UPDATE: Be sure to check out the 2008 kawasaki ninja 250 review! The new version of the bike rocks!
The Kawasaki Ninja 250r is the ultimate starter motorcycle for a new rider. It's nimble, light, and gets great gas milage. Although the look of it may be a bit 'aged' compared to some of the newer style of 600cc motorcycles, I personally think that the bike holds its own aesthetically... especially the 2007 black color scheme. I think you will be hard pressed to find another 250cc machine that looks as good and handles as well.
This Ninja is powered by a 248cc, 4-stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, engine that puts out quite a bit of power for being just under 250cc's. It can run the 1/4 mile in 14.6 seconds at 88mph which isn't as fast as other larger displacement bikes, but I think this is more than enough for the real world. For comparison the 2003 Acura 3.2CL Type-S will run the quarter mile in 14.9 seconds, so as you can see this little ninja can beat a lot of imports off the line. The 250R can hit 60mph in 5.75 seconds, which is just as fast as the the 2002 Subaru ImprezaWRX which can hit 60mph in 5.7 seconds. Although I don't recommend drag racing, this little ninja is no slouch!
Something that makes this motorcycle really fun is its 14,000 rpm redline; it's a real screamer when you take it on the highway! The ninja really loves being wound up to 9,000 rpms, and at around 10,000 you can really feel it start to grip the asphalt. Even though this motorcycle is fully faired (meaning it is covered by plastic sides to protect agains the wind), the motorcycle is so light that you will get blown around quite a bit at 65mph, and even more at 80 mph or 90 mph. This isn't entirely a bad thing, it just takes a little getting used to.
This motorcycle is great for the shorter rider! If you are only a few inches over 5 foot then you will think this motorcycle is a godsend compared to other 600cc bikes. Even if you are shorter than that I'm sure that if you shave the seat down a little you would be very comfortable on it. On the other hand I personally know of a few 250 riders that are around 5'9''-6'3'' and they have never had any problems with this bike. (Usually these are the tall skinny type of guys so if you are more than 250 lbs I would probably recommend going for the Suzuki GS500 or the Kawasaki Ninja 500, which have a little more horsepower).
Finally the best thing about the Ninja 250, in my opinion, is how inexpensive it is to own and maintain. There is a myth that motorcycles are much cheaper to ride than buying a car. This may be true for the initial purchase (with the average 600cc motorcycle being less than $10,000 and your average car being over $15,000) but once you add in tires, maintenance, motorcycle gear, insurance etc., the price of riding a motorcycle quickly climbs to much more than a car. The type of motorcycles that started this myth were most likely bikes just like the Ninja 250. Not only is it cheap to buy (at around $3,000 brand new), but it also gets as much as 60 miles to the gallon! The reliability of the Ninja is simply fantastic and will continue to run tens of thousands of miles with just oil changes and new tires. Even if you do run into some trouble, the Ninja 250 has had few mechanical adjustments since the late 80's; which means that parts for this motorcycle are EVERYWHERE!
So if you want one of the cheapest forms of transportation that can take you on surface streets and freeways, then the Kawasaki Ninja 250R fits the bill!
Pros:
Small and nimble.
Gets about 50 miles per gallon!
Very forgiving to new rider mistakes.
Inexpensive! (brand new around $3,000)
Cons:
Fully faired motorcycle (expensive to fix the plastics!)
Broad RPM range, you really need to wind it up to get it going.
May get blown around more on a windy day than your average 600cc.
Specs:
0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) 5.75 sec
1/4 Mile 14.6 sec @ 88 mph
Maximum Speed 105 mph (170 km/h)
Max Horsepower 36 @ 11000 RPM (26 @ rear wheel)
Max Torque 18 Ft/Lbs @ 10000 RPM (14 @ rear wheel)
Fuel Efficiency 55-75 MPG
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This bike rocks!
This bike is simply fantastic. It's the first bike that I've owned and the reason I got it was because I heard it gets really good gas milage and also that it was good for shorter riders (i'm 5'3''!!!). Well this bike fits me PERFECT, it was a great bike to learn on, and probably in another 6 months or so I'm going to move up to the Kawasaki ZX-6r or maybe the ZZR. I highly recommend this motorcycle if you are just learning to ride.
Jonathan
I love to hear that!
It's awesome when riders start with a smaller bike! When choosing between the ZZR and the ZX6 I would ask yourself what you are using the motorcycle for. If its for daily commuting I would probably go for the ZZR, but if you are a weekend canyon rider I would definitely go for the ZX-6r, that thing is amazing in the corners.
for people lookin for a
for people lookin for a beginner bike.. id suggest the United Motors V2S-250R.... the reviews speak for themselves. that paired with aa low retail price... you got urself a pretty schweet deal.
