Ive got the Suzuki GW Inazuma. It is a fantastic bike. It so economical, it looks great, its a fantastic commuter bike, its easy to keep clean, very easy to ride and so comfortable due to the fact that it has a balancer shaft which cuts down on vibration so less fatigue. And everyone knows that Suzuki make bullet proof engines. I commute 34 miles a day on my bike 5 - 6 days a week on my bike and its never let me down. Ive taken it on the motorway and it kept up with traffic no problems, and it is not top heavy at all. It has all the power i need. I dont need out and out speed, i need a good reliable bike.
I rode the Suzuki TU 250 and was surprised by how nice it is to ride it. Very competent, fun to ride and nicely finished. The styling is classic and beautiful. It would be my choice of this group.
I owned a Suzuki gw250 inazuma and loved it it will do highway speed all day long and it has the best gearbox and big bright blinkers on the dash and gear selector as well
I own A TUX, and at 5'11, 185lbs, it does 87 mph on the hwy, if you tuck, and know when to shift. 75 mph all day, sitting straight up. Also super stable.This is not what you buy a 250cc bike for, though. It's the most fun bike I've ridden at 45-65 on two lane secondary roads, and in town.
Amen.. and if you are two lane touring.. those are exactly the speeds you will be riding.. where you have the option of 3rd, 4th, or 5th gear.. a deliciously smooth vibration free engine.. a snot slick shifter, and nice quiet muffler.Fun, Competent, and Cheap to run... as long as it fits you. One thing I want is a one piece flat seat ! Untill somebody convinces me the Honda is truly reliable.. and comfortable... its not in the running when I am 1000 miles from nowhere. !
i have a tu250x and i've definitely gone faster than 73mph (but not much more!). on a regular road with no drafting/wind/downhill etc it should go a SUSTAINABLE 70-75mph depending on your weight.
@@notstevelam Don't get me wrong, no one buys a TU250 for its insane speed and I do think its a cool little bike and perhaps i'll even buy one . right now I have a gsxr750 and I love it so it has kind of made me a suzuki fanboy a bit. I would get the TU250 for a commuter type bike as I have a 40 min ride to work and in my car its costing me $60 a week and on the gsxr its still a good $25 a week. I think the TU250 can take the lower octane fuel so i'm thinking maybe 5-10 a week ?
I own a gw250 and I can say these bike are one of the best bikes I have ownedI have all ways had a soft spot for small displacement bikeshaving a cb125e as my first bike and comparing that to the gw250I can say the 250 inazuma is a such a good bike
It's like the guys reviewing the GW250 Inazuma never rode it (or any bike) and simply read several reviews and gathered some negative points here and there and put them all in this "review?" I've had it for a week now, put 300km on it, and it is not top heavy, the fact is that it is heavy but it is bottom heavy which makes it more stable. I learned how to shift on it and in a week I am very confident and ready for my full license. It is a very forgiving bike, very stable, very smooth, perfect for beginners or daily commuters.
with a lot of regret I sold my Inazuma 250, great great little bike (looks big though), was for 6 months my daily commuter, very reliable, very easy to ride, red, sad to sell it but had to.
Had the Japan-only street tracker version of the TU250 (18 hp) and just bought my SR400. She's right that, right off the bat the TU250 is a better beginners bike (or here in ultra hectic cramped urban Japan, for anyone). But the quality of the build on the SR is far better and wins for handling and torque. TU250 is perfect for someone on a strict budget but still wanted a warranty. SR better in the long run.
Rented the SR400 for a day and traveled my route to give the bike a workout. The SR 400 is a great bike! handles good and very comfortable for my 6'2" frame. I have only a couple of grips, horsepower is the main problem. I think this bike can handle 15 to 20 more. The turn signal sticks out a little to far, but it is because of the horn button. The kick start wasn't a problem at all, it started on the first try everytime! The question, will I buy this bike? The answer, HELL YES!!! And I own an R1 and a buell xb9r!
So basically, the Honda is just so good that we are all talking it for granted now. I will take that as the highest compliment as I will put down my hard earn money for this very cool styling and very well quality built Honda CB300F. Thank you for all of your insights indeed.
I just bought one. Had very few mmiles on it, garage kept. They did have a crankshaft bearing racall or something, but the previous owner dealt with that. Its pretty good, my first bike. With me at 120 lbs i can handle it without any problems.
I hate my 1200r Sportster. It's a lumber truck. After watching this video is think I'm gonna trade it in and get that Suzuki TU250. I miss small lightweight bikes. That looks like a blast!
Michael, i had a suzuki inazuma 250. It had everything i needed. It looked great. Reliable. Fantastic on fuel but i always wanted a Harley Davidson. I stupidly traded my Inazuma in for a 1200 XL Low sportster. Its heavy and guzzles fuel and the brand new battery needs to trickle fed. The only thing its good for is looking good and long distance rides. I have just bought another Inazuma. I tired the Honda and the Yamaha 250, but the Inazuma won it for me. I still have the Harley, but i only use it in the summer time and for when i do 300 mile rides. I'll let you know how i get on with my Inazuma when i do the same ride!
@@edwarddevon5499 A Sportster gets about 45mpg. At least my 1200 does. And they aren't really made for long trips. If you want a Harley for long trips you get a fat boy or road king. The 1200 is so much fun for blasting around the back roads and listening to that wonderful 1200 motor sing
The gal has her head screwed on straight. The TU-250 is more sophisticated than it looks... it will last, it handles and brakes well, and it will be cheap and reliable. None of which can be said about the Indian made Enfield...which nobody with real needs should buy, and especially not a beginner. If I were going to take a trip around the world on a small single.. it's the Suzuki.
The problem is that the Enfield looks great new. But I have been 2nd bike shopping and every Enfield I see looks rusted with blue chroming on the pipe. They look awful!
I have the cb300f in black, looks better than the red imo, and it's a great beginner bike. It was a pretty easy choice for me, it's light and responsive and Honda engines are bulletproof.
Opps to continue. Bought a Sr400 loved it put 9,000 miles on in a year and a half then traded for a R3 put 10,000 on that loved it bought a 2017 R6 it was amazing!!! Put 1500 miles in a month but I was going to get arrested sooner or later so I went back to the 2018 SR400! If had many bikes and different brands but for me the SR400 is perfect for none major highway riding the bike is great under 60 miles per hour!!
