4 Cool 250cc Naked Bikes! Which One Do You Recommend?

The Classic! Which one is ultimately the coolest?

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/8B-407123/

While everyone has their own criteria for what's "cool," the YAMAHA "MT-25" is a classic and recommended motorcycle.

Its modern and stylish design, lightweight and easy handling, and suitability even for smaller riders are reasons why it's chosen by users for its excellent overall balance.

As of February 2025, it's still a current model on sale, making replacement parts much easier to obtain for repairs compared to discontinued models, and it's easy to maintain. This allows even new riders to confidently enjoy it for a long time.

4 Cool 250cc Naked Bikes!

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/88-1953342/

We'll introduce four attractive and cool 250cc naked bikes, and explain everything from their design and cost-performance to reviews and ease of customization.

The 250cc class is easy to handle and maneuver, making it ideal as a first bike after getting your license. If you're considering buying a motorcycle or are interested in naked bikes, please use this as a reference.

1. 【250cc】HONDA CB250R

#バイク記念日
今日は #CB250R 記念日！
発表から3周年です。

「日常の移動を遊びに変える “SPORTS ROADSTER” 」をコンセプトに開発された、新世代CBです🆕 pic.twitter.com/WclIfDswbL
— Honda Bike （ホンダバイク） (@HondaBike_hmj) March 7, 2021

The HONDA CB250R is a 250cc naked bike that began sales in May 2018, characterized by its refined cafe racer-style design.

With a light weight of 144kg, it's easy to maneuver, making it a recommended 250cc naked bike for beginners who just got their license and female riders.

Design and Appearance

慣らし中のCB250R(最終モデル)を試乗🏍️💨
サスはかなり硬いと思う🙂
1回レンタルバイクで乗ったけど4年前くらいだから全くエンジンフィーリングを覚えてない😂😂
軽いバイク大好きなので単気筒スポーツは素敵😘😘 pic.twitter.com/D7y9Ggl6PG
— モミジ (@momiji5080) February 13, 2025

SP忠男フルエキ🤩
まじかっちょいい😆✌️
乗りやすくなった🏍³₃
#CB250R
#SP忠男
 #POWER BOX pic.twitter.com/gdr5QhxblE
— takassyi(^^) (@46ta491) February 16, 2025

The CB250R features a compact cafe racer style, with the engine and muffler positioned centrally, creating a condensed feel.

The angular and sharp-looking fuel tank and the short, cut-off-like tail give it a modern and aggressive feel, resulting in a sophisticated and stylish design.

With a full digital display and a compact, multi-functional meter, along with a traditional round headlight with a light housing, the front area also has a clean look.

Price and Cost-Performance

The CB250R has an annual maintenance cost of approximately 130,000 yen (refer to the table below), and its vehicle price is relatively low, making it a cost-effective 250cc naked bike.

The new CB250R sells for 564,300 yen including tax, and the market price for used models ranges from about 260,000 to 650,000 yen.

Its fuel efficiency is 33.7 km/L (WMTC mode value), so with gasoline at 180 yen/L and annual mileage of 10,000 km, the annual fuel cost is 54,200 yen.

CB250R Sales Price
New Vehicle Price (incl. tax): 564,300 yen (Production discontinued - stock only)
Used Price: Approximately 260,000 - 650,000 yen

Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost

Light Vehicle Tax	3,600 yen
Compulsory Insurance (1 year)	Approx. 7,100 yen
Fuel Cost (calculated at 180 yen/L)	54,200 yen
Tire Replacement Cost (front and rear)	18,000 yen
Oil Change Cost (twice)	6,000 yen
Voluntary Insurance Premium	42,000 yen
Total Annual Maintenance Cost	130,900 yen

Reviews and Reputation

■Review 1

"I don't really feel the thrumming of a single cylinder. It revs smoothly like a 4-cylinder.

The matching of the engine sound and acceleration is superb, and it just feels good to ride."

Source: https://review.kakaku.com/review/K0001039216/

The user review mentioned that the CB250R, despite being a single-cylinder, has a smooth engine feel that makes it enjoyable to ride.

