Got my PCX a naked brother

[alx123]

@Old Grinner

Thank you for the reminder. Years of owning a scooter, I almost forgot about lubricating chains.

I haven't done any lubrication after washing yet. I'm off to the store to buy some lube later.

Currently using the PCX as I have just installed entire new drive parts as part of my 50,000 kms maintenance.

PCX for comfort still, The Kawa for a little power boost.

[alx123]

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The naked's evolution is complete; small wind screen, radiator cover and an extra mud guard.

After a more than a week of use, I'll try to give an honest user review.

Performance-wise, given that ti's a single, this little 250 is quick at the starting line. Can't say much about the top end as I haven't got the heart to test it yet in Bangkok's roads. Fastest I've been is only at 120kph (74MPH).

Surprisingly, it is much easier to filter the 250 in BKK's traffic than the PCX because of its narrower handle.

Brakes are impressive. both rear and front. ABS is a godsend. The suspension are slightly better than the scoot.

With a pillion, I still prefer the PCX for its wider seats; It beats the naked when it comes to overall comfort so I'm keeping them both.

[Old Grinner]

Looks good!

When I had my Rebel 250 it would start to sound like a hive of bees as I inched my way over 70 MPH. It was the bike's way of saying "you are approaching ludicrous speed".

As long as you have enough power to keep up with the flow of traffic and a little on reserve for emergency maneuvers or passing you should be all set.

[alx123]

yeah, im not so concerned about the topend as I don't often have clear roads here in BKK. Besides, the legal speed limit here is 80kph.

One thing I forgot to mention is that the mirrors are buzzing slightly at speeds above 100kph that it's a little annoying. It's not hard to see the cars behind but it's something that I haven't experienced in any bike before. Given, that this is a single, it might be normal? I will try to modify the mirrors, maybe add more weight inside it or try those weighted handle bars that claims to be reducing vibrations.

[Old Grinner]

I've been looking at 300 to 400cc machines lately to downsize from my current sport bike. I'm not rushing out to buy one right now but would like to sell/trade my old KLR 650 and Bandit 1200 for a more manageable and lightweight newer bike. I'm satisfied with my scooters but would still like to have a decent motorcycle to run through the gears and revs now and then without out reaching "flight speed" in third gear. Getting too old for that . . ..

Your Kaw 250 looks like a hybrid between a Kawasaki and KTM.

Is the Ninja 400 and Yamaha R3 sold in Thailand? If so which is more popular in your opinion?

In most of the reviews I've seen of sport bikes in that class the Ninja 400 and R3 usually end up being on top in the comparisons.

[alx123]

I've been looking at 300 to 400cc machines lately to downsize from my current sport bike. I'm not rushing out to buy one right now but would like to sell/trade my old KLR 650 and Bandit 1200 for a more manageable and lightweight newer bike. I'm satisfied with my scooters but would still like to have a decent motorcycle to run through the gears and revs now and then without out reaching "flight speed" in third gear. Getting too old for that . . ..

Your Kaw 250 looks like a hybrid between a Kawasaki and KTM.

Is the Ninja 400 and Yamaha R3 sold in Thailand? If so which is more popular in your opinion?

In most of the reviews I've seen of sport bikes in that class the Ninja 400 and R3 usually end up being on top in the comparisons.

Yes, Ninja 400 and R3 are sold here. I'll say the Ninja is more popular here but the only reason I could think is because both are sold here at almost the same price. People will always go to the one with more displacement for the same price. (321cc vs 399cc).

Also you might want to consider the naked version of this two bikes, the Kawa Z400 and the Yamaha MT03.

Went to the dealer for regular maintenance yesterday and the salesperson keeps trying to get me to trade in my 250 for the Z400.

Also, the service for the 250CC cost me around $115 (includes valve check though), I immediately realized how cheap the $10 service cost of the PCX.

[alx123]

Updates on the 250..

Iv'e installed the rear Givi as having no storage at all is very frustrating.

I think it makes the bike a little "ugly" but the benefit of an extra storage room is worth it. Function over form.

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Been using it for about 3 months now and I can say that overall it's a great bike around town or a some occasional ride out of town.

The PCX is still more preferable in BKK's city traffic, but anything more than 30kms away without traffic, I'm taking the Kawa 250; It just feels so sure footed (stable) and brakes are awesome.

[Old Grinner]

The top box not only makes the 250 more useful but it also gives you a larger "presence" in traffic.

Maybe consider putting some reflective decals or bright colored stickers/reflectors on the sides of the box too? . . ..