IrishPizzaMan.....I have two V-twin cruisers, an R3 and an SR400. I'm an old guy (66) and for just plain fun you can't beat the SR400. The kick start doesn't bother me as I cut my teeth on kick start. The only complaint I have for the SR400 is it's TOO quiet, dangerously so. I love the bike but I really need to find a solution to that overly heavy overly quiet muffler while keeping the classic styling.
Jen love the comment on the Nighthawk 250! New rider I just purchased one off CL and couldn't be happier! The lightweight and standard riding position make it a great entry level bike! Great review thanks!
My girl loves classic looking bikes more than modern bikes as well. I bought her a VTR250 and now a CB400 and she loves it. CB400 is quite heavy but really good power.
the feeling like you're holding couple shake weight comment was golden! lol out of these bikes the tu250 an the cb300 are the ones to go for. if you want a commuter and you're doing longer than an hour on freeway cb300 if you're doing country an town riding some freeway go for the tu an change the from tooth to 16 you'll be in great shape.
I don't think this was much of a comparison. Bang for the buck I feel the Honda wins hands down. Overall performance and rideability the Honda also wins. If you want an old looking bike, buy an old bike. There is no way I would buy a new bike with tons of vibration. All major manufactures should have been able to move past high vibration bikes by now.
Sean Wallace i like the vibration on the bikes... i have an fjr1300 and a 93 kawi 750 vtwin bobber... that bobber is so fun and badass sounding and feeling with the loud vibrating sprinter attitude... i wouldnt want it to be smooth, that was my only bike for about a year and i rode the thing like crazy... i eventually wanted more comfort for highway but i miss the vibration of pinning the throttle and cruising.
Those of us who have had older bikes really like the idea of a modern old bike. It's all the fun of being able to hop on a bike like the ones we started on and not having to worry about wrenching on it, unless we want to. I can only speak for myself, but I'm not cross shopping the SR400 with the CB300F. Those two bikes scratch different itches to me.
i have a tu250x and i love it! if the sr400 ever came to canada i'd definitely check it out too. i'm fully aware the cb300 is gonna have a lot more modern features, but style-wise (along with most new hondas) it just isn't for me at all.
I have been riding 30 years I went to buy the tu250 and ended up with the gw250 wanted the cb300f but it is not in stores yet its September! Had lots vibration in my day gw250 at 8500 rpm is butter smooth
Not a very good review. The Enfield and the SR400 aren't beginner bikes, they're expensive niche bikes for older riders to slow down on and relive a few memories. Its like reviewing hatchbacks and putting a Morgan in there!
The SR 400 literally is a perfect platform for Japanese cafe racer. So the Royal Enfield Continental GT and SR 400 will be much more collectible in the long run. Not too sure about the TU250...
"So if you're a beginner, why wouldn't you hop straight on the Honda....?" When a beginner is learning to deal with wet pavement and/or wind, the radial tires on the CB300F and the GW250 will be more confidence-inspiring.
The SR400 is such an underrated bike. And they're not being cheap not including an electric start, customers told Yamaha they wanted kick start only. Also, dealers are lopping $1000 off the top. In person, it's a beautifully made classic UJM that's actually built in Japan. The CB300F is definitely the smart buy, most bike for the money by far. The TU250X seems as authentic as the SR400, but I thought it wasn't CA emissions legal.
The SR 400 is the best one to me. Kick starting on a engine that small is easy and since it's fuel injected it should always start really easily. They dismiss the bike really fast just because of kick start but you can always start the bike even when your battery is low right? You can't do that on a electric start bike. You will probably never be stranded somewhere with a dead battery. And that is it's only "fault".
I'm new to motorcycles and the CB300F, after all the research, and comparisons, is at the top of consideration. The only problem I come across is it appears there may be one bike better than the CB300F and that bike is the CB500F. From what I've read and heard about it. The Honda CB500F has a few more horses than the 300 and the 500 is geared on the low end to give it a bigger bike feel and yet has more power to last longer with the rider as they learn. Some pro riders criticize the 500F for not having more power because other bikes with the same size engine deliver a lot more power. So it appears the Honda 500F is the best beginner bike.
I disagree with the majority of the reviewers. I agree with the previous comment and go Honda then Suzuki Gw250. Fuel injection over carb, disc brakes over rear drum on the retro cafe's and then there are the modern conveniences of LED display and gear indicators on the Honda and Suzuki GW250.
For me its the Honda CB300F hands down the best bike among these , GW250 is 2nd because only the weight of the bike is worth complaining other than that its great. 3rd is Suzuki TU250x for its easy fun carefree nature. 4th is Yamaha SR400 and 5th is RE Continental GT 535 since its the least desirable once you ride it but great to look at ❤. I would have gotten the Honda CB300F in a heartbeat if I was living in USA back then looking for a beginner bike.
Matt Capri at South Bay Triumph in Lomita CA had developed a kit which eliminates the majority of the vibration on the Royal Enfield. It will be available in the next two weeks.
When you're a rider, forget the comfort, performance and the vibrations. You need to accept the imperfections, imperfections make a bike complete. If it's too perfect, it's gets boring. Royal Enfield is all about character. It's like a bowtie, you don't need it to be perfect else it'll look like a strap on.
The reviewer said that he would prefer the electric start over the kick start. I wished that he would have mentioned that there is a saving on the weight with kick starts. There is also more reliability with kick starts. Knowing this, many bikers prefer kick starts.
Tu 250 was the best looking. It has fuel injection which some beginners will like. I might be too heavy for it though. Royal Enfield looks good but sounds loud.