■Review 2

"If you're aiming for sporty riding that takes advantage of the luxurious suspension, you'll want to start by reconsidering the stock riding position by changing the handlebars and rear sets."

Source: https://review.kakaku.com/review/K0001039216/

There was a review indicating some dissatisfaction with the riding position, suggesting that to utilize the luxurious suspension, such as inverted front forks, adjustments to the position, like changing handlebars and rear sets, would be necessary.

■Review 3

"With its light body, there's no discomfort even when transitioning from a Class 2 moped. It looks cool too, making it the perfect bike for older riders."

Source: https://review.kakaku.com/review/K0001039216/

It seems that the light body of the bike allowed for a smooth transition from a Class 2 moped, and its cool appearance makes it suitable for riders of all ages.

Performance and Specifications

The CB250R's engine is a 4-stroke liquid-cooled single cylinder, producing a maximum output of 27ps and a maximum torque of 23N・m, characterized by a smooth engine feel.

It offers an enjoyable ride that leverages its lightweight body, from city streets to winding roads. However, due to its light weight of 144kg, its stability at high speeds is somewhat lacking, and it struggles in strong winds.

Equipped with an assist & slipper clutch to aid clutch operation, it allows for comfortable riding with less fatigue.

Overall Length × Overall Width × Overall Height (mm): 2,020 × 805 × 1,045
Weight: 144kg
Seat Height: 795mm
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single cylinder
Maximum Output: 27ps
Maximum Torque: 23N・m
Tire Size: (Front) 110/70R17M/C 54H
(Rear) 150/60R17M/C 66H

Ride Comfort and Handling

With a low seat height of 795mm, the CB250R offers good foot placement, and the handlebars are positioned relatively high, allowing for a natural riding posture.

The light weight of the vehicle and the central concentration of heavy components like the engine and muffler contribute to excellent maneuverability on winding roads with continuous corners.

While it lacks the power of a 4-cylinder, its good fuel economy and ease of low-speed riding mean it provides sufficient power for daily use.

Ease of Customization

The CB250R is a model that is easy to customize, as a wide range of aftermarket parts are available for it.

In addition to parts that change the appearance, such as small meter visors and windshields that can be added around the meter, there is also a wide selection of handlebar kits, making it easy to change the appearance and riding position to your liking.

While there are fewer parts related to performance, such as engine components and suspension, you can make subtle customizations that don't drastically alter the exterior or the bike's characteristics.

Who is it suitable for?

The CB250R, with its compact size, light weight, and easy handling, is recommended for beginners who just got their license and female riders.

Equipped with an assist & slipper clutch, it reduces fatigue during long rides, making it suitable for everything from daily commuting to touring.

While its lightness is a strong point in many situations, such as handling and continuous cornering on winding roads, it tends to be less stable on windy days or when riding on highways.

2. 【250cc】YAMAHA MT-25 ABS

にゅーばいく。#mt25 #YAMAHA pic.twitter.com/J8luvSH9sQ
— あーち (@a_chi_mt25) February 20, 2025

The YAMAHA MT-25 ABS is the naked version of the full-cowl sport bike "YZF-25" and was launched in October 2015.

It's a streetfighter model that covers everything from city riding to winding roads, offering nimble handling and lively performance.

Design and Appearance

にゅーばいく。#mt25 #YAMAHA pic.twitter.com/J8luvSH9sQ
— あーち (@a_chi_mt25) February 20, 2025

YAMAHA MT-25

FUJIFILM X-T5
XF 35/1.4 pic.twitter.com/cLS76VCGxI
— 八島颯也 | FuyaYashima (@FuyaApple) July 12, 2024

The MT-25 features an aggressive front design characterized by sharp, upward-sloping position lights.

From front to rear, it's sharply refined, achieving both functionality and design, resulting in a unique exterior unlike other 250cc naked bikes.

The design, with heavy components like the engine and muffler concentrated in the center of the vehicle, gives it a compact yet substantial feel, creating a modern and striking impression.

