The 2025 Big Boy TSR250 has earned a reputation as a well priced versatile and practical motorcycle, offering a combination of road and off-road capabilities. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend rider who enjoys both tar and rugged terrain, the TSR250 is a machine that can handle both chores.
We gave the TSR 250 to Deon from our office and then to the youngest member of our team, 16 year old Kyle Foley, who rode the bike across a variety of terrain.
They both agree that the TSR250 delivers better performance than they expected…
One of the great features of the TSR250 is its decent comfort and easy handling. Deon took the bike on a 150 km odd ride, covering everything from smooth tar roads to rocky terrain and bush paths.
He says:Â
I was impressed with the comfort the bike provided, even after quite a long ride on such a small bike. The seat and neutral riding posture made it a comfortable ride on both short and long journeys over any terrain that I pointed it at.
The lightweight feel of the TSR250 is also a big plus for me.
The bike is easy to maneuver, which makes handling in tight areas like car parks and especially in tougher off road sections feel a lot easier than I expected. The TSR250 felt nimble and responsive to my input. I found this especially useful when riding in the dirt. The bike’s agility helped me stay in control…. most of the time.
Riding back to the office along the freeway I saw just on 122 kmh flat-out, enough to maintain safe speeds in the slower lanes, uphills were a bit of a challenge, where I dropped to just below 95 kmh.
It was also extremely windy on that day and this lightweight little bike did get shunted around a bit by the wind.
I found the brakes to be more than adequate, offering good feedback and stopping power. The TSR250 is fitted with a 280mm disc brake at the front and a 220mm disc at the rear, which provides a solid and progressive braking feel. They work just fine!
To describe this bike in a few words. Fun. Easy to ride. Unintimidating. Versatile. A good choice for the farm, or gallavanting around the neighbourhood.
Kyle says:Â
I spend most of my saddle time aboard my KTM 250 EXC-F, and this is my point of reference for any other bike I ride, so I wasn’t really expecting a whole lot from the Big Boy TSR 250. After riding it for a bit I was surprised that the handling was as good as it was, so much better than I was expecting.
The suspension didn’t bottom out and it had pretty good travel and ground clearance as well. Not too soft, not too plush – a good setup for a trail bike like this.
On dirt, the bike has great grip and felt stable, especially when riding at faster speeds or on tricky trails.Â
I was also surprised at how much power it had low down in the rev range, great for wheelies! Top speed is okay for shooting around town, but I wouldn’t be in a hurry to take it out on the freeway. In the dirt it’s a lot of fun. I also really like the off-road styling of the TSR250. The wide, chunky tyres and sturdy frame give it a rugged, tough look.
The TSR250’s engine is a 225cc, counter balanced, single-cylinder engine. Both lads were impressed by how smooth and responsive the engine is. Deon commented that the engine’s power delivery is reasonably consistent, whether he was cruising on the tar or riding rough patches in the bush. The power output is around 26 horsepower and is more than enough to keep the bike moving at a decent pace.
Kyle said he liked how smooth the engine felt, not clangy or rattle-ly at all. The power delivery in the dirt is linear, providing enough grunt to tackle obstacles while maintaining control.
The bike is a solid performer. When you close the throttle hard, the engine produces a dlekker little popping sound from the exhaust which both Deon and Kyle like a lot. The TSR250 comes with a handy carrier rack. This feature is perfect for carrying extra gear or mounting a top box.
The only real niggle either Kyle or Deon could come up with when pushed, was that the kick starter sometimes gets in the way of their calf muscle. You shouldnt ever need to use it because the bike has electric start, but if you do, theres a knack. Other than that, they were very complimentary about the TSR 250.
                           Specifications at a Glance
- Engine: 223,4cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke with counter balance shaft
- Power: 26 horsepower
- Brakes: 280mm disc front, 220mm disc rear
- Suspension: Telescopic front fork, rear shock absorber
- Weight: 122 kg (dry)
- Fuel Capacity: 12L
- Fuel Efficiency: 3.0litres/100km at 70km/h
In short, the 2025 Big Boy TSR250 is a capable and fun motorcycle, offering good value for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile machine that is well priced. Whether on tar or off road, it’s a bike that seems to be up for any challenge.
For more information or to find your nearest stockist go to Big Boy South Africa.
