Hot wheels on the go

Zagrav Benipal

Until a decade back, the notion of a 250cc bike in India was non-existent, and if you were bold enough to try your luck in the 200cc to 350cc category, your choices were insubstantial at best. One could opt for Bajaj 220, or for that matter, uber expensive motors such as the Hyosung Comet or if cruisers were more your speed then the Bullet 350. However, none quite realising that magic 250cc mark. In steps Kawasaki, like a lion poised to pounce on a gazelle, the reputed Japanese manufacturer acknowledged the gap, foresaw an opening and ventured out into the hitherto unchartered territory that is the 250cc bike segment of India. The launch of the Kawasaki Ninja 250 coincidentally happens to have transpired precisely 10 years ago in 2009, marking a whole decade of having started the 250cc revolution!

The 250cc motorcycles (many of which are on offer now), in the Indian context, are for those individuals who have an affinity for powerful motorcycles but for motives that are unique to each, have to settle for less. Therefore, the motorbikes in this segment are formidable but not quite as powerful as one would like them to be. Conversely, this dearth of power gives rise to an idyllic scenario for amateur bikers, one where they can hone their skills and learn the nuances of motorbike riding in relative safety. Thus, if you are in the market for a 250cc motorbike, here’s a list that should help simplify matters.

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Suzuki Gixxer SF 250

From the makers of the Hayabusa and GSX-R comes the tank cowl design of the Gixxer SF 250, which is an all-new fully faired offering from Suzuki Motorcycle India. Sleek in its form, the contoured lines do add tidiness to the bike. The offerings include clip-on handlebars, LED headlamps and tail lamps, a fully digital instrument cluster, a split-seat design and marginally rear set foot pegs. The split-type grab rails at the rear and dual-barrel exhaust add a mean streak. In terms of performance, the Gixxer SF 250 packs an all-new 249cc, 4-valve, SOHC, single-cylinder oil cooled unit, which is claimed to deliver a fuel efficiency of 38.5kmpl. Equipped with dual-channel ABS, the bike contains telescopic forks up front whereas the rear gets a swing arm-mounted monoshock at the rear which promises to make potholes more bearable.

Also on offer is a MotoGP Edition that starts at Rs1,71,655.

Specifications

• Capacity 249cc
• Max Power 26.1 bhp @ 9,000 rpm
• Max Torque 22.6 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
• Cooling System Oil cooled
• Front Brake Type (F), Rear Brake Type (R) F – Disc, R – Disc
• Ground Clearance 165 mm
• Price Rs1,70,655 (Ex-showroom)

If you are a buyer in this segment, options ranging from scaled down racers to daily commuters to exotic models resembling works of art make it a brilliant time for you to zero down on your choices. By opting for the 250cc segment, you opt for the best of both worlds, with comfort and functionality in tandem, minus the exorbitant maintenance costs.

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Honda CBR 250R

Perhaps the first mass market bike in this segment, the CBR 250R has been lining Indian shelves since 2011. Its fundamental platform remains unchanged. Even though the bike did undergo a revamp in 2018, the only noticeable updates were the LED headlamps and tail-lamps, sportier graphics, all-black treatment on alloy wheels, rear fenders and exhaust pipes and compliance with BS4 norms. So, one may rightly question as to why there have been no substantial changes to the mechanics? Well, as the saying goes ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ could be perfectly attributed to the bullet-proof, peach of a motor that Honda have designed. This sporty bike has well-balanced riding ergonomics too, powered by the 249.6cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valve SI engine with fuel injection. CBR 250R has capacity to become the mile muncher you so crave.

Specifications

• Capacity 249.6cc
• Max Power 25.7 bhp @ 8,500 rpm
• Max Torque 22.9 Nm @ 7,000 rpm
• Cooling System Liquid Cooled
• Front Brake Type (F), Rear Brake Type (R) F - Disc, R - Disc
• Ground Clearance 145 mm
• Price Rs1,67,070 (Ex-showroom)

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FB Mondial HPS 300

The very first offering from FB Mondial in the Indian market, the HPS 300 is what Mondial themselves refer to as a ‘hipster’ bike, with elements derived from both a café racer as well as a scrambler. The double barrel full stainless steel exhaust, coupled with its knobby tires, enhance the scrambler feel while the long tank layout is reminiscent of a café racer. The customer for this bike is someone who values exclusivity and panache above all else and is willing to shell out the extra bucks.

An imaginable stumbling block for potential buyers is the immensely costly price, given that it is still a 250cc bike whereas the price point of above Rs3 lakh catapults it into the same band as multi-cylinder street bikes that are more powerful. However, the good news is that production has now begun in Motoroyale’s Ahmednagar plant which should optimistically reduce prices. The crowning glory of the HPS 300 is the twin exhaust lining the right side of the bike and powering this hipster is a fuel injected, four-valve, DOHC, single cylinder, liquid cooled engine.

Specifications

• Capacity 249cc
• Max Power 24.5 bhp @ 9,000 rpm
• Max Torque 22 Nm @ 7,000 rpm
• Cooling System Liquid cooled
• Front Brake Type (F), Rear Brake Type (R) F – Disc, R – Disc
• Ground Clearance 155 mm
• Price Rs3,37,000 (Ex-showroom)

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KTM 250 Duke

This new kid on the block acts a midpoint between the tried-and-tested 200 Duke and the exquisite 390 Duke, thereby offering the best of both worlds. Its hard-hitting pricing, avant-garde design language and its rev-happy, refined motor have already enticed young buyers. The muscular fuel tank with sporty extensions, its sleek boomerang-shaped LED day-run lights, along with its graphics, enhance the already aggressive look the bike exudes. When we take a look at the tail end of the bike, the side-mounted exhaust, the lustrous new LED tail lights and the exposed trellis-frame blend well with the overall theme of the bike.

The 248.76cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine packs a mighty punch, try twisting the throttle and the sudden surge of power will not fail you. When it comes to features, the 250 Duke is no slouch, with a digital instrument cluster that showcases gear position indicator, fuel efficiency and engine temperature among a host of other data. The tank is engineered in a manner that diverts hot air emanating from the engine away from the rider and the wide split seats ensure comfort for not only the rider but the pillion as well.

Specifications

• Capacity 248.76cc
• Max Power 29.6 bhp @ 9,000 rpm
• Max Torque 24 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
• Cooling System Liquid cooled
• Front Brake Type (F), Rear Brake Type (R) F – Disc, R – Disc
• Ground Clearance 155 mm
• Price Rs1,96,672 (Ex-showroom)