Kymco Venox 250

I bought a Kymco Venox 250 because primarily because I wanted something cheap but stylish that I could use in town traffic but also take onto the motorway when needed. I didn't expect that much to be honest given the price tag, but it has exceeded my expectations in every area.

Surprise #1 - Build Quality. I was impressed with the finish and how solid the bike felt. After doing a little research I found that Kymco have been manufacturing parts for Honda since the 1960's and build engines for BMW I can't imagine either of these companies accepting shoddy manufacturing.

Surprise #2 - Performance & Handling. The bike is undeniably heavy for a 250, it weighs around 190 Kg which makes it feel like a much bigger capacity bike, however it produces around 28 bhp from a v-twin that likes to be revved hard. Twist on the juice and the bike accelerates smoothly. It will sit at 120 - 130 km/h all day on the motorway and if you need a bit of extra there is still some there. I've ragged mine to the limit (around 150 km/h) for a couple of hours at a time and never has the bike complained. The brakes are predictable as is the suspension with the rear suspension having a 6 setting adjustable preload. Handling is pretty balanced too. The longer forks make for heavy work at low speeds and you need to corner with cruiser mindset in tight bends but everything else can be taken with confidence and at speed the bike feels light but firmly planted on the road.

Surprise #3 - Comfort. The riding position is pretty neutral being halfway between typical cruiser and sports tourer. This allows you to lean forward if you are gunning it and want to reduce the wind blast that you get at over 120 km/h on a naked bike. The seat is great for the rider being wide and low, however anyone riding pillion will find it a tad uncomfortable, especially on rides longer than an hour.

Surprise #4 - Street Appeal. The bike has quite an imposing road presence. The styling is rather V-Rod esque and the bike looks much bigger than equivalent capacity cruisers from the Japanese stables. Almost every time I take the bike out someone stops me and asks me where I got it from and how big the engine is. Without exception all are amazed when I say it's a 250cc. Most people assume it's a much bigger bore bike and to be honest I think it peeves my mates that I ride the cheapest and smallest bore bike but that it gets the lion's share of attention.

Summary - A well built bike with better than average performance and looks that attract attention. The name badge will be a turn off for the brand snobs but if you don't have the sheep mentality and like to be a bit different you won't find better value for money. You can even wind up your BMW G450 riding mates by reminding them that they are riding around with Kymco engines.

Although the build quality of this bike is starting to show with my third season on this bike...I do love it. It is a great around town bike. It does the highway justice too. Although on long rides it is not the most comfortable. I bought it at age 33, my first bike and am very happy with it as a learner. I have no brand loyalty and this bike I got it new for under $4K. Downside...not enough aftermarket parts, Kymco is no longer importing it. Foolish on their part since the new 2010 Quannon 150 is subpar next to the Ninja 250. I think they had trouble with the Venox 250 because the style is not American enough for our market. But I get loads of complements on it! I do not care what everybody says and thinks...a 250cc is plenty of bike...I will probably keep it one more season. Christian from MA

250cc but 30hp. Most 250's have around 18hp. Catch my drift? Super reliable, great value for money, low on fuel consumption, gorgeous look. I reached 140km/h. I ride with a Marauder 2004 800 cc, a kawasaki 750cc and a Honda Goldwin 1000cc and they cant lose me. Secret and extra bonus? Near perfect handling. such fun to ride!!!hoping Kymco go the next level.

Just started riding last year, the Kymco Venox 250 is my first bike and I love it. I figured I'd start out with a small-engine bike so I can learn before moving up and the Venox fit that bill perfect. I get a lot of compliments and enjoy the look and style of the bike. Plus, I'm military so I just moved and had to take the gas tank off the bike to completely drain the fuel. With no instructions and on a tight timeline I took it off with three tools: allan wrench, socket wrench with one 12mm socket, and a small pair of pliers. Cleaned the spark plugs when I got here and it still runs perfect. Amazing. I love this bike.

Solid bike, great power for it's size, comfy to ride, everyone thinks it way bigger than it is.

Lovely bike for the money. Great to ride. Fun all around! People don't believe that it is a 250.....a 1250???, is the usual response.

Stylish, well made ,plenty of chrome ,although plastic lasts longer.

Nice wide tyres clean sharp looking bike. Nice fast comfortable eyecatching bike for the money.

250cc's but performs more like a bike twice its size!!

The Kymco Venox 250 should have been a fun first bike, but the shop and manufacturer have been no help. It's just not reliable at all, only had it 3 months before it started sputtering, took it into the shop, they had it a month and gave it back. it ran just a few days before it died while on the road. they have had it 5 weeks and i still don't know when I'll get it back. They also told me it would NOT be covered by the 2 year warranty it supposedly came with. Buy a Kymco Venox at your own risk!