The UM/Hyosungs are $800
The UM/Hyosungs are $800 more expensive than the Ninja 250R, as well as having what's best described as "lackluster" brake feel and tops out about 15mph lower. The EX is still a more advanced motorcycle (liquid cooling and all...). The only thing the UM/Hyosung seems to have on the EX right now is it's more cosmetically modern. But I'd take a machine that I know works over one that's eye candy any day...
Ha ha your crazy UM is
Ha ha your crazy UM is Hyosung and Hyosung is a POS. the bike falls apart while you ride it. Way to many problems on that GT250R. Get a bike thats dependable and the company stands behind there product. I have the GT250R and I can tell you the Ninja is a better bike hands down.
REPLY TO HYOSUNG A POS.
I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I THINK YOUR WRONG WHEN YOU SAY THE HYOSUNG 250 IS A POS. WHY DO YOU SAY THAT IT FALLS APART WHEN YOU RIDE IT I PERSONALLY KNOW FOR A FACT THAT THE HYOSUNG 250 IS AN EXCELLENT STARTER BIKE FOR ANYONE. HAVE YOU EVER OWNED ONE? NOT ONLY DO THEY RUN GOOD THEY LOOK A LOT BETTER THAN THE NINJA. SO I THINK ITS NOT RIGHT FOR YOU TO JUDGE A BIKE WITH A 2 YEAR PARTS AND LABOR WARRANTY FROM THE FACTORY (UNLIKE THE NINJA) DO YOU THINK IF THEY WERE A POS THEY WOULD HAVE A WARRANTY LIKE THAT. ALSO ABOUT $1500.00 LESS THAN THE NINJA NEW.
I have a 2006 ninja 250. my
I have a 2006 ninja 250. my bike has a 4 year warranty now it is like 2 years. and before i got it i was debating between that and the Hyosung. The Hyosung is a newer brand so your not so sure what you dealing with as much as a ninja. ninja has been around for a long time and has been very efficient. many people have liked and enjoyed the ninja. SO YOU KNOW ABOUT WHAT YOUR GETTING. I have heard there are so kinks in the Hyosung not to sure but it is like a rumor to me. True it might $1500.00 less but your getting what you pay for. I an't taking any chances. I am not try to shoot down the hyosung and i think i could be like u said a excellent starter bike, but when you try to sell the two different bikes out in public the ninja shows more. The hyosung is a good looking bike but ninja is too. Even the new 2008 is a pretty sick looking bike. The Hyosung is just new. and it has some kinks to work out. The company will do that over the year. If you use a little comon sence you can see why it is cheaper, $1500.00 cheaper people send it in with problems under warrenty where do u think the money comes from? In some ways it is sorta a POS.
Kawasaki 250 R Ninja v Hyosung GT250R
well for those of you who really want to see a diffrence from a proffesional point of view check this video out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkqDzeCVkX0
you look like a tool
you look like a tool take that picture off you idiot.
I'm sorry
I'm sorry you feel that way, you do not have to visit the site if it offends you.
Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin
speed
how fast does it top out 4 u
top speed
With a little work I can hit around 100mph give or take 5mph. Thats plenty fast for me :)
110
Ive gotten my 2007 250RR up to 110 beating cars and sucking up other drivers easy! up hill u wont get 110 but straight 110 easy..but thats really fast and having rode a katana going 130...my 250 is all I need!! plus you can easily ride with 600's unless they ride at 130 all the time...doubt it...lol but 110 is what a 250 will do 4 u..got me away from the police!!
Something like 250 ninja or somewhere between 250-600cc
Hey there,
I enjoyed reading your review o f the new Ninja. I am very new to riding bikes. I passed my CBT about a month ago and I'm hooked on the bike already. I have a Honda CG 125cc. It was my 2nd choice as I wanted the new CBR-R with the twin light stylings of the Fireblade but In the end I'm happy with my choice. And fuel efficiency.... I thought my needle was broke, I had done 78 miles and It did'nt seem to budge.
I understand it's still early days for me but I was hoping to buy a 2nd hand 600cc in about 18-20 moths. At the moment, I have the odd stall, but feel more comfortable with my riding than I initially was. As I said , early days. I'm 5-11ft and just over 11 stone and 30 yr old, I mention my age as If i had a bike ten years ago I would have wrapped it round a lampost inside a week!. (no joke)
Cheers bud,
Stu
Keep in mind that getting
Keep in mind that getting "bored" and "outgrow/outride" are different.
Just because you're bored of the bike and the power doesn't mean you have outgrown it. Realistically, it will take the average rider YEARS to be good enough to "outride" the 250.