Price and Cost-Performance

The new MT-25 sells for 632,500 yen, and used models range from approximately 160,000 to 550,000 yen, which is a standard vehicle price for a 250cc naked bike.

The fuel cost for 10,000 km of travel is about 70,000 yen, and the total annual maintenance cost, including fuel, is around 145,500 yen, which is also the average cost for a 250cc naked bike.

While used models can be found for under 200,000 yen, offering good cost-performance, it's important to be cautious when judging solely by the vehicle price, as the frequency of breakdowns and availability of replacement parts can make annual maintenance costs higher.

MT-25 ABS
New Vehicle Price (incl. tax): 632,500 yen
Used Price: Approximately 160,000 - 550,000 yen

Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost

Light Vehicle Tax	3,600 yen
Compulsory Insurance (1 year)	Approx. 7,100 yen
Fuel Cost (calculated at 180 yen/L)	69,800 yen
Tire Replacement Cost (front and rear)	17,000 yen
Oil Change Cost (twice)	6,000 yen
Voluntary Insurance Premium	42,000 yen
Total Annual Maintenance Cost	145,500 yen

Reviews and Reputation

■Review 1

"It's light and both feet are flat on the ground, making it easier to ride than ever before. The power for a 250cc is decent, and the engine revs well, so I have no complaints on regular roads."

Source: https://review.kakaku.com/review/K0000806667/

The review indicated that the bike is light and has good foot placement, making it easy to ride, with decent power and a responsive engine, leading to no complaints on regular roads.

■Review 2

"There's no torque at extremely low speeds, so it stalls frequently when starting. The engine struggles to rev up to 9,000 RPM, which is its ultra-high revolution range. Since it's constantly struggling in the usual rev range, it's not enjoyable to ride at all."

Source: https://x.gd/gEwtQ

At low speeds, such as when starting or in traffic, the bike felt underpowered and prone to stalling. The engine also seemed to struggle to produce power up to 9,000 RPM, which made riding unenjoyable.

■Review 3

"It's a very well-balanced and exemplary bike. It has the advantage of being easy to ride without apprehension, and I love it."

Source: https://review.kakaku.com/review/K0000806667/

The MT-25 is praised for its lightness and good foot placement, making it easy and comfortable to ride. It seems to be a favorite bike for its excellent balance and reliability.

Performance and Specifications

The MT-25's two-cylinder engine has a characteristic of delivering power at high RPMs, and combined with its light and easy handling, it offers a sporty ride.

While there's a feeling of insufficient torque at low speeds, the overall acceleration is smooth, making it comfortable for everything from city riding to light sport riding on winding roads and touring.

The riding position is also a natural seated style, and it's evaluated as being less tiring during long rides, allowing for a smooth riding experience in a wide range of situations.

Overall Length × Overall Width × Overall Height (mm): 2,090 × 755 × 1,070
Weight: 167kg
Seat Height: 780mm
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke inline 2-cylinder
Maximum Output: 35ps
Maximum Torque: 23N・m
Tire Size: (Front) 110/70-17M/C
(Rear) 140/70-17M/C
Fuel Efficiency (WMTC mode value): 25.8km/L

Ride Comfort and Handling

The MT-25 is lightweight at 167kg, and with an average seat height of 780mm, its slim body allows for good foot placement and easy handling.

The upright handlebars allow for a natural riding posture, reducing fatigue during long rides, and newer MT-25 models have less engine vibration, making touring comfortable.

While its lighter weight can sometimes lead to a lack of stability at low speeds or on highways, it's a 250cc class naked bike that offers a well-balanced ride overall.

Ease of Customization

The MT-25 is a 250cc naked bike that is easy to customize, as a wide range of custom parts, such as mufflers and additional windshields, are available for sale.

There are also classic custom parts like mufflers, ranging from full exhaust systems to slip-ons and just the exhaust section, allowing for more personalized customization.

Windshields come in various types and shapes, making them a recommended customization for those concerned about wind while riding, those who ride on highways, or those who want a unique design.

Who is it suitable for?

