Menu
๐Ÿ๏ธ
Bikes
โญ
Reviews
โš–๏ธ
Compare
๐Ÿ“š
Guides
๐Ÿ“Š
Samples
camera_alt
Free Inspection
Start a new bike check
Privacy
Terms
Reviews/ Honda/ Vtr 250
WATCH REVIEW
8.0/10 Naked

Honda Vtr 250 Review

"The smartest used learner buy under three grand, full stop."

New riders wanting genuine character and reliability $2,500-$5,500 used 1998-2007
search Inspect a Honda Now
dashboard

Key Specs

speed
Top Speed
160 km/h (estimated; note: may vary slightly by model year)
bolt
Power
31 hp
@ 11,000 rpm
rotate_right
Torque
23 Nm
@ 8,500 rpm
local_gas_station
Fuel Economy
28.6 km/L
67 mpg ยท 3.5 L/100km (approx. 28 km/L typical real-world average)
build
Service Every
6,000 km
scale
Weight
162 kg
(wet/curb weight)
settings
Engine
249cc liquid-cooled DOHC 8-valve 90ยฐ V-twin
height
Seat Height
755 mm
cog
Transmission
6-speed
favorite
Engine Lifespan
100,000+ km with proper maintenance
chevron_right

Used Buyer Review

The VTR250 is one of those rare bikes that actually does what Honda promised โ€” a genuinely fun, flickable V-twin that doesn't punish beginners while still giving experienced riders something to enjoy on a twisty back road. That 249cc 90-degree V-twin pulls cleanly from low revs and sounds surprisingly characterful for a quarter-litre. It's light, narrow, and the ergonomics sit you in a natural upright position without cramping your knees. Used examples are everywhere, which is both good and bad. Good because prices stay sensible. Bad because half of them have been dropped by learners at least once. Check the bar ends, fairing lowers, and levers carefully โ€” cosmetic damage is almost expected. More critically, inspect the cooling system and look for oil seepage around the cam cover gaskets, which can weep on higher-mileage examples. Carb models need the usual sync and jet inspection if it's been sitting. Honestly though, for the money and the riding experience, it's hard to argue against one. Just buy the cleanest example you can afford.

Pros

+Torquey V-twin character
+Bulletproof Honda reliability
+Excellent parts availability
+Forgiving, confidence-building handling
+Strong resale value retention

Cons

-Frequently dropped by learners
-Lacks highway confidence above 110kmh
-Carb sync neglect is common
-Ageing designs show their years
warning
Avoid if

You need regular highway or freeway commuting

description View full specs, facts & rivals for Honda Vtr 250 โ†’

Similar Naked Reviews

Ktm Super Duke R 1390
Ktm Super Duke R 1390 9.0/10

"The maddest naked bike money can buy, period."

Experienced riders wanting maximum naked bike performance $16,000-$21,000
Triumph Street Triple 765 Rs
Triumph Street Triple 765 Rs 9.0/10

"The middleweight naked benchmark โ€” buy one before prices climb further."

Experienced riders wanting daily thrills without superbike drama $8,500-$12,500
Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory
Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory 9.0/10

"The most viscerally exciting naked motorcycle money can sensibly buy used."

Experienced riders craving track-capable naked performance $8,500-$14,000
Triumph Speed Triple 1200
Triumph Speed Triple 1200 9.0/10

"The best British naked you can buy used today."

Experienced riders wanting daily-usable serious performance $13,000-$17,500