Tanshanomi's Snap Judgments

Kawasaki 250TR

Thu, May 20th, 2010



I normally try to respect online IP, but I blatantly stole this from a Czech-language website (www.motocykl-online.cz) because it’s too great a shot to not include here. This is what motorcycling is all about.

Click images for larger view.
NOTE: The 250TR has never been imported for sale in North America.


2001–10 Kawasaki BJ250TR
Performancewww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
The 250TR is a variant of the JDM-only Estrella 250, and shares that bike's motor. It's not a powerhouse, but friendly, and has good output overall for a 250. It shifts nicely and its electronic fuel injection imparts a level of sophistication uncommon on this size bike.
Handlingwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
The 250 TR is a quality lightweight streetbike that can handle the occasional dirt trail without a problem. Its retro-scrambler persona is not just for image. Light weight and a narrow chassis, along with it's comfortable, flat seat and wide bars are great for the kind of riding a 250 single excels at. The dual-piston front caliper is a nice touch.
Lookswww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
It looks like an updated, enlarged version of my first bike, a '73 Honda CL125S. It triggers a neural pathway deep in my brain's pleasure center.
Reliabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
The 250 TR and the Estrella it's based on have been for sale forever in Japan, where riders are willing to pay for quality-built lightweight bikes, and expect them to withstand constant use. These are very well made machines.
Practicalitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Lightweight 'street scramblers' are extinct in this country, and few Americans would buy the 250 TR if it were sold here. That's a shame; for most people's needs and riding habits, it would be head and shoulders above the Yamaha XT250 dualsport and the Estralla-inspired Suzuki TU250 streetbike that are sold here. It gets my customary 2-point deduction for not being imported to the U.S, and another point taken off for being a bit too low on power for comfort on U.S. Interstates.
Desirabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Very few lightweights have the magnetic pull of this bike. I absolutely love it.
Overallwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
This retro-styled 'street scrambler' is everything we love about vintage bikes and everything we love about modern bikes in one very attractive package.