Cruise Bikers 250cc

2010 Honda Rebel.

Originally introduced in 1986, the Honda Rebel or Rebel 250 is a fantastic beginner motorcycle. The Honda Rebel at 310 lbs. and a class leading 26.6 inch seat height is often seen at motorcycle training facilities worldwide. Its 234cc carbureted parallel twin offers plenty of grunt while still gaining 70+ mpg. The design is classic to say the least, but with an 18” front wheel is still flashy enough to be considered modern. In the words of our elders “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. Honda’s are known to be reliable and this 250cc cruiser doesn’t disappoint. Easy to work on, and a large aftermarket and cult following are strong bonuses to owning a Rebel.

2010 Hyosung GV250.

New to the motorcycle world, Hyosung is beginning to gain popularity by designing quality well functioning motorcycles. Their take on a 250cc cruiser, the GV250, is no different. By offering some modern features not found on other bigger named motorcycles the Hyosung GV250 is gaining status and ground within the 250cc community. Measuring in at a manageable 350 lbs. coupled to a 27.9 inch seat height the GV250 is a great choice for all types of riders. The boys at Hyosung seem to get it, they are constantly making subtle changes and upgraded to their bikes year after year. New for the GV250 this year we can see an upgraded exhaust, improved styling, lowered handlebars, but most importantly fuel injection.

As we saw with their GT250R sportbike, Hyosung is beginning to toss the dated tradition of carburetion and offer fuel injection on their entry-level motorcycles. Pairing modern fuel injection with a classic 249cc v-twin is a great combination. A best in class 10.3:1 compression ration ensures this 250cc cruiser will perform at a high level time and time again. Aftermarket wise the GV250 as are most Hyosung creations is still lacking, but as far as bang for the buck goes the GV250 is a winner.

2010 Suzuki GZ250.

The GZ series from Suzuki has been around since 1998 and have always been great entry-level motorcycles. The GZ250 is very simple in design and function, light at 331 lbs., low with a 27.8 inch seat height, and hands down the best fuel economy in its class at 82mpg you simply can’t fault a GZ250 purchase.

At first glance the Suzuki looks like most other 250cc cruisers, however look closely and you’ll realize this bike only packs one cylinder. That’s right no parallel or v-twin here, just a good old fashioned 249cc single. Carbureted and ran at a modest 9.0:1 compression the GZ250 isn’t the most modern of motorcycles; however with less moving parts to break this Suzuki is a reliability monster. If you are a serious novice and wanted to learn how to operate and maintain a motorcycle while still looking stylish in the process than take a look at the Suzuki GZ250 as your purchase of choice.

2010 Yamaha VSTAR 250.

Formerly known as the Virago 250, the VSTAR 250 from Yamaha has been gracing the roads since 1988. Starting with a 308 lb. waste line and a low 27 inch seat height the VSTAR 250 is both user friendly and highly maneuverable. Combining great looks as evident in the 18” front wheel, and loads of aftermarket parts, it’s not wonder these bikes have been so popular over the years.

Yamaha no matter the motorcycle class has been known to produce great performing engines; this 250cc cruiser is no different. Packing a 249cc carbureted v-twin at 10:1 compression it’s amazing to feel the smooth powerband and great fuel economy of 78mpg. We can credit the great agility, performance, and fuel economy to the low weight of this Yamaha. With probably the largest aftermarket parts in this series, the Yamaha VSTAR 250 offers us cruiser fanatics the complete package: looks, style, performance, and customization. Proven both on the road and in the garage the VSTAR 250 is a great motorcycle.
Conclusion

As we can see the 250cc cruiser class is very competitive. These manufacturers understand that if they make great high quality entry-level bikes than if you so choose to move up the cc latter in the future your good experiences will hopefully make your brand preference lean in their favor. All of these 250cc cruisers are good bikes some offer more modern features, some stick to their classic nature. Best advice, would be to ride them all, see which you prefer, but always ride safe and enjoy the ride.