| 1988–90 Honda VTR250 |
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| Performance |   |
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| The little V-twin was a bit down on raw power compared to its rivals, but could be made to hustle if revved in a very un-vee-twin manner. The 90-degree angle kept it admirably smooth. |
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| Handling |  |
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| The '88 and '89 VT250Rs handled okay, but were let down by an innovative but substandard inboard disk and 16-inch front wheel. The 1990 model got a 17-incher and a proper, traditional disc which made all the difference in the world. Rear shock was cheap and wore out quickly. |
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| Looks | |
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| The VTR was nicely sculpted, but the graphics were abominable every year. The late '80s never looked so bad. |
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| Reliability | |
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| The VTR250 engine was basically half an Interceptor 500. (The bike was named the Interceptor 250 for 1988 only.) Neither one was Honda's most trouble-free design. |
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| Practicality | |
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| Like I said, it was half of an Interceptor 500. So, why not get the whole V-four, and have a more capable bike? |
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| Desirability | |
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| Since experienced motorcyclists didn't buy small bikes, Honda tried to position the VTR250 as a step-up for the new, trendy, scooter crowd. It ended up appealing to no one. |