Top boxes are great because they last forever and you can always transfer them to another/new bike someday. Also, they don't get effected by chain oil splatter like panniers often do.

[you you]

Put a light on the topbox for low flying aircraft?

[alx123]

The top box not only makes the 250 more useful but it also gives you a larger "presence" in traffic.

Maybe consider putting some reflective decals or bright colored stickers/reflectors on the sides of the box too? . . ..

Top boxes are great because they last forever and you can always transfer them to another/new bike someday. Also, they don't get effected by chain oil splatter like panniers often do.

This is how it looks like on the rear end

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I installed an additional brake/tail lights attached to the Givi's plate. I'm hesitating to add more lights as to avoid the christmas tree look

As you can see there's a strip of reflector too.

I haven't though of putting anything on the sides of the box though..let me think about it

[WhiteNoise]

Oh boy! Have You got bootie Sorry alex I couldn't resist. Ya gotta smile
Better I say, "It'sa Flying top-box!"
You got my Attention fer sure, I'm Looking at it, that works! And, It glows - that's a Good thing.
But, how's the ride after that bin is topped off? Are you swervy, unbalanced? Tight hold on the bars so to speak?

Have you considered side bags/each side not just one? Hmm...no likey, I'm betting.
Does Look rather cool though. Stop, it Ain't about that WN! alex needs big arse space that incorporates convenience. Ok, now I get it. Or don't I?

Bikes a looker! Dang! I'd like more lime with mine please

[alx123]

wn,

Sidebags not to my liking..not good for filtering BKK's traffic

and no, I didn't feel any difference in ride with the box installed..

[dick the den]

I Keep looking at the Honda cb300 r nice and light,30bhp,thats all you need

[gn2]

I Keep looking at the Honda cb300 r nice and light,30bhp,thats all you need

Yamaha R3/MT-03 much better.

[Old Grinner]

I Keep looking at the Honda cb300 r nice and light,30bhp,thats all you need

It is a nice machine. When I bought my 2017 PCX I sat on a CBR300R at the dealer. If felt comfortable and the pegs/controls were easy to reach. I think Honda has a deal going on now for the 2019 models until the end of the month. Depending upon where you live I've seen factory to dealer incentives from $750 to $1000 here in the U.S.. So for the price of a new PCX 150 I could have a new leftover CBR300R (if I was in the market). If you do decide to get one just be careful putting gas in it so as not to splash any. Check U.K. price incentives . . ..

The Honda will get you to where you have to go and look cool doing it. Clearly it's a better choice than the Suzuki GSX250R (kind of heavy for a 250).

https://www.stamfordmotorsports.com/New ... 8?ref=list

All that said I have to agree with gn2 that the R3 and MT-03 are a better choice for performance and the 321cc Yamaha is a nicer engine. The "Monster" Edition R3 definitely looks cool. The brakes could be better but one has to remember it's still an "entry level" sport bike. Not a good idea to pretend to be Valentino Rossi on the thing.

If you want more power check out the Ninja 400. It's not perfect but again it's a budget sport bike and a damn good one! The location of the exhaust pipe/heat-shield relative to the right peg is a bit awkward for some.

I thought about one but I have to keep it real. It looks like anything new I ever buy on two wheels from now on will be a scooter. I have to remember I'm not 18 anymore. In the mean time my liter bike will remind me.

[alx123]

Twin engines are obviously more fun to ride and surely has more HP but single cylinder engines on the other hand are really easy and cheaper to maintain..

I almost bought a used MT03 instead of the Kawa as well, but the cheaper price of the 250 is just too good of a value for me to ignore.

A lot of people say that the CB300R is a boring bike, but it's probably subjective, heck even some people are saying the same with the bigger and much more powerful single cylinder CB500.

The choice in the 300 range are quite diverse: CB300r, Ninja and Z300, MT-03, R3, TnT 300, BMW Gs310 , Suzuki GSX 300...

[dick the den]

I Keep looking at the Honda cb300 r nice and light,30bhp,thats all you need

Yamaha R3/MT-03 much better.

Sat on one at the London excel bike show last sunday,no good seat is pushing me forwards ,fells like I am sitting on the front forks,but the Honda cb 300r wasent there but sat on the cb125 now that's bloody small in size.

[gn2]

Sat on one at the London excel bike show last sunday,no good seat is pushing me forwards ,fells like I am sitting on the front forks,but the Honda cb 300r wasent there but sat on the cb125 now that's bloody small in size.

Ergos are very personal, I found the R3 comfortable to ride.

[alx123]

Now, removed the Givi and is just using a 30L tail bag.

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Fickle-minded are we?

[you you]

Nice looking combination