Honda VTR250

Underrated Gem – Owned a VT 250 F 1983. Rode a Spada for 2 years. Rode a VTR for 2 weeks. In my dipcrap's opinion this is one of Honda's best bikes. Balance, braking, cornering, torque - all of Honda's Gestalt is here. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It worked then and still holds grit. Sorry can't fault it. Show details

A Cracker – For a first bike you can’t do any better than this one. In fact, for most riding this is one of the best. I got my motorcycle license fifty years ago and rode a Norton. After a break I came back to bikes three years ago and this is my sixth one since then. If I had bought this one first I would have only bought one. Each bike had it’s merits but… Read more

this bike has everything, although, it doesn’t do everything perfectly but it’s the only bike I know that does everything pretty bloody well (except bush riding) and some things exceptionally.

For commuting it’s made to measure.

For freeway travelling it’s nice and smooth.

For long distance it’s remarkably comfortable.

For parking and manoeuvrability it’s very hard to beat.

For looks it doesn’t get much better (my opinion).

For economy there are only a handful than can compare (of any size).

For reliability I’ve run out of words.

For safety it's the best I've ever owned.

For price – go figure.

If this was your first bike you would come through your early riding experience with great future expectations and happiness knowing you had a long riding future in front of you.

So many newbies get the wrong bike for their first and they rarely ride much at all into the future. Some even don’t bother to get their P’s and end up only using it as a space filler in their garage. Others lose their licence within weeks or months of starting out. None of this will happen to you with his bike!

Getting away from go it’s no rocket for sure, but once you’re into third everything else is behind you (except for, you know, the studs, obviously) and from then on you just seem to glide through the traffic. Out on the freeway you can coast all day at 120kph on 8,000 revs (I've had it up to 138 at 9,000). The redline is 11,500 so I don’t know what the others are talking about when they say it needs a sixth cog. You can easily travel on the freeway in fourth if you like (I've done 115 in third gear), although, you would feel a bit more restful in fifth. It’s got pretty long legs.

With all my other bikes, I just rode them to work or to the shops and that was it for each day but now I want to get out again every day just to go anywhere for the joy of it.

One of the six bikes I had was a GS500 and this was a good all-rounder for the price but I found it a bit too tinny or something. A bit too daggy, maybe. The thing is, this bike is only a 250 and costs more than the GS which put me off buying one earlier. But now I know why and it’s worth every cent extra. It’s a whole different ballgame.

You see, the GS500 is mostly about engine. It’s got plenty of power for a middy and it’s very easy to maintain and it’s easy to ride up to a point. But the VTR is a whole package. Everything is so well balanced.

Did I mention it’s cornering? I don’t even think it’s possible to come off. Whatever you feel like doing it does. It’s almost as if the bike can read your mind or your body, or whatever.

If it was a car I would compare it to a 1967 Ford Mustang which I had in 1970. That car was the same in the way it fit like a glove and was so much a part of the driver and a joy to drive. Agile is the first word I'd use to describe them both.

Simply the best – I have 2009 VTR 250 put into use in 2010. 07. I had 21000 km this far. Longest run for one day >500 km - even then I rather had problem of tiredness than seating comfort. Very agile in city traffic, very good for short and longer trips. Passing other vehicles at 50-70 is ok, but need to prepare passing at higher speed - thus be aware when going… Read more

together with bigger bikes! Still leaving them behind in twisties. Keeping in mind it was not designed to speed, my max speed was 150km/h (with still having some more in it). Fuel consumption around 2,8 - 3,2 /100km.

I had absolutely NO problem with the bike this far. Nothing to change or replace (not a single brake pad!).

Tires have a few more km until change - especially front.

Very sad that it has no original box console!!! Very expensive to make individual one (Givi). Mine was cheaper and broke around 5 times without any load in it. I do not see how this comes as no matter how we use it, package needs a place!

