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Honda CBR 250 VS Kawasaki Ninja 300

5K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  eyeheartny 
#1 ·
So I'm looking to purchase my first bike. I was looking at getting the 2013 CBR 250 or the 2013 Ninja 300. I've seen the specs but I'm not sure which one would be better. Is there really a difference? I like to look of them both so it's all down to which one would be better. Mainly I'll be using the bike as a primary transportion, but I do have a car for carrying stuff. I'm looking for one with good gas milage and easy control as this is my first bike, I also want to be able to go on some small road trips with the bike, like within 150 miles from home.

Any advice would be great!
 
#2 ·
Yes, there is a difference. The main difference is that the CBR is a single cylinder, the Ninja is a parallel twin. The Ninja puts down a little bit more horsepower and torque due to its larger displacement. Aside from those items, you should probably go and sit on both bikes to see what they feel like, read up on both and go from there.
 
#3 · (Edited)
There are a few differences between the models. The Kawasaki has standard ABS where the base Honda doesn't. ABS is available as an option on the CBR for $500.

The CBR250 has about 10 less horsepower than the 300. That's not really a bad thing, since both motorcycles get up and scoot pretty well.

The Ninja 300 costs about $700 more than the CBR250 with ABS. It costs about $1200 more than the base model Honda.
 
#4 ·
You are exactly in the same situation i was in when i was purchasing my bike (2012 cbr250r). I just actually got to test a ninja 300, so i felt what its like compared to mine. I know this is just an opinion, so take it how you want, but here it goes.

Looks - ninja 300 wins - looks extremely good, but the cbr is still pretty close

power - Its a tie in my book, The ninja has more power at the end of the range, but the cbr is much better in town. So it really depends on what you'll use it for. I know with the cbr, i can get to 75 very easily, and thats all i need to go.

comfort - cbr wins. Its a very comfortable bike. both are pretty upright, but the ergos of the honda are perfect for me, im 5'10 (180 lbs). Bumps are light on the honda as well compared to the ninja

economics - cbr wins, very good gas mileage. I tested mine out and im constantly getting between 65-75 mpg, depending on how i drive, its so much better than my mid 20's car

The honda also felt so much more solid. Everything was put together so much better and didnt feel cheap, plus being a honda, its crazy reliable.

Plus it helps that i know that in 1 1/2 years to 2 years ill be changing bikes (i wont say upgrade because the cbr250r is amazing) so i couldnt justify spending the extra. Although now im considering keeping the ceebee and just putting liability on it, its like 60 bucks a year and having a around towner and my commuter... Like i said, this is my opinion, and im sure someone probably thinks completely opposite lol
 
#5 ·
Thank you everyone for the input! It's really helping me to make a good decision! Also side question, I have some friends who ride and wear in ear headphones while riding. What is your input on this? As a new rider I don't plan to do this, but what about after some expirance? My concern is that I will not be able to hear traffic nearby and will lose some of my defense against dangers. : /
 
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