There’s something oddly comforting about a motorcycle that doesn’t try too hard. No aggressive angles. No racing pretensions. Just a clean silhouette, a steady thump, and a design that feels like it belongs to another era. That’s the space the Keeway SR250 quietly walks into and then refuses to leave your mind.
Launched in India in 2023, the SR250 isn’t chasing the usual 250cc crowd obsessed with speed figures and sharp lap times. Instead, it’s appealing to riders who like their machines simple, stylish, and easy to live with. Think relaxed city rides, evening coffee runs, and the occasional long way home. Old-school soul, modern manners.
Retro Styling That Gets Noticed
Let’s not pretend otherwise—the SR250’s biggest hook is how it looks. One glance and you know exactly what Keeway was going for. A proper round headlamp up front. Wire-spoke wheels. A flat, ribbed brown seat that screams classic. Fork gaiters, minimal body panels, and a gently curved fuel tank that feels straight out of a vintage garage.
This bike doesn’t shout for attention. It earns it.
The paint finishes—red, black, and white—are glossy and understated, complementing the retro theme instead of overpowering it. Park it outside a café or roll through traffic, and people notice. Not because it’s loud or flashy, but because it looks different in a sea of sharp-edged commuters and mini-adventure bikes.
If you’ve ever admired old motorcycles but hesitated because of reliability or daily usability, the SR250 feels like a sensible compromise.
Engine Built for Calm, Not Chaos
Under that classic skin sits a 223cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. On paper, the numbers are modest: around 16 PS at 7,500 rpm and 16 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. This isn’t a machine meant to chase redlines or intimidate traffic.
And honestly, that’s kind of the point.
The engine is tuned for smooth, predictable power delivery. In city traffic, it feels relaxed and cooperative. Throttle inputs are easy to manage, and the bike never feels nervous or jerky. The 5-speed gearbox is straightforward, with clean shifts that suit everyday riding.
One of the SR250’s biggest advantages is its weight—or lack of it. At just 120 kg (dry), it feels incredibly manageable. U-turns, tight parking spots, filtering through traffic—it all feels effortless. For beginners, this is a huge confidence booster. For experienced riders, it’s just… pleasant.
Mileage and Real-World Practicality
Retro charm is great, but a daily bike still needs to make sense. On that front, the SR250 does its homework.
Keeway claims a mileage of around 36 kmpl, which is respectable for a 223cc motorcycle. Pair that with a 14.2-litre fuel tank, and you’re looking at a riding range comfortably north of 500 km on a full tank—at least in mixed riding conditions.
That kind of range means fewer fuel stops and more uninterrupted riding, especially for city users who hate frequent refuelling.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the key specifications:
| Specification | Keeway SR250 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 223cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder |
| Power | 16 PS @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 16 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Mileage | ~36 kmpl |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.2 litres |
| Weight | 120 kg (dry) |
Braking and Safety Confidence
Keeway hasn’t cut corners where it matters. The SR250 gets disc brakes at both ends—a 300mm disc up front and a 210mm disc at the rear. More importantly, it comes equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard.
That’s a big deal in this segment.
In sudden braking situations or on slippery roads, ABS adds a layer of reassurance that riders—especially newer ones—will appreciate. Braking performance feels progressive rather than sharp, which matches the bike’s relaxed personality.
It’s not about stopping like a sportbike. It’s about stopping safely and predictably.
Suspension Tuned for Everyday Roads
The suspension setup sticks to the classics: telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. No fancy adjustability, no complex hardware—and that’s perfectly fine.
The tuning leans towards comfort. Speed breakers, uneven patches, and rough city roads are handled without drama. The bike feels composed at urban speeds, soaking up imperfections instead of transferring them straight to your spine.
This isn’t a motorcycle built for aggressive corner carving or off-road adventures. But for daily commuting and relaxed weekend rides, the suspension does exactly what it’s supposed to do.
Modern Features Without Killing the Vibe
Despite its vintage looks, the SR250 isn’t stuck in the past. Keeway has added just enough modern features to make daily riding easier—without ruining the retro aesthetic.
You get full LED lighting, which improves visibility and adds a subtle modern touch. The instrument cluster is fully digital, displaying essential information clearly. There’s also a hazard light function, which is genuinely useful in emergencies or poor visibility conditions.
Crucially, all of this is done tastefully. Nothing feels out of place. The spoke wheels remain, the silhouette stays classic, and the bike never tries to pretend it’s something it’s not.
Pricing and Value Proposition
At launch, the Keeway SR250 was priced at around ₹1.49 lakh (ex-showroom). In a segment where many 250cc motorcycles push well beyond that, the SR250 positions itself as a reasonably priced lifestyle bike.
You’re paying for design, simplicity, and everyday usability—not outright performance. And for riders who value those things, the price feels justified. Multiple colour options also add a bit of individuality, which matters if you don’t want to ride what everyone else is riding.
Ownership Reality Check
Here’s the honest part.
Keeway is still a relatively new name in India, and its service network is expanding rather than fully established. Depending on where you live, dealership and service availability could be a deciding factor. This isn’t something to ignore—especially if you plan to keep the bike long-term.
That said, the SR250’s simple, air-cooled engine and straightforward mechanicals should, in theory, be easier to maintain than more complex machines.
Final Verdict
The Keeway SR250 isn’t trying to be the fastest, the loudest, or the most feature-packed motorcycle in the room. It’s doing something far more interesting—offering a calm, retro-styled riding experience that fits neatly into everyday life.
For riders who love classic design, want a lightweight and approachable bike, and prefer relaxed rides over adrenaline rushes, the SR250 makes a strong case for itself. It’s stylish without being pretentious, modern without losing its soul, and practical enough to be your daily companion.
In a market obsessed with numbers, the SR250 reminds you why motorcycling is also about feeling.
FAQs
The SR250 delivers around 36 kmpl in regular city riding conditions.
Yes, its lightweight build and smooth power delivery make it beginner-friendly.
Yes, it features dual-channel ABS as standard.
It is priced at approximately ₹1.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
It’s comfortable for short tours and relaxed highway rides, but best suited for city use.
