[dhgeyer]

I currently own a GZ250, and have owned a Honda Rebel, about 3 years ago. I have done fairly long rides on both. I think, to a degree, the top speed and mileage will vary a little from unit to unit. I am getting better mileage with the GZ than I did with the Rebel, 80's as opposed to 70's. The GZ will handle hills better. I think that is more important than top speed on flat ground. I am 6' 0" tall, and around 185. I didn't own these bikes at the same time, but to the best I can recall there isn't a big comfort difference between them. They both have fairly small, hard saddles. Being light, they both ride pretty hard on a bumpy road. Neither is ideal for long rides, but it can be done on either of them. Bottom line is, they are directly competing products, and are more alike than different. How long either will last probably depends more on how it is ridden and maintained than on any inherent differences between them.

There are some points in favor of the Rebel. Being a Honda, there are probably more dealers around for service if you don't want to do your own. They probably hold their value better, as they are very highly regarded.

There are some points in favor of the GZ250. It is far easier to service. The valves are easier to get to. The Honda has no oil filter to change, but it does have an oil screen that you are supposed to check and clean out. That oil screen is located such that you have to take a bunch of stuff off the bike to get to it. One piece of very bad design on an otherwise well designed bike. The GZ250 has an oil filter, located on the side of the engine. Easier to change than any other bike I have owned or know of. So, routine service on the GZ is very easy for anyone who can turn a wrench at all. The mirrors on the Honda are not far enough out. Depending on how you adjust them, they either give you an excellent view of your arms, or you can see out to the sides. You cannot see much behind you. The GZ has excellent mirrors, and they are well placed, far enough out that you don't have much of a blind spot and can see perfectly behind you. If there were no other differences at all, I would go with the GZ for that reason alone, as it is an important safety factor when riding.

Neither of these bikes is the fastest 250 out there. The Kawasaki Ninja 250 sells in the same price range used, at least around here. My daughter had one of those, and I got it up over 90mph one afternoon, on straight, flat interstate with no appreciable wind. It really will go that fast, and will cruise at highway speeds without straining, slowing down on hills, or risking engine damage. Even though the displacement is the same as the Rebel/GZ250, it's an entirely different kind of engine. It has dual carbs, and redlines at over 13,000 rpm's. At engine speeds over 10,000 you wouldn't believe it's a 250! Very fun bike to ride. Being a sport bike the riding position is different, and probably better for long hauls. It's fairly upright as sport bikes go, and it puts your feet under you for better control. The mirrors aren't very effective, though. They don't tend to be on sport bikes. The mileage on the Ninja can be in the 70's if you ride it like you would the Rebel/GZ. Out on the highway, or if you go out and have some real fun with it, the gas mileage drops into the 50's. Around here you can get a used Ninja 250 on Craigslist for a price that is well within your budget, depending on age and mileage.

Hyosung makes a couple of 250's, one a cruiser and the other a sport bike. Either is faster than either the Rebel or the GZ250. People tend to look down on the Korean bikes, but this is a mistake. They are very well designed and built, and are worth a look. Depending on whether or not there is a dealer in your area, they may be hard to find used, or to get parts for. Great bikes though, from all I have heard. I have not owned one, but a some of my friends have, and have had excellent luck with them.

Good luck!