In the world view, a 250 is a large displacement motorcycle.

98% of the Chinese market is 150cc or less, and 125s make up over 50% of the bikes sold in China. Same with the big motorcycling countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. In Taiwan there is almost one "powered two wheeler" for every two people*, and those machines nearly all displace between 50 and 125ccs. In India, the bike manufacturers are having a tough time convincing the mainstream market to move up to 125s from 100s. Our image of Europe is GS1200s, but because of the laws and fuel prices there, the typical rider is actually on a 125. In Japan, the largest sales class is 50s. In Latin America you'll seldom see a motorcycle bigger than a 150.

I'm not saying a 250 would be my first choice to ride from Kerrville to El Paso, I'm just trying to give a little perspective.

tcs

*Highest motorcycle ownership rate in the world.