I have driven for more than 1000 km the most anticipated novelty since the birth of the brand Verve Moto: the Tracker 250.
Tracker has always been a ball of Eugene, founder of Verve Moto. I propose you again here the interview that I did to him in 2014 when he was still a customizer and had not started mass-producing motorcycles.
Lo scorso anno I tried the Tracker 125 and I liked it, so I had good expectations for this 250 which is in fact the flagship of Verve Moto, the most important product and I can say right now that they have not been disappointed. But as usual we proceed in order.
What a bike it is?
Verve Moto Tracker 250i: the name should explain everything, it's a tracker, so not a scrambler though, di fatto, goes to slip into that market there. Black, essential, purist to the extreme is the only real special sold as a series. Technically it derives from a liquid cooled single cylinder 4T enduro to which everything that is considered superfluous has been removed and garage elements added, with classic style as a drip tank, number plates, high discharge, round lighthouse.
And above all adjustable upside-down fork with black chainstays and 18 wheels″ front and 17″ behind with nice fat tires and knobs to go a little’ everywhere in style.
As already explained in the other tests, the Verve Moto brand was founded by a group of Italian boys and is based in Germany and Milan. Production takes place in China and Taiwan with differences according to the model. Specifically this Tracker 250 is built in China and the engine, produced by CF Moto, has a close relationship with the Kawasaki KLX and is credited with a 25CV, enough to push the 140 kg of weight.
In addition to the look and philosophy, the price is also interesting: 4.190 Euro.
How it is made?
As anticipated, there are no unnecessary frills, here attention has been paid to essentiality and this allows the Tracker to have an original and successful look. It reminds us of the old enduro bikes of the eighties modified to be cooler and in fact the reality of the facts is no different.
It appears as a special in all respects therefore for better or for worse. The specimen I tested was a pre-series and showed some inaccuracies, all things that it is easy to pass over once you get on the saddle. Because the Tracker is beautiful to look at and also fun to drive by making simplicity its own flag.
No electronic banging, no digital instrumentation: the only concession to modernity is electronic injection and ABS to comply with regulations.
We also appreciate some components of substance not common for the price range such as braided hoses and daisy brake discs, but also the CNC-machined handlebar levers, the adjustable fork, the arrows and the led lights.
Wide cross-style handlebar, tiny analogue instrumentation with only the speedometer, seals short (but long enough to accommodate a guest) and platforms without rubbers are the other ingredients of a cocktail available in black or white but still opaque.
How you are riding?
The size of the tracker 250 they are contained but not Lilliputian as can sometimes happen with some Chinese products. The saddle is at the right height (I am 1,75 and touch with both feet) and the triangulation is really spot on. I immediately found myself at ease, more than with the 125 which is narrower, petite and has a slightly higher saddle. Once you get up, everything is under control also because in front of your eyes you have practically nothing but the road. Less ease is reserved for the passenger who, despite the handle and the footrests at the right distance, has little space and above all the exhaust very close. Better to use it alone in short.
As you drive?
Spontaneity and no thought. La Tracker 250 perfectly lives up to the motto “Just Ride” by Verve Moto. At first it can be a little embarrassing’ the grandeur of the front tire, but it takes very little to gain confidence. A few more meters to trust tires. Good braking for power and modulation (subject to ABS, a powder’ invasive) and the engine is fun and even if it does not have super powers it can have fun and above all it can take you around in medium respectable. You might be surprised at how a 250 the 25 CV on a motorcycle from 140 kg agile and compact can allow you to get anywhere at the same time as a higher displacement.
What I like?
I like the original look decidedly successful: it is the only real series special and everyone asks you what bike it is, who made it, thinking it's an expensive development of a customizer. Unlike that, however,, this is perfectly homologated, new and with guarantee of 2 years.
Overall, I also liked the performance, more than enough they make you remember that with a 250 in the end you can do everything.
What I do not like
Some details reveal the cost-effectiveness of production and it is a shame given the presence of respectable components. The tank in the part of engagement with the saddle remains wide and obliges to keep the legs more open than necessary. Finally, the original equipment tires are not very good and the particular size of the front does not allow you to have a great choice of models (for the moment).
To the council?
To everyone. Young and old, beginners or experts. It can be the motorbike of the return, the bike to start or the second bike to use in the city. Personally I find it one more bike “totale” than others much more expensive and sold as such. it is very versatile and you can do everything with it. I would take it to go there through woods and dirt roads, pitch a tent and then go back (perhaps) in the city.
Massimiliano Serra photos.
I am convinced that an informed motorcyclist is a more aware motorcyclist and in his own small way he will act for a better world. For this reason, the articles and videos that I publish on Motoreetto.it are accessible to everyone and without advertising banners because the information must be open and shared.
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