[adouglas]

Pros:

• Absurdly cheap to buy and own.
• Light and nimble... "flickable."
• Rewards good riding technique: The better you are, the more fun the bike is.
• The user experience gets better the harder you ride it. The party starts at about 9,000 rpm.
• Been around a long time. Lots of spares.
• Nearly bulletproof. That engine can spin along at 12,000+ rpm all day for years.
• A lot of fun to ride provided you understand that fun does not necessarily equal horsepower.
• User-friendly power delivery... relatively hard to get yourself in trouble, unlike a supersport.
• Compact size, which is wonderful if you're a smaller person.
• Support by one of the best rider communities out there... us.

Cons

• 250 has been out of production for several years now. The basic platform lived on in the 300 and now the 400, but the 250 itself will begin to fade away over time.
• It's an entry-level bike with entry-level components and suspension. Everything gets the job done but don't expect the kind of amenities you'll get on a $12,000 supersport.
• Suspension designed for beginning riders/commuters. New riders won't notice. Advanced riders will and may want to improve things (which can be done). For normal everyday riding you will not find it limiting.
• Little niceties that are now commonplace (e.g. gear indicator) aren't present on the 250. They are on later bikes.
• Carbs, assuming you don't appreciate the elegance of mechanical fueling.
• (Pregen only) 16" wheels mean limited tire choices.
• (Track only) side stand mount limits available lean. Racers grind 'em off.
• Compact size, which can be an issue if you're a larger person.
• Limited performance, assuming that's what you're after. This thing is not going to rip your arms out of their sockets or power-wheelie. But it will get you up over 100 mph (barely). And it can keep up with much more powerful bikes in the twisties when ridden well.
• Not a bike for the vain or attention-seeking owner. You don't get bragging rights at bike night (assuming you like such events) and the gixxah bros will sneer at you (assuming you give a crap). You have to prove your coolness by riding better than the other guy, not showing off the toy you've just purchased.