2011 Daelim VJF 250

Scooters have been Daelim's bread and butter since they started motorcycle manufacture in 1962, with CVT models still comprising the bulk of the range produced today. The current Daelim lineup boasts six different scooter models, three of which were released in Australia for the 2010 relaunch. The VJF 250 was the exception, a conventional road/sports bike with manual transmission and full fairing. Originally debuting as a 125cc model - the VJF 125 FR - in the Asian market in 2007, the larger, 250cc version of the VJF was added to the Daelim lineup in 2009.

The appearance of the VJF 250 was undoubtedly a stand out, which, whether we like to admit it or not, is a factor when it comes to choosing a motorcycle, arguably even more so for new riders. The fairing featured sharp-edge sports styling with traces of Honda's VTR1000 SP-1, as well as late model Kawasakis, in the design. The black tri-spoke wheels were accented in reflective red rim tape, with the same colour used to pick out the brake calipers front and rear. The colour options available for the 2011 local model were black and white - literally! Buyers had a choice of 'Pearl White' or 'Mud Black' (yes, really!) - the latter name likely derived from the black's matte finish. A red colour option was added partway through 2011.

Mechanically, what was notable about the VJF 250 was its single cylinder engine - something of a rarity in 250cc road bikes nowadays. Fuel injection, instead of carb induction, was a modern feature, which was also used on the 125 version of the VJF. The frame was a fairly conventional dual cradle perimeter layout in box section tubular steel, covered in part by the attractively-styled full fairing. Front suspension featured non-adjustable telescopic forks, with the rear monoshock also non-adjustable. Brakes were discs front and rear, with the dual fronts looking particularly purposeful. The VJF 250 featured a pillion pad and underseat grab handles, which also serve as tie-down points for luggage.

In the rider control area, the adjustable front brake lever and clutch lever were nice touches, while the dash layout contained a digital speedo, tacho and all the usual gauges and warning lights, all of which were easy to read and illuminated with a funky blue backlight. Curiously, there's no kill switch on the handlebars, so all the 'on' and 'off' work had to be done off the key. Mirrors were large and well positioned. Seat height (780mm), bar reach and angle were all pretty mild, set up for comfortable commuting rather than laid-out-on-the-tank sportsbike screaming. The centrestand made stable parking easier, too.

Being such a new model, feedback has been minimal on Daelim's dedicated roadbike. Road tests have been positive, with the engine performance, gear shifting, exhaust note, usability and ergonomics generally getting the thumbs up. Some have cited a lack of grunt from the engine, high speed vibrations (a feature common to all singles) and undergearing as negatives, but these criticisms haven't been across the board. Similarly, some reviews claim the suspension is too soft and the brakes are a little 'grabby' at low speeds, but again, these criticisms haven't been universal. Whether the VJF 250 would benefit from taller gearing (or even an extra gear) and harder suspension is debatable. However, it must be noted that the VJF 250 has been aimed primarily at the learner market, and with first-time riders unlikely to explore or 'push' their motorcycle's limits, these criticisms are unlikely to factor into their purchase decision.

For regular commuter riding, the VJF 250 does its job and does it well. With an approximate top speed of 140kph, the VJF 250 is capable of highway travelling without revving its head off, but it's not really made for high speed blasting or track work, so if that's what you're looking to do with your first ride, maybe you should consider one of the bigger capacity restricted singles instead.

Refinement and quality of finish on the VJF 250 is good - better than you may expect, actually. While not quite up to the Japanese, it's pretty close behind Hyosung, which is generally agreed to be the 'next best' in the LAMS range after the big four Japanese brands. Where the VJF 250 really wins is on price. RRP on release was only $4,990, which is a fair chunk below the equivalent capacity Japanese offering, and undercuts the comparable Hyosung model, as well as Megelli's 250R. There's the security of a two year, unlimited kilometre warranty, with Victorian delivered new VJF 250s also coming with 12 months registration. If an additional 'push' was needed, Daelim recently reduced pricing on 2011 model VJF 250s by $500, but the offer is only available for a limited time.

As mentioned at the top of this article, there are a lot of LAMS options available in the market at the moment, but for a 'first bike' option that ticks the boxes on style, function and affordability, the VJF 250 is certainly worth a closer look.



SPECIFICATIONS - 2011 Daelim VJF 250

Engine: 247cc DOHC four valve single cylinder
Bore/Stroke: 73 x 59mm
Compression: 11.0:1
Power/Torque: 16kW @ 9000rpm / 19Nm @ 7000rpm (approx)
Fuel System: EFi w/35mm throttle bodies
Starting: Electric
Cooling System: Liquid
Electrical System: 12 volt
Transmission/Drive: 5 speed manual/chain drive
Front Suspension: Telescopic forks, non-adjustable
Rear Suspension: Swingarm with monoshock, non-adjustable
Front Brake: Twin 290mm disc w/dual piston calipers
Rear Brake: Single 218mm disc w/single piston caliper
Front Tyre: 110/70R17 (17 inch wheel)
Rear Tyre: 140/60R17 (17 inch wheel)
Weight: 173kg (dry)
Seat Height: 780mm
Wheelbase: 1393mm
Width: 747mm
Fuel Capacity: 15 ltr
Top Speed: 141 kph (approx)