What are the fastest 250cc motorcycles? For new motorcycle riders, a 250cc bike should be more than good enough. Many new riders think that a bike with such a small engine is going to be slow, but this is not always the case.
There are plenty of fast 250cc motorcycles that are suitable for all experience levels, and I tested most of them to find out which ones are worth considering.
In this article, I’m going to go over the fastest 250cc motorcycles and quickly explain what makes each of them unique and worth your money.
The 10 Fastest 250cc Motorcycles
- Honda CBR250RR
- Kawasaki Ninja 250
- Yamaha YZF-R25
- KTM 250 Adventure
- KTM 250 Duke
- CFMOTO 250NK
- Suzuki GSX250R ABS
- Suzuki TU250X
- Yamaha V Star 250
- Yamaha XT250
The Top 10 Fastest 250cc Motorcycles
1. Honda CBR250RR
The Honda CBR250RR is the fastest 250cc motorcycle on this list. It has a 249cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 8-valve, parallel-twin engine that can produce 41 hp. This powerful engine means it can go from 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds, and it can go up to 109 mph, faster than any new motorcycle rider needs to go.
It has a fuel tank capacity of 3.8 gallons and a Programmed Fuel Injection fuel system, making it quite fuel efficient as well.
This bike weighs 370 lbs, which is relatively lightweight and has a seat height of 31 inches, making it easy for motorcyclists to get on or off. Additionally, it has a ground clearance of 145 mm. This means it’s easy to get over bumps, but it does not sacrifice cornering ability.
The Honda CBR250RR is easy to ride for beginners and experienced bikers thanks to its smooth engine and lightweight size.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Very fast thanks to its great power/weight ratio
- Sturdy
- Lightweight and nimble
- Easy to ride
Cons:
- Relatively high price for this engine’s capacity
- Additional import cost
Bottom line
The Honda CBR250RR is one of the fastest 250cc motorcycles on the market. It can go up to 109 mph and has a smooth 249cc liquid-cooled engine. It is a great motorcycle for beginners and experienced riders alike.
2. Kawasaki Ninja 250
The Kawasaki 2022 Ninja 250 is a legendary 250cc motorcycle with advanced technology and a smooth engine. This motorcycle includes an assist and slipper clutch, an economical riding indicator, and is ergo fit.
It has a 249cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin engine with a DOHC 8-valve system and produces 39 HP at 12,500 rpm. This engine is powerful enough to take it from 0 to 60 in 7 seconds or less.
It weighs about 359 lbs, which is quite heavy, but its power/weight ratio is still good thanks to its powerful engine.
Its seat height is 31 inches, which is comfortable enough for many motorcycle riders.
It’s fuel-efficient enough to hit 75 mpg (official numbers are 55-75 mpg), and this makes it suitable for long rides, not to mention its sizable 3.6-gallon fuel capacity
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Smooth engine
- Sizable fuel capacity
- Satisfactory seat height that suits most
Cons:
- Additional import costs
Bottom line
The Kawasaki 2022 Ninja 250 is a close second as it has a smooth 249cc engine and satisfactory performance. It’s a good option for riders of all levels; everyone will find something to like about it.
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3. Yamaha YZF-R25
Third on this list is the Yamaha YZF-R25. This 250cc motorcycle will easily take up to 101 mph thanks to its 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, and 4-valve engine. Its engine has a wet sump lubrication system and a multiple disc wet clutch type.
This engine is powerful and delivers 35.5 hp and 36.6 NM of torque, and it can pull the bike from 0 to 60 in just 7.5 seconds and reach 117 mph.
This bike weighs about 366 lbs and has a fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons. It has an average of 61 mpg, an upgrade of its older version, making it more suitable for the times.
The bike is built to last, as you would expect from Yamaha, and there are little touches everywhere that show it was built with care.
The LED headlights may seem a bit aggressive, but you will absolutely appreciate them when driving on pitch-black roads.
I also love the display, as it’s one of the easiest to see in all weather conditions even in blindingly bright sunlight and heavy fog.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Sizable fuel capacity
- Easy to ride
- Smooth engine
Cons:
- Older model
Bottom line
The Yamaha YZF-R25 is one of my top choices because of how fast it is, how easy it is to ride, how safe it is, and how smooth its engine is. It is also well-built and comfortable for long rides.
If you want a bike that will last you a lifetime, go for this one.
4. KTM 250 Adventure
The KTM 250 Adventure is a perfect motorcycle for daily commuting and even taking detours out somewhere farther than you are used to (or should go).
This 250cc motorcycle comes with an electric starter and gives off smooth power, allowing you to ride playfully for hours. Its smoothness is made better thanks to its well-balanced twin overhead camshafts, electronic fuel injection, four valves, and a balancer shaft.
This bike engine is handy as it generates 30 PS at 9,000 rpm and a torque of 24 Nm at 7,000 rpm. It weighs 390 lbs, which makes it a fast and lightweight bike.
