or off-road motorcycle, Japan definitely wins. But if you need economical, budget-friendly and easy-to-drive motorcycles for the city, then it’s better to stop at China. Make a choice based on your preferences and make your purchase useful.
What are the best enduro motorcycles to buy?
Budget bikes from China are ideal for simple tasks: moving around the city, light off-road. Representatives of the average price are most often highly specialized and suitable only for competitions. High-end niche models are better suited to professional racers or those trying to keep up with technology.
Recommendations for selection:
- Beginners in enduro sports should take a closer look at the cheap LIFAN LF200GY-5 motorcycle.
- As a reliable and simple model for beginner athletes, it is worth buying the Kayo T2 250.
- The BSE J5-250E is well suited for traveling and traveling on simple routes.
- Experienced athletes who do not want to overpay for a body kit of little use are better off buying a powerful SUZUKI RM-Z450 motorcycle.
- The HONDA CRF450RX motorcycle is ideal for local and regional competitions.
- If you are choosing an affordable motorcycle for high-class competitions for tuning, it is reasonable to choose the SHERCO 450 SEF-R.
- The YAMAHA WR450F is convenient to use as a versatile and powerful bike for competitions and city trips.
- For those who want to race on very difficult trails without fear for the bike, it is better to take the KAWASAKI KX450.
- To feel comfortable both on highways and rough terrain, it is recommended to buy a DUCATI SCRAMBLER DESERT SLED.
- If you want to try something new, you should take a closer look at the ZERO FX electric motorcycle.
TOP 5 Chinese cross-enduro motorcycles
The article is relevant at the end of 2021, beginning of 2021.
In 2021, I already reviewed the TOP 5 Chinese cross-enduro motorcycles, but now it is not very relevant. Some manufacturers disappeared into oblivion, and new ones took their place. I've changed my mind about some motorcycles. Last time I divided enduro into “sport” enduro and dual sports. This time there is no point in this, since almost all dual-purpose motorcycles are now not sold in Russia. And the ones that remain, I’ll put here. Baltmotors, however, promise to resume sales of their dual sports and, in addition to the already well-known and quite successful BM200 and 250, which are nothing more than the renamed CHINCHI, they also promise to bring new items - touring enduro motorcycles for long-distance riders, with an aerodynamic body kit and panniers. But that won’t be so soon, but now I’ll tell you about the motorcycles available for order now......
For convenience, I will name the range of prices, since everyone asks for it. The principles of Chinese motorcycle construction have not changed; the better the components, the more expensive the enduro motorcycles themselves are. To put it simply, pay the price for shit and sticks, you get shit and sticks. And then you shouldn’t be surprised that the motorcycle you bought for half a ton begins to fall apart. And so let's go......
Content:
5th place. Price category from 80 to 100 with kopecks, thousand rubles
This time there is no “legendary” snow leopard ttr250 here, since, thank the higher powers, it is no longer sold, but its brothers remain. Here you can add almost its copy - the Motoland XR250 enduro motorcycle. Also in this place are Motoland Enduro 250LT, ST, EX and their twin brother YX250GY-C5C from the arms factory named after. Degtyareva. The no less “legendary” LIFAN GY-5 also left us, but it was replaced by the LIFAN GY-3B, which essentially differs only in its more modern appearance. In 5th place are also Racer Enduro RC200GY-C2 and some other similar vehicles. I don’t know why they make such long and complex names, apparently to improve my diction. So, what all these enduro motorcycles have in common is that they are made from slightly undercooked rice. What did you want for this money, lobsters? But I can’t call these motorcycles bad, because they are really cheap. If you look after them and use them for their intended purpose, then they still somehow live. By design, this means driving maximum on gravel roads and forest paths. No trampolines or jumps. And forget about participating in Romagnax on them. But in general the Chinese motorcycle industry shouldn’t be judged by these motorcycles. Like I said, what you pay for is what you get…….
4th place. Enduro motorcycles with prices up to 130 thousand
In addition to the Kayo K1 and T2, Motoland CRF250, as well as the BSE J1/J2, which I talked about last year, newcomers have been added - these are the Motoland WRX250 KT, Lite, XT250 HS, XR250 Lite, GR1, Avantis enduro 250 air and ZUUM PX220. Perhaps some others. And again, I repeat, if you want to start understanding the world of enduro, then you should start with at least such motorcycles. The engine is the same for all, 166th. This is a successfully copied Honda engine with a volume of 225 cc. see, which was invented around the same time... with the wheel. He's weak, but reliable. Good for beginners. The suspensions on these motorcycles are, of course, simple, but also quite reliable...... A very interesting Racer RC300-GY8A Enduro 300 bursts into their company. An excellent 300 cc engine, air-oil cooling, but savings on such things as steering wheels and rims .
