There are a lot of 250cc motorcycles in Malaysia, but which ones are the best?

There are a lot of motorcyclists here in Malaysia riding all kinds of two-wheelers ranging from different brands and capacities. There are many groups and classifications, but they're generally divided into two different groups - those who have B full license and those who have B2 license.

The majority of folks have the B2 motorcycle license, which means they are limited to legally operating motorcycles ranging up to 250cc. For this very reason, a lot of manufacturers and distributors have focused on offering their best 250cc models here in Malaysia, and here are some of the best (and latest) 250cc bikes that you can get right here in Malaysia.

2020 Yamaha MT-25 - RM21,500

When it comes to the 250cc category, the offerings from Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) have been nothing but success for each and every model. Sitting at the top of the list is arguably the 2020 Yamaha MT-25, a 250cc naked bike that was quick to gain a cult-like following right here in Malaysia.

Carrying the same design DNA from its bigger and more powerful MT siblings (MT-09 and MT-07), the Yamaha MT-25 carries itself exceptionally well thanks to its 250cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled DOHC engine that produces 35.5hp and 23.6Nm of torque. For the price of RM21,500, you'll also get USD front forks, dual-channel ABS, and a huge 14-litre fuel tank. Pretty sweet deal, if you ask us.

2020 Yamaha XMAX 250 - RM21,500

If, however, you're into scooters, HLYM has a very good choice as well and you've most likely seen a few every time you're on the road. The 2020 Yamaha XMAX 250 is a unique maxi-scooter that comes with a more youthful and aggressive design, which makes it a good choice for all groups of riders.

The XMAX 250 was designed to be a very comfortable scooter that you can be used for daily travels as well as going the distance across borders. For that price, you'll get a scooter powered with a 250cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled SOHC engine that produces 22.5hp and 24.3Nm of torque. Blasting from traffic lights should be a fun escapade, just ask the owners if you know one.

Perhaps its biggest advantage is its huge underseat storage that is said to be able to fit a backpack and even a 15-inch laptop. This is indeed a huge selling point for those who are constantly travelling with your precious belongings, but you don't really want to mess with the looks by installing a box. Two thumbs up from us for the Yamaha XMAX 250.

2021 Honda Forza 250 - RM25,388

The Honda Forza first entered the market as a 300cc maxi-scooter model. While it may be a good and interesting prospect for a lot of individuals here in Malaysia, being a bike that's over the 250cc mark means that it's not really a viable option for those who only have the B2 motorcycle license.

For this very reason, Boon Siew Honda decided to change their game plan and bring in the 250cc version for the Honda Forza, which not only means it's now a considerable option for most motorcyclists here in Malaysia, but also thanks to its reduced price tag of RM25,388 (excluding insurance, road tax, and registration).

Powered by a  250cc single-cylinder SOHC engine enhanced with low friction eSP+ (enhanced Smart Power), the 2021 Honda Forza 250 produces 21.7hp and 22.6Nm of torque. This efficient engine is paired with an 11.7-litre fuel tank, which means that one can travel the distance before requiring a pit stop to refuel at the nearest petrol station.

For that price tag, you'll also get other interesting specs like electrical-adjustable 180mm windscreen, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), USB charging port, dual-channel ABS, Honda Smart Key System, huge storage space under the seat, and most importantly, Honda Selectable Torque Control. Not bad at all for a 250cc scooter.

2020 Honda CBR250RR - RM25,999

If you prefer something that's a bit more on the sportier side, Boon Siew Honda also has the 2020 Honda CBR250RR. It may have taken a while for this particular model to enter the local market, but it has made its mark as one of the best 250cc bikes in the market to date.

Developed from the world of motorsports, the Honda CBR250RR comes ready with a 250cc inline-two DOHC engine that produces a powerful 41hp and 25Nm of torque. Apart from its very aggressive and sporty design, the CBR250RR is also fitted with some track-ready goodies like a bi-directional quickshifter, assist/slipper clutch, ride-by-wire throttle system, and selectable riding mode.

There are three different riding modes to choose from (Comfort, Sport & Sport+), which means that you can ride it comfortably to and from work on a daily basis, and get some weekend fun down at the tracks or winding mountain roads. It may be slightly on the pricier side, but it's actually a bargain considering the full package you'll get from this top-notch Honda 250cc bike.

2021 Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 - RM24,800

If you're looking for a head-turner, there's the 2021 Husqvarna Svartpilen 250. Recently entered the local market earlier this year, the Svartpilen 250 is a street-oriented bike that carries a more off-road design appeal thanks to its high handlebar, upright seating position, spoke wheels (optional), and knobby dual-terrain tyres.

Powered by a 250cc single-cylinder DOHC engine (similar to the KTM 250 Duke), the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 produces 31hp and 24Nm of torque. For the price tag of below RM25,000, the bike is also equipped with a lightweight chassis, WP Suspension package, ByBre brakes, and dual-channel ABS to name a few. If you're into being unique, this might just be the one for you.

2021 KTM 250 Adventure - RM21,500

There are a lot more folks nowadays who are into the ADV segment, and that category is currently being conquered by KTM. They have a lot of experience and models for this particular segment, but the most affordable (and smallest) one is the 2021 KTM 250 Adventure.

Launched late last year, the KTM 250 Adventure is an adventure-ready bike that is powered by a 250cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC engine that produces 29.5hp and 24Nm of torque. Riding is made easy thanks to its six-speed manual transmission that's enhanced with an anti-hopping clutch. 

The equipment found on the KTM 250 Adventure is quite impressive as well. For that price, owners are also getting off-road ABS (dual-channel), 14.5-litre fuel tank, WP Apex suspension package, 19-inch front wheel (17-inch rear), Bybre brakes, adjustable windscreen, and many more. Can't argue with that, eh?

2020 Modenas Elegan 250 ABS - RM15,315

If budget is of concern, but you still want a decent 250cc to ride on a daily basis, then you might want to check out the 2020 Modenas Elegan 250 ABS. That's right, Modenas has a 250cc maxi-scooter and it's actually very decent for the price of below RM16,000.

Its design might be a bit dated, but Modenas has worked on a few additions to ensure that the Elegan 250 ABS is a worthy bike to own. For that very reasonable price tag, you'll also get dual-channel ABS, all-LED lights with DRLs, multi-function instrument cluster, huge under-seat storage, a USB charging port, and more.

Power comes in the form of a 250cc single-cylinder SOHC engine that produces 22hp and 22.4Nm of torque. Not really the most powerful in the list we have today, but it's actually adequate for daily travels, even on highways. Developed between the partnership of Modenas and Kymco (one of the world's greatest scooter manufacturers), you're actually getting a lot for the price you're paying.