Granted, not everyone is out to be the next MotoGP racing star r tear up their local race track...So you'll probably move up before your skill surpasses the bike's abilities. But just food for thought, you don't NEED to move up in six months. But if you decide to you'll be glad you learned the basics on a good beginner bike first.
is this bike good if????
i am 6'3" and about 195lbs. will this be a good bike 4 me??? this will be my first bike. also does anyone know the average price for insurance for a 19yr old male riding a ninja 250???
chris
ninja 250
IT will be about 90 dollars a month for full coverage with State Farm and progressive, I'm the same age and I have been looking into ninja 250 and hyosung 250
And me?
I'm under 19. How much are we looking at for me!?
reply to insurance
i am planning on getting the ninja 250 also...i am 19 years old...6'3'' and 185 pounds...i hope the bike is good for me but as far as insurance goes...i am gonna get minimum coverage...which for me is $200 a year...
so... im a beginer rider and
so... im a beginer rider and have been reading all the comments here. ive been offered a 2007 ninja 250 for @ 2000.00. i dont really know if this is good, ive been told yes. i dont care how fast i can go from 0 to 60, i just want to get the hang of riding. safely. i want a freakin bike and i want it NOW!!
Dude this bike is ok, but I
Dude this bike is ok, but I doubt I could keep up with my buddies on it LOL!!
Well granted this motorcycle
Well granted this motorcycle isn't going to be as fast when drag racing with your friends, but i've known more than a few 250 riders that consistantly pass the larger 600cc and 1000cc motorcycles in the curves. Going fast in a straight line is easy, going fast in a turn takes skill (skills that riding a good beginner bike can help you master!)
good point. very true.
good point. very true.
I had one of these from the
I had one of these from the late 90s for a couple months. I am over 220 and had no problems getting this to go suitably. The seating position was mostly pretty comfortable for decently long rides too. The biggest problem, and the one that led me to get rid of it quickly, was reliability. These are bikes with a known hunger for frequent valve adjustments (every 3k miles or so). The bike is also very cold-blooded-- I live in the South, and it needed to be choked decently any time the ambient temperature was under 75. (I had the carbs gone through and also tried out a brand new EX250 with the same conditions.) More troublesome, my bike had fuel delivery problems (water got in the gas frequently for reasons neither I nor my mechanic could ascertain; I had it cut out and die on me a couple times in VERY bad spots) and electrical issues. This was a bike that had been garaged and well-cared for.
I liked the Ninja decently and it was a fun ride, but I don't know if I could bring myself to risk buying another one, even a new one. I traded it for a Rebel - not as fast, sure, but it has better pickup off the line at stoplights and has NEVER given me a single problem in six months of daily driving. Oh yeah, and the Rebel looks better to da ladies too. Kawasaki really ought to make a naked version of this; they look totally silly if not butt-ugly at this point in time, and I was usually pretty embarrassed to be seen riding mine.
Wait...you thought the Ninja
Wait...you thought the Ninja looked silly, and went and got a REBEL?!?! Be honest...what looks sillier, a Ninja 250 next to a Ninja 600, or a Rebel next to a Triumph Bonneville or Honda Shadow? At least the Ninja is only slightly smaller than larger displacement sportbikes. The Rebel looks like a circus clown-bike next to "real" cruisers. As for reliability and maintenence, I think most mechanics would agree that the Ninja 250 blows away all other 250cc options.
Seems to me that you just got a lemon.
GET A DAMN NINJA 250!
I don't even know where to start....lol Its a great little bike. I got the 2007 candy plasma blue. Its very hush hush and timid under 6-7 rpm. After that it's get the hell out of my way grandma!!! The little bastard boogies no doubt about it. Great gas milage. Great powerband! Top speed of about 105-110. Had it to 120 downhill. Keep in mind the speedometer is about 10% off. My research has shown that ALL bikes are 5%-10% off....just how it is. Bigger wheels have shown to bring the percentage down. Good shocks to soak up bumps...for 2 up riding you should put a ex500 shock on and even for single riding will greatly help handeling/cornering. Def. look into diff tires. Stock tires are well....free tires. Once they become unstuck they usually stay that way. If your someone that WONT push the envolope/doesn't plan to even go into many turns/curvey roads than you might be ok on stock tires. But for just a LITTLE bit more you can upgrade to awsome tires like your on a rail. Im upgrading to some Perrelli Sport Demons. Not much storage under seat at all. Helmet lock is pretty lame as a helmet locked on it will sit inches if not right on the muffler...not good. Windshield is not all that efficient. Directs wind at mainly the chest area and face a little. Tucking does help but not immensly. I plan on upgrading to a Zero Gravity Double Bubble for it. Better protection from wind/flying debris and cooler look. Front shocks do move quite a bit under hard braking, but I am told a thicker weight fork oil would solve this. I will do that soon. The 2007 models have almost a cast iron texture to them, which i don't really like....but they do come clean no problem. Very light little bike. GREAT in the twistys. It can technically beat a corvette in a 0-60 race!!! Do the research. After about 65-70 mph accelleration is a little slow, but nothing terrible. All in all, I give it an A. Un fortunatly i can't give an A+ cause it's not an ex500 LOL! =) All the cons are very minor and not worth getting worked up about. Do yourself a favor. Don't jump on the bandwagon like alot of people like to do for image reasons or what ever. If its for around town pretty much and some freeway here and there than get a freggin ninja250. Its one bad ass little bike. You can't beat the price, insurance cots, gas costs and part prices. Also go to ninja250.com/ninja250.org where you will hear angels singing! TONS and TONS and TONS of info there! Do your self a favor....get a damn 250 and don't be skepticle if you found this site yes it's worth it, yes it's bad ass, yes it's fun and everyone thinks its atleast a 500 or 600 LOL. Happy trails!