With its aggressive streetfighter style, the design of this model can be polarizing, but it's recommended for those who want a naked bike with a sophisticated urban design.

Lightweight and easy to handle, it's suitable for beginners, returning riders, and women, and can be enjoyed for everything from city riding to winding roads and touring.

If buying used, older MT-25 models have halogen headlights, so an LED model, which is brighter and improves visibility at night, is recommended.

3. 【250cc】KAWASAKI Z250

Kawasaki Z250 でコンビニへ重ね着したら暑かった pic.twitter.com/oxgXYYboaj
— boyoyongo (@pdthank) February 16, 2025

The KAWASAKI "Z250" is a 250cc naked bike characterized by an aggressive design with both sharpness and robustness.

It offers a powerful feel across all engine speeds, and with its lightweight body and nimble handling, it's versatile enough for city riding, sport riding, and touring.

Design and Appearance

実は誕生日の8月10日、新しいバイクをお迎えしていました！

Kawasaki Z250 (2013年式)

色々カスタムされてますが、この状態で売られていました。軽くて扱いやすいし、ストファイ系の見た目が好きなので凄く気に入ってます😆
事故には気を付けて、安全運転で楽しみます！#Kawasaki #Z250 pic.twitter.com/TqtvTrN8SU
— い〜ぐる♪✈︎ (@zxEagle08) September 5, 2024

Kawasaki Z250 何度乗っても楽し過ぎて夢みたいです。乗った後は1週間は楽しさの余韻が pic.twitter.com/fSTwhO2sky
— boyoyongo (@pdthank) February 4, 2025

Inheriting the aggressive image common to the Z series, it boasts a compact and toned body, achieving a powerful streetfighter style.

Adopting the dynamic "SUGOMI design," it's clearly recognizable as a Z series model that follows the super naked lineage.

This naked bike has a modern exterior that combines strength and flowing beauty with a low-slung design that gives it a low center of gravity.

Price/Cost Performance

The new Z250 sells for 682,000 yen, and used models range from 180,000 to 680,000 yen. The annual maintenance cost is 147,500 yen for 10,000 km of annual travel.

Compared to the CB250R, the Z250 has poorer fuel efficiency, with fuel costs for 10,000 km being about 17,000 yen higher.

However, the average annual maintenance cost for a 250cc naked bike is about 150,000 yen, so it offers standard cost performance.

Z250
New vehicle price (tax included): 682,000 yen
Used price: Around 180,000 to 680,000 yen

Estimated annual maintenance costs

Light motor vehicle tax	3,600 yen
Compulsory automobile liability insurance (1 year)	Approx. 7,100 yen
Fuel cost (calculated at 180 yen/L)	71,800 yen
Tire replacement cost (front and rear)	17,000 yen
Oil change cost (2 times)	6,000 yen
Voluntary insurance premium	42,000 yen
Total annual maintenance cost	147,500 yen

Reviews and Reputation

■Review 1

"Good foot reach makes stopping at traffic lights easy. The seat is thin and the rear suspension is firm, so my backside hurts after about 2 hours."

Source: https://review.kakaku.com/review/K0000105931/

It seems to have good foot reach and high stability when stopped, but the thin seat and firm rear suspension mean that breaks are needed for long rides.

■Review 2

"The current model comes with ABS and a slipper clutch, making it an incredible value! Recommended for those who want a bike different from others."

Source: https://x.gd/pJoyl

The current model comes standard with ABS and a slipper clutch, offering high cost performance. It's recommended for those who want a bike that stands out.

■Review 3

"It's a fun bike to ride. With a seat bag, it can be used for commuting, and touring on local roads is enjoyable enough."

Source: https://review.kakaku.com/review/K0000105931/

It's described as a fun bike to ride. With storage like a seat bag, it can be used for daily commutes, and touring on local roads is enjoyable, as long as highways are avoided.

Performance and Specifications

The Z250 is equipped with a 4-stroke inline 2-cylinder engine, producing a maximum output of 35ps and maximum torque of 22N・m, allowing for powerful riding across all ranges.