Im liking the Honda cf300 Reasons: Im a short guy (5' 4" maybe shorter 😂😂😂) Its light Im not asking for alot of power (im riding a ruckus) Price (only $400 more than a Grom) Reliable (not saying the other bikes are not) Electric start/speedo And i like that streetfighter look im not a big fan of the 60's/cafe racer (they are cool dont get me wrong but its not a look i want for me)
Regarding Royal Enfields, they have a break in period of roughly 1500 to 2500 miles. You are supposed to ride below 60 mph for at least the first 500 to 800 miles. (Otherwise their engines will vibrate you to hell if you do not break the bike in properly) Once broken in, they will ride smooth and true between 70 and 80 miles per hour, though, it is happiest (once broken in) at roughly 55 to 65 miles per hour. Furthermore, the RE company has been around far longer than the 1950's. It was sold to the Indian manufacturers in the 50's after going bust in the U.K. The brand is in fact older than Harley-Davidson by one year. Interesting review, though at times it seemed odd to compare certain sports models like the Honda with retro classics. The sr400 seems like a great base with lots of customization options. However, like the RE, its way overpriced.
the highest legal engine capacity over here is 250cc, cant complain much about rattles and little stuff when it looks as cool as the tu250.. even the enfield looks cool though it's made in india
Hey guys, in some of your videos the music is muted after the opening and that's a quite nice thing I do apprciate and enjoy. In this video here, music keeps going on and on and on, which makes it kind of stressfull to listen at all the time, while I am trying to follow the conversation. Just a thought. Otherwise I like the way you present bikes and bike stuff.
DodgeSkitz87 On a serious note though, maybe the 200 Duke would be a good fit for this comparison. Would still be the 2nd most powerful bike of the bunch here and so much nimbler and easier to ride. Loads of fun as well.
From a horsepower perspective it wouldn't be fair. The SR400 and the Enfield are both over 400cc but they are more torquey. I wish they would review the Honda VTR 250 but its not being sold in America probably because the price would be close to 7000 bucks.
I love my TU250,,she's a mean black machine and I call her Cilla ;) But alas she's being moved on to make way for my Kawasaki W650,,another cool retro style with more grunt...I did used to take my TU for massive rides up the northern and southern motorways and long cruisy winding country road trips. She's a great learner bike for sure, and loads of urban road riding fun.
TheGabesnell Have to admit, you are probably right. It cost me dollars, but in a few months it was to small..However ! I'm keeping her to teach my sons , then trading her in for two bikes for them. Hell this riding bug is expensive lol.
i know what you mean... im 3.5 years in and on my 4th bike... in montana... so like 6 months a year, but since i like to act tough... 8 months a year... i think i found my prefect bike though, 08 fjr1300... my bobber is badass and all but i take my bags off the fjr and i look cool, feel cool, have a fast bike, and im comfortable lol... i dont know why i ever started on anything else
This is what she meant. www.walmart.com/ip/Shake-Weight-for-Women-With-Bonus-Video-Content/174382410?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=364&adid=22222222227040658978&wl0=&wl1=s&wl2=c&wl3=99875110594&wl4=aud-273067695102:pla-236372156674&wl5=9030009&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=111838742&wl11=online&wl12=174382410&wl13=&veh=sem
This comparison should've been done by newer riders. As always, you seem to take a perspective that all riders NEED to drag the pegs in corners and NEED a 1000cc bike. I been riding over 30 years and dont want that anymore. Some of us just want a smaller bike to actually enjoy riding a bike.
My 1981 gsx250 would totally hold its own with these bikes. I don't know how people justify spending so much money on a new bike, when one designed in the seventies is just as good.
Isn't the Royal Enfield engine mounted as part of the frame? They have that character about them, I've heard. The thing with me holding me back from buying an RE is the lack of knowledgeable mechanics where I live. I can buy a Big4 bike and find a mechanic that knows them anywhere in Phoenix.
In the end, the question becomes, "Which do I buy and why?" Obviously, I would look at price, performance and styling. I like the Yamaha, but it's too heavy and expensive. The two Suzuki's are both interesting, well made and priced correctly. The Enfield is a no go due to reliability. Thus, I'd choose the Honda they showed here, or the full fairing model of the same bike. They didn't show the 300 Kawasaki. I think that would have won me over.
i need ur help am confuse btwn std bullet n classic 350 which one i shud buy pls suggst me .performance wise ,maintains wise ,comfort wise for long drive short drive pls help me .
I can't help but think that this would have been a better review if instead of experienced riders, you got 5 brand new riders who had just finished their learn to ride course and who had no background in riding. How about it?
First of all, they are trying to rationalize reasons to buy one bike over another. That just doesn't work with motorcycles. Motorcycles are not supposed to be rational, they are supposed to be fun. And they are NOT supposed to be boring, which the Honda and the Suzuki GW250 are, big time. They also look like plastic toys, not real motorcycles. I ride a 2013 Royal Enfield B5. I cant ride the Continental GT because the bars are too low and the pegs are too high. I'm too old to be twisted up like a pretzel. I got the standard model Royal Enfield because I got tired of the super boring Japanese bikes. I love the sound and vibration. And while it has an electric starter, I almost always kickstart it. I don't see the big issue. I grew up kickstarting bikes. To me it's part of riding. I also like the TU250 and the SR400. I had an SR500 back in the late '70s as my first new street bike. But you can keep those plasticy cartoonish looking bikes. Unless you want just transportation with NO fun. In that case, why not just get a car?
those 'plastic toys' are way more fun to ride...well maybe not the little 300s lol but They go way faster. They take corners and turns better. there's nothing better than a sportbike on a winding road. You said you're older and growing up around the older bikes like you did I understand your bias toward them. but sportbikes are becoming more and more popular because people think theyre fun. I personally way prefer a sportbike over a metal tank that some people drive on the roads these days. not all sportbikes are uncomfortable crotch rockets. But that being said.. i dont think it is fair to disregard sportbikes as.not a real bike. because they consistently out perform other classes.
My first bike and I mean the first motorcycle I ever road and owned was a KZ 900 Kawi back in 1976 yes I bought the baddest motorcycle at the time I practiced in the parking lot and drove it to work that night at Coors brewery got blasted at the bar after work drove home (repeat). never dumped her ever and I used to race her on the weekends at the 1/4 mile track I will never love a bike like that again.
Yeah I'm 6'4" and 200lbs and I've taken a CB250 Nighthawk on a freeway at 70. It'll do it (probably all day on a flat road) but it feels better at 60. The suspension beats you up (old school) and the narrow tires and light weight get buffeted on an open four lane. The TU is the obvious handling upgrade for the Nighthawk 250 rider happy with the bike's retro concept and wanting just a touch more power for the 250 class. The Yamaha 400 is beautiful, but its engineering is way out of date.