HotWheels-Money can sometimes buy happiness....but for free just give me a road!
A vette has a 0-60 under 5
A vette has a 0-60 under 5 seconds. Don't fool yourself, a 250 ninja is not even in the feild of a vette. Not to mention what would happen when the vette hits 2nd!!!! The 250 ninja is a good starter bike if you like rockets. I would like to see the ninja 250 on a cruiser since I am a student and avid camper who like to take my books or gear with me on the bike.
true the vette and the 250
true the vette and the 250 arn't even close in a race. vette all the why. but i could bet the 250 got the vette off the line. the statisic for the 250's
.25 mile run was like 14 seconds. the vettes is like alot less but just spit balling maybe like 10 seconds. defenatly faster than the 250.
but i love my ninja. it is a great starter bike!
hehe, circus clown bike.
hehe, circus clown bike.
I would have to say Honda
I would have to say Honda reliability is in a class of it's own and if you don't believe me, look at the 20year resale for a rebel. A 20 year old rebel sold for about 1200 bones and can be sold today for profit.
Limited Market
The Honda Rebel is, as are most Honda products unsurpassed for reliability. However, the Rebel is an extreme niche market machine even more so than a US 250cc. and should be regarded as more of a collectors item for non serious cycle riders which is the main reason for them holding their value.
Limited Market
The Honda Rebel is, as are most Honda products unsurpassed for reliability. However, the Rebel is an extreme niche market machine even more so than a US 250cc. and should be regarded as more of a collectors item for non serious cycle riders which is the main reason for them holding their value.
he can have an opinion
he is entitled to his own opinion on looks.
and as for the ninjas cold starting troubles he is right. its not even cold out and my 05 is struggling i guess thats why its for sale. still like the bike its just a pain.
The choke is there for a
The choke is there for a reason...I had no problems after my first week with it. Also, 250s generally like to be revved to 5k or so before releasing the clutch off the line. It's easy once you know what you're doing, but if you just release the clutch then hammer the throttle from 1k rpm, yes, it will often die. It's rider error in failing to understand the machine.
Great review. The 250 Ninja
Great review. The 250 Ninja is hands down the right bike for the newb rider. Great resale value since there are always gonna be new riders. Looks are a bit outdated but would you rather drop your brand new GSXR in front of everyone or learn how to ride right the first time? Swallow your ego and gain confidence first. There is no reason to have a 1000CC bike that can top out at 150MPH. Be safe, ride smart.
I have the ninja 250R I love
I have the ninja 250R I love it I think this is the best bike that kawasaki ever make, I am a beginner, I think I will keep this bike for a long time.
I just bought this bike and
I just bought this bike and its my first streetbike. I am 5,6 and about 140lbs. So far...nothing has been able to keep up with me on take off and thats all i want. I dont like going all that fast but even at 70mph, I am not even half throttle and I can punch it and be at over 80mph in seconds. It may not be the fastest bike out there but I love it and for the price...I walked out for a little over 4000 dollars brand new with a 3 year warranty and they do all the maintenance. I honestly dont think i will move up to a larger bike because it feels like im on my dirtbike cause its kinda small and doesn't seem intimidating to me.
I have an '05 250 and have
I have an '05 250 and have to say that it's a great bike. It handles well and has pretty good acceleration. The more confident I feel with my ability the better the bike performs. I've scraped a few times from leaning too much but many people remove the center stand and hit the twisties. The bike may be from the 80's, I understand. However, its liquid-cooled, high-reving engine and its light weight make the bike a great ride. I've ridden in stormy weather and lived to tell about it. I've smoked v8's. I get 54 miles per gallon. What else do you need from a beginner bike? Everyone needs to start somewhere and this bike is a good foundation for the 'bigger' bikes. Is bigger better? Sometimes, sure. But in the case of the 250, being the lightest sportbike means agility as well as confidence.
REPLY
I just looked at the UM/Hyosung and thought whoa that's bad ass!... looking... Then I read on and found it to be more expensive and less proven.
none
a ninja 250 can't outrun a corvette. who the fuck is that stupid? go do your homework son!
