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The CBR250 is obviously a full sized bike, which the Grom isn't. But I often read the CBR250 is great a learner's bike. How does the Grom compare to it?
Which is better for beginners? CBR250 or Grom
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I see the grom as just a fun bike to mess around with, not something I would daily ride like I would with the CBR250. If I was just starting out and needed something to commute to and from work...CBR250 would be it. Plus I don't like the idea of the Grom topping out at 65MPH. I rather be able to ride at 65MPH and past that without worrying im topping my bike out
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I still think if the Grom as a cool mini bike toy. It would be easy to learn on, but it's a little toy for me!
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That's the best way to describe the Grom. It's a toy. The CBR is a full bike.
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The 250 is a beginners/learners bike. The average guy would be kinda embarrassed to ride one. I couldn't park my cbr900 and ride a cbr250. The grom is awesome! It's a gangsta little super moto mini bike. To me there is NO comparison.
That's like comparing a Lotus Elise to a VW Beetle because thy are both small 4 cylinder cars. Nothing alike. Not even the same ballpark.
On another note I did see two young men with wife beaters on, riding together on one CBR250. Seriously. My wife and son pointed out he two guys on a bike together and I noted it was a cbr250.
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That's like comparing a Lotus Elise to a VW Beetle because thy are both small 4 cylinder cars. Nothing alike. Not even the same ballpark.
On another note I did see two young men with wife beaters on, riding together on one CBR250. Seriously. My wife and son pointed out he two guys on a bike together and I noted it was a cbr250.
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128 Posts
Ideally I'd like to get the Grom as a fun bike to play around with and a full size bike for commuter/distance riding/speed. But I think the Grom would keep my attention longer than getting a 250cc bike, which I can see myself easily getting tired of or outgrowing. Grom first it is. 
A full bike like the CBR600RR after.
A full bike like the CBR600RR after.
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I highly agree. I never would have thought I'd go back to a lower than 600cc motorcycle but after seeing the GROM I sort of knew that this would be one of those cool small CC motorcycles. Kind of like how I view the Ruckus scooter.
I have no shame rocking around in the GROM. Where as in a CBR250R I will always feel like I couldn't afford/not enough balls to get the CBR600RR.
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Do "student" or "learner" motorcyclists in the US get restricted as to power / engine size? In the UK, a "learner" (basically) gets restricted to 33 bhp so either a de-tuned bigger bike or a 125/250 under 33bhp.
There are other rules (motorcycling is getting restrictive thanks to UK/Euro laws discouraging motorcycling).
Jeff
There are other rules (motorcycling is getting restrictive thanks to UK/Euro laws discouraging motorcycling).
Jeff
this is so true, the Grom only comes in one model which helps give it a good image, meanwhile when you buy a CBR250R it's seen as the cheapest, least powerful and basic CBR you can get since there are a few models above it.
Now if the Grom 125 was one of a few different groms the grom 125 we're all talking about would be seen how the CBR250 is, as the lowest of the bunch.
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I dont think there is any limitations.
In Ontario the day I got my licence I bought my 600RR. So there are no restrictions here.
We go have graduated licensing though. M1 is the first level 3 months. restricted to no night driving and no Highway. M2 is the next level and can have this for up to 5 years. The only limit on the M2 is no alcohol in the system (which I find ridiculous because I would NEVER dream of even having one beer then jumping on the bike). M is the full license.
Stew
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Just depends on the needs of the rider, for beginners it is usually recommended to start with a lower displacement starter bike like the CBR250 the 125 is too little for power and sounds too much like a lawn mower. The Grom could be used as a city commuter but with power limits I would try to use it on the free way. The Grom is more of secondary bike used for a toy.
If your goal is to ride sportbikes, start small and move up in displacement, the CBR250r is the logical choice. I started with a 1976 CB500T myself, which I wouldn't recommend, not because of the 500cc, but because it had dual drum-brakes.
Grom is more of an alternative bike. Stock, it's more akin to a street pitbike, or a manual scooter with a semi-aggressive riding position. I wouldn't recommend it as a beginner bike in the traditional sense; but I wouldn't put it past anyone if they choose it as their first bike.
Some people start at 500 (Ninja 500r, CBR500r, or 600ccs (Ducati Monster), or even 800+ (Harley). It all kind of depends on the bike itself and the end-result you are shooting for. Generally, you want to start with a bike that has a similar shape to the bike you are working up to.
If you don't mind modding, I can see outfitting the Grom to suit your needs better. Me, I will definitely be modding my future-Grom, but I prefer smaller displacement for the fuel-efficiency, among other things. I don't personally have a need for anything past 250cc, at least I won't for awhile.
Grom is more of an alternative bike. Stock, it's more akin to a street pitbike, or a manual scooter with a semi-aggressive riding position. I wouldn't recommend it as a beginner bike in the traditional sense; but I wouldn't put it past anyone if they choose it as their first bike.
Some people start at 500 (Ninja 500r, CBR500r, or 600ccs (Ducati Monster), or even 800+ (Harley). It all kind of depends on the bike itself and the end-result you are shooting for. Generally, you want to start with a bike that has a similar shape to the bike you are working up to.
If you don't mind modding, I can see outfitting the Grom to suit your needs better. Me, I will definitely be modding my future-Grom, but I prefer smaller displacement for the fuel-efficiency, among other things. I don't personally have a need for anything past 250cc, at least I won't for awhile.
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Thanks for the posts
I am new so having feedback between the two is good.
I am new so having feedback between the two is good.
i have a CBR250R. it's infinitely more practical if only for the fairing and the fact that it hits speeds fast enough that would require fairings. the Grom i imagine is definitely one of those in-town only or track-paddock bikes that would be loads of fun no matter what you're doing.
In the US there are no restrictions. This means a 16 year old with a license and MC endorsement can get a 1000cc super sport bike. This is a big mistake IMO. There are so many nuances to riding than just knowing when to shift.
As others have stated, you have to look at what your needs are- Commuting to work? Running around town? Having fun on the weekends? I used to have a Nighthawk 650 which, at the time, some considered to be a "small" bike. Thankfully, the US seems to have gotten to pace with the rest of the world to realize that a 250 (or even a 125) serves basic transportation needs quite well.
I think the Grom would be great to learn on. I have a CBR250R and absolutely love it though. I don't know the specs, but the Grom seems kind of small- kind of like what they used to call a "mini-bike" when I was young.
As others have stated, you have to look at what your needs are- Commuting to work? Running around town? Having fun on the weekends? I used to have a Nighthawk 650 which, at the time, some considered to be a "small" bike. Thankfully, the US seems to have gotten to pace with the rest of the world to realize that a 250 (or even a 125) serves basic transportation needs quite well.
I think the Grom would be great to learn on. I have a CBR250R and absolutely love it though. I don't know the specs, but the Grom seems kind of small- kind of like what they used to call a "mini-bike" when I was young.
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