Monster knock-off

[pennyrobber]

I know Suzuki has been making Monster knock-offs for years, but never knew Honda was in the buisness as well.

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/15april09_honda_vtr250.htm

Just shameful.

[minnesotamonster]

They've had the 599 and 919 for awhile, which are naked bikes that I suppose you could call "monster knock-offs" but this is the first one I've seen with a trellis type frame. Interesting...

Looks like a great beginner bike. Too bad we can't get it here in the states 

With some mods....I'd ride it  [moto]

[metallimonster]

Not a bad looking bike


Reminds me of the joke by Cat Williams.

"It don't look like a Bently, it look like a Chrysler 300!"

[TiAvenger]

Id rather be seen on that as opposed to being seen on a 696.

[pennyrobber]

Id rather be seen on that as opposed to being seen on a 696.

ouch

[junior varsity]

i like everything but the forks.

[DLSGAP]

the VTR has been around for a while... nothing new.. this is an upgraded design.. but its still a 250...

other than the trellis frame, it looks very similar to the CB lineup... IMO...

[Raux]

Id rather be seen on that as opposed to being seen on a 696.

ok let me get this straight.. you'd rather be on a 29hp 250cc monster 696 lookalike that weighs more than the 696, has the exact same frame configuration-trellis with aluminum subframe, single 292mm front brakes (still weighing more than the 696), square CHROME mirrors, two-tone paint scheme with what looks like an unchoppable FATASS rear end, most likely a cable clutch, non-radial front brake, giant radiator sticking out.... should i go on what is wrong with this bike? oh yeah... IT'S NOT A DUCATI

hmmm there's a thread here about someone like the plastic faired Buell. i think someone told him to see a doctor...

[minnesotamonster]

ok let me get this straight.. you'd rather be on a 29hp 250cc monster 696 lookalike that weighs more than the 696, has the exact same frame configuration-trellis with aluminum subframe, single 292mm front brakes (still weighing more than the 696), square CHROME mirrors, two-tone paint scheme with what looks like an unchoppable FATASS rear end, most likely a cable clutch, non-radial front brake, giant radiator sticking out.... should i go on what is wrong with this bike? oh yeah... IT'S NOT A DUCATI

hmmm there's a thread here about someone like the plastic faired Buell. i think someone told him to see a doctor...

Opinions and ass holes or something like that... Calm down.

[TiAvenger]

ok let me get this straight.. you'd rather be on a 29hp 250cc monster 696 lookalike that weighs more than the 696, has the exact same frame configuration-trellis with aluminum subframe, single 292mm front brakes (still weighing more than the 696), square CHROME mirrors, two-tone paint scheme with what looks like an unchoppable FATASS rear end, most likely a cable clutch, non-radial front brake, giant radiator sticking out.... should i go on what is wrong with this bike? oh yeah... IT'S NOT A DUCATI

hmmm there's a thread here about someone like the plastic faired Buell. i think someone told him to see a doctor...

In short,

Yes.

It's an economical mass produced Japanese naked bike. It has an excuse to be ugly.

The 696 on the other hand, doesn't.

It is still better looking btw.

[TiAvenger]

Opinions and ass holes or something like that... Calm down.

It's fine, I expect a certain amount of ire from 696 owners.  I'd be pissed too.

[Scottish]

OK, taking a break from that discussion.... I liked the artical and how in the very first sentence they start in on how Europe gets all the cool bikes and we won't be seeing this bike on this side of the pond.... Really?


<rant> There is a good reason we won't see it. No one would by it. I remember when 750cc was a middle weight machine. The 1000cc bikes now fill that gap. They don't even make cruises under 1000cc anymore except the 883 and everyone knows that is a "girls" bike. The only reason these small bikes sell in Europe is because of moto licensing laws that require new riders to spend a certain amount of time on small or restricted machines and graduate up to larger more powerful bikes. </rant>
Sorry I just get bored of journalist whining about that crap when they already should know the reasons.

[junior varsity]

I'm not sure why you knock a cable clutch...?

Mirrors can be replaced. They need to be replaced on the Classic Monsters, the new Monsters, and well, every Ducati that's been built. The rear looks fine to me. The seat and upright riding position looks super comfy.

My Monster has the original race derived front brakes. They aren't radial either. Bet you can't feel much a difference between the radial mounting and traditional mounts.

Giant Radiator? have you seen an S4R?

Two tone paint scheme? What would be worse? Three Color? What's the italian name for that... tricolore?

There's nothing "wrong" with this bike. Not its displacement, not its budget-minded decisions to meet a price-point, not its beautiful round headlight, nothing.  

[minnesotamonster]

I have to disagree with you on that one. Ninja 250s sell over here really well. I don't see how a bike like this wouldn't be able to sell.

[junior varsity]

OK, taking a break from that discussion.... I liked the artical and how in the very first sentence they start in on how Europe gets all the cool bikes and we won't be seeing this bike on this side of the pond.... Really?


<rant> There is a good reason we won't see it. No one would by it. I remember when 750cc was a middle weight machine. The 1000cc bikes now fill that gap. They don't even make cruises under 1000cc anymore except the 883 and everyone knows that is a "girls" bike. The only reason these small bikes sell in Europe is because of moto licensing laws that require new riders to spend a certain amount of time on small or restricted machines and graduate up to larger more powerful bikes. </rant>
Sorry I just get bored of journalist whining about that crap when they already should know the reasons.

Problem is, I'd love to buy one of these to put around on. It'd still be fun, a GREAT learner bike, and like the Ninja 250, we'd likely see some asshole on one of these passing people on 1098's and GSXR-1000's on the track because he's a damn good rider and isn't all that concerned with its lack of cutting-edge technology...