250cc Naked Models Comparison Review [Webike Motoreport]

[250cc Naked Bikes Comparison]Detail & Test Ride Review

250cc motorcycles has low maintenance costs, and is attractive for its convenience from commuting to touring.

In recent years, the 250cc class has become a hot category, such as the appearance of new adventure models and change sports models at each company!

Among the 250cc class, we will introduce the 250cc naked models that are the most suitable as an entry model of a middle bike! We will thoroughly compare the specs and equipment you concern about!

1. Pick up 4 recommended 250cc naked motorcycles!

2. Check the dimensions!

Overall Dimensions [L x W x H]

・CB250R: 2,020mm x 805mm x 1,050mm
・MT-25: 2,090mm x 1,035mm x 745mm
・GSR250: 2,145mm x 1,075mm x 760mm
・VTR250: 2,080mm x 1,055mm x 725mm

[Curb Weight]

・CB250R: 142kg [144kg ABS Specs]
・MT-25: 166kg
・GSR250: 183kg
・VTR250: 160kg

The CB250R of single cylinder engine is the slimmest and lightest than the other 3 models. In terms of size, the GSR250 is the biggest, and its weight is also the heaviest due to adopting the twin exhaust system. The size of MT-25 is almost the same with VTR250.

3. Check the foot grounding!

[Seat Height]

・CB250R: 800mm
・MT-25: 780mm
・GSR250: 780mm
・VTR250: 755mm

The CB250R has the highest seat height by 800mm, but, there was no effect on the foot grounding because its body is slim.

The MT-25 and GSR250 have the same seat height of 780mm. The VTR250 has the lowest seat height by 755mm. Furthermore, since the VTR250's seat is also slim, the foot grounding is better than the numbers of the seat height.

4. Check the lights!

The CB250R is equipped with standard LED lights, visibility is excellent! All lights of the other 3 models are using halogen bulbs.

[Headlight]

[Tail light]

5. Check the meter!

The meter of the CB250R is a full digital meter with a tachometer of bar graph display. Both of the MT-25 and the GSR250 have a combination of analog tachometer and digital speedometer. In addition, the combination meter is standardly equipped the shift indicator that is nice to have!

The VTR250 is equipped with an analog dual meter that is like the naked model. By the way, the VTR250 has no fuel gauge, and only a warning light is used for checking the remaining amount of gasoline.

6. Check the undercarriage!

[Tire Size]

・CB250R: (Front) 110 / 70R17M / C 54H, (Rear) 150 / 60R17M / C 66H
・MT-25: (Front) 110 / 70-17M / C 54S, (Rear) 140 / 70-17M / C 66S
・GSR250: (Front) 110 / 80-17M / C 57H, (Rear) 140 / 70-17M / C 66H
・VTR250: (Front) 110 / 70R17M / C 54H, (Rear) 140 / 60R17M / C 63H

[Suspension]

・CB250R: (Front) Inverted Front Fork / (Rear) Monoshock
・MT-25: (Front) Upright Fork / (Rear) Monoshock
・GSR250: (Front) Upright Fork / (Rear) Monoshock
・VTR250: (Front) Upright Fork / (Rear) Monoshock

[Brake System]

・CB250R: (Front) 4 Pod Radial Mount Caliper / (Rear) Single Piston Caliper
・MT-25: (Front) 2 Pod caliper / (Rear) Single Piston Caliper
・GSR250: (Front) 2 Pod Caliper / (Rear) Single Piston Caliper
・VTR250: (Front) 2 Pod Caliper / (Rear) Single Piston Caliper

The worth mentioning is the CB250R undercarriage! The rear tire size is 150, the suspension is equipped with an inverted front fork. Moreover, the CB250R is also equipped with a 4 pod radial mount caliper for front brake system. The CB250R has an extravagant undercarriage like no other in the 250cc class.

7. Check the engine specs!

・CB250R: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC Single Cylinder / Max Output Power: 27ps
・MT-25: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC Inline Twin Cylinder / Max Output Power: 35ps
・GSR250: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC Inline Twin Cylinder / Max Output Power: 24ps
・VTR250: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke V-type Twin Cylinder / Max Output Power: 30ps

For the engine power, the MT-25 equipped with the lineal engine of the sport model YZF-R25 is the top! The single cylinder CB250R which has almost the same power with the two-cylinder VTR has the lineal engine of the sports model CBR250R.

The VTR250 has the only V twin engine that is the selling point, and slim body by vertical inline 2 cylinder and powerful torque are attractive. The GSR250 is the same inline 2 cylinder as MT-25, but the camshaft of the GSR250 is single SOHC engine.

8. Check the fuel tank capacity / fuel consumption!

・CB250R: 10L / Fuel Consumption: 33.7km/L
・MT-25: 14L / Fuel Consumption: 27.2km/L
・GSR250: 13L / Fuel Consumption: 29.2km/L
・VTR250: 12L / Fuel Consumption: 40km/L (60km/h fuel economy at road load value)

*Fuel consumption other than VTR250 is the WMTC mode value.

The tank capacity of the CB250R is small, but its fuel consumption is outstanding. Only VTR250 will be a different measurement value in the two cylinders, but there seems to be no big difference in the fuel efficiency between the other 2 units.

The WMTC mode value is a fuel consumption test method that includes various riding patterns such as starting, accelerating and stopping. The "WMTC mode value" is said to be closer to the actual value than the “fixed fuel consumption value”.

9. Check the storage space!

The VTR250 has a secured space. But still, you can put small items such as wallets and mobile phones although there is not enough space for plastic bottles. Other motorcycles also had space for ETC, in-vehicle tools and documents.

10. What is the price you concern about?

・CB250R: 4300 USD (ABS: 4800 USD)
・MT-25: 4600 USD
・GSR250: 3900 USD
・VTR250: 5100 USD (SE: 5300 USD)

The GSR250 has the cheapest selling price, so it can be one of your options when you choose a bike from your budget. What's more suprising is that the VTR250 has a big difference in price compared to the other 3 models. In comparison, the CB250R has a luxurious undercarriage and there is a sense of value if it is this price. (lol)

11. Summary

How do you compare the four 250cc naked bikes? Finally, I tried to summarize the characteristics of each bike. By all means, please use it as a reference when choosing!

・CB250R
This the latest version in 250cc naked bike. Its luxurious equipment such as LED lights, inverted front forks and radial calipers are on sale. The chassis is sometimes light. The nimble handling and powerful braking make it easy to enjoy the ride.

・MT-25
This delivers the best power of 250cc naked. Not only the power, but also the undercarriage is a sports model so you can attacked firmly on winding. Since there are many parts in common with YZF-R25, I am glad that there are plenty of custom parts.

・GSR250
Among the 4 units, this is the best touring model suitable for city riding. Its fuel consumption is good and the seat is thick, so you won't get tired even with long touring. It has a unique style and is attractive such as its GSR headlights, turn signal designs, and twin exhaust system.

・VTR250
It has a round eye monocular headlight, analog binocular meter, pillion integrated seat, and orthodox naked style. The traditional V-type engine which has become more common is powerful and fuel-efficient. An almighty one that has a proven track record not only for city riding and touring but also for racing.

See HONDA Moto Index Page
See YAMAHA Moto Index Page
See SUZUKI Moto Index Page
See Accessories for HONDA CB250R
See Accessories for HONDA CBR250R (2011-)
See Accessories for YAMAHA MT-25
See Accessories for YAMAHA YZF-R25 (R25)
See Accessories for SUZUKI GSR250 (GW250, INAZUMA)
See Accessories for HONDA VTR250 (MC33)