[box]By Shamin[/box]
The title itself shows how an entry-level bike such as the well-known Kawasaki Ninja 250r bring the rider to the path of one exquisite life of velocity, adrenaline and excitement. “A sport bike, aka “sportbike” and “sportsbike”, is a motorcycle optimized for speed, acceleration, braking, and cornering on paved roads, typically at the expense of comfort and fuel economy by comparison with more standard motorcycles” (or we all call it as –kapchai)” as written by Sochiro Honda. As for me? Sportsbike it’s a beast! (welllllll.. more or less in beginner category).
As a Malaysian, we rarely got that opportunity of choosing type of bikes in this beginner/entry-level category. But wait! Those are 2008-2009 It’s now 2015!!! Just last year, Malaysian are bless with tremendous news and the entrance of more market competitors for the famous baby ninja, Kawasaki Ninja 250r which includes the 200cc bikes entering the market. KTM RC200, Ninja 250SL, Z250SL and many more (Although our neighbor still wins in terms of variety). And even 2015 sees the rumors of the Yamaha YZF-R25 and also Hyosung Exiv250f/Naza N5 (fairing) stepping in to compete with other major bike manufacturers.
Here, we will go through a brief look on the variety of current Malaysian beginner/entry-level bike:
Kawasaki Ninja 250
Engine Type: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, parallel twin
Power (kW): 23.5 (32HP)
Price at: Rm 24650
Kawasaki Ninja Z250
Engine Type: 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, single cylinder
Power (kW): 23.5 (32HP)
Price at: Rm 21589
Kawasaki Z250SL
Engine Type: 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, single cylinder
Power (kW): 20.6 (28HP)
Price at: Rm 15739
Kawasaki Ninja 250SL/RR mono
Engine Type: 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, single cylinder
Power (kW): 20.6 (28HP)
Price at: Rm 17689
KTM Duke 200
Engine Type: 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, single cylinder
Power (kW): 19 (25HP)
Price at: Rm 15888
KTM RC200
Engine Type: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, spark-ignition engine, single cylinder
Power (kW): 19 (25HP)
Price at: Rm 16888
Honda CBR 250r
Engine Type: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder
Power (kW): 21.0 (29.0HP)
Price at: Rm 19999 (standard)
Hyosung gt250r/Naza Blade 250r
Engine Type: 4-stroke, Air cooled, V-twin 2 cylinder
Power (kW): 21 (29HP)
Price at: Rm 14368
Hyosung Exiv250/Naza N5
Engine Type: 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, single cylinder
Power (kW): 20.6 (28HP)
Price at: Rm 13988
Megelli 250
Engine Type: 4-stroke, Water cooler, single-cylinder
Power (kW): (27HP)
Price at: Rm 15968
Sym T2
Engine Type: 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, single cylinder
Power (kW): 18.4
Price at: Rm 17100
YZF-R25
Engine Type: 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, twin cylinder
Power (kW): 26.5 (36HP)
Price at: Expected Rm 24k – 27k
Basically, we can see that the new generation of this beginner/entry-level bikes mostly comes in a single cylinder type of engine which also produce an average of 28HP. Yet the old timers Baby ninja still by 32HP.
For those who loves the speed, I believe YZF-R25 will suit the best to ride side by side or even beat Kawasaki Ninja 250 FI. And, the rumors(release Q1 2015) seems to be about to change into reality when it is spotted that this highly anticipated model featured in Hong Leong Yamaha Motor 2015 upcoming poster (credit to motomalaya for the leaked photo).
Greater power might still be an option for bikes enthusiasts. This is where models such as Naza blade and KTM RC offers a higher power which are 650r and 390 series respectively
As of for those who deem for much lower price, yet sexy sharp look. One of our sources indicated that the Naza N5 which is also known as Hyosung Exiv 250 will introduce the new model with fairing in Q1 of 2015.
All these varieties that we have will bring more excitement and adrenaline rush to the riders in Malaysian streets. 2015 sure is the year we all look forward to, who knows, we might have more newcomers onboard and compete in this beginner/entry-level market. One thing for sure, the street will never be the same as 2008-2009. Let us all have rewarding year ahead but don’t forget to ride safe, cheers.
