Brilliant, do it all bike. Urban area weapon-bumpy back road carver!
Let's get it straight about this bike. In my garage I have a 2010 Yamaha R1, 1998 Ducati 748sp, Suzuki Sv650 and the little VTR250.
I ride the VTR more than any of the other bikes.
For riding around town, you will not find a better bike. Period!
I've got a carbon pipe and gone up 1 tooth on the rear and other than it's svelte size, no one would know you're not riding a bigger bike.
It's not just a one trick pony though, with light weight, respectable brakes-I fitted HH sintered pads just cause I ride it so hard at times- and nimble chassis you really can show up some of the bigger bikes.
My girlfriend left a number of riders (including myself on my R1) in her dust on a bumpy set of tight twistys on this bike, much to all our shame.
The suspension is preload adjustable for the shock only but you need to be getting a proper hustle on before it starts to show up. I would plump for some thicker fork oil and a reduced air gap if it was too bad but hey, in the 5 years I've owned it, even such a simple mod has not proved necessary.
It even rides two up. I have a great picture of two of my bigger mates stuck on the back and they rode 25 freeway kilometers without a complaint.
I would agree that it could use a 6th gear however even with the reduced gearing, it will still do 140km/hr and happily sit on 125km/hr. I did 700km in a day on it.
Fuel economy is spectacular. On a straight run I have seen over 40km/litre!!! Expect 28-30km/l around the stop and start of town with an unfriendly wrist operating the throttle.
The only other thing I could suggest is Don't Skimp On The Tyres!!!
It's a great handling little bike, treat it to the best rubber you can afford and then stretch some more. The extra $50 or so will reward you in smiles for miles, really enabling you to get 100% from the package.
Treat it to regular changes of high quality 10W-40 oil (hey it uses less than 2L!!!) and it will prove bullet proof.
If it can survive 40,000km of full rev, clutchless gear changes, trail brake to the apex, rain, hail or shine abuse I doubt you will be able to wreck one either.
As you can tell, I can go on and on about this bike. If you're in the market for a 250, do yourself a favour and test ride one of these last-before you decide on a cheaper alternative. Like me you wont want to part with it, even when you can.
Everything- Japanese Honda quality (check one against a Thai built 125) great sound, handling, economy, city commuter or back road carver.
Could use a 6th gear if you do excess freeway km, but not essential (see above)