+Wabbit1961 not sure what your getting at it been in production for over 20 years now, it been a hit all over the world and is already a hit in NA within the custom/cafe racer scene. If your complaining it's too pricy then you need to earn more money, cause for a new 400cc FI byke that ain't expensive....
Not in the USA, because they didn't sell worth a damn, because they weren't worth the money, just like now. And I don't know what country your in. You spell bike 'byke'? Is that supposed to be uber cool like the SR400 (or the word uber?!)? And I make plenty to afford any car or bike I'd care to spend my money on. That doesn't mean I throw it away on crap like the SR400 (Edsel). I don't know what planet you're on our what drugs you take that you can say $6,000 for a 400cc bike is normal. Every reviewer cringed at the price tag. The R-3 is $1,000 less and a much better bike. It's also competitive in price. Go back to school. I stand by what I say, and that is I give the SR one more year here in the states before it's gone once again. And just FYI, the euro models come with electric start also. They had both starters since the late 80's - again in Europe where insurance is why they killed the 600. Not that that would influence my opinion on this POS.
If you read any of my replies you'd see I own the only collectible they imported - for one year - the 1986 SRX-600. The SR 400 was NEVER imported to the states. The SR 500, yes.
+Wabbit1961 sorry dewd, the only comments of yours I've ever read are the three above, I really don't care what you think outside of what you said in this thread...
Leave it to the wise old(er) man of moto scribes John Burns to tell the young bucks how the Enfield is supposed to be ridden. The heavy flywheeled long stroke thumper should be chugging along in the upper gears. Ride the torque. I have a carbureted 07 and it's fun in that element.
After watching this video 4 times over a couple of years, owning a TU-250X in between, and considering in more depth the Honda, the Yamaha, and the Enfield this is what I think:1. The Enfield is junk .. nobody who buys one ever keeps it. It is crude, rude, and high maintenance after an hour you want to beat it with a big wrench. ala 1950's Harley.. 2. The TU-250 mis quoted as 14 HP.. is nearer 20. The TU250X is a fuel injected development or the earlier 4 valve carbureted TU-250 which motor was also used in the GZ-250. As such it has a very long history of bullet proof reliability. The FI makes it very user friendly, low maint and reliable, not mention putting it close to the 100 mpg class. The TU-250X has a fairly long break-in period.. and examples with 8,000 miles will be producing more power than brand new ones. The integration of suspension, gearing, wide power band, and good tires makes it an excellent bike for back roads, and touring for the rider who goes light. 30 years from now the TU-250X will still be going strong with decent care. 4. The strong suit for the SR-400 is the bigger frame, and the flat seat which makes it less cramped for medium and larger riders. 6 footers wont be happy on the TU.. but the SR will be fine. Some of the internal engine details of the Yamaha are very robust.. look at the big bearings the cam runs in. That kind of robust construction will NOT be present in the Thai made Honda. 5. The CBR- versions of the Honda have reliability problems.. the 300's have engine recalls and sales were stopped due to lower end problems. the 250 were subject to mysteriously just quitting.. anytime anywhere... which can kill you on a bad day in traffic. Also.. these bikes are tall, and the dufous styling locks you into a single riding position.. which is BAD on long trips. 6. Wanting to CRUISE at 80 mph is too ambitious for any 250.. 65 or 70 is sensible..and also legal and do-able. Most of us don't live in LA where 85 is "normal" in the slow lane.
Ive got the Suzuki GW Inazuma. It is a fantastic bike. It so economical, it looks great, its a fantastic commuter bike, its easy to keep clean, very easy to ride and so comfortable due to the fact that it has a balancer shaft which cuts down on vibration so less fatigue. And everyone knows that Suzuki make bullet proof engines. I commute 34 miles a day on my bike 5 - 6 days a week on my bike and its never let me down. Ive taken it on the motorway and it kept up with traffic no problems, and it is not top heavy at all. It has all the power i need. I dont need out and out speed, i need a good reliable bike.
I rode the Suzuki TU 250 and was surprised by how nice it is to ride it. Very competent, fun to ride and nicely finished. The styling is classic and beautiful. It would be my choice of this group.
I owned a Suzuki gw250 inazuma and loved it it will do highway speed all day long and it has the best gearbox and big bright blinkers on the dash and gear selector as well
I own A TUX, and at 5'11, 185lbs, it does 87 mph on the hwy, if you tuck, and know when to shift. 75 mph all day, sitting straight up. Also super stable.This is not what you buy a 250cc bike for, though. It's the most fun bike I've ridden at 45-65 on two lane secondary roads, and in town.
+CT Mac hey man I have a TU in CT and love it as well!! Saw one last year riding around me near Wallingford.
hymm I justed watched a topspeed on a tu250x and they only got to 73mph lol
Amen.. and if you are two lane touring.. those are exactly the speeds you will be riding.. where you have the option of 3rd, 4th, or 5th gear.. a deliciously smooth vibration free engine.. a snot slick shifter, and nice quiet muffler.Fun, Competent, and Cheap to run... as long as it fits you. One thing I want is a one piece flat seat ! Untill somebody convinces me the Honda is truly reliable.. and comfortable... its not in the running when I am 1000 miles from nowhere. !
i have a tu250x and i've definitely gone faster than 73mph (but not much more!). on a regular road with no drafting/wind/downhill etc it should go a SUSTAINABLE 70-75mph depending on your weight.
@@notstevelam Don't get me wrong, no one buys a TU250 for its insane speed and I do think its a cool little bike and perhaps i'll even buy one . right now I have a gsxr750 and I love it so it has kind of made me a suzuki fanboy a bit. I would get the TU250 for a commuter type bike as I have a 40 min ride to work and in my car its costing me $60 a week and on the gsxr its still a good $25 a week. I think the TU250 can take the lower octane fuel so i'm thinking maybe 5-10 a week ?
I own a gw250 and I can say these bike are one of the best bikes I have ownedI have all ways had a soft spot for small displacement bikeshaving a cb125e as my first bike and comparing that to the gw250I can say the 250 inazuma is a such a good bike
It's like the guys reviewing the GW250 Inazuma never rode it (or any bike) and simply read several reviews and gathered some negative points here and there and put them all in this "review?"
