Honda Vtr250 Review

Item: Honda Vtr250
Rating: 8
Author: Motoryk

"The smartest used 250 you can buy right now."

New riders wanting reliable character-filled learning tool $2,500-$5,500 used 1997-2007

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Key Specs

speed

Top Speed

160 km/h (estimated)

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Power

31 hp

@ 10,500 rpm

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Torque

23 Nm

@ 8,000 rpm

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Fuel Economy

22.2 km/L

52 mpg · 4.5 L/100km or approximately 22 km/L (typical real-world average)

build

Service Every

6,000 km

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Weight

159 kg

(wet/curb weight)

settings

Engine

249cc liquid-cooled 90° V-twin

height

Seat Height

755 mm

cog

Transmission

6-speed

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Engine Lifespan

100,000+ km with proper maintenance

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Used Buyer Review

The VTR250 is one of those bikes that just makes sense. Honda built this little V-twin from 1997 through to the mid-2000s and they're genuinely tough little machines — find one with a decent service history and you're buying yourself years of trouble-free riding. The parallel-twin sound is addictive for a 250, pulls cleanly through the rev range, and the ergonomics suit almost everyone from short commuters to taller riders doing weekend scratches. What to watch for used: check the fairings carefully because these live hard lives as learner bikes and crash damage is everywhere. Inspect the cam chain tensioner — it's the one known weak point and a rattly cold start is your warning sign. Carbs gum up if they've been sitting, so budget for a clean if the previous owner wasn't riding regularly. Mileage matters less than care with these Hondas.