Weighing 164kg, it is relatively lightweight and easy to handle, providing agile performance. The current model comes standard with a slipper clutch and ABS, making it comfortable for both city riding and touring.

The smooth acceleration from the 2-cylinder engine and the strong torque in the low to mid-speed range make it enjoyable in various situations. However, its fuel efficiency, with a WMTC mode value of 25.1km/L, is average for the 250cc class.

Length x Width x Height (mm): 1,990 x 800 x 1,060
Weight: 164kg
Seat height: 795mm
Engine type: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke inline 2-cylinder
Maximum output: 35ps
Maximum torque: 22N・m
Tire size: (Front) 110/70R17M/C 54H
(Rear) 140/70R17M/C 66H
Fuel efficiency (WMTC mode value): 25.1km/L

Ride Comfort and Handling

The Z250 has an average seat height of 795mm, offering good foot reach, and its relatively upright riding position helps reduce fatigue during long rides.

As is generally true for 250cc naked bikes, its light weight and engine power can make it somewhat unstable during prolonged highway driving or on windy days.

However, the Z250 offers a sporty engine sound and smooth acceleration, making it enjoyable in a wide range of situations, from city riding to sport riding and touring.

Ease of Customization

The Z250 is a 250cc naked bike that is easy to customize, with a wide range of aftermarket parts available, especially many muffler-related products.

Various manufacturers offer muffler-related products, including slip-on and full exhaust systems, so you should be able to find a muffler that suits your preference.

With parts for riding position such as handlebars and steps, additional windshields, and engine-related parts, you can personalize your bike through customization.

Who is it suitable for?

The Z250 is lightweight and easy to handle, making it enjoyable for beginners to returning riders, but it is especially suited for those who don't want the same bike as everyone else.

With a very wide selection of custom parts, it is recommended for those who want to customize their bike or create a unique ride that stands out.

Equipped with a smoothly revving 2-cylinder engine, it can be enjoyed in a wide range of scenarios, from city riding to light sport riding and touring.

4. [250cc] SUZUKI GIXXER 250

【製品リリース情報：ジクサー250】
油冷SEPエンジンを搭載。軽快かつ爽快な走りを可能にするネイキッドスポーツジクサー250。平成32年（令和2年）国内排出ガス規制に対応して登場。
発売日：2023 年2月23日(木)https://t.co/S5nGrymO0A pic.twitter.com/FsWpy0s0VL
— スズキ株式会社・国内二輪公式アカウント (@suzukicojpmotor) February 15, 2023

The SUZUKI Gixxer 250 is a highly cost-effective motorcycle with one of the lowest new bike prices in the 250cc naked bike class.

It boasts light and nimble performance, coupled with excellent fuel efficiency, which helps keep running costs down.

Design and Appearance

本日、ジクサー250納車されました！！
スズキ乗りの方、フォロワーの皆様方、引き続きよろしくお願いします！！#スズキ #SUZUKI #ジクサー250 #GIXXER250 #納車 pic.twitter.com/CP6ZBNljyK
— keiタロー@バイク垢 (@Keitarou_moto) November 24, 2020

NSRは高年式は100万のプレミア価格☹️
まだSUZUKIのガンマ250も好きですがタマ数少ないかなぁ〜🤔
2台目はこれ！SUZUKIジクサー250
やっとこさ入って来ました😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/l8oTXGw56t
— 水元ケン (@knZlBYYvFqzJo1G) November 14, 2021

With its flowing shroud design, the Gixxer 250 features a sharp and powerful curvilinear aesthetic from front to rear, accented by an edgy undercowl.

It adopts distinctive and compact LED headlights split into three vertical sections, giving it a front-face design instantly recognizable as a Gixxer.

The short muffler with dual tail ends also boasts a distinctive design, resulting in a low-slung silhouette and a flowing, edgy exterior.

Price/Cost Performance

The new Gixxer 250 sells for 481,800 yen, making it one of the most affordable 250cc naked bikes and an accessible option even as a second bike.

