Lightweight and easy to reach the ground! 5 modern 250cc Japanese motorcycles perfect for beginners and returning riders

Honda Rebel 250

The Rebel 250 is a light motorcycle cruiser model with tough and cool styling, a lightweight and easy-to-handle body, and an engine with easy-to-handle power output. Since its release in 2017, it has been a best-selling bike, consistently ranking first or among the top new vehicle sales in the light motorcycle (over 125cc to 250cc) class.

A cruiser model is a type of American motorcycle with a low and long style that is comfortable to ride on long straights. Among them, the Rebel 250 is attractive because of its lightweight body weighing 171 to 175 kg and low seat height of 690 mm, making it easy to handle even for petite female riders.

In addition, the middle-positioned footpegs and high-set handlebars create an upright riding position, which reduces fatigue even on long-distance tours and contributes to a comfortable ride.

The 249cc, water-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine is torqueful and easy to handle at low speeds, while also providing a pleasant acceleration feel up to the high speed range.By experiencing the pleasant pulsating feeling that only a single-cylinder engine can provide, this bike allows you to enjoy the joy of riding every time you open the throttle.

The latest model will undergo some specification changes in January 2025, with the shape of the handlebars revised and the position optimized. The material inside the seat has also been changed to improve comfort.

Furthermore, on March 13, 2025, a specification equipped with the Honda E-Clutch electronic shift mechanism will be added. The Honda E-Clutch is a system in which the motorcycle automatically controls optimal clutch control in each scene, such as starting, shifting gears, and stopping, without the rider having to operate the clutch lever, by simply operating the shift pedal. However, if the rider operates the clutch lever, manual clutch control is also possible, just like on conventional motorcycles. The system has functions to meet a variety of needs, including riders who prefer to use both the clutch and shift pedal to control their motorcycles.

The lineup includes the standard Rebel 250 and the Rebel 250 E-Clutch with electronic shifting mechanism. In addition, the Rebel 250S Edition E-Clutch is also available, which comes equipped with a headlight cowl, fork covers, fork boots, a diamond-stitched wadding seat, and the Honda E-Clutch.

[Rebel 250 main specifications]

・Length x width x height: 2205mm x 810mm x 1090mm

・Seat height: 690mm

・Vehicle weight: 171 [174] [175] kg

・Engine type: 249cc ・Water-cooled 4-stroke single cylinder

・Maximum power: 19kW (26PS) / 9500rpm

・Maximum torque: 22N・m (2.2kgf-m) / 6500rpm

・Gear: 6-speed

・Fuel tank capacity: 11L

・Tires: Front 130/90-16, rear 150/80-16

・Price (tax included): 638,000 yen [693,000 yen] [731,500 yen]

*[ ] indicates E-clutch, [ ] indicates S Edition E-clutch

Honda CL250

The CL250 is a light motorcycle model with a scrambler-style body that evokes a powerful and nimble ride, and a 249cc water-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine with easy-to-handle output characteristics. This is also a popular model that has been ranked high in new vehicle sales since its introduction in 2023.

The CL250 features a style reminiscent of the “Scrambler” that was popular in the 1960s and 1970s. A Scrambler is a model made in the 1960s when there were not many dedicated off-road models, and is based on a road bike and has been modified for riding on rough roads by adding an up-type muffler and increasing the suspension stroke.

Honda released the Dream CL72 Scrambler in 1962 as the first domestically produced scrambler, which became a huge hit in Japan, North America, and elsewhere. The CL250 can be described as a neo-classical model that inherits the name and atmosphere of that classic model.

The exterior has a simple appearance, and features a distinctive up-type muffler, tank pad, and flat seat with wadding, expressing a scrambler style that stands out in a variety of situations, from around town to outdoors.

The engine is a 249cc, water-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder that delivers plenty of torque even at low rpm, and delivers a satisfying thumping sensation.The body employs a diamond frame that optimizes rigidity and weight balance, and the suspension and semi-block pattern tires with ample stroke allow it to handle a wide range of riding conditions, from paved roads to flat dirt.

The seat height is set relatively low at 790mm, making it easy to reach the ground with your feet. The upright riding position and light vehicle weight of 172kg also make it easy to make U-turns in narrow alleys and maneuver in parking lots.