I've had it for a week now, put 300km on it, and it is not top heavy, the fact is that it is heavy but it is bottom heavy which makes it more stable. I learned how to shift on it and in a week I am very confident and ready for my full license. It is a very forgiving bike, very stable, very smooth, perfect for beginners or daily commuters.
with a lot of regret I sold my Inazuma 250, great great little bike (looks big though), was for 6 months my daily commuter, very reliable, very easy to ride, red, sad to sell it but had to.
Probably the best proper bike there.
I agree with you on this. I have the Inazuma and i love it. Its not top heavy at all. Its got enough power, its a 250! What do they want for a 250?
I had the Tu250X for 2 weeks. Love every moment on it :D What a treat
I love it
Had the Japan-only street tracker version of the TU250 (18 hp) and just bought my SR400. She's right that, right off the bat the TU250 is a better beginners bike (or here in ultra hectic cramped urban Japan, for anyone). But the quality of the build on the SR is far better and wins for handling and torque.
TU250 is perfect for someone on a strict budget but still wanted a warranty. SR better in the long run.
Rented the SR400 for a day and traveled my route to give the bike a workout. The SR 400 is a great bike! handles good and very comfortable for my 6'2" frame. I have only a couple of grips, horsepower is the main problem. I think this bike can handle 15 to 20 more. The turn signal sticks out a little to far, but it is because of the horn button. The kick start wasn't a problem at all, it started on the first try everytime! The question, will I buy this bike? The answer, HELL YES!!! And I own an R1 and a buell xb9r!
Will it cruise highway speeds with a 200 lb rider?
@@ClintAndPootsGuns 40m/h? no problem.
So basically, the Honda is just so good that we are all talking it for granted now. I will take that as the highest compliment as I will put down my hard earn money for this very cool styling and very well quality built Honda CB300F. Thank you for all of your insights indeed.
let us know if you experience the reliability you think you are buying... from the thai built Honda.
Capt Larry - honda has j vin does it not?
I just bought one. Had very few mmiles on it, garage kept. They did have a crankshaft bearing racall or something, but the previous owner dealt with that. Its pretty good, my first bike. With me at 120 lbs i can handle it without any problems.
CB300r here I come. In a couple years. Have to pay off the f first. Maybe if they make a CB500r ill buy it.
bought my 2013 gw250 with 2600 miles for $1300 bucks re geared it and love it. its a great second bike.
Congratulations, GW250 is a great bike.
Ive got one too, and its great. I'm not a mechanic though, what happens when you re gear a bike?
TU250x owner here. Same 2013 silver model in this vid.
*LOVE IT* the ladies do too.
I hate my 1200r Sportster. It's a lumber truck. After watching this video is think I'm gonna trade it in and get that Suzuki TU250. I miss small lightweight bikes. That looks like a blast!
Michael, i had a suzuki inazuma 250. It had everything i needed. It looked great. Reliable. Fantastic on fuel but i always wanted a Harley Davidson. I stupidly traded my Inazuma in for a 1200 XL Low sportster. Its heavy and guzzles fuel and the brand new battery needs to trickle fed. The only thing its good for is looking good and long distance rides. I have just bought another Inazuma. I tired the Honda and the Yamaha 250, but the Inazuma won it for me. I still have the Harley, but i only use it in the summer time and for when i do 300 mile rides. I'll let you know how i get on with my Inazuma when i do the same ride!
@@edwarddevon5499 A Sportster gets about 45mpg. At least my 1200 does. And they aren't really made for long trips. If you want a Harley for long trips you get a fat boy or road king. The 1200 is so much fun for blasting around the back roads and listening to that wonderful 1200 motor sing
Fucking annoying music fading in and out.
ROFL
The gal has her head screwed on straight. The TU-250 is more sophisticated than it looks... it will last, it handles and brakes well, and it will be cheap and reliable. None of which can be said about the Indian made Enfield...which nobody with real needs should buy, and especially not a beginner. If I were going to take a trip around the world on a small single.. it's the Suzuki.
The problem is that the Enfield looks great new. But I have been 2nd bike shopping and every Enfield I see looks rusted with blue chroming on the pipe. They look awful!
Why do people complain about small 250 bikes having no power? They're SMALL BIKES
I have the cb300f in black, looks better than the red imo, and it's a great beginner bike. It was a pretty easy choice for me, it's light and responsive and Honda engines are bulletproof.
Opps to continue. Bought a Sr400 loved it put 9,000 miles on in a year and a half then traded for a R3 put 10,000 on that loved it bought a 2017 R6 it was amazing!!! Put 1500 miles in a month but I was going to get arrested sooner or later so I went back to the 2018 SR400! If had many bikes and different brands but for me the SR400 is perfect for none major highway riding the bike is great under 60 miles per hour!!
IrishPizzaMan.....I have two V-twin cruisers, an R3 and an SR400. I'm an old guy (66) and for just plain fun you can't beat the SR400. The kick start doesn't bother me as I cut my teeth on kick start. The only complaint I have for the SR400 is it's TOO quiet, dangerously so. I love the bike but I really need to find a solution to that overly heavy overly quiet muffler while keeping the classic styling.
Love my 78 500
Jen love the comment on the Nighthawk 250! New rider I just purchased one off CL and couldn't be happier! The lightweight and standard riding position make it a great entry level bike! Great review thanks!
I have 2018 CB 300F, amazing bike ! 15T front sprocket and lightweight aftermarket exhaust muffler make this bike a beginner perfection !
My girl loves classic looking bikes more than modern bikes as well. I bought her a VTR250 and now a CB400 and she loves it. CB400 is quite heavy but really good power.
The background music is too loud
Agree, its a motorbike review not a music video.
what music?
Waited 11 mins and 51 sec to be redirected to a site?
I love my Suzuki Inazuma GW250 using it everyday in Spain
the feeling like you're holding couple shake weight comment was golden! lol out of these bikes the tu250 an the cb300 are the ones to go for. if you want a commuter and you're doing longer than an hour on freeway cb300 if you're doing country an town riding some freeway go for the tu an change the from tooth to 16 you'll be in great shape.
I don't think this was much of a comparison. Bang for the buck I feel the Honda wins hands down. Overall performance and rideability the Honda also wins.
