Blending timeless café racer styling with a rare V-twin engine, the CMC Italjet Buccaneer 250i proves that riding enjoyment isn’t always about outright speed.
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While many riders are drawn to modern naked bikes and fully-faired sportbikes, there is still a certain group of riders who really appreciate the timeless appeal of classic designs. Fortunately, manufacturers have responded by introducing motorcycles that blend vintage styling with modern reliability.
One of which is the CMC Italjet Buccaneer 250i. Made it’s Malaysian launch back in 2017, the Buccaneer doesn’t rely solely on aggressive styling or impressive performance figures to stand out. Instead, it offers something a little more unique, a café racer-inspired design paired with a V-twin engine. Its combination of classic aesthetics and distinctive engine configuration gives it a personality that immediately sets it apart from the crowd.
I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with the Buccaneer 250i, riding it through city streets, highways and a few winding roads. After living with the bike for several days, it quickly became clear that the Buccaneer isn’t trying to compete with the fastest motorcycles in the segment. It focuses on delivering a riding experience that’s full of character, encouraging you to slow down, enjoy the journey and appreciate its unique charm.
Engine & Transmission
Powering the Buccaneer 250i is a 249cc air-cooled V-twin engine, producing 17.4 hp at 8,000 rpm and 19 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Unlike many modern 250cc motorcycles that chase outright performance with high-revving parallel-twin engines, the Buccaneer takes a more relaxed approach. It’s a motorcycle that’s more about enjoying the ride than constantly searching for maximum power.
The power delivery is smooth and predictable, never feeling too aggressive or intimidating. Twist the throttle and the engine responds with enough punch to keep the ride feeling lively, especially around town, but it never overwhelms the rider. Instead, it encourages a more laid-back riding style, allowing you to cruise comfortably while still having enough performance for the occasional spirited ride.
The V-twin engine also gives the Buccaneer a unique character that sets it apart from most motorcycles in the segment. It may not be the quickest 250cc bike on paper, but it delivers its power in a smooth, enjoyable manner with a soundtrack that is definitely worth hearing.
Power is sent to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox paired with a chain final drive. Gear shifts feel positive and easy to get used to, while the gear ratios complement the engine’s relaxed nature. Whether you’re commuting through city traffic or cruising along open roads, the drivetrain feels well matched to the Buccaneer’s overall character, making every ride feel effortless rather than rushed.
Design & Features
One of the Buccaner’s biggest strengths is undoubtedly its styling. Personally, I really like the overall design. It strikes a nice balance between classic café racer aesthetics and a subtle sporty attitude. It doesn’t try too hard to look aggressive, yet it has enough character to stand out from the crowd.
The retro elements are all there. A round headlight, flat bench seat, round instrument cluster and spoke wheels all come together to give the bike an authentic old-school appearance. From almost every angle, the Buccaneer looks like a motorcycle that could have come straight out of another era, but with just enough modern touches to keep it feeling relevant.
What caught my attention the most was its side profile. The slightly sporty riding position and sculpted fuel tank give the bike a sense of purpose. While it certainly looks like a machine built for relaxed café cruising, it also hints that it’s ready for a more spirited ride whenever the road opens up.
In terms of features, the Buccaneer keeps things relatively simple, which suits its retro personality. In front of the rider is a combination analog and digital instrument cluster, allowing it to retain its classic charm while still displaying essential riding information in a clear and easy-to-read manner.
Safety hasn’t been overlooked either. The bike comes equipped with dual-channel ABS, providing extra confidence under hard braking or on slippery road surfaces. It’s a feature that complements the Buccaneer’s easy-going nature, giving riders a little more peace of mind whether they’re commuting through the city or enjoying a weekend ride.
Riding Experience
Riding the CMC Italjet Buccaneer 250i, my first impression was that it felt a little smaller than what I’m normally used to. Then again, it’s a café racer, so it isn’t meant to have the bulky presence of a larger naked bike or cruiser. Instead, its compact dimensions actually make it feel approachable from the very beginning.
The riding position leans towards the sporty side thanks to its relatively low handlebars. However, it never feels as committed or aggressive as a full-fledged sportbike. Personally, I found it to be a nice middle ground that still allows for a comfortable ride, even after spending a fair amount of time riding.
With an 820 mm seat height, I was also able to flat-foot the bike easily, which adds a great deal of confidence, especially when maneuvering at low speeds. At around 129 kg, the Buccaneer is impressively lightweight. That low weight is immediately noticeable once you start moving, making the bike feel nimble and unintimidating.