[CL250 Main Specifications]

Length x Width x Height: 2175mm x 830mm x 1135mm

Seat Height: 790mm

Vehicle Weight: 172kg

Engine: 249cc Water-cooled 4-stroke Single Cylinder

Maximum Output: 18kW (24PS) / 8500rpm

Maximum Torque: 23N・m (2.3kgf-m) / 6250rpm

Gears: 6-speed

Fuel Tank Capacity: 12L

Tires: Front 110/80R19, Rear 150/70R17

Price (tax included): 621,500 yen

Yamaha MT-25

The MT-25 belongs to Yamaha’s naked sports “MT” series, which boasts a wide lineup.

Its sister models include the 1000cc 4-cylinder “MT-10,” the 900cc 3-cylinder “MT-09,” the 700cc 2-cylinder “MT-07,” the 300cc 2-cylinder “MT-03,” and the 125cc single-cylinder “MT-125.”

Both models feature the globally popular street fighter style, with an aggressive style, an upright riding position that makes riding around town or on long tours less tiring, and a high-performance yet easy-to-handle engine that allows for agile riding from city streets to winding roads.

Among them, the MT-25 is particularly attractive for its light weight of 166 kg and its relatively low seat height of 780 mm, which makes it easy to reach the ground with your feet. Combined with equipment such as an inverted front suspension with an inner tube diameter of 37 mm, it combines ease of handling with nimble handling.

The engine is a 249cc, water-cooled, four-stroke, in-line twin-cylinder that produces a maximum output of 26kW (35PS). It incorporates the latest technology, including lightweight, forged aluminum pistons with excellent high-temperature strength, and an offset, all-aluminum DiASil cylinder to reduce horsepower loss. It combines ease of handling in the low and mid-range RPMs commonly used in urban areas with an exhilarating feeling at high RPMs on winding roads.

Additionally, it is equipped with a short muffler that produces a crisp exhaust note. Its compact placement near the bottom center of the vehicle contributes to the concentration of mass and excellent handling performance.

The 2025 model, released on April 24, 2025, has undergone detailed updates, just like its sister model, the MT-03. It features a new A&S (Assist & Slipper) clutch, which reduces the lever operating load and provides smoother vehicle behavior when downshifting. The seat has been redesigned to improve foot reach and passenger comfort, and it also features a newly designed rear exterior. Combined with the engine exterior’s crystal graphite paint finish, which emphasizes its mechanical feel, it creates a more aggressive appearance.

In addition, the new LCD meter is compatible with the dedicated smartphone app “YAMAHA Motorcycle Connect (Y-Connect).” By linking with a smartphone with the app installed, it has the ability to display a variety of smartphone information, such as SNS notifications and incoming calls, as icons on the meter.

Furthermore, on May 30, 2025, the “Accessory Package MT-25 Touring” was released, which is a package of accessories to make touring more comfortable. This is a set that includes the vehicle itself and five accessories made by Y’s Gear, such as the “Touring Screen,” “Knuckle Guard,” “Graphic Sticker,” “Quick Shift Kit,” and “Touring Bag S.” With a full range of convenient equipment for touring and other activities, it can be said to be a genuine customized vehicle that makes motorcycle travel even more comfortable.

[MT-25 Main Specifications]

Length x Width x Height: 2090mm x 755mm x 1075mm

Seat Height: 780mm

Vehicle Weight: 166kg

Engine: 249cc Water-cooled 4-stroke Inline 2-cylinder

Maximum Output: 26kW (35PS) / 12000rpm

Maximum Torque: 23N・m (2.3kgf-m) / 10000rpm

Gears: 6-speed

Fuel Tank Capacity: 14L

Tires: Front 110/70-17, Rear 140/70-17

Price (tax included): 632,500 yen

(Accessory Package MT-25 Touring: tax included: 705,100 yen)

Suzuki Gixxer 250

The Gixxer 250 is a lightweight naked sports bike that boasts an aggressive street fighter style, an easy-to-handle body, and a reasonable price.

The exterior features a striking face design with slim, compact LED headlights divided into three sections above and below, while the powerful tank shape and flowing shroud shape create a glamorous, edgy style from front to rear.

The 249cc single-cylinder engine uses the Suzuki Oil Cooling System (SOCS), a unique oil-cooling system that uses passages around the combustion chamber to allow engine oil to flow through them.