If you want an old looking bike, buy an old bike. There is no way I would buy a new bike with tons of vibration. All major manufactures should have been able to move past high vibration bikes by now.
There are ppl that actually want a 1 cylinder with a lot of vibration because it is more fun at lower speeds to them.
No one wants a bike that vibrates so bad that your hands become so numb that you can not use the front brake.
Sean Wallace i like the vibration on the bikes... i have an fjr1300 and a 93 kawi 750 vtwin bobber... that bobber is so fun and badass sounding and feeling with the loud vibrating sprinter attitude... i wouldnt want it to be smooth, that was my only bike for about a year and i rode the thing like crazy... i eventually wanted more comfort for highway but i miss the vibration of pinning the throttle and cruising.
Those of us who have had older bikes really like the idea of a modern old bike. It's all the fun of being able to hop on a bike like the ones we started on and not having to worry about wrenching on it, unless we want to. I can only speak for myself, but I'm not cross shopping the SR400 with the CB300F. Those two bikes scratch different itches to me.
i have a tu250x and i love it! if the sr400 ever came to canada i'd definitely check it out too. i'm fully aware the cb300 is gonna have a lot more modern features, but style-wise (along with most new hondas) it just isn't for me at all.
I have been riding 30 years I went to buy the tu250 and ended up with the gw250 wanted the cb300f but it is not in stores yet its September! Had lots vibration in my day gw250 at 8500 rpm is butter smooth
Not a very good review. The Enfield and the SR400 aren't beginner bikes, they're expensive niche bikes for older riders to slow down on and relive a few memories. Its like reviewing hatchbacks and putting a Morgan in there!
The SR 400 literally is a perfect platform for Japanese cafe racer. So the Royal Enfield Continental GT and SR 400 will be much more collectible in the long run. Not too sure about the TU250...
"So if you're a beginner, why wouldn't you hop straight on the Honda....?" When a beginner is learning to deal with wet pavement and/or wind, the radial tires on the CB300F and the GW250 will be more confidence-inspiring.
Well having now re bought a Yamaha SR 400 and I’m going to explain.
Bought one first year Loved it!
Traded to an
I dunno why they are roasting the gw250, it has a great engine and it’s dirt cheap to buy and insure
Thanks for reviewing small displacement bikes
Watch out, this girl is taking someone's job! She's good
The tu250 is the best bike here for a cruiser
The SR400 is such an underrated bike. And they're not being cheap not including an electric start, customers told Yamaha they wanted kick start only. Also, dealers are lopping $1000 off the top. In person, it's a beautifully made classic UJM that's actually built in Japan. The CB300F is definitely the smart buy, most bike for the money by far. The TU250X seems as authentic as the SR400, but I thought it wasn't CA emissions legal.
You're right about the TU- it is a 49 state bike.
Gw250 is by far the best but the cb300f is pretty close
The SR 400 is the best one to me. Kick starting on a engine that small is easy and since it's fuel injected it should always start really easily. They dismiss the bike really fast just because of kick start but you can always start the bike even when your battery is low right? You can't do that on a electric start bike. You will probably never be stranded somewhere with a dead battery. And that is it's only "fault".
I'm new to motorcycles and the CB300F, after all the research, and comparisons, is at the top of consideration. The only problem I come across is it appears there may be one bike better than the CB300F and that bike is the CB500F. From what I've read and heard about it. The Honda CB500F has a few more horses than the 300 and the 500 is geared on the low end to give it a bigger bike feel and yet has more power to last longer with the rider as they learn. Some pro riders criticize the 500F for not having more power because other bikes with the same size engine deliver a lot more power. So it appears the Honda 500F is the best beginner bike.
I disagree with the majority of the reviewers. I agree with the previous comment and go Honda then Suzuki Gw250. Fuel injection over carb, disc brakes over rear drum on the retro cafe's and then there are the modern conveniences of LED display and gear indicators on the Honda and Suzuki GW250.
Yamaha hands down!
For me its the Honda CB300F hands down the best bike among these , GW250 is 2nd because only the weight of the bike is worth complaining other than that its great. 3rd is Suzuki TU250x for its easy fun carefree nature. 4th is Yamaha SR400 and 5th is RE Continental GT 535 since its the least desirable once you ride it but great to look at ❤.
I would have gotten the Honda CB300F in a heartbeat if I was living in USA back then looking for a beginner bike.
Jessica, nails it! Great opinion from her and make sense!
Matt Capri at South Bay Triumph in Lomita CA had developed a kit which eliminates the majority of the vibration on the Royal Enfield. It will be available in the next two weeks.
When you're a rider, forget the comfort, performance and the vibrations. You need to accept the imperfections, imperfections make a bike complete. If it's too perfect, it's gets boring. Royal Enfield is all about character. It's like a bowtie, you don't need it to be perfect else it'll look like a strap on.
Ha, you said strap on.
YipMan214 bow tie made it worth reading it. SR400 is to me is perfect for another reason
Where's the Kawasaki Z250 or Z250 SL (or Z300 for US, I guess) in the mix? :/
they don't sell them in the US only the Ninja.
But the Suzuki website indicates the Tu250X not for sale in CA. I'd love to take HWY 39 on one.
not sure, but I like looking of the CB300f :p
Just watched the 2022 test. It’s crazy how this class evolved.
The reviewer said that he would prefer the electric start over the kick start. I wished that he would have mentioned that there is a saving on the weight with kick starts. There is also more reliability with kick starts. Knowing this, many bikers prefer kick starts.
Tu 250 was the best looking. It has fuel injection which some beginners will like. I might be too heavy for it though. Royal Enfield looks good but sounds loud.
The TU250, far from looking cool, looks like the bike we were ashamed to be seen on when I was in high school in the 60s.
Im liking the Honda cf300
Reasons:
Im a short guy (5' 4" maybe shorter 😂😂😂)
Its light
Im not asking for alot of power (im riding a ruckus)
Price (only $400 more than a Grom)
Reliable (not saying the other bikes are not)
Electric start/speedo
And i like that streetfighter look im not a big fan of the 60's/cafe racer (they are cool dont get me wrong but its not a look i want for me)
I bought today a Suzuki tu250x
One and only cb300f. My dream bike.
