I bet some will regret selling their CBR250Rs after "downgrading" and buying a bigger bike - once they've spent some time getting used to steeper insurance rates, more expensive parts and service, less ease of maintenance, poorer fuel economy, poorer handling, and increased weight.
When I jump on my CBR250R after getting off of my CBR150R - the CBR250R feels like it has comparatively limitless power and torque. Wow. The difference in power and (especially) torque is incredible. When I ride the 250R I have to prepare myself for the jump in power. The CBR250R is just so much easier to ride - because it can do things with much less effort. I still haven't ridden any larger sport bikes, but all the bigger bikes I've ridden bore me rather quickly - because I find they lack character - just don't feel very engaging. Kinda like if you had the choice between driving around your city in a ZR1 Corvette, or in a shifter go-cart. Without a doubt the ZR1 is the power champion. But which one do you really think would be more fun racing around the city? Where do you do most of your riding?
I was concerned after swapping the CBR150R engine into the CBR125R that I just wouldn't be riding it as much as the CBR250R. But the opposite is true. I've been riding the CBR150R the most out of all my bikes, including the CBR250R. Why? It is more fun......at least in the city where I am doing most of my riding right now. It also weighs almost 100 lbs
less than the CBR250R. Weight is relative too. The CBR250R feels like an elephant compared to the 150R. Those with big bikes who think the CBR250R is light-weight - think again. It is a pig in terms of weight...compared to the 150R. I can lift the back of the CBR150R off the ground and turn it around (180 degrees) in my driveway. How many can do that with their bikes? And the 150R has loads of character.
Thankfully, the CBR250R still exudes some of the character that makes the CBR150R so much fun to ride around town, and adds some extra stability and power that makes it a more enjoyable mount for highway and cross-country jaunts. That is what makes it special - it offers a nice mix of everything and does it with a dash of character. My current stable of three bikes suits my needs quite well. A WR250R for trail riding, CBR150R for riding in the city, and my big bike - the CBR250R for highway, cross-country, and cross continental touring/camping.
Mike