Suzuki has long used an oil-cooled system for its engines, but traditionally, engine oil was injected from above the combustion chamber to cool it. On the other hand, SOCS can improve combustion efficiency and achieves an excellent fuel consumption rate of 34.5km/L in WMTC mode. It also achieves both high rotation and high power output, allowing you to enjoy an exhilarating acceleration feeling.

Another attractive feature is the lightweight body, with an equipped weight of 154 kg. Even its full-cowled sibling, the Gixxer SF250, has an equipped weight of 158 kg, but the Gixxer 250 is an even lighter 4 kg. This, combined with the high degree of freedom and fatigue-free upright riding position, makes it extremely easy to make U-turns in narrow alleys and maneuver in parking lots.

Additionally, the meter is equipped with a multi-function full LCD display that displays a variety of information, including a bar-type tachometer, digital speedometer, odometer, gear position indicator, and dual trip meters, making it extremely convenient.

What’s more, the price (tax included) is 481,800 yen. Recently, even 250cc bikes are often priced at over 600,000 yen, and some even cost in the 900,000 yen range. While the prices of rival bikes are on the rise, the price of this bike, which is under 500,000 yen, is also a big attraction.

[Gixxer 250 Main Specifications]

Length x Width x Height: 2010mm x 805mm x 1035mm

, Seat Height: 800mm

, Vehicle Weight: 154kg

, Engine: 249cc, Oil-cooled 4-stroke single cylinder

, Maximum Power: 19kW (26PS) / 9300rpm

, Maximum Torque: 22N・m (2.2kgf-m) / 7300rpm

, Gears: 6-speed

, Fuel Tank Capacity: 12L

, Tires: Front 110/70R17, Rear 150/60R17

, Price (tax included): 481,800 yen

Kawasaki Z250

The Z250 is a 250cc model that belongs to Kawasaki’s super naked Z series, which features the unique Sugomi design.

The series offers a wide lineup of models, including the 1000cc “Z H2/SE,” the 900cc “Z900/SE,” the 650cc “Z650,” and the 400cc “Z400.” The youngest of these, the Z250, also shares the same aggressive style as its siblings. Its appeal also lies in its upright riding position, which makes it easy to handle and less tiring to ride around town.

The Z250 is particularly notable for its lightweight body, weighing just 164 kg. The body uses a trellis frame that combines light weight with high rigidity, and is matched with a front suspension with an inner tube diameter of 41 mm. This combines high riding stability with nimble, natural handling.

The powertrain is a 248cc parallel twin engine that produces a maximum output of 26kW (35PS), offering excellent throttle response and a powerful feel across the entire rev range, making it an enjoyable ride for riders of all skill levels.

Additionally, the front brake employs a semi-floating brake disc with a diameter of 310 mm, achieving high braking power. A high-performance front brake master cylinder is also installed, contributing to excellent controllability during braking.

[Z250 Main Specifications]

Length x Width x Height: 1990mm x 800mm x 1060mm

Seat Height: 795mm

Vehicle Weight: 164kg

Engine: 248cc Water-cooled 4-stroke in-line twin-cylinder

Maximum Output: 26kW (35PS) / 12500rpm

Maximum Torque: 22N･m (2.2kgf-m) / 10500rpm

Gears: 6-speed

Fuel Tank Capacity: 14L

Tires: Front 110/70R17, Rear 140/70R17

Price (tax included): 682,000 yen

Light bikes are easy to handle and ride smoothly!

The above are examples of lightweight bikes that are easy to reach the ground on, and they all have many common benefits.

For example, when making a U-turn at extremely low speed in a narrow alley in a city, even if a beginner rider who is not good at this accidentally loses balance and is about to fall over, it is relatively easy to quickly put out a foot to right the body of the bike or support it.

Another attractive feature is that it is easy to place your feet on the ground when waiting at traffic lights, even on congested roads with continuous stop-and-go traffic.Even beginners and smaller riders can enjoy a high level of security and ease of handling in a variety of situations.

In addition, lighter bikes tend to have better maneuverability. You can enjoy light and agile handling in every scene, from slowing down in corners to turning and accelerating out of corners. Therefore, not only beginners but also veteran riders can often enjoy the fun of riding a motorcycle.

It can be said that 250cc bikes, which are lightweight and have excellent foot reach, can actually be enjoyed by a wide range of riders, from beginners and physically smaller riders such as women, to veterans.