It doesn’t offer a lot of low-end grunts; however, as the engine starts performing better toward the redline.
It also has a 3.8-gallon fuel capacity, which allows it to get an impressive 89.6 mpg. You will pay bennies for fuel with this one.
Not only that, but this iconic bike has 29.5 horsepower and can go up to 96 mph, making it the fourth-fastest bike on this list.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Excellent fuel capacity
- Great throttle response
- Smooth
- Great for long and short errands
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
Bottom line
Whether you are looking for a bike to ride for your daily errands or an adventurous expedition, the KTM 250 Adventure is the perfect motorcycle for you.
5. KTM 250 Duke
The KTM 250 Duke provides maximum exhilaration and value. The great thing about this motorcycle is that it’s an all-rounder. You can use it for long journeys, short journeys, and so much more.
There’s no doubt that this bike stands out among the rest because of how stylish, futuristic, and alien-like the design of this bike is.
Looks aren’t everything, though; you want to ensure you’re comfortable while riding, and with the KTM 250 Duke, you will be.
One thing that makes this bike nimble is how lightweight it is. It weighs about 321.9 lbs, and its seat height is about 32.6 inches, so it’s also quite comfortable to ride.
Although the seat height isn’t the best for short riders, it’s proven to be comfortable for most people.
This motorcycle can go as fast as 95 mph thanks to its reliable 248.8cc engine. It also has a fuel capacity of 3.5 gallons and can produce 29.6 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 24 Nm of peak torque.
If you ride this bike in high gears and lower RPMs until about 6000-7000 rpm, you will get about 58.5 to 63.5 mpg on regular street roads and about 68.2 to 72.9 mpg on highways. I recommend you go high in the gear if the circumstance allows it, and you will have an amazing pull.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Excellent for long and short rides
- Reasonable price
- Stylish design
- Safe for beginners
- Lightweight
Cons:
- The seat height may be uncomfortable for shorter
Bottom line
The KTM 250 Duke is a nimble, lightweight, and speedy bike. You will have no trouble riding this bike for longer errands, as it is durable and quick. Despite its speed, the KTM 250 Duke is an easy and safe bike to ride.
6. CFMOTO 250NK
Powered by a powerful and reliable engine, the lightweight 250NK is a perfect, fast motorcycle for many people. Torque, acceleration, and high fuel efficiency are all significant features of the single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine. It is also fun to use for daily chores as well as sports.
Its 249cc engine produces 26.51 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and a torque of 22 Nm at 75,000 rpm, making it a fast bike suitable for daily errands. This bike can go at 91 mph with ease.
What really stands out for me with this motorcycle is its strong LED lights. The taillights, parking lights, and turning lights are all excellent and better than what most competitors offer. These lights help massively when riding through the night.
This bike weighs about 332 lbs, has a seat height of 31.2 inches, and has a fuel capacity of 3.3 gallons. Its engine size, compared to its fuel capacity, gives it the speed it requires for long and short journeys. You can find this bike for the ballpark of $4,000, depending on your location and a few other factors.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Unique LED lights
- Advanced technology
- High fuel efficiency
Cons:
- Limited stock
Bottom Line
Not only is the CFMOTO 250NK incredibly fun to ride, but it’s also lightweight, reliable, and features advanced technology.
7. Suzuki GSX250R ABS
The best thing about the GSX250R ABS is that it’s beginner-friendly and is built to introduce Suzuki to new riders and show them just how reliable this bike can be. The engaging styling and comfort features really sell it for me.
This motorcycle has a 248cc engine, a maximum of 24.7 horsepower, maximum power at 8,000 rpm, and 23.3 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. This powerful engine can take you up to 90 mph.
It weighs 399 lbs, a little heavier than other 250cc motorcycles, but that makes it so welcoming for beginners to ride as it feels more stable. It has a seat height of only 31.1 inches, making it more friendly for new riders.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Good for beginners
- Reliable
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Redesigned
- Eco-Friendly
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
Bottom Line
The Suzuki 2022 GSX250R ABS is perfect for beginner riders. It’s easy to learn how to ride this bike thanks to its comfortable features, smooth engine, and advanced technology.
8. Suzuki TU250X
If there’s one thing, I love about the Suzuki TU250X is that it’s ideal for smaller riders. Many short riders can be put off by how big some motorcycles are, but the TU250X is perfect for them. Not to mention how great it is for beginners.
It has an average of 75.6 mpg and produces 24 horsepower at 8,500 rpm. It also has a seat height of 30 inches, which is great for most bikers.
It has a reliable 249cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. The bike is pretty fast and can go up to 89 mph. It also weighs about 310 lbs.
