VOGE CU250, the most suitable cruiser for novice riders

First, take a look at its appearance. This motorcycle adopts the same family design as the CU525 and CU625 models, featuring a round headlight paired with a V-shaped light strip, which offers outstanding recognizability when lit up at night. The manual and automatic versions look nearly identical, with only minor differences in decals and color schemes. Your choice depends on whether you prefer operating the clutch or want a more effortless riding experience.

It is still powered by that 249.9cc V-twin engine, delivering 20 kilowatts and 23 Newton-meters of torque, paired with a slipper clutch. The tuning is biased toward mid-to-high RPMs, with mediocre low-end torque; you need to rev the engine a bit to get a quick start.

It's really beginner-friendly to ride. The bike weighs 172kg with a seat height of 710mm. At 1.7 meters tall, I can place both feet firmly on the ground. It's very nimble for weaving through urban traffic. The 15-liter fuel tank eliminates range anxiety, and it comes standard with ABS and TCS, providing maximum safety.

But I have to be honest about its flaws. The vibration is quite noticeable at low RPMs, making your feet feel numb while waiting at traffic lights; in summer, the exhaust pipe heat shield still gets hot enough to burn your legs, so be careful if you wear shorts; the stock fender is basically useless, leaving a streak of mud on your back on rainy days; the seat is a bit stiff for the sake of styling, causing soreness after long rides. The automatic version features creep mode and cornering assist, making it beginner-friendly, but the smoothness of gear shifts is subjective—some find it satisfying, while others complain about its slow response.

All in all, if you're a novice looking for a good-looking, easy-to-ride cruiser with a friendly seat height, the CU250 is definitely worth adding to your shortlist. But don't expect it to be perfect—only make the purchase if you can accept these minor flaws.