I also use the bike with passanger sometimes. Honesly, it is not designed for that. Half acceleration, still quite good breaking. I do not feel the need of 6th gear. durable, reliable, beautiful, cheap, its the best motorbike i've ever seen no original accessory for packing

Simply the best – I have had gixxers, ducatis and currently a fireblade and the vtr250 never fails to put a giant grin on my face. It'll never leave you on the side of the road, it,ll always start first time even after months of neglect and it'll leave other big bikes in the dust in the twisties and at the lights. I have lit up many triumphs and harleys and big jap… Read more

cruisers. As a honda this model is fully made and asembled in japan and not in thailand or brazil so the quality is really high. You can see it in the machining of the fork stanchions and other components. Its just the best road bike that instils so much confidence to push it through corners whether your experienced or a new rider. the brakes and handling are amazing and the engine so tractable. 135 kilos and 33 horsepower, its hands down the best 250 on the market bar none. I dinkied a mate 2up who was 90kg and me 85kg (175kg) and we were overtaking cars on the freeway at a 100 plus speeds, just drop it down a gear and off you go, this bulletproof engine does a true 12000rpm anytime without a fuss. It always reminds me of why I got into biking, because its fun, it'll teach you the fundamentals of biking and how to ride, and at the end of the day have you sitting staring at its beauty in the garage. If they made a bigger bore version I'd be the first to place an order. Its simply awesome.

Beautiful and reliable – A beautiful and reliable bike for sensible riders. Easy to ride, comfortable and economical to run and service. I owned a 2006 model for 9 years and just sold as no longer riding. This bike style and size great for a Learner or anyone wanting a very easy bike to ride to work, school or cruise around anytime. Honda does build reliable cars as well as motorcycles.  Show details

Daily horse and runs reliably – 2006 VTR model with carburetor and running for 3 years now. The essential components have run like clockwork (engine, suspension, electronics) but has some small niggles and things to be aware of: - the signal indicators will get iffy at some stage, especially in heavy downpours. It needs some WD40 into it once in a while - air filter cannot… Read more

be replaced and only cleaned at this point (discontinued)

Otherwise, its a good day-to-day bike and hasn't let me down

Best learner bike! – I had this bike for a year roughly. It's an absolute delight to ride. Very good bike to purchase as a first bike and I really can't think of a single thing to complain about. It was very easy to learn the ropes and very light and small for even a small, petite woman. This should be everyone's first bike! Experienced riders also consider this bike to be so much fun!  Show details

Great Little Bike – The VTR is a great bike. I have owned my 2011 (fuel injected) bike for over 2 years & 8,000kms. It has never let me down. I commute to work daily (31km/l) as well as 4 tours. The bike performs whatever you throw at it. Fantastic smooth engine & great finish. Only 2 gripes are: poor gearbox - I think mine has come out of a tractor, very clunky.… Read more

Also, fuel injection takes 2-3 kms to allow the revs to reduce to tick-over (whatever the temperature).

You cannot have everything but a clunky gearbox around town is annoying & stops me giving a rating of 5 stars. Despite this, I

Best bike ever i rode...faced an accident..but still love the bike – If it has 6 speed gearbox it's gonna be nice and fast ride...fuel does 40 km per liter... Easy to handle..it's comfy... Light weigh.. Some kinda sexy.. Good for long ride and city ride.. It's struggling at 140 - 145 kph Engine sounds OK... No repairs for me..it's my daily ride.  Show details

Fun commuter – Reliable and economical. It is well designed, well made and has a durable, rust resistant finish. Price is high for a 250 and power is average. The bike handles well. It is easy to ride, with a low seat height and light weight. It's a Honda; what more can I say

Naked Joy – I too bought new in 2012, I needed a good, reasonably economical commuting/riding bike and that is what I got with this bike. It's done 27,000+ks and going as strong as ever. Love the sound of the engine howling as I change through the gears (around 9000-10500rpm), I once pushed it over the red @ 12500rpm (wasn't paying attention to the tacho till… Read more

I quickly looked at it) it felt like it wanted to keep going, never did that again, but said a lot about this little beastie. I won't be changing the exhaust at all because I don't want any other noise interfering with the HOWL!!! I could have gone for a bigger bike as I have been fully licensed for decades, but a bigger bike is not going to give me the throttle twisting, howling fun around town this bike gives without sending me broke and license-less into oblivion.

