Today’s motorcycle fans are blessed with a wide selection of products and new ones. Of course, the increase of choices will also lead to waver between products, but this is a happy “trouble”. Now, the CYCLONE RE250 may add to the  section“trouble”of young retro bike fans.

A small, fully armed retro bike

Domestic motorcycle enterprises’ retro bike development routine is similar to that of Japanese motorcycle enterprises in the 1990s and before, with the basic styling reference to the British classic models, such as NORTON and other brand. The biggest difference is: the domestic retro bikes have higher configurations than the then Japanese products, with more fashion elements.

Taking the RE250 as an example — all LED lights. The headlight features the most fashionable circular LED daily running light ring. It has a large digital display instrument system. The front suspension is inverted, and the travel is long enough, although the damping is not adjustable. The rear suspension is no doubt mid-mounted, the chunky spring gives full confidence. The front radial four-piston calipers, rear single-piston calipers, dual-channel ABS and semi-hot melt tyres seem to be a bit of a “waste” on this retro positioning bike. The single-cylinder water-cooled four-valve engine from the Aprilia GPR250R is good at running high speeds. Therefore, the RE250 is actually a retro bike with a partial sports orientation, and the target group is the energetic young people who love retro factors.

Because it is made for the post-90s and post-00s, the RE250 must go a high-end configuration route, even if it is “surplus” at all. For the new generations, high-end models need advanced configurations. Of course, when you have the configurations, you will pay for them. The price of the RE250 is more than 18000 yuan. A 250cc single-cylinder retro bike reaching this price range is actually acceptable to the current consumption level of the public.

Super quality

The importance of modelling is self-evident to a retro bike. With past years of development, the styling of domestic retro bikes is basically the same, so the competition lies in configuration and workmanship. Retro bike should be less “plastic” and more heavy metal.

This RE250’s overall design is very satisfactory. This is a clever little retro product. The designers created it carefully on the basis of a Cafe, giving it simple and bright color, cheerful and smooth body lines.

Workmanship is also our focus. In fact, one of the biggest complaints Chinese customers have had about their retro bikes is the workmanship. When you look closely at the RE250, you will see a “delicate” body. For example, the texture of the paint and parts connecting surfaces are all good.

Quality riding experience

The RE250 was used by two young riders for one week. They didn’t “test” it, but just rode it every day for commuting, spare-time travel around, and a few nighttime strolls in the city. If your are a big man, you are probably not satisfied with the ride comfort–you definitely prefer a liter bike. However, the power performance delivered by the water-cooled single cylinder is good–vibration suppression is good, acceleration is smooth, good high-rev output…The sliding clutch functions well to bring comfortable gear shifting. Zongshen’s strength in engine research and development and production is beyond doubt. The engine it created for the Aprilia GPR250R is good at sports performance, making the RE250 a light retro bike with excellent power performance.

In terms of riding comfort, the 1.8m and 70kg rider didn’t feel the slightest humbled, he seemed to be addicted to the flexible handling. For several days, he rode the RE250 through city streets and enjoyed the joy of riding. “In the night, the RE250’s light signal is distinctive” he said, “The biggest highlight is the light band around the headlight, which is not only practical, but also a high-end decoration.”

The sliding clutch really improves controlling. As for the braking system, both riders said the braking was “excessive” in urban streets. The only complaint was that the front braking controller felt “hard” to operate, especially when pinching it for the first time. In slightly more intense riding, the tyre grip was satisfying. The tough suspension system also added to the confidence of free riding.

From a purely urban commuting point of view, the RE250 is undoubtedly very competent. Not to mention the riding comfort and great power, the cruising range delivered by the large fuel tank brings great convenience to daily use.

A enjoyable riding experience with a light retro bike

The RE250 was also tested on an excursion, with routes covering streets, intercity expressways (speed limit 100km/h), unpaved forest paths and abandoned factories. In a temperature of 39℃ and the surface temperature of more than 60℃, the water-cooled single cylinder engine was nothing abnormal, even running on a hot intercity highway for a long time. It was proved again to be a powerful and reliable engine.

Light, easy to control, and reliable overall performance…, the RE250 is undoubtedly one of the best 250cc retro bikes in China. It fits the taste of modern young people. The RE250 may look even better with a little embellishment and a side bag…

Source: https://www.newmotor.com.cn