Regarding Royal Enfields, they have a break in period of roughly 1500 to 2500 miles. You are supposed to ride below 60 mph for at least the first 500 to 800 miles. (Otherwise their engines will vibrate you to hell if you do not break the bike in properly) Once broken in, they will ride smooth and true between 70 and 80 miles per hour, though, it is happiest (once broken in) at roughly 55 to 65 miles per hour. Furthermore, the RE company has been around far longer than the 1950's. It was sold to the Indian manufacturers in the 50's after going bust in the U.K. The brand is in fact older than Harley-Davidson by one year.
Interesting review, though at times it seemed odd to compare certain sports models like the Honda with retro classics. The sr400 seems like a great base with lots of customization options. However, like the RE, its way overpriced.
the highest legal engine capacity over here is 250cc, cant complain much about rattles and little stuff when it looks as cool as the tu250.. even the enfield looks cool though it's made in india
dasadopeboy What country are you in ? Wow that must be frustrating to have to ride a 250cc for life :(
What about the Suzuki S40 Boulevard?
I bought a cb125e as my first bike, it is a fairly decent bike
Excellent little bike
Honda wins hands down bang for buck.
Hey guys, in some of your videos the music is muted after the opening and that's a quite nice thing I do apprciate and enjoy. In this video here, music keeps going on and on and on, which makes it kind of stressfull to listen at all the time, while I am trying to follow the conversation. Just a thought. Otherwise I like the way you present bikes and bike stuff.
When people hear the words "naked street bike", people think of a streetfighter style. The style of the CB300F.
its an age thang...
gimme the yamaha- KICKSTART BABY
I have the 300cbf pretty great motorcycle. After watching this vid the Enfield appealed to me most.
umm what about the ktm duke 390?
Adding the 390 Duke would make it an unfair competition. :D
Ayush Sharma for sure haha
DodgeSkitz87
On a serious note though, maybe the 200 Duke would be a good fit for this comparison. Would still be the 2nd most powerful bike of the bunch here and so much nimbler and easier to ride. Loads of fun as well.
From a horsepower perspective it wouldn't be fair. The SR400 and the Enfield are both over 400cc but they are more torquey.
I wish they would review the Honda VTR 250 but its not being sold in America probably because the price would be close to 7000 bucks.
The KTM Duke 390 would be just too good, I love KTMs
I love my TU250,,she's a mean black machine and I call her Cilla ;) But alas she's being moved on to make way for my Kawasaki W650,,another cool retro style with more grunt...I did used to take my TU for massive rides up the northern and southern motorways and long cruisy winding country road trips. She's a great learner bike for sure, and loads of urban road riding fun.
Shelley King i cant imagine actually starting on a "starter" bike like a 250.... i feel like it wouldve lasted me a month before said "waste of money"
TheGabesnell Have to admit, you are probably right. It cost me dollars, but in a few months it was to small..However ! I'm keeping her to teach my sons , then trading her in for two bikes for them. Hell this riding bug is expensive lol.
i know what you mean... im 3.5 years in and on my 4th bike... in montana... so like 6 months a year, but since i like to act tough... 8 months a year...
i think i found my prefect bike though, 08 fjr1300... my bobber is badass and all but i take my bags off the fjr and i look cool, feel cool, have a fast bike, and im comfortable lol...
i dont know why i ever started on anything else
Why can't they have discussions like these for the other bike shootouts.
Check out the Honda CB 250 RS of thirty years ago ... it would fit nicely into this group.
"Doesn't have a lot of power" sounds like a 250 problem.
A shake weight? I don't know what that is. I need her to demonstrate and explain so I get a better understanding.
I think she means handle bar damping weights... stock on the Suzuki TU.
This is what she meant. www.walmart.com/ip/Shake-Weight-for-Women-With-Bonus-Video-Content/174382410?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=364&adid=22222222227040658978&wl0=&wl1=s&wl2=c&wl3=99875110594&wl4=aud-273067695102:pla-236372156674&wl5=9030009&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=111838742&wl11=online&wl12=174382410&wl13=&veh=sem
This comparison should've been done by newer riders. As always, you seem to take a perspective that all riders NEED to drag the pegs in corners and NEED a 1000cc bike. I been riding over 30 years and dont want that anymore. Some of us just want a smaller bike to actually enjoy riding a bike.
If the video says 'motorcycle' and "naked", I'm gonna watch ;)
My 1981 gsx250 would totally hold its own with these bikes. I don't know how people justify spending so much money on a new bike, when one designed in the seventies is just as good.
So does the TU250X has a metal body specifically in the fueltank and mud guard or same plastic like the GW250?
Isn't the Royal Enfield engine mounted as part of the frame? They have that character about them, I've heard. The thing with me holding me back from buying an RE is the lack of knowledgeable mechanics where I live. I can buy a Big4 bike and find a mechanic that knows them anywhere in Phoenix.
They'll have to test the Sym Wolf SB250 which is now for sale.
In the end, the question becomes, "Which do I buy and why?" Obviously, I would look at price, performance and styling. I like the Yamaha, but it's too heavy and expensive. The two Suzuki's are both interesting, well made and priced correctly. The Enfield is a no go due to reliability. Thus, I'd choose the Honda they showed here, or the full fairing model of the same bike. They didn't show the 300 Kawasaki. I think that would have won me over.
i need ur help am confuse btwn std bullet n classic 350 which one i shud buy pls suggst me .performance wise ,maintains wise ,comfort wise for long drive short drive pls help me .
I can't help but think that this would have been a better review if instead of experienced riders, you got 5 brand new riders who had just finished their learn to ride course and who had no background in riding. How about it?
I have too in lemon ice colour . My name is nok and stay in pattaya city . Welcome to Thailand !