3rd place with a range of prices up to 170 thousand wooden
Newcomers here again are the GR7 lite, Avantis, ZUUM CR250CB, and also the Motoland XT250 ST. All these mopeds have a new Chinese engine, marked 172FMM. This engine is air cooled with a 2 valve head. This is, in fact, the evolution of the good old 166 engine. The volume here is no longer 225, but a full 250 cubic meters. cm. And obviously, in addition to the volume, the engine was generally modified. The volume increased by only 10%, and the return by as much as 30%. The power has increased from 16 to 21 horses and you can really feel it, especially in the low and medium speed zone. This unit, in terms of torque, is not much inferior to aerial vehicles from the Japanese, such as the Yamaha TTR250 or Honda XR250. Yes, yes, I know, don’t bomb... In the same price category, you can grab a Motoland XR250 Pro, with a 170 engine, 25 hp. But despite the seemingly increased power, this is compensated by the large weight of the moped. In addition, the 170th engine is more complex in design than the 172nd, and also has water cooling, which means radiators that can easily be torn off. And one more new product, which, based on its characteristics, could be placed in 2nd place, Racer SR-X2 Cross X2, but... As they say, there is one “BUT”. The engine on it is 174. This is a 172nd engine increased in volume to 280 cm3. Overall he is good. But, besides the engine, they saved on everything they could and even what they couldn’t)) hence the corresponding price tag...
2nd place and price from 180 to almost 250 mowers
The enduro motorcycles BM Dakar and Minsk ERX left us from this place, but there are plenty of other similar motorcycles in this category. The peculiarity of the motors at this place is the 177th engine with a carburetor, volume 250 cm3. The least expensive representatives are BSE J5 and M2. Simple no-name suspensions, carbs that don’t always work properly, cast hubs and traverses. In general, savings on everything. But there are already quite mature and reliable 177 units, with water cooling and 4 valves. More expensive brothers, such as Avantis 250 pro carb, GR7 pro 4-stroke, ZUUM CX250 CB, the same BSE J5, but in the S-Pro and RS version as well as the BSE M4, so these motorcycles differ in addition higher price, already more expensive components. The traverses and hubs are milled, the rims and steering wheel are of higher quality, the carburetors are more interesting, and in general the quality of workmanship also increases depending on the price. In general, this is practically a Chinese tramp, if it weren’t for the Pepelats from first place….
1st place... Price from 230 to almost 300 fucking thousand rubles
ASIAWING has essentially abandoned us; you either can’t buy it, or you can, but for some inadequate money. In general, we don’t count it. But we still consider the injection first-born among the Chinese, Kayo K6. The fuel-injected Avantis 250 and 300 PRO, as well as the carb 450 Pro, were added to its company. Moreover, for me, the 300 is more interesting than the 450. Firstly, the injector. Secondly, although the 300 is weaker, it is also noticeably lighter. Speaking of 450s, it is worth mentioning the BSE M8 - not a bad representative in its class... Also excellent representatives of this category are the BSE RTC-300 and the latest ZUUM CR300NC and CX300NC, which we tested in Crimea not so long ago. To their company we add the GR7 2T, which is a little unusual for the class. The motor is a licensed copy of the excellent engine from Yamaha dt230 Lanza. Good suspension and excellent brakes, but as they say, there are some nuances...
Conclusion
Despite the fact that even though the Chinese are developing, they are about the same distance from modern Europeans as... from here to the moon, on a pit bike. But they are trying. But seriously, every year the gap is narrowing. In addition, do not forget that the cheapest of the modern European hard enduro motorcycles is the Italian Beta, with a price twice as expensive as the top Chinese motorcycles. KTM, Haska and company are even more expensive. So in their price category, Chinese mopeds are quite a sound choice. They are perfect for amateur enduro. Many will say that it is better to take a Japanese car, for example a Honda CRF or a Yamaha WR-F, and perhaps they will be right. But it’s worth considering that these spendthrifts are no longer girls at all, and if something happens to the engine, you’ll most likely have to sell... some part of your body to cover the cost of repairs. And let’s be objective, Chinese tops are not particularly inferior to these Japanese ones... Another category of motorcycles that can be taken up to 270 thousand are old two-stroke Europeans. But the maintenance of such equipment is still not cheap, and if you are not going to use the bike exclusively to participate in races and go for results, then most people are unlikely to need them. Although Danila Chernyaev has already proven that it is quite possible to defeat serious guys on new Europeans on Chinamoto...