It also boasts excellent fuel efficiency, with a WMTC mode value of 34.5km/L, which is top-class for its category. This lower fuel cost translates to reduced annual running costs.

Assuming 10,000 km of annual travel, the maintenance cost is 128,900 yen, making it a very budget-friendly 250cc naked bike from purchase price to running costs.

Gixxer 250
New vehicle price (tax included): 481,800 yen
Used price: Around 200,000 to 450,000 yen

Estimated annual maintenance costs

Light motor vehicle tax	3,600 yen
Compulsory automobile liability insurance (1 year)	Approx. 7,100 yen
Fuel cost (calculated at 180 yen/L)	52,200 yen
Tire replacement cost (front and rear)	18,000 yen
Oil change cost (2 times)	6,000 yen
Voluntary insurance premium	42,000 yen
Total annual maintenance cost	128,900 yen

Reviews and Reputation

■Review 1

"Although it's produced in India, the quality level is comparable to domestically produced bikes (in my opinion). It's a lightweight sports bike that's light, powerful, easy to ride, and offers excellent cost performance."

Source: https://review.kakaku.com/review/K0001247125/

The review even mentions the production country of the Gixxer 250, indicating that there seems to be no difference in quality compared to domestically produced bikes, which speaks to SUZUKI's thorough quality control.

■Review 2

"Many people write that the seat is not tiring at all, but the high-rebound seat quickly makes my backside ache. It's a tear-inducing level of discomfort. Even setting the rear suspension's preload adjustment to its weakest doesn't relieve the pain."

Source: https://review.kakaku.com/review/K0001247125/

Due to the high-rebound seat, long rides cause a lot of fatigue, and even adjusting the rear suspension's preload did not alleviate the backside pain, according to the review. This suggests that some riders may need to replace the seat.

■Review 3

"The fuel economy is incredibly good if you ride normally. There haven't been any particular breakdowns, so I think maintenance costs are quite low."

Source: https://moto.webike.net/bike-review/SUZUKI/126_250/GIXXER_250/?pdx=3

The review highlights the Gixxer 250's excellent fuel efficiency when ridden normally, noting very low fuel consumption. It also mentions no significant breakdowns, indicating that maintenance costs can be kept quite low.

Performance and Specifications

The Gixxer 250's engine is an uncommon oil-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder for this class, with a slightly modest maximum output of 26ps.

Despite its modest maximum output, it offers strong and tenacious power in the low to mid-speed range, making it easy to handle. It provides stable riding in city traffic with frequent stops and starts.

Equipped with radial tires and ABS, it achieves excellent grip and stable braking, ensuring a smooth ride.

Length x Width x Height (mm): 2,010 x 805 x 1,035
Weight: 154kg
Seat height: 800mm
Engine type: Oil-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder
Maximum output: 26ps
Maximum torque: 22N・m
Tire size: (Front) 110/70R17M/C 54H
(Rear) 150/60R17M/C 66H
Fuel efficiency (WMTC mode value): 34.5km/L

Ride Comfort and Handling

The Gixxer 250's seat height is 800mm, which is slightly higher than other 250cc naked bikes, but its lightweight and compact body ensure that foot reach is not significantly compromised.

The handlebar position allows for a natural sitting posture, and the handlebar width is standard, providing good stability at low speeds and a riding position that is less tiring for long distances.

Ease of Customization

The Gixxer 250 is a model that is somewhat difficult to customize, as not many custom parts are available for it.

However, essential custom parts like mufflers, handlebars, and steps are available, allowing for minimal customization such as adjusting the riding position to suit the rider.

Although the number of items sold is small, windshields are also available, making it recommended for those who frequently ride on highways.

Who is it suitable for?

The Gixxer 250 is suitable for those who prioritize cost performance. Its lightweight and easy-to-handle body also make it recommended for beginner riders and returning riders.

While it might feel a bit lacking in power and stability for highway riding, its high fuel efficiency allows for significant savings on running costs, especially for daily commutes and short tours.

This 250cc naked bike is well-suited for those who seek high cost performance, thanks to its excellent fuel efficiency and low annual maintenance costs.