Mr Mutton Chops said it around the 8:30 mark...they already had their pick..look how they positioned the bikes..the power of dreams
TU250X ALL THE WAY. Just picked one up for 3998.00
First of all, they are trying to rationalize reasons to buy one bike over another. That just doesn't work with motorcycles. Motorcycles are not supposed to be rational, they are supposed to be fun. And they are NOT supposed to be boring, which the Honda and the Suzuki GW250 are, big time. They also look like plastic toys, not real motorcycles. I ride a 2013 Royal Enfield B5. I cant ride the Continental GT because the bars are too low and the pegs are too high. I'm too old to be twisted up like a pretzel. I got the standard model Royal Enfield because I got tired of the super boring Japanese bikes. I love the sound and vibration. And while it has an electric starter, I almost always kickstart it. I don't see the big issue. I grew up kickstarting bikes. To me it's part of riding. I also like the TU250 and the SR400. I had an SR500 back in the late '70s as my first new street bike. But you can keep those plasticy cartoonish looking bikes. Unless you want just transportation with NO fun. In that case, why not just get a car?
those 'plastic toys' are way more fun to ride...well maybe not the little 300s lol but They go way faster. They take corners and turns better. there's nothing better than a sportbike on a winding road. You said you're older and growing up around the older bikes like you did I understand your bias toward them. but sportbikes are becoming more and more popular because people think theyre fun. I personally way prefer a sportbike over a metal tank that some people drive on the roads these days. not all sportbikes are uncomfortable crotch rockets. But that being said.. i dont think it is fair to disregard sportbikes as.not a real bike. because they consistently out perform other classes.
Just got the Honda cb300 :)
My first bike and I mean the first motorcycle I ever road and owned was a KZ 900 Kawi back in 1976 yes I bought the baddest motorcycle at the time I practiced in the parking lot and drove it to work that night at Coors brewery got blasted at the bar after work drove home (repeat). never dumped her ever and I used to race her on the weekends at the 1/4 mile track I will never love a bike like that again.
No GD250N? Or you don't know there's a brand new 250 bike for 2014?
TU FTW!!!
29 bhp not 21 for the RE continental gt
Sorry but that's not what the dyno says.
Yeah I'm 6'4" and 200lbs and I've taken a CB250 Nighthawk on a freeway at 70. It'll do it (probably all day on a flat road) but it feels better at 60. The suspension beats you up (old school) and the narrow tires and light weight get buffeted on an open four lane. The TU is the obvious handling upgrade for the Nighthawk 250 rider happy with the bike's retro concept and wanting just a touch more power for the 250 class. The Yamaha 400 is beautiful, but its engineering is way out of date.
The yam is fantastic...lots to like
@@michaelmorley331 spoken like a proud pappy. Ride On!
I would prefer any of the Japanese bikes over the Enfield. Replacement parts for Brittish bikes are much more expensive than Japanese.
How proud i am to know one of this host are "Batak"..
Horas Troy Siahaan :D
TU not available in CA?
I want a honda, is that cool for starters, I've never riden a bike ever.
That was an interesting discussion... :^) Good stuff!
the SR is soooo customizeable, thats the right byke !
At $6k it should already BE modified. Waste of money POS that I give two years here in the states before they realize what a flop it is.
+Wabbit1961 not sure what your getting at it been in production for over 20 years now, it been a hit all over the world and is already a hit in NA within the custom/cafe racer scene. If your complaining it's too pricy then you need to earn more money, cause for a new 400cc FI byke that ain't expensive....
Not in the USA, because they didn't sell worth a damn, because they weren't worth the money, just like now. And I don't know what country your in. You spell bike 'byke'? Is that supposed to be uber cool like the SR400 (or the word uber?!)? And I make plenty to afford any car or bike I'd care to spend my money on. That doesn't mean I throw it away on crap like the SR400 (Edsel). I don't know what planet you're on our what drugs you take that you can say $6,000 for a 400cc bike is normal. Every reviewer cringed at the price tag. The R-3 is $1,000 less and a much better bike. It's also competitive in price. Go back to school. I stand by what I say, and that is I give the SR one more year here in the states before it's gone once again. And just FYI, the euro models come with electric start also. They had both starters since the late 80's - again in Europe where insurance is why they killed the 600. Not that that would influence my opinion on this POS.
If you read any of my replies you'd see I own the only collectible they imported - for one year - the 1986 SRX-600. The SR 400 was NEVER imported to the states. The SR 500, yes.
+Wabbit1961 sorry dewd, the only comments of yours I've ever read are the three above, I really don't care what you think outside of what you said in this thread...
SR for me.
I love my 78 500
Leave it to the wise old(er) man of moto scribes John Burns to tell the young bucks how the Enfield is supposed to be ridden. The heavy flywheeled long stroke thumper should be chugging along in the upper gears. Ride the torque. I have a carbureted 07 and it's fun in that element.
The Yamaha is at least a grand overpriced!
which is the best engine......?
After watching this video 4 times over a couple of years, owning a TU-250X in between, and considering in more depth the Honda, the Yamaha, and the Enfield this is what I think:1. The Enfield is junk .. nobody who buys one ever keeps it. It is crude, rude, and high maintenance after an hour you want to beat it with a big wrench. ala 1950's Harley.. 2. The TU-250 mis quoted as 14 HP.. is nearer 20. The TU250X is a fuel injected development or the earlier 4 valve carbureted TU-250 which motor was also used in the GZ-250. As such it has a very long history of bullet proof reliability. The FI makes it very user friendly, low maint and reliable, not mention putting it close to the 100 mpg class. The TU-250X has a fairly long break-in period.. and examples with 8,000 miles will be producing more power than brand new ones. The integration of suspension, gearing, wide power band, and good tires makes it an excellent bike for back roads, and touring for the rider who goes light. 30 years from now the TU-250X will still be going strong with decent care. 4. The strong suit for the SR-400 is the bigger frame, and the flat seat which makes it less cramped for medium and larger riders. 6 footers wont be happy on the TU.. but the SR will be fine. Some of the internal engine details of the Yamaha are very robust.. look at the big bearings the cam runs in. That kind of robust construction will NOT be present in the Thai made Honda. 5. The CBR- versions of the Honda have reliability problems.. the 300's have engine recalls and sales were stopped due to lower end problems. the 250 were subject to mysteriously just quitting.. anytime anywhere... which can kill you on a bad day in traffic. Also.. these bikes are tall, and the dufous styling locks you into a single riding position.. which is BAD on long trips. 6. Wanting to CRUISE at 80 mph is too ambitious for any 250.. 65 or 70 is sensible..and also legal and do-able. Most of us don't live in LA where 85 is "normal" in the slow lane.