The Daelim VJF250 Roadwin 250R, Twist and Go Sportsbike

The Daelim VJF250 Roadwin 250R looked Japanese and wouldn't have been out of place in any major motorcycle lineup. It goes to show how rapidly the newer Asian manufacturers are catching up to the established manufacturers. The instruments are superb, with a clearly indicated tacho and an easily read digital-screen, displaying the info you need since the previous fill-up. A quick scan of the Daelim VJF250 Roadwin 250R shows twin front-discs, and span-adjustable levers for brake and clutch.

The luggage tie-down points on the seat, as well as the grab handles/loops underneath, are another handy touch. The rear suspension is adjustable for pre-load but neither rim has angled valve stems.

The Daelim VJF250 Roadwin 250R is powered by a liquid-cooled, DOHC four-valve, single-cylinder, 250cc engine. Equipped with a modern fuel-injection system. The 250cc single-cylinder Daelim engine was punchy from round one, with acceptable vibration levels. The balance shaft, mounted in front of the crank and run directly off it, tames the worst of the shakes that any single is prone to, but there was still a high-frequency buzz at higher rpm. The engine was new and tight and, to be fair, the vibrations subsided a bit the longer I rode it, so it's fair to say the engine should quieten down with appropriate running in.

The fuel-injection system on the Daelim Roadwin 250R worked very well, allowing rapid starting and warm-up from rest and then simply retreated from view so I didn't notice the fueling at all – which is how it should be. The 250cc engine provides a broad spread of power and it's easy to flow with the traffic, the amounts of torque on offer provide for a relaxed ride.

Thailand has fallen in love with Korea, you cannot turn on the TV or you are confronted by some Korean soap, but will the Thai population also get the same feeling when they're looking for a new motorcycle? Anyway, with a high level of expectation that I thumbed the starter button of the new Dealim fuel-injected Daelim Roadwin 250R, and with just as much enthusiasm that I listened to the rich exhaust sound from the pipe as I fastened the strap on my helmet and pulled om my gloves. The Korean mechanic was still talking about the do's and do not's but I was already not listening.

When it comes to putting the power to the ground, the Daelim VJF250 Roadwin 250R scores pretty well. Large mid-corner bumps can result in scary sound from the center-stand, but get on the gas early and impressive corner speeds are the order of the day. The ride is neither as supple nor a controlled as a serious larger sportsbike, but it's certainly on a par with similar motorcycles available in Thailand in the same class, and when Daelim finds a distributor in Thailand, the price will be a compelling argument.

Overall, I was more impressed with the Daelim Roadwin 250R than I had expected to be. The Daelim VJF250 Roadwin 250R is a value-for-money sportsbike.

If you're looking for opportunities in the Thai automotive sector, Korean Daelim motorcycles is still looking for a distributor.