SYM Wolf 250 vs Kawasaki Ninja 250R vs Honda CBF 125

[TaKKsi]

Hi all,

After 3 years or so without a bike I might be getting another one. Basically I have narrowed my choices to the 3 below:

- Honda CBF 125
- Kawasaki Ninja 250R
- Sym Wolf 250

I weigh 125kg so I'm not feeling too comfortable going for a 125 which puts the Honda pretty much out.

This leaves me with 2 options, the Ninja or the Wolf.

Before you mention the CBR250 - I didn't consider that as an option because it is too sporty with regards to the riding position and the suspension apparently.

On the other hand, the Ninja is quite upright although it is a sports bike, and from what I can see it also has adjustable levels of softness in the rear suspension.

The wolf is really nice, especially the sharp lines around the tank etc, plus it seems to have a very good finish. Apparently it also has a very soft ride (i.e. makes it more comfortable).

However, on a review on YouTube I heard someone with a Wolf 125 saying that when he goes at high speed he gets the engine light on and if I understood correctly it starts spitting oil. However that is the 125 but I don't know if the 250 engine would do the same thing. He also said that 1st gear is a bit harsh to shift to.

Anyway, bottom line, the Sym is nice, and around €600 cheaper than a Ninja (the dealer has a few 2012 models left and put them out for a cheaper price as the new Ninja 300s are in). The Ninja is also nice, but then the Sym has the sharp lines and the digital dash.

However, it all depends on which one has the better ride and which is more reliable.

Can anyone shed some light on this for me please - I'd really appreciate.

Cheers
____________________
TaKKsi... the one and only...
https://www.bikepics.com/members/takksi
Kawasaki Kaze 112 || Honda CB400 || Suzuki DR250 || Kawasaki KLR650 || Hyosung GT250

[G]

None of those are sports bikes, including the CBR.

They are dressed up commuters for the ones with fairings.

At 125kg, you may find typical suspension a bit lacking.

Why those bikes?

There are a lot of better bikes available 'with better rides' and reasonable reliability around.

[TaKKsi]

Those are the ones I could find within budget or slightly above. If you have any ideas let me know - I'm open to anything at the moment, although I don't fancy the idea of going for a used bike.

There's also the Hyosung (I had a Comet GT250 naked previously and although it wasn't bad it was nothing exciting and had a very hard ride).
____________________
TaKKsi... the one and only...
https://www.bikepics.com/members/takksi
Kawasaki Kaze 112 || Honda CB400 || Suzuki DR250 || Kawasaki KLR650 || Hyosung GT250

[TaKKsi]

By the way I live in Malta... bit of a limited choice there....
____________________
TaKKsi... the one and only...
https://www.bikepics.com/members/takksi
Kawasaki Kaze 112 || Honda CB400 || Suzuki DR250 || Kawasaki KLR650 || Hyosung GT250

[G]

Why don't you fancy a used bike?

You generally get a massively better deal which means someone else has paid a big chunk of money to push the bike out of the show room.

Any bike is likely to suffer with 125kg - that's easily the two-up weight a lot of people will be at.

I'd suggest putting some of the budget towards stiff springs.

[TaKKsi]

I have trust issues.... would fall paranoid that the bike was involved in an accident etc. Plus I don't know a mechanic that I know well enough to trust and take with me to check it out that's mainly why I'm opting for new... and warranty.
____________________
TaKKsi... the one and only...
https://www.bikepics.com/members/takksi
Kawasaki Kaze 112 || Honda CB400 || Suzuki DR250 || Kawasaki KLR650 || Hyosung GT250

[Aspire]

There must be some old 500cc twins about that would be a lot better?

No offense but at 125kg you weigh as much as a 250cc, 25-30bhp isn't going to be enough.

[TaKKsi]

LoL I know that's why I'm not considering a 125cc at all and two considering going on a real diet and training - would like to go down to at least 95kg...
____________________
TaKKsi... the one and only...
https://www.bikepics.com/members/takksi
Kawasaki Kaze 112 || Honda CB400 || Suzuki DR250 || Kawasaki KLR650 || Hyosung GT250

[G]

[_mjs_]

Buy the Ninja 250 and ride it to the gym
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Previous Bikes: 2006 Honda XR125L > 2003 Yamaha DT125R > 1996 Honda CB500
Current bikes: 1997 Kawasaki ZZR 600 E5 > 2006 Honda Varadero XL125V