Love this bike – My first bike as a learner and bought new in 2012. Have pushed it to 160 and she doesn't blink at that speed. Handles really well and surprises other riders with her performance as a 250. Take off speed against the big bikes is not as good but no problems catching up and staying with them. Holds well around corners and after 3 years she still looks and runs like brand new.

VTR 250 – Great bike for Ibiza, where I live. Mine 2009 Efi. Handles really well, fuel efficient, good brakes, and makes me smile when I ride it ! You can ride it fast , or, ride it slow, very tractable ....... Just find the seat angle and padding not so good, needs a cushion on top ! Looks, power delivery, fuel economy, brakes & handling. Lousy sound of exhaust, looks like a Monster, sounds like a pussycat !

A joy to ride and own – This is my first bike after getting back into it. I wanted something light and comfortable to learn on to help build my confidence and it has done that beautifully. I have a 2012 EFI version in black and it is simply gorgeous to look at, especially for a 250. It's made in Japan and the quality really shows through - its very nicely put together… Read more

and you can feel the quality.

It is a delight to ride, handling beautifully and has just enough power to have a bit of fun and throw it around. It sounds great, but if you can find a staintune exhaust, it would be worth lashing out.

Its been completely reliable and very easy to service.

Perfect as a learner/commuter bike and also for a blast on the weekends.

2005 vtr 250cc – Awesome bike!!! Push her to 141 kmh with really strong head wind. Would do 150 with back wind. But it comes down to the rider really. Cheap on fuel and easy to fix .

Freedom machine – Great all round bike, looks great, goes well. Only issue is for me, I find the seat a little uncomfortable on longer runs, otherwise all good. Easy to service at home, plenty of parts available new and used.

Easily the best 250cc bike out there – There are faster 250s out there but I dont think they are as good as this all rounder. Comfortable to ride, easy to learn on, enough zip and a great sound from the V Twin. I got about 270klm to a 10 litre tank in city traffic and never had any reliability issues at all. As a kind of testament to the build quality, the bike was involved in a… Read more

4 car pile up at 60kph with a car hitting the rear, shunting it into the car in front. The bike suffered smashed front and read guards and....that was it. It was still ridable and was repaired for around $70. Reliable, very cheap to run, very good all rounder bike. Pillion may find back of seat slippery.

This bike is like a part of me – This bike has awesome take-off, fabulous handling, is super manoeuverable when lane splitting or in heavy traffic, but equally nifty on the open road. It is like an extension of my body. Mine is a '98, I've never had any problems with it (although I do take extra good care of it). Handles rider and pillion with ease, great take-off, never has any… Read more

problems, super agile in traffic The tank hurts my pelvis when I brake hard - seat cushion needs to come up slight higher in the front

Brilliant, do it all bike. Urban area weapon-bumpy back road carver! – Let's get it straight about this bike. In my garage I have a 2010 Yamaha R1, 1998 Ducati 748sp, Suzuki Sv650 and the little VTR250. I ride the VTR more than any of the other bikes. For riding around town, you will not find a better bike. Period! I've got a carbon pipe and gone up 1 tooth on the rear and other than it's svelte size, no one would… Read more ·  2

know you're not riding a bigger bike.

It's not just a one trick pony though, with light weight, respectable brakes-I fitted HH sintered pads just cause I ride it so hard at times- and nimble chassis you really can show up some of the bigger bikes.

My girlfriend left a number of riders (including myself on my R1) in her dust on a bumpy set of tight twistys on this bike, much to all our shame.

The suspension is preload adjustable for the shock only but you need to be getting a proper hustle on before it starts to show up. I would plump for some thicker fork oil and a reduced air gap if it was too bad but hey, in the 5 years I've owned it, even such a simple mod has not proved necessary.

It even rides two up. I have a great picture of two of my bigger mates stuck on the back and they rode 25 freeway kilometers without a complaint.

I would agree that it could use a 6th gear however even with the reduced gearing, it will still do 140km/hr and happily sit on 125km/hr. I did 700km in a day on it.

Fuel economy is spectacular. On a straight run I have seen over 40km/litre!!! Expect 28-30km/l around the stop and start of town with an unfriendly wrist operating the throttle.

