I was happy when I heard that the VTR250 will be available in TH about a year ago, but I doubted the price right away. Wherever the Ninja 250 and the VTR 250 are available, the Honda is understandably at least 10% more expensive. It was supposed to be here in "early 2010" but by now I believe the whole thing was just a rumor!
I've owned a carbed VTR 250 for over two years, put about 10,000km on it and really liked the bike, it was exactly what I expected and more. Ideal for TH. If you're used to bigger bikes the little VTR will probably not be enough for you but if you trade up from a CBR150 or a Phantom 200 like I did you won't be disappointed. I liked my cheap little CBR 150 but always wanted a better suspension, bigger wheels to absorb bumps and better brakes, a little "more meat" on the whole thing. The VTR is just that, and the 90 degree V twin is the best 250 twin I've ever ridden. Linear power from above idle through midrange all the way to the top - it's a little "race engine" which will rev quickly to 12,000 rpm with top power at 10,500 rpm. I've had lots of twins, Honda's CB 360 and 450 Nighthawk, three Yamaha XS 650, Ascot 500, a Virago 750, Intruder 750 and 1400, but my next bike will have a 90 degree V, the power delivery and sound just can't be beat. Not too much of a choice out there though.
If you're happy with 30+ hp and a top speed of about 140 km/h the VTR 250 is the bike to get!
Since I prefer Enduros the perfect bike for me would be a XR 250 with the VTR engine, or a supermoto, some kind of a D-Tracker with a 30hp engine. (Maybe Kawasaki should bin that anemic single and put in the Ninja's twin!).
BTW, I sold the VTR to a guy in Chiang Mai so it should be on the road up there somewheres! It's red, has "DUCATI" written on the tank (I just couldn't resist - it's interesting how many people believe what they are see!) and a hand-made stainless steel exhaust system.