Comment 1 ... getta Grip!
First, Commenter#1, you need to clean up your language.
Second, where did you read the word "corvette" in the review?
Third, for grins, let's compare: 250cc, 0-60@6-sec, $3000 vs. Z06, 0-60@3.5-sec, $70,000 ... hmmmmm?
Fourth, ... oh, jus'fuggetaboutit!
Corvettes are nothing special
Corvettes are nothing special especialy for 70k
and swearing does not help make your point it just makes you look even more ignorant than you already are you wise punk.
if you can't behave than don't bother posting anything her "son" ...... what a dork! you probably don't have a motorcycle or a corvette you probably drive around in your moms cheesey daewoo leganza wagon picking up fat chicks thinking you are the man. again let me say what a dork!
con
I'm a new rider and so far I really like this 250r. One thing that bugs me alot is the 1st break in at 500m. You cannot exceed 4,000rpm. I only weigh 168 and that still only lets me go about 35mph. The 2nd break in point is 1,000m. Cannot exceed 6,000rpm. Hopefully that will get to 50mph so I can leave my neighborhood.
250 break in
I just bought a 07 250 and love it. There are other ways to break in the engine other than the factory method. check out ninja250.org it has all the information you need for a 250. Also listed are alternetaive break in methods. I gave up the factory method at mile 9.
Breaking it in
I bought the 2007 250 ninja brand new and what they meant by breaking it in was the rpm dial on the left side which gives ur bike its reving...I actually road the bike on a highway right after I bought it and kept at 80...but the break in is just a precaution..but thats why theres a warranty.. But the 250RR actually maxes at 110 on a flat surface!! I have beaten cars, kept up with 600 riders who ride between 80 and 100.. The bike gets respect for being a 250..besides..who wants to speed at 130mph anyway...lol
Starting trouble
I just purchased an 07 Ninja 250 *brand new* and have lots of difficulty starting it when cold. I do exactly as the dealer suggested (choke fully open until 2-3rpm and then cut off), but bike continues to stall and die. It takes over five minutes to warm up. I live in Central Calif near the ocean where temps never drop below 50 during the day. Anyone else have problems with starting a new 250? Any suggestions of how to improve my "good times"?
Cold hearted
I'm not entirely sure, but I have a few suggestions. My GS500 was really cold hearted and it took longer than that to warm up! Also generally I would open the choke until 3rpm's and if it started to go higher I would turn down the choke a little more so it stayed at 3000rpm. I would let it just kinda cook at 3,000 for a minute, then I would completely turn it off and that has helped me with my warm up for my old GS500. Also i'm not sure if this would help, but if you were interested in doing some mods most motorcycles (especially california ones) run lean from the factory, meaning that not enough fuel is getting to the motor. They do this so they will pass emission standards, so most people usually install a Jet kit on their motorcycles that way they run "rich" instead of "lean". I haven't done it myself, but it is definitely something I plan to do, and it may help with your cold starts.
250
Yeah Im a short rider so the 250 is great for me as for as height and learning. I would actually like it to be a little lower. My freind told me that it was possible to lower it by way of the spring under the seat. Is this true and how would go about doing it?
Lowering
I'm pretty sure you can lower it quite a bit by adjusting the suspension or something like that (i'm not too technical, I just know there is a mechanical way of lowering it) and you can also shave the seat, which means someone just cuts some of the foam away and recovers the seat to make it lower. If you do those two things then even if you are REALLY short, I don't think you should have a problem.
Short Riders
Hi,
I am about 5'1 and about 110 pounds. I have been riding for 3 years now. I started on Kawasaki Ninja 250R, and it was the best decision i have made. I rode the 250 for 2 years i recently bought a SUZUKI GSXR-600, and i needed to have it lowered, they used lowering links in the rear and dropped the front forks. they lowered it about 2 inches and it is perfect. look online for lowering kits, or go to your dealer (they usually charge $300-$400 to have it lowered).
i hope that this helps.
Cold weather starting
I also have had trouble starting my bike in the cold... and the warm weather. My bike is an 06 ninja 250 and it like to run with the choke on all the time. I will be taking it to the dealer today to see if I can get the carb tuned or something. Other than that, the bike is great. Good on gas, good acceleration, easy to maneuver, and my short legs touch the ground :-) I live in Illinois were the weather can get quite cold and hot too. Doesn't seem to matter, it likes to run with the choke on or else it just dies.
choke???
Damn! You should NOT be running with the choke on all the time. If your motorcycle dies even after its warmed up then I would suggest messing with the idle adjustment so more fuel gets to the motorcycle. If its an 06 there is no reason for there to be that big a problem, take it back to the dealer and don't stop until they fix it!!
