Many new riders want to get their feet wet on something pleasant but not too strong. While some riders prefer the fuel efficiency or specific usage scenarios that small displacement motorcycles can offer, others are too small, light, or unskilled for large displacement motorcycles. Either way, if you’re looking to find something south of 300cc, you’ve got plenty of options. In this article, we will enlist the Top Ten Best 250cc Bikes in 2023.
Top Ten Best 250cc Bikes in 2023 – Top Rated
Supersport – 2023 Honda CBR300R
The Honda CBR300R from 2023 is a great introduction to supersport motorcycles for those who want to experience the adrenaline on the road and make some turns on the race course. The most recent model of this bike, with a 286cc liquid-cooled single, produces a decent 31 HP and 20 lb-ft of torque.
The CBR300R takes many stylistic cues from its more powerful cousin, the CBR1000RR. These include headlamps, cowls, fairings, and an aggressive tank form that dives toward the front of the bike.
However, the elevated clip-on handlebars make this a comfortable street bike you can comfortably grip on the track. It barely qualifies as a supersport because of the partial tilt of the rider’s typical riding style.
Honorable Mention: 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3
The 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 is an essential topic when discussing entry-level supersport motorcycles. With a 321cc inline twin that sounds exactly 50 HP, it falls short of our list (by a modest 22ccs displacement)
It is a light, fast, and capable bike for road and track that has been significantly developed in partnership with the Yamaha Racing Team, which competes in both World SBK and MotoGP. It is a highly recommended bike for novice track rider who wants to take their ride on the road as well.
Sport – 2023 Suzuki GSX250R
The 2023 Suzuki GSX250R (which is the most recent model yet as of this update) has the look, feel, and even tactile feel of a supersport bike. Due to the extremely high front position of the clip-on handlebars and the small tank, the rider is pushed into a regular sitting position for most of the ride.
Also, the 248cc parallel twin that powers the GSX250R’s 25 HP and 17 lb-ft of torque makes it a capable sports bike. Since the GSX250R is a parallel twin rather than a single, it also emits a familiar bark from the exhaust, which makes the ears tickle with delight. It can be easily taken to the track for fun as it is light and turns easily.
Naked – 2023 Honda CB300R
In the bare-bones sports variant of their 2023 CB300R, Honda used the same engine as the CBR300R. However, it was tweaked differently to give it a much more street-friendly powerband for torque. As a result, it offers excellent linear power delivery at low and mid-RPMs for the novice rider, starting to gasp a bit as it approaches the redline.
Other controls are easy to reach and the pegs, which aren’t as far back with the frame as different CBR versions, are also incredibly pleasant to sit on. Additionally, despite the bare weight, virtually all riders will like the bike’s root and solid feel. The 2023 Honda CB300R is a stunning example of the incredible things that Japanese engineering can do.
Retro or Sport Heritage – 2023 Yamaha V-Star 250
It looks like a cruiser, and if you call it that, I wouldn’t blame you. However, Yamaha touts it as a heritage sports bike and adds several small features to the 2023 V-Star 250 that make it a great throwback bike.
This motorbike is recognized as an excellent entry-level model. On the road, it performs well, providing a lot of input to the rider and excellent handling.
Due to its small 249cc 60o air-cooled v-twin’s use of a small Mikuni BDS26 carburetor, which gives it the distinctive rumble that only v-twins have, the V-Star 250 is also ideal for those who like v-twins.
Cruiser – 2023 Honda Rebel 300
The Honda Rebel 300 was designed with the novice rider market in mind from the very beginning. It aims to make motorbike touring accessible and stress-free. It has a 286cc single-cylinder engine that produces 25 HP and 20 lb-ft of torque. It also sips petrol perfectly, giving you a fantastic range.
I must admit that Honda has built the ideal bike to ease inexperienced riders into cruisers. And the Rebel 500 is the same bike as the Rebel 300, but if you enjoy the Rebel 300, have it for a few seasons, and want to upgrade to a larger displacement engine, about two With twice as much power.
Adventure – 2023 Honda CRF300L Rally
It should come as no surprise that the Honda CRF300L Rally is our recommended dirt-oriented adventure bike for this list, given Honda’s prowess with endurance racing over the years, including the 2020 Dakar Rally. Complete victory is also included. It will take you up most hills with ease and absorb the bumps and bruises of the roughest terrain without you feeling any of it thanks to its powerful 286cc liquid-cooled four-stroke single engine.
But the light weight of the CRF300L Rally makes it the perfect adventure bike for beginners. It avoids a common problem with heavier or larger adventure bikes: feeling too over-centered to transfer your weight effectively when rounding corners on roads.
2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300
Without sugar-coating anything, Kawasaki calls the 2023 Versys-X 300 a “City Adventure” and describes it as more of a street bike than an off-roader. Because of the features that Kawasaki has designed into it, it is a fantastic beginner bike.
The rider is positioned closer to the bike’s center of gravity and pivot point for corners thanks to the high windscreen, low seating position, low 296cc parallel twin engine, and classic standard ride beam.
With 40 HP and 19 lb-ft of torque available, the engine is strong enough to drive comfortably at highway speeds and has enough low-down grunts to get you off the line effortlessly.
Dual-Sport – 2023 Kawasaki KLX300
The latest model in Kawasaki’s KLX motorcycles is the 2023 Kawasaki KLX30. Its true off-road capability, lightweight, adequate power, and excellent feedback make it a great choice for beginners.
It has a 292cc single engine that produces 33 HP and 21 lb-ft of torque, making it quite capable on the road but unsuitable for motorways. However, Kawasaki offers an entry-level bike for you if you live in a small town where you can avoid the streets to get around and want to blast around the dirt trails on the weekends.
Mini – 2023 Honda GROM
I openly admit that the 2023 Honda GROM is a stupid little bike. It resembles a scene from the Transformers animated series. But it also contributes to its charm. It’s a bike that allows you to ditch the seriousness of the outside world and go on an entertaining buggy ride.
Additionally, it is powerful enough to navigate the highways. So, this little monster will also get you there if you need to quickly stop at the nearby grocery store for a pint of milk but don’t want to ride a big bike. This motorbike is perfect for beginners and is a great short run that will let you have fun without trying to kill it.
Top Ten Best 250cc Bikes in 2023 – Top List
Sr. # | Top Ten Best 250cc Bikes in 2023 |
---|---|
1 | Supersport – 2023 Honda CBR300R |
2 | Honorable Mention: 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 |
3 | Sport – 2023 Suzuki GSX250R |
4 | Naked – 2023 Honda CB300R |
5 | Retro or Sport Heritage – 2023 Yamaha V-Star 250 |
6 | Cruiser – 2023 Honda Rebel 300 |
7 | Adventure – 2023 Honda CRF300L Rally |
8 | 2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 |
9 | Dual-Sport – 2023 Kawasaki KLX300 |
10 | Mini – 2023 Honda GROM |