Don’t be afraid to rev this bike up and be aggressive when you are tackling hills and higher speeds because this bike can be slightly underpowered, but once you rev it up high enough, the engine will give it all, it can be a lot of fun.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Great for beginners
- Good fuel capacity
- Reasonable price
- Comfortable
- Durable
- An industry-leading fuel injection system
Cons:
- Not the best for highways
Bottom Line
If you are a shorter motorcyclist who is looking for a fast 250cc motorcycle, the Suzuki TU250X is a good choice as it is comfortable and pleasurable to ride.
9. Yamaha V Star 250
Yamaha’s light and nimble 2022 V Star 250 is a great motorcycle with a 249cc, air-cooled V-twin engine. It has an easy, dependable electric start as well as beautiful dual chrome exhaust pipes that allow the engine to breathe.
It weighs 324 lbs and has a fuel capacity of 2.5 gallons, and can go up to 85 mph. Its average mpg is 78, which is great for such a nimble bike. Its seat height, about 27 inches, is perfect for all riders.
The new design of this bike is irresistible, with a stylish entry-level V-twin engine and a beautiful Raven color. The Yamaha V Star 250 will cost you about $4,699.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Strong, effective, and dependable disc brakes
- Comfortable seat height
- Durable
- Good for beginners
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
Bottom Line
The beautiful Yamaha 2022 V Star 250 motorcycle is definitely a good choice. Not only is this comfortable, but it is also easy to ride for beginners and experienced riders alike.
10. Yamaha XT250
Last but not least, on this list is the Yamaha XT250. This new motorcycle has a reliable 249cc four-stroke, air-cooled engine. The engine’s fuel injection provides easy and smooth throttle response and easy, hassle-free electric start.
The new models will keep their classic 2021 look but will feature some upgrades. It’s a go-anywhere-anytime type of dual sport bike with an average fuel efficiency of 76 mpg and a maximum torque of 14 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm.
It also weighs about 288 lbs, which is incredibly lightweight but still safe to ride. Also, its fuel capacity is 2.5 gallons, which helps make this bike so lightweight and easy to ride.
I particularly like how long, thick, and comfortable the seat of this motorcycle is. It creates a balanced riding position for riders and helps with extra control. This bike is very durable thanks to its advanced and enhanced design as well.
When you’re riding this bike on rugged terrain, you will get an 11.2-inch ground clearance, which gives the engine a suitable bugger of space to avoid obstacles. This will ensure your bike’s safety (and yours). The price of this bike is a reasonable $5,299.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Smooth throttle response
- Latest release
- Comfortable seat
- Good for beginners
- Sturdy
Cons:
- Limited stock
Bottom Line
The Yamaha XT250 is a newly released 250cc motorcycle with great speed, a smooth engine, and advanced technology. This incredibly lightweight bike will take you long distances safely thanks to its powerful engine and amazing construction.
How to Pick One of the Fastest 250cc Motorcycles?
There are two main factors that you need to consider when picking the fastest 250cc motorcycle, which is the engine and the horsepower.
Let’s discuss each factor in more detail:
Engine
If you are looking for a 250cc motorcycle, you are probably not too scared to start speeding a little. However, before purchasing a motorcycle, you should ensure that it contains the correct engine type. Choosing an engine lower or higher than 250cc can be dangerous.
250cc motorcycles are safe enough for beginners that are comfortable enough to start speeding. These motorcycles usually come with 2-cylinder engines and a 6-transmission gearbox, which helps them with smoother and quicker shifts.
Horsepower
The engine’s Horsepower determines how fast your motorcycle is going to go. For example, 250cc motorcycles usually have anywhere from 25 to 40 horsepower.
But horsepower is not the only factor, of course, as the true determining factor to how fast your bike will go is the power/weight ratio. For two motorcycles with the same engine and horsepower, the lighter one will go faster, of course.
It’s important to make sure you pick the horsepower you are comfortable choosing. Speedy motorcycles with high horsepower are great, but safety comes first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 250cc Enough Power?
A 250cc motorcycle provides enough power to make long trips because of how lightweight and easy to ride those motorcycles are. In addition, most motorcycle riders find 250cc bikes acceptable to ride because of how easy and smooth they are.
How Fast Can a 250cc Motorcycle Go?
On average, a 250cc motorcycle can go at about 80-85 mph; however, some motorcycles can go faster. For example, the Honda CBR250RR and the Kawasaki Ninja can go up to 100 mph because of their torque and engine design.
I've diligently categorized my motorcycle gear recommendations into all available categories, with the aim of providing you with a comprehensive analysis that showcases the absolute best options for all your needs. These items are the culmination of in-depth research, extensive testing, and personal use throughout my vast experience of 50+ years in the world of motorcycling. Besides being a passionate rider, I've held leadership positions and offered consultancy services to reputable companies in over 25 countries worldwide. To See Our Top Picks and the Best Prices & Places to Buy: Click Here!
Information for this article was partially sourced and researched from the following authoritative Government, educational, corporate, and nonprofit organizations:
M/NI