Ben
250
I am a new rider so i bought the 250 and so far so good. however i am pretty short and would like to lower if possible. my friend says i can lower it by way of the spring under the seat. Is this true and how if it is. Also, everyone claims the tires suck. I know they look tiny but what the real disadvantages to such a small tire
Two things: I ride my '03
Two things:
I ride my '03 Ninja 250 year round from 10 degrees to over 100. Never have any problems with starting or running
The factory tires Do suck. It's not so much the size, but the poor grip and the soft sidewall. Get a good pair of Pirrelli's and it's a whole new ball game.
Lemme guess...it's dying on
Lemme guess...it's dying on you when you drop the clutch from a standing start? Throttle up to 4000+rpm or so THEN slowly let out the clutch. You shouldn't be riding around with the choke way open.
i actually have the same
i actually have the same problem as you
i juz recent bought a used kawasaki ninja 250 2004, i cant seem to get it started.
the weather is between 50-60 and i just dont know how to get it started
carb, engine oil, all replaced before the purchase
anyone have easy/simple things i can do to start the bike in cold weather?
im knew to motorcycles so dont know much bout it at all
Can't go wrong.
I just got my Kawasaki Ninja 250 and it's absolutely wonderful.
I can't imagine ever getting bored of this bike. Sure sure if you think straight line speed is the most important part of riding you'll get bored quickly... but for a reasonable person this thing has plenty of power to keep up with traffic and even walk away from it. It's faster then most sports cars.
The fun you get out of this thing is riding it on curves. Riding technique is keep. If you can't walk away from larger bikes on curves you shouldn't get a bigger bike. That's what I figure. It's the rider, not the bike. You can always push yourself further.
i got an 07 ninja250 and
i got an 07 ninja250 and using it for my daily work commute. i did some computations on gas milleage and compared it to my 04 accord, found out that i'm saving around $400 a year. enough to buy me a fancy helmet or four pairs of riding pants.
I have had my 07 ninja 250
I have had my 07 ninja 250 for about 4 days now. I ride it to work and back daily (about 60 miles all freeway)I love It I find my self in search of a windy road to tackle every chance I get!! Exceptional acceleration and great handling. So far I have nothing bad to say about it. WELL..... Ok the helmet lock seem to have been thought up by a monkey and is completely nonfunctional as far as I am concerned. I have never had a helmet lock rest my $$$ helmet on a hot pipe!!! Bad design!! other than than that one complaint I love my new Bike, for the money it looks great and will get up and run when commanded. No it is not as fast (top end) as other larger displacement bikes but it is also only $2900. If you are an experienced rider and want a lot of top end go out and pay $$$ for it (But please be careful!! speed and carelessness can be devastating) This is a great little bike for the money, easy to handle and is a lot of fun to ride. I definitely recommend. In closing ride safe all, watch for idiots!! and keep the rubber side down!! Bikes are more fun that way :)
I have a 1993 ninja 250,
I have a 1993 ninja 250, best bike ever. Have not put any money on it other than wear and tear. Oh and i think the older ones look way better than the new ones, what was kawi thinking?
Going to pick up a 205 THIS WEEK!
After countless trips to dealerships, i decided on a Kawasaki 250. This will be my first bike purchase and it is both economical and cheap. From comments here I gather that everyone love's their bike. I wish they made the 07 250 in green though. Anyway, I am going to pick one up this week! Wish me Luck!
seating position
I sit pretty much upright on my bike - feet forward like a chair.
This Ninja 250 looks like you're leaning into the handle bars a bit.
Is that true or just an illusion. If so, is this a comfortable position?
It looks as if there is little wiggle room i.e. can you shift your legs and butt around after an hour of riding?
The seat looks a little hard and I'm wondering if leaning forward makes it an uncomfortable for guys?
Glad I stumbled upon this forum, lots of good info.
I'm 5'6". Anyone think that the 2008's 17" tires will make it a taller bike?
Thanks, Phil
I have the '07 and the seat
I have the '07 and the seat is pretty comfortable. I've been on 1-2 hour rides and haven't had the urge to shift my seating position. There is a slight lean forward onto the handlebars but you sit pretty much straight up but with you feet under you instead of in front like a chair.
New 250 Ninja
The new ninja looks great. I think that they really did a good job on redsigning it. I think that it is the best looking beginner bike. I think that I will problably pick this as my first bike, unless they redo, the Ninja 500. Does the new one handle different than the old one. I was wondering because it has bigger wheels. Thanx
The ex500 has not been
The ex500 has not been redone and the 2008 models are posted.
Yeah I know that the ex500
Yeah I know that the ex500 has not been redone. I was talking about, if the new 250r handled different, than the old one.
I'm sure the handling has
I'm sure the handling has changed a good amount. What we don't know yet is things like how soft/hard the suspension is, whats the front to back wheel measurement as well as other things.
