New riders that desire the best beginner motorcycle in the sport bike category are a wise bunch. A 250 sport bike can be a huge amount of fun and it takes longer for you to “outgrow” them than it does for others with the small cruisers. The biggest benefit of a 250 sport bike is that it is easy to ride. The biggest complaint is those that do not like the sport bike riding position. These bikes are capable of some impressive speeds considering their limited engine size, but the rest of the motorcycle has many of the same properties of a larger sport bike. The brake systems are high performance and their light weight allows for very easy handling. Now that gas is over $4/gallon, they can also exceed 70mpg depending on how they are ridden. The 2 main motorcycles in the 250cc sport bike class are the Kawasaki Ninja 250 and the new Honda CBR 250. Both of these motorcycles are very good bikes, but each has their subtle advantages that draw different riders. The 250 Ninja has been around for a long time. It’s tried and true. The Honda CBR250 comes from a company that is known for very high quality and dependability.

Honda CBR250 Photo courtesy of The Adventurous Eye

The Honda’s price is right at $4,000. It’s top speed is 87mph and it gets a reported 57 mpg. Easy riding could make for more even miles per gallon. The Honda uses some advanced technology like fuel injection and a DOHC(dual overhead cam). It is only a single piston engine, but there is a counter balance integrated that stops the usual vibration that a single gives at highway speeds. In true Honda style, they’ve used a 6 speed transmission and water cooling to increase the 250cc motor’s life, even under demanding riding. This is a serious machine for a 250cc starter motorcycle. The Kawasaki Ninja 250R is a parallel twin. If you’ve never ridden a parallel twin, it’s like revving a very powerful sewing machine motor. They’re that smooth. The Ninja is at that same $4,000 range as the CBR250, but the Ninja is rated at a slightly higher 61 mpg. It’s old school fuel system uses carburetors. In true Kawasaki style, the 250R Ninja is faster with a top speed of 110mph. Again, both great bikes that will perform well. They’re both so close that the choice may only come down to color and style for some.

Kawasaki Ninja 250R Photo courtesy of PekePON

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