| Test Notes Kawasaki Ninja 250R |
| + | Faster than the others |
| + | Stable chassis, crisp brakes |
| Needs a lot of rpm |
| Least fuel economy of the lot |
| x | There’s a reason it has survived for 25 years |
| Test Notes Honda CBR250R |
| + | Lightest, most agile of the group |
| + | Good midrange, best fuel economy |
| Starts to struggle past 60 mph |
| LCD panel a little too small |
| x | A great kickstart to the class |
| Test Notes Hyosung GT250R |
| + | Big bike components |
| + | Longest range of the group |
| Heaviest of the group |
| Engine vibrates, revs sluggishly |
| x | A little rough around the edges |
The Honda's single-cylinder engine shows its definite advantage in midrange power, with the Kawasaki obviously taking the high ground, and the Hyosung straddling the middle. In town, The CBR gets going quicker, but the Ninja handles highway speeds much better.
| Specifications |
| Honda CBR250R | Hyosung GT250R | Kawasaki Ninja 250R |
| MSRP | $3999 ($4499 ABS model) | $3999 | $3999 ($4249 w/SE graphics) |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke single | Air/oil-cooled, 4-stroke 75-degree V-twin | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke parallel twin |
| Displacement | 249cc | 249cc | 249cc |
| Bore x stroke | 76.0 x 55.0mm | 57.0 x 48.8mm | 62.0 x 41.2mm |
| Induction | PGM-FI, 38mm throttle body | S&T fuel injection, 28mm throttle bodies | Keihin K30 CV carburetors |
| Front suspension | 37mm fork, 4.7 in. travel | 41mm fork, 4.7 in. travel | 37mm fork, 4.7 in. travel |
| Rear suspension | Single shock absorber, 4.1 in. travel | Single shock absorber, 4.3 in. travel | Single shock absorber, 5.1 in. travel |
| Front tire | 110/70-17 IRC Road Winner RX01F | 110/70-17 Shinko SR740 | 110/70-17 IRC Road Winner RX01F |
| Rear tire | 140/70-17 IRC Road Winner RX01R | 150/70-17 Shinko SR741 | 130/70-17 IRC Road Winner RX01R |
| Rake/trail | 25.0 deg./3.7 in. (94mm) | 25.0 deg./3.7 in. (94mm) | 26.0 deg./3.2 in. (81mm) |
| Wheelbase | 53.9 in. (1370mm) | 56.5 in. (1435mm) | 55.1 in. (1400mm) |
| Weight | 355 lb. (161kg) wet; 335 lb. (152kg) dry | 414 lb. (188kg) wet; 387 lb. (176kg) dry | 383 lb. (174kg) wet; 355 lb. (161kg) dry |
| Fuel consumption | 6375 mpg, 70 mpg avg. | 5370 mpg, 67 mpg avg. | 4556 mpg, 46 mpg avg. |