Why do you want a CBR250R?

CBR_Guy said:

But some people say the small CC bikes are bikes some get bored of really quickly. I hope the CBR250R isn't like that. Any experienced CBR250R riders wanna give me some hope?

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You're far more likely to get bored with a bike that can't be ridden to its full potential. I've owned a number of touring bikes (Goldwing, 1200GS, Harley Road Glide) but only used them for commuting. They were being wasted in the capacity. I've owned two CBR600RRs - excellent track bikes but a not at all fun to ride in stop and go traffic and their handling and performance capabilities can't be (legally) taken advantage of on a public road.

On the other hand, the CBR250 is a user friendly bike that inspires confidence -even with newer riders and yet on a public road, will handle (if not out-accelerate) pretty much any cage - and you'll have fun doing it. And even if you get bored, look at the going prices of used Ninja 250s and you'll see that the CBR stands a good chance of maintaining decent resale value - so it's a win/win.

There's a lot of truth in the old saying, "It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow."

Disclaimer: I've test ridden the CBR but I do not currently own on. Yet.

fzrspirit said:

I read your mini-review but want more TowJam. With your experience, I think you would be a good one to ask about a comparison. I'm mostly worried this bike will feel too underpowered. I like to ride back country roads. I found a Suzuki DR650SE for the same price and may get it instead. Any thoughts? I have plenty of riding experience just can't find a demo ride on a CBR250R and the DR650 is a good 3 hour drive away.

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With the exception of the two CBR600RRs, I've never owned a bike under 1000 CCs - so I'm a little spoiled when it comes to roll-on acceleration - especially when entering freeway or trying to maneuver through D/FW's asinine freeway traffic. (Of course, the 600s had absolutely no problem with this either.) With this in mind, the test ride of the 250 was a little bit concerning. As I mentioned in my mini-review, I really wasn't pushing the bike when I got on the freeway since it was not a demo unit and in typical commuting traffic, it should be excellent. However, if someone spends the majority of their time on freeways (at >65mph), they definitely should test ride before putting money down. It's not that the CBR isn't capable, it's just that it has a significantly sluggish feel compared to larger displacement bikes.

FWIW, I've ridden a wee-strom and there's no comparison to how much stronger it feels than the CBR. On the other hand, the DSE feels MUCH heavier and nowhere near as "limber".

Just my $.02 (and worth almost every penny)