few times a week is approx how frequent ?
and only for short distance ? within 10km ? 100km ?

I ride a CBR250r, ABS version. Personally I would take ABS as a way to protect myself from certain degree of accident because the only ever accident on bike on me is on a scooter where the wheel actually lock and I fly at least 5m ahead of d scooter.

Other bikes no ABS available for options, thus I choose this CBR250r ABS. at peak, I rode for an enormous distance in a week, which is about 1600km per week, and currently the bike is near 4 years old with !mileage of 95k without any major issue.

my recommendation will be based on your needs and preference. no bike is 100% best. just about how suit it is

short distance, then a used CBR250r will do just fine. not much to worry for spare parts. and mostly a Honda won't cause a too big issue. there are quite a few of CBR selling on Mudah n by some of the owner. bang for bucks. 12k to get one. nothing much to worry.

maintenance cost, for 250cc is actually almost the same. just that spark plug for single cylinder (CBR, Duke, ...) is 1 pc, where z250 will be 2 pcs there.

BTW not to mention Duke is a quite a fun bike to ride as what recommend by upstairs. is a naked bike.

CBR is fun to ride too. it got fairing la. whereas duke is naked. CBR is famous for its' handling, agility.

outlook wise, quite personal.

This post has been edited by sun1989: Jul 14 2015, 02:10 AM

For most people, the riding position is good enough. For me actually still kurang a bit as I'm 179cm. Need something like gtr1400 or honda st1300 or fjr1300 to suit me. Hehe
If u don't emphasis on ABS, then you may consider get a fz150i and get more money at the mean time, and aim for some 600cc bikes.
A lot of johorian Travelling in and out from sg using ninja 250. If the height suit you then it will be a good bike too. As a lot in the market and a lot of accessories too.
For cbr250r, I pick it bcoz of petrol saving, with ABS more safety especially during wet rides(it saved me few times in the rain during braking, else I will end up with minor injury instead of enjoying a hot bath), and another one is superb cornering. This makes even beginner can corner as good
Honda's handling, it is true.