The only other thing I could suggest is Don't Skimp On The Tyres!!!

It's a great handling little bike, treat it to the best rubber you can afford and then stretch some more. The extra $50 or so will reward you in smiles for miles, really enabling you to get 100% from the package.

Treat it to regular changes of high quality 10W-40 oil (hey it uses less than 2L!!!) and it will prove bullet proof.

If it can survive 40,000km of full rev, clutchless gear changes, trail brake to the apex, rain, hail or shine abuse I doubt you will be able to wreck one either.

As you can tell, I can go on and on about this bike. If you're in the market for a 250, do yourself a favour and test ride one of these last-before you decide on a cheaper alternative. Like me you wont want to part with it, even when you can. Everything- Japanese Honda quality (check one against a Thai built 125) great sound, handling, economy, city commuter or back road carver. Could use a 6th gear if you do excess freeway km, but not essential (see above)

First Bike – After searching bikes for beginners I didn't want one of those annoying pitching sounding bikes and I'm glad that I did the research. The VTR250 just looks beautiful with the same styling as the Italian beauty the Ducati monster with the gorgeous trestle frame. The sound of the VTR250 even though it's only 250cc also has a great sounding note out… Read more

of the exhaust.

The ride position is a bit more upright but it's ok if your average height, but my friend looked a bit like a gorilla riding a small bike, he's 6ft.

This bike is light an agile so as you get more confident you can start chucking it into corners and the throttle response is good. I didn't realise for ages that Honda's love the high revs and gear changes are much smoother.

There are some niggly bits with this bike but not enough to put me off the total satisfaction of the VTR250.

1. This bike definitely needs a sixth gear, the imaginary sixth gear i continue to use on the freeways (I know it's there!?)

2. The front headlamp is way too dim, purchasing one of those white xenon headlamps did the trick for me

3. Because it's a naked bike and the riding position is more upright, going over 100km you can feel the resistance even when your tucked in

After owning a VTR250 I have never been disappointed about this purchase, and I smile every time I look at it and I think that's what matters. A fun bike to ride, Fuel efficent, Looks greats, sound good Needs sixth gear, Dim headlamp

Great bike, cant recommend it enough! – Great first bike, very forgiving with a bit of poke. Had mine for just over a year now and apart from a flat battery, no dramas, Reliable & highly manouverable.

Excellant – well i got a 2002 model for my first road bike on L plates. it was a high k model 70+ 4mths later creeping up to 90. What a great bike, did 1000ks in a day, a little bit sore after 10.5hrs i was a bit uncomfortable but no where near as sore as my mate on the GSXR.... He was in pain. Around town great bike traffic, is no problem. Maintenance, I… Read more ·  2

dont need to spend hours removing fairings to get to the good bits

Riding in the hills I have embarrassed so many guys on bikes 4 times bigger than the little 250 (capacity wise).

Tyres are a must. 6th gear would be handy over 140k, on the track of course.

Brakes i have not had a situation that i was not able to stop, YET, no matter how smidsy it was or how hot i went into the corner, cant say i wouldnt like a couple more pots on the front calipers, I did see a great article on how to upgrade the front end to twin disks from a 750...........

If you are reading this because you want to get a learners bike on a budget, dont bother with anything else get a naked and find out what your limits are because you will give up before your vtr will. great bike, great through the corners..........

the small easy – classic looks, usable engine, honda quality, good ergos for switches etc. comfy seating position, but best of all so easy to ride. Having to go back to being on my l's (overseas for a while) i thought all 250's would be boring, not wanting to get a super sport, and the pay the overpriced prices they have, i picked up a vtr for a very reasonable… Read more

price, it was a 2001 model, but is still in great nic, no leaks or noises. whilst power could be improved it is a 250 after all, even though the majority of the biking world will be supersport or cruiser crazy, this is surely the easiest learner bike in australia to ride. comfy seating, classic looks it's known as a monster copy.

Excellent – Very easy to handle vtr250 highly recomended. I've had my vtr for a while and had no problems at all with it and i still enjoy riding it on every ride. You will not be dissapointed with this bike. Great responsive handling, Great torque for a 250, Very responsive acceleration,Awsome styling, Great economy 3.7L/100k.,Good thumpy sound. Good resale value. Nothing. It's a perfect bike.

