Top 250cc Bikes to Conquer Malaysian Roads in 2024

Explore the best 250cc bikes that cater to riders of all levels, offering the perfect blend of thrill and manageability for unforgettable journeys.

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Cruising through bustling city streets or tearing up scenic coastal highways, Malaysia’s diverse landscapes demand a motorcycle that’s both thrilling and manageable.

As we enter the second half of the year, the 250cc category is bustling with exciting options. These bikes offer the perfect blend of power, agility, and affordability, making them ideal for riders of all experience levels, especially the younger crowd.

With so many choices available, we’re here to cover the best 250cc bikes that pack a punch on the tarmac and help you choose your perfect two-wheeled companion for unforgettable journeys.

Yamaha YZF-R25

Starting off our list is the Yamaha R25, an incredibly popular bike here in Malaysia. No matter where you go, from the northernmost tip to the southern end and from the west coast to the east, you’re almost guaranteed to spot this bike on the road.

The Yamaha YZF-R25 has been in production since 2014, marking Yamaha’s return to the 250 cc sport motorcycle market since the four-cylinder FZR250, which was available from 1986 to 1994. Like the R3, the R25 features an offset cylinder design, a first for Yamaha’s twin-cylinder bikes.

It’s easy to see why locals have a long-standing affection for Yamaha. The R25 boasts a striking design, equipped with a USD suspension system in the front and a mono-shock in the rear, along with a floating disc in the front.

This sport bike is powered by a 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 249 cc engine with a 6-speed transmission. It delivers a maximum power of 26.4 kW (35.4 hp) at 12,000 RPM and a maximum torque of 22.6 Nm at 10,000 RPM.

The bike also features a multi-function, compact LCD metre that displays gear positions, fuel capacity, average fuel economy, water temperature, a clock, and a trip metre.

In Malaysia, the 2024 Yamaha R25 starts at RM22,998 (excluding insurance). If you’re interested, you might also want to check out the numerous used R25 models available on iMotorbike. 

Modenas Kawasaki Ninja 250 ABS

The legendary Ninja 250, a long-time rival of the Yamaha R25, has been a game-changer in the 250cc category in Malaysia since its inception. Today, it continues to hold its ground, now rebadged as Modenas and sold through its new official distributor, Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS), thanks to a partnership between Kawasaki Motors Ltd and the local manufacturer, Modenas.

A couple of years ago, Kawasaki Motors Ltd increased its equity shares in Modenas, resulting in all Kawasaki motorcycle models 650cc and below being rebranded under the Modenas name. This strategic move has led to the Ninja 250 being assembled locally, which keeps the prices more affordable while maintaining Kawasaki’s high standards in parts and technology.

The Ninja 250 is available in two versions: one without ABS priced at RM18,900, and one with ABS priced at RM20,500. Despite its competitive pricing, the Ninja 250 comes with essential features such as a digital-analogue meter panel, LED lighting, a telescopic fork, and an ECO indicator.

In 2022, a special Öhlins version of the Ninja 250 was released, featuring upgraded suspension components, but it was limited to only 180 units and did not include ABS.

The Ninja 250 ABS has received a 5-star rating from the Malaysian Assessment Program (MyMAP), an independent initiative promoting safer motorcycles in Malaysia. MyMAP aims to encourage the introduction of safer motorcycles into the market and reduce the severity of crash injuries among riders.

KTM 250 Duke

The KTM 250 Duke is becoming increasingly popular in Malaysia, known for its striking orange and black colour scheme that makes it easily recognizable on the road. This bike is not just visually appealing but also dependable in the current bike market and on Malaysian roads.

The KTM Duke 250 is a 250-cc naked bike equipped with high-tech components and an ultralight tubular trellis frame. It features a top-quality upside-down fork for the front suspension and a swingarm for the rear suspension.

The latest 2024 model, revealed a few months ago, showcases a new, robust design with an updated frame, suspension package, LED lights, advanced riding technology, and a street-ripping, turn-gripping aggressive style. Powered by a liquid-cooled, 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine with fuel injection and a 6-speed transmission, the Duke 250 delivers 30.87 hp and 25 Nm of torque.

In Malaysia, the KTM Duke 250 is priced at around RM22,500 before tax and insurance. For those looking for more budget-friendly options, iMotorbike offers a selection of used KTM Duke 250 bikes.

Yamaha MT-25

Another exceptional and reliable Yamaha on the list is the MT-25. This 250cc naked bike is gaining prominence on the road, especially among those seeking a comfortable ride for cruising around town with decent control.

The MT-25 is powered by a 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 249 cc engine with a 6-speed transmission. It produces 25.8 kW (34.6 hp) at 12,000 RPM and 22.6 Nm of torque at 10,000 RPM.

The bike is equipped with dual-channel ABS for the front and rear brakes, an LED headlight and rear light, a full LCD meter panel, and inverted front forks. 

In Malaysia, the latest Yamaha MT-25 price starts at RM22,998, excluding insurance, and is available in Midnight Cyan and Midnight Black colours. For those interested in a more affordable option, used Yamaha MT-25 bikes are also available on iMotorbike.

Honda CBR 250RR

No list of top 250cc bikes would be complete without the Honda CBR 250RR. Since its debut in Malaysia, this bike has made a significant impact and is considered one of the fastest 250cc sportbikes ever built.

The CBR250RR comes packed with features and equipment, including a Quick-Shifter, fully LCD digital meter, double-layer headlight, USD fork, Ride-By-Wire throttle system, ABS brakes, aluminium swingarm, double barrel exhaust, and three riding modes (Sport, Sport+, and Comfort).

Recently, Honda unveiled a new version of the CBR250RR, which includes a modest power upgrade of 1.34 hp. This upgrade was achieved through an increased compression ratio, a larger inlet port throat diameter, optimized piston and oil ring tension, and revised valve timing and lift.

The standard on the new model is the Showa Separate Function Fork—Big Piston (SFF-BP) with 37 mm diameter upside-down fork legs. The new body panels draw inspiration from the CBR1000RR-R superbike, featuring a forward-leaning riding posture and aggressive, sharp edges.

The Honda CBR250RR is truly a value-for-money package, offering an extensive range of features and backed by Honda’s reputation for quality and performance. Honda has a long history in Malaysia and is a brand well-regarded by many riders.

The bike is powered by a 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 249.7 cc engine with a 6-speed transmission. It produces 30.0 kW (40.2 hp) at 13,000 RPM and 25.0 Nm of torque at 11,000 RPM. The Honda CBR250RR price in Malaysia is RM27,999 for the price without insurance and road tax.

Modenas Kawasaki ZX25R

Finally, we come to the king of 250cc bikes in Malaysia, the ultimate road champion: the ZX-25R. This bike is undoubtedly the most powerful and hyped 250-cc motorcycle to ever grace Malaysian roads.

The Modenas Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25RR (2024) is a sport bike powered by a 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 250 cc engine with a 6-speed transmission. It produces 46.3 hp at 15,500 RPM and 22 Nm of torque at 12,500 RPM.

The latest 2023 models come equipped with advanced technology that sets them apart from their class rivals, featuring a TFT colour meter display, Showa BFRC Lite mono-shock, Kawasaki Quick Shifter, Slipper Clutch, and Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC). 

Available in Lime Green, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25RR is priced at RM36,500 in Malaysia, excluding insurance and road tax.

Well, this bike is a true powerhouse and a testament to Kawasaki’s commitment to performance and innovation, making it a top choice for riders looking for the best in the 250cc category.