Unless they put new fairings on a old bike, things will change.
Put 125 CC graphics on it
I up-graded from an FZ6 600, to the 250 ninja. It's a blast to ride in 4th, and 5th around town. I can take off from a stop and go thr the gears with out getting a ticket. (not with the FZ6). I get 60-75 MPG and can keep it at 80 plus on the freeway.
But, for the moto snobs, I will have the 125 CC graphics. Look at them when you pass them. Ha HA
Am I too tall for this bike?
I am 6'4" 170lbs, so far I've read that unless you're heavy you shouldn't go for something more powerful than this with zero experience. Can I get any opinions, I've had my mind set on this bike but now I am having some doubts.
Your best bet is to go to a
Your best bet is to go to a dealer and just sit on it and see how you feel. You may like it, you may not. Have the dealer hold the bike for you so you can sit on it with both feet up and get a better idea. Remember that he won't mind to much to hold the bike for a while.
6'4"
6'4" is pretty darn tall, you might feel that the Ninja 250 is cramped. If you can go to the dealer and see if you can sit on it, and then also check out the Ninja 500 and see how that feels. If you don't have any experience on a motorcycle then I wouldn't recommend getting anything larger than a 500cc bike. At the very least you could suffer through a smaller bike that is a bit too small for a year until you move up to something like an sv650 that has a taller seat.
I would also check out some of the dual sport bikes like the Suzuki DRZ 200 and DRZ 400SM, those seats are taller than the ninja 250 I believe. Plus they are basically street legal dirtbikes, and that freaking rocks! Don't let that fool you though, they can still lean with the big boys, in fact sometimes they are more adept at super twisty technical roads than a sportbike of similar size:
http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/suzuki-dr200se-review
http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/suzuki-drz-400-sm-review
If cruiser is more your thing check out the vulcan 500, i'm positive that you can get some aftermarket pegs that move the controls farther up the bike which would be more comfortable for a taller guy.
http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/kawasaki-vulcan-500-ltd-review
The main thing is to sit on any motorcycle before you buy it, and just get comfortable on it. Anyway, good luck, and let us now how it goes.
Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin
Thanks
thanks a lot for the replies, that's probably what I am going to do. I'll see if I fit well on the 250 if not then I might try and get a 500cc I am set for a sports bike, and due to my stubbornness I won't settle for anything else. Although I will make sure I am adept enough to handle it. plus the whole cost ordeal is a factor also.
Check it out
There is an amazing web site devoted to this bike. http://www.ninja250.org/
In the FAQ, there has been lots of talk about "am I too big for this bike". Mostly the answer is, no!
Although I'm not in that league, I am a bit on the heavy side, 210 lbs+, and have taken the FULLY LOADED Ninja 250 on a 3300+ mile ride in 5 days, completing a 1500 mile leg in 24.5 hours.
It's a great bike, as long as your main concern isn't high speed, (over 100 mph) and insane acceleration.
too big?
I am 6 foot, around 230 pounds would the 250 be too small for me at my height and weight or should I automatically just step up to a much larger bike. Keep in mind the only motorcycle I have ever driven is a little pocket bike.
Too Big
I am 6 ft 210 and it fits and goes just fine.
lowering an 07 ex250
I am 5' and my bike is a few inches to tall to ride comforitably. The lowering links made for it only lower it about 1.5in and I need about 3inches. Does anybody hear know if ex500 links would fit this bike? I found a place that makes adjustable ones for 500's but not 250's(yet).
lowering links
hey,
i am also 5'0 and i used to have a ninja 250 and i did not need to have it lowered. but if you do i think that 1.5 inches is enough. i ride a gsxr-600 now and i had it lowered 2 inches and it is perfect for my height.
hope this helps
bike
i have a question i am also 5ft tall but i weigh about 115 and i am also a girl would this be the idle bike for me to learn on i have droven mopads but reall wont a bike just to go to work and back
Too short
I am a girl who is 5 feet tall (5'1" on a good day ^_^) and the ninja ex250 isn't too bad as far as height goes. You should try to drive your bike around for three weeks unmodified, if at the end of three weeks you can't stand the fact that it is as high as it is, get the seat shaved before you use lowering links because there is a good chance that you will scrape on speed bumps...even lowering it by just two inches can potentially kill the underside of the bike.
For you other shorties out there, just accept the fact that you will never flat feet on the ground while on the ninja. If you want to flat feet on the ground, I would suggest getting a standard motorcycle Such as the Honda Rebel. With it's low seat height, you can easily sit on the bike with both feet firmly planted on the ground (if you are planning to pack people on your bike, it is suggested that you beable to flat feet and not just flat foot).
