[UAStokie]

I will be purchasing my first motorcycle hopefully within the next 1-2 months. I had originally looked at the 08 Ninja 250 mainly because of the cheap price. I started to change my mind a little bit and began to lean towards a cruiser instead being I’ve always been more partial to them. There is just something about this 250 that keeps me coming back, its a really nice looking bike. I have now decided that this is the bike I’m gonna purchase, I’m just afraid that it may not be enough of a bike for me. I’m about 5’10, weighing anywhere from 200-260 pounds just depending on what cycle of weight lifting i happen to be on. I just need a bike to take me around town, a few miles to work, school, and the gym. Will this bike be enough for me? I sat on one at a dealership and it really fit me well, I’m just worried about the power. Any ideas? Also, for those of you that have bought one, what did you pay for it?

[Matt]

Yes it will have plenty of power to haul you around. It’ll still easily cruise freeway speeds with you on it, and your acceleration will still be more than enough to keep you ahead of most traffic out there.

[TheAbomb12]

I’ve never meet anyone with 60 lbs of variable weight; you should be just fine if you’re on the lower end of that weight range.

The 250 definitely have enough power for around town on the streets. I also hear the 2008+ models are much more capable of going on the freeway; however, I wouldn’t recommend one if you will be doing MOST of your driving on the freeway. At freeway speeds the RPMs will be much much higher and a lot of freeway use will lead to more wear and tear on the engine. Otherwise, the power will be just fine.

Expect to pay 5000-5500 out the door on a new 2008 ( or 2009) model- they are in very very high demand. Used ones may be a little easier to find, but command only a little under the new price.

There are also the Ninja 500 and 650– although the 650 looks and feels much closer to the 250 and is definitely more comfortable than the 500(imo). Both of those bike will definitely have enough power.

If you do go the cruiser route, I wouldn’t get anything less than 650-750ccs

[UAStokie]

Well I do a lot of weightlifting going through bulking and cutting cycles. When I do bulk up I generally aim for the 250 lb mark or a little more…Then I will cut my bodyfat down to get defined, usually leaving me around 200 pounds. Wow, 5000…that sounds pretty high.

[Budd]

The price is dependent on where you get it (if you can find it). Here in TN, again if you can find one, they still sell for MSRP, with tax, title, and dealer cost it would probably run close to 4-4.2k. I would get to a dealer and get wait listed for the ’09 if you want a new bike. Used would be your best bet but you probably won’t find a used ’08.

“I am the best I am at what I do, and what I do ain’t nice.”-Wolverine

[TheAbomb12]

You should be fine with the weight thing…

As for the price, I’m sure you can find the right price if you can keep an eye out in the used market– alot of people buy the 250s a few months to a year and then upgrade for more CCs.

I happen to live in California, and those are the prices I see for OTD.

You can get a used Ninja 500 for around $3000 easy. It has plenty of power too
I got my 2006 Ninja 650 for a little under $5000; the 650s haven’t been around as long so they usually are a little higher priced.

I just got my ninja 650 today though, and its actually very controllable. In fact, I’m surprised BBM hasn’t reviewed it yet. I haven’t ridden a 2008 ninja 250 yet, but the 650 has plenty of power for the freeway AND is really easy to ride. The only drawback with the 650 is the higher price in relation to the 250.

[Author]

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