Excellent – I bought this as a learner (over a CBR150RR) and never regretted it. Great learning bike that handles all my needs. If you are looking for a good bike to start on this is the one for you. Trust me. Great accelleration for a 250. Great road handling and corners well (you can happily scrape your hero knob!) None, I love this bike.

Good – Forgiving mechanicals that tolerate rough gear changes and hard riders (ie: Learners). Resale value is good under 20,000km. For a naked bike, it does look good as a semi sports bike. I'll give 4/5 for its lack of sixth. great engine that pulls hard above 8000rpm. needs a sixth gear when above 80km/h.

Excellent – Just finished a ride of over 7000km on this bike and it never missed a beat! Very good handling and enough grunt to keep you interested. I can't recommend this bike enough. Even handled dirt roads well with added weight of luggage (again dirtbike bars helped here). Swweet ride thats cheap to run and hassle free!!! Great seating position, I'm… Read more

over 6 foot and it felt great to me (had dirt bike bars on though) I'm 6'2" so seat to peg distance a little short for me on very long trips, however if your not stupid enough to ride 7000+ kms on it at a time than you will have no problems at all!!

Excellent – if was a vtr-300 or vtr-400 (or if I was 70kg instead of 115kg) I would never get rid of mine. brilliant for city. adequate for up to 120km/hr without front wind. I rode mine 1200km in one hit fully loaded with no drama. 32000km and never stranded. looks, comfort, reliable, great handling and cheap to maintain. cold in winter after about 3hrs riding. $500 dollar top box fitment is a rip-off, most bikes about $250.

Excellent – Definately recommend it for a first bike - never regretted it once. Time to upgrade but I am having anticipatory separation anxiety - I don't want to let the VTR go!!! Fabulous learner bike. Light, easy to manouvre, comfortable. I am only 5'2" so it is perfect for size. I can do basic maintenance on it. Easy to look after. Super reliability… Read more

and looks pretty good too. Oh, and handles well off road too. Almost nothing - but I do find myself trying to pop it into the imaginary 6th gear!!! Bit windy over the 100 km/hr mark.

Excellent – If I was just learning to ride, it would be the bike that I would buy. Handles like a dream, and a very forgiving bike. What a great little bike for a learner. Aquired one for my wife in Melbourne and rode it up to Brisbane. Got around 22km to the litre. Was carrying around 140kg in weight (including rider)and it comfortably sat on 110 km/h. Only… Read more

thing I could knock about it was that my knees were killing me after 2 1/2 days riding, but I am 6'3" tall.

Excellent – Please Honda wait till I buy one again before getting rid of them. They would last for hundreds of thousands of kilometers. Cheap for us poor people :-) I had a 99 red one and I want one again. Well the VTR250 is the best bikes ever, I got over 80,000kms out of mine before a car destroyed it and then it was maybe due for a timing chain.… Read more

Compression and everything was still great. I've ridden a lot of bikes even up too 160HP and they don't have that sweat torque sound like my gutted out stock pipe(highly recommended) VTR250. Cheapest bike for parts too. Best fuel range was well well over 300km, riding very conservative. About 250km going crazy. Going too put twin Termignoni pipes,Power Commander V etc.. on my next one. Slightly under geared but this was for learners too make it very easy too ride slow. I replaced my stock 43 tooth rear sprocket with a 41 and it made a huge difference in fuel economy, don't change gears as much, and the low down torque can easily handle it, top speed remained the same 160km/hr or so.

Excellent – I do over 400km a week on my bike and still love riding it everyday. I ride on the wet and the dry and always feel safe and comfortable on this bike. I think this is the most perfect bike ever developed and although I want to upgrade to a much bigger bike I just cannot face getting rid of this beauty. Once I do upgrade I will look to buy the… Read more

VTR600 as the VTR250 is just awesome. reliable

easy to ride

cheap to maintain

dead easy to traffic filter due to its small frame

low to the ground

fast pull off

stable at speeds of around 110km which is about the fastest I ever go.

great braking the front light is not as bright as it could be