Personally, I love the ninha ex250...I would not trade my bike for the world.
tire upgrade..
hey everyone,
i guess i am new in here. i have been riding bikes from my high school days in india. but this has been my first in USA. i got this ninja 250 used when it was only one month old with 162 miles on it and saved myself almost a grand from buying the new one, and its been brilliant riding in and out of manhattan, dealing with the slow traffic as well as riding up the parkways. i am 6'1, maybe around 205 pounds but the bike still handles well.
my question is i found the stock tires a little less impressive, so i could use some first hand ideas for tire upgrades to increase the hight and grip a little more as i plan to ride throughout winter. also if anyone could recommend where i could buy or maybe trade in my [almost new-i have less than 600 miles now] tires in or around nyc or jersey city. please let me know.
cheers..
"Self-organization elaborates in complexity as the system advances toward the chaotic edge.."
IAN MALCOLM
Perrelli
I think it is a good idea to replace the stock 250 tires ASAP, I hear as soon as you do it makes it feel like a completely new bike. I don't have a specific tire I would recommend, but I read somewhere that people really like Perrelli tires on ninja 250's.
Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin
I NEED MANY OPINIONS!!
Ok im at that time where im saving some cash for my 1st motorcyle, i have already researched for over 2 months and every1 keeps telling me ! GET A NINJA 250 ...the new 08 version is comig out in the spring n im deciding rather i shoudl by the 07 version or wait and buy the 08 version for 500 bux more...some1 help me my email is zee8706@yahoo.com
08 For the Win!
I would definitely get the 08 version unless you like ugly, if that is the case, get the 07 ;)
haha, in all seriousness I'm pretty sure they are practically the same motorcycle, but I know all the 'old style' ninja 250's are going to drop in price once the new 08's come out. I am personally thinking about getting an 08 myself as a second bike even though I already have a zx6r, the 250 looks THAT good :)
Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin
Dirt Ninja 250?
I like DP riding - just light trails. Anyone tried their Ninja 250 on dirt roads? Should be light enough. MJ
Hey!!! i must say i am new
Hey!!! i must say i am new to the game. I fell in love with biking since i got into car s. Ive been thinking about fixing up an old 1968 mustang when i go off to college, but anyway, i know there arent many girl riders out there, not that thats why i want to ride, ive just always had a thing for speed. I wanted to get my first bike when i graduated this summer, i wanted to get the new Versys, but after doin sum research and realizing that id probably die on a 600cc bike, a 250 Ninja sounds pretty good to me, but i was wonderin what anyone had in mind for a beginner like me.
-Amanda
RPMs
Hello everyone.
I've got myself a 2003 Ninja 250 ZZR, with a 1998 engine. I've seen all over that this bike doesn’t need shifting until 8 000, 9 000 or even 11 000 RPMs. Meanwhile, my owners manual says to shift at a certain speeds for each gear, which ends up only being around 5 000 RPMs.
I've pushed 7 000 before, but it just doesn't seem right. Feels and sounds like the little engine doesn't like it. Maybe because I'm not used to it.
My question is this, whereabouts do all of you shift gears? Is 5 000 - 7000 too low? 8 000 - 11 000 too high?
Shift by feeling not by the
Shift by feeling not by the tach. If the bike feels like it lugging along, you shifted to early. If the bike feels like it wants to take off when you shift you shifted to late. If you can feel it shift, you're doing it wrong. When I shift I don't feel it. Why? Because it happens so fast that it just picks up where it left off. I don't lose more then 300-400 RPMS and not more then 500 going up a hill.
Stop looking at your tach, Go to the nearest parking lot (Empty Preferred) and practice it in there. Trying going from second to third without looking down, do it early and get that feeling of the engine trying to push the bike like the little train that could.
Over revving can hurt your engine, shifting to late or to early will never hurt your transmission. However, downshifting and over engine-decelerating will, and it may cause you to crash. But that's a different story all together.
Wring it out!
When it comes to the ninja 250 do not be afraid to get it to higher revs!
You really need to wring that things neck to pick up speed :)
Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin
Not a MYTH
It is NOT a myth that riding a motorcycle can be much cheaper than driving a car. Just the gas savings alone will buy you another bike in a few years. That is a ridiculous comment ... MYTH!!!
$ Save It?
I do have to agree mostly. I think it depends on where you live. I found this fall, that I was nearly making the bike payment in gas savings by riding every nice day to school work, and ever place I could. And that is having a car that gets almost 30-mpg! But now there is 6 inches of snow ( got to love Michigan) and the payment is still due. Now my girlfriend and I will be moving to NYC in the next 2 years, so we have decided I will sell my car, she will keep hers, and I will keep my bike to use weather permitting. With parking spots for a car about $300 a month it seems to be a good choice to keep 1 car and the bike I can park in a smaller cheaper spot. In a warn rain free climate I can really see how having a bike mite save some money, but date night mite go really really good or really really bad.
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