Slow-speed maneuvers are effortless, U-turns are easy to execute, and filtering through traffic feels almost second nature. I can easily see newer riders adapting to this motorcycle in a very short amount of time.
What stood out the most during my time with the Buccaneer was just how relaxing it is to ride. The V-twin engine delivers its power in a smooth and predictable manner, never feeling abrupt or intimidating. There’s enough performance to keep things enjoyable around town, but it also encourages you to slow down and simply enjoy the ride rather than constantly chasing speed.
Despite its compact size, the Buccaneer feels surprisingly comfortable on the highway. The V-twin engine cruises confidently at higher speeds without feeling overly strained, making it more than capable of handling longer journeys when needed.
While it may not have the outright performance of some other 250cc motorcycles, it offers a composed and enjoyable riding experience that’s well suited for both daily commuting and relaxed weekend rides.
Handling & Braking
The Buccaneer 250i keeps things simple when it comes to its chassis setup, featuring a telescopic front fork paired with a hydraulic rear monoshock. While it may not come with fully adjustable suspension or premium components, the setup suits the bike’s character surprisingly well.
Around town, the suspension was able to absorb any imperfectionsons on the road, making the ride feel comfortable without being overly soft. Thanks to its lightweight chassis, the Buccaneer also feels easy to flick into corners. It may not be a motorcycle that’s built for attacking every twisty road at full pace, but it remains stable and predictable when the road starts to bend.
Personally, I found it to be an enjoyable bike to ride through a series of corners, with its light weight giving me plenty of confidence to lean the bike over.
Braking duties are handled by a 280 mm disc at the front and a 240 mm disc at the rear. The braking performance feels progressive and easy to modulate, offering more than enough stopping power for the bike’s performance.
Adding to that confidence is the inclusion of dual-channel ABS as standard. It’s a feature that’s always nice to have, especially for newer riders, as it helps prevent wheel lock-up during emergency braking or on slippery road surfaces.
Overall, the Buccaneer’s handling and braking package complements its relaxed, easy-going personality, making it a motorcycle that’s both enjoyable and approachable to ride.
Verdict
Overall, the CMC Italjet Buccaneer 250i is a motorcycle that stands out not because of outright performance, but because of its unique character. In a segment dominated by sporty parallel-twin motorcycles, the Buccaneer offers something refreshingly different with its retro café racer styling and V-twin engine. It’s a bike that encourages you to slow down, enjoy the ride and appreciate the journey rather than constantly chasing top speed.
For riders looking for a motorcycle that’s comfortable enough for daily commuting yet stylish enough to turn heads wherever it goes, the Buccaneer ticks plenty of boxes. Its lightweight chassis, smooth power delivery and approachable riding manners make it easy to live with, while the addition of features like dual-channel ABS adds an extra layer of confidence on the road.
After spending some time with the Buccaneer, I found myself appreciating its personality more than anything else. It isn’t the fastest motorcycle in the 250cc class, nor does it try to be. Instead, it delivers a relaxed and enjoyable riding experience that’s hard not to like. Whether you’re cruising through the city, taking the scenic route home or heading out for a weekend café ride, the Buccaneer always feels right at home.
If you’re after something different from the usual 250cc offerings and want a motorcycle with plenty of classic charm and character, the CMC Italjet Buccaneer 250i is definitely worth considering. And if you’re currently looking for a used Buccaneer, be sure to check out the selection available at iMotorbike or visit your nearest showroom to experience this unique café racer for yourself.
CMC Italjet Buccaneer 250i Specifications
Engine & Performance
- Engine: 249cc Air-cooled, 4-stroke, 60-degree V-twin
- Max Power: 17.4 horsepower at 8,000 rpm
- Max Torque: 19 Nm Torque at 6,000 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed
- Clutch: Wet multi-plate
Chassis & Suspension
- Frame: Lightweight, tubular steel frame
- Front Suspension: Telescopic front forks
- Rear Suspension: Hydraulic monoshock
- Front Brakes: Single 280mm disc with ABS
- Rear Brakes: Single 240mm disc with ABS
- Tires: 110/90-ZR17 (front), 130/90-ZR15 (rear)
Dimensions & Electronics
- Wet Weight: 129 kg
- Seat Height: 820 mm
- Fuel Capacity: 14 Liters
- Electronics: Analog and digital instrument cluster, Dual-Channel ABS
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