Ninja 250R

[tiggen]

I have a lot of questions, so I will understand if you don't want to read all of this. Please answer what you can/want.

1. I'm thinking about getting a Ninja 250R, and I would like to know if there are certain years that are better than others. Any thoughts?

2. Are there certain stock parts that Kawi is known to skimp on (suspension, wheels,tires, brakes)? If so, what are good alternatives?

3. I also wonder if this bike is really what I want. I have been riding an FZ6 for a year now, and I wanted a smaller bike in order to improve riding skills/technique. (I am also toying with the idea of going to a track school.) I weigh between 210-220 in any given year. Will the bike's performance suffer noticeably? I'm looking for something nimble and throwable. Is this the bike? Will it be an exhilarating ride?

4. My last question has little to do with the Kawi. Why aren't more 250 sport bikes sold in the US? Or 125s for that matter? I hear people talk about how it would cut into the 600cc and up sales figures, and so no manufacturer will bring 250 models over. This makes sense to me, but is there any other reason? Is it that Americans in general just don't think a 250 is big enough? Is this belief even legit? Other countries have markets for 250cc bikes, so obviously people (young and old, virgin and verteran) buy them. Thoughts?

5. I've chosen a Ninja 250 precisely because it seems to be the only 250 in the American market. Is this even correct?

Thanks

[CB750F]

1. Not that I'm aware of. They stayed the same so far as I know of but I would go with the newest one you can get.

2. On the 250 I have heard that the rear shock is kinda weak and lots of folks swap it with a Ninja 500 shock. Other than that some folks say the tires suck but it depends on what you are going to use it for.

3. It might. You are slightly lighter than I am and I figured a 250 would be just plain too small for me. Why not the Ninja / EX 500? Not much heavier, good bit more power but not too much, better suspended and I think it would be better for you being you have some time on a bigger bike anyhow. It pulls me around well and handles good even for a heavy guy like me. You could always just stick with your FZ6 also.

4. There just isn't a market for 250's here due to our more open roads like there is in Europe or Asia. You hit the nail on the head with "Is it that Americans in general just don't think a 250 is big enough". Which a 250 is big enough to ride on the highway here just most folks want bigger.

5. Honda has the Rebel and Nighthawk 250, and Hyosung has a 250. there are other Chinese/Taiwanese motorcycles out there in the 250cc range also.

[Drifter]

I have 4 250s 3 kaw eliminators and 1 virago 250. The kaws have the 250 ninja engine and will run over 100 mph and more than enough power to keep up and pass most cars. 36 hp most big cruisers only have 40 to 50 hp and weigh 300 lbs more.Being 220 you will notice a difference going to a smaller engine. I dont understand the reason more are not sold here, honda does sell lots of rebels and kaw 250 ninjs are there 3rd best selling bike. I have done several road trips on the virago, i just stay under 70 mph. The kawis will run 80 all day but it takes time to gain speed above that. I know a couple of guys that weigh around 250 and both commute on 250 ninjas and love the gas mileage. I like 250s for many reasons, light weight, handle great easy to move around and the gas mileage is great. Check the Yamaha page.

[CB750F]

Easy explaination for why you don't see more 250's here. People think they need to have the biggest out there and the American market has not been real strong for small bikes recently.

[xxPROxxJOE]

I'm a big rider..i weigh a lil more than 250lbs..and I got a 07 250R...stock..and on the freeways..i do about 80-85mph..and its a little shaky for me..or my liking at least...i use it mainly on the streets and it does pretty well...i can cruise with traffic and pass traffic no problem...and on some of the back country roads out here..it does pretty good with the twisties..and straits...its fun..so im assuming it would be pretty fun on a track..


I will be upgrading however...i do need just a tad more punch...so im thinking a 600cc and thats about it for me..just gotta try and decide which bike next...

the 250R is great though..i like it.

[rjkvikings]

I've been riding a ninja 250 for about 2 months and I love it. If you are looking for something to go really fast in a straight line, this isn't it. However, it is a great bike for getting just about anywhere in the US legally. I drove it home from school and back (about 150 miles round trip) the other day going about 70 the whole time with no problems at all.

[xxPROxxJOE]

Ya its probably one of the best little cruising sport bikes around...id say at least..it gives you the sport bike look and enough punch to definatley get in trouble..

plus i think if you mod them a little you can squeeze some extra power out of them...