Ninja 250...best little bike on the road?

[TripleB]

I was going through all the possibilities of a new bike I noticed that Kawasaki seems to the be the only company that offers a 250 road bike that is sporty looking. Other companies make a 250 but they make them as "cruisers."

Anyway, is the Ninja 250 the best bike for a "newbie?"

Five years ago (before I had to buy a new car) the Ninja 250 caught my eye because it looked sporty and could be had for under $3000. Even though I'm 6'2" tall and pushing 200 right now, the 250 actually seemed to fit me (especially the knees near the tank area) better than the 500. I never had a chance to get either one out on the road so that feeling of comfort may fade quickly once on the street.

If all I'm going to be using it for is riding enjoyment, commuting to an from work (which is a full 6 miles round trip), and an occasional trip of 30 to 45 miles, would the Ninja 250 be a fun bike to own? Or will I outgrow the fun of it much too quickly?

Thanks for any and all feedback.

TripleB

[Lawn Masters]

For the riding you state, I think you'll be ok on it. it wont be a spectacular bike performance wise, but its an economy size bike, not a supersport balls to the wall powerhouse like a 1000 or something.
What it lacks in speed and power, I think it'll MORE than make up for in handling.

[xeon]

The 250 is a good beginer bike. I have one and am enjoying it in addition to building a good base for riding on the roads. I know I want an upgrade in performance at some point. Riding two-up would a bit to ask for one and I would like a little more oomphhh at some point.

One of the good things about the 250 is that it holds its value pretty well. So... I say get one and if you want to upgrade... it should not be a problem selling at no loss or very little loss. I bought new and will be at a financial loss, but putting a price tag on the experience I've had so far is priceless. In fact I may never sell it... I'm that way with cars... hard time letting them go, even if they sit for months without me touching them.

For what you stated, the 250 might be all you will ever need or want. For short rides and short commutes I would think it is ideal. It handles great, accelerates 0-60 faster than most cars on the road, can cruise at highway speeds no problem, great gas mileage, low maintenance.

[citizenpork]

I bought the 250 as my first bike a few months ago. It's very light, handles well, and is generally not intimidating. I'm 6'0" and 175 and it still lets me keep up with or go faster than most cars out of a stoplight. I take the 250 on 30 mile trips 8-10 times a month and it does great!

I'm not one of those guys that is looking to go 130mph down the freeway, but I am finding that after a few months I'm wishing for a little more power than the 250 allows. This is just my personal preference - I live in a town with a lot of traffic and need something that can get up and go when I need it to.

All in all, I think the 250 is a great way to start. As xeon said, this bike holds it's value very well! If you want to upgrade you can do so without much loss!

[TripleB]

If I did decide on the 250, it would be a tough choice picking a color...blue, yellow, black, red

I'd probably say (without seeing them in person): Blue, Red, Yellow, Black.

Thanks for all the input so far.

TripleB

[longbeachgary]

How can you go wrong with a $3,000 bike that gets 70 miles per gallon, tops out at 110 miles per hour and is available in blue, red, yellow and black?

[Beasty Kato]

I already want more power, keep in mind I have a long history of riding dirtbikes and stuff so thats problably why. However, with my size and weight (5'4" and 110lbs) regardless of me being able to handle the power of a larger bike I simply wouldn't be able to hold the larger bikes up if I were to lose my balance or something of that nature.

So, I definately think I made the right choice. I still have a lot to learn as far as cornering and other techniques go though and it will be much easier to learn that stuff on this bike than on something larger.

For the riding you want to the bike bike is more than adequeate and it's not slow by any means. 14.5-15 second 1/4 miles may not be quick in the bike world but it's nothing to scoff at.

[JasonFMHS]

I bought a 250 (keep in mind i only weigh 150 lbs....) and the only problem i have found with it is that if you have to have that extra power to escape a 4-wheeled idiot...its just not there, you have to downshift then punch it...which just isnt reasonable to avoid a crash.. or atleast a good scare in my case (i also drive in a lot of traffic)

[TripleB]

1 Question:

IS THE NINJA 250 FUN TO RIDE???

I mean, even though I'm 6'2" tall and 200 pounds, the 250 is really enticing at this point. Under $3000, 70 miles per gallon, a true motorcycle (which would be my first street bike), and did I mention under $3000.

TripleB

[Sassy Chassis]

Fun to ride? Of course it's fun to ride!!!

[Beasty Kato]

2 wheels + asphalt = fun no matter what shape or size

No matter what bike you decide to get you WILL have fun. Once you get the bike out on the road you'll understand...and this is coming from someone who's been riding less than a week.

[Tod]

Yes, it is.

[Ninja06]

Originally Posted by TripleB

1 Question:

IS THE NINJA 250 FUN TO RIDE???

I mean, even though I'm 6'2" tall and 200 pounds, the 250 is really enticing at this point. Under $3000, 70 miles per gallon, a true motorcycle (which would be my first street bike), and did I mention under $3000.

TripleB

I got my first bike Memorial Day. Black 06' 250R. Ordered my gear and waited. (that sucked). but since then I can't wait to get on it after I get off. I'm still getting use to the traffic thing, having rode about 20 years ago. I'm 6'2" 180pd and I'm having a blast so far. I got it to go to work with, but I think that I will be going places other than work on it. Others I know thought it was the size of a Vespa or something. But when I showed it to them they were impressed by it's looks, and 70 MPG too.

[TripleB]

Originally Posted by Ninja06

I got my first bike Memorial Day. Black 06' 250R. Ordered my gear and waited. (that sucked). but since then I can't wait to get on it after I get off. I'm still getting use to the traffic thing, having rode about 20 years ago. I'm 6'2" 180pd and I'm having a blast so far. I got it to go to work with, but I think that I will be going places other than work on it. Others I know thought it was the size of a Vespa or something. But when I showed it to them they were impressed by it's looks, and 70 MPG too.

I've already started thinking like a motorcycle rider...some show last night was talking about this family whose gas bill was $720 because of how far they had to drive to work. I was thinking, if they would all get a Ninja 250R then that bill would be cut to $240 a month

TripleB

[Upi]

Originally Posted by TripleB

If I did decide on the 250, it would be a tough choice picking a color...blue, yellow, black, red

I'd probably say (without seeing them in person): Blue, Red, Yellow, Black.

Thanks for all the input so far.

TripleB

I think the '07s are going to be available soon. The 500 and ZZR600 already are. The 500 is now in Titanium and Yellow, both with a cool tribal pattern, and the ZZR600 is now in Saphire Red and Ebony. Keep checking in with Kawasaki cause the color options for the 250 may change within the next few weeks as well.

On the other hand, with the '07s coming out the '06s may drop in price.

[2006ninja250r]

112 + mph I love mine...can even pull the front wheel off

[Ninja06]

I was going to get the Yellow, they didn't have it, only black. So I got them to drop the price down on the Black one enough to pay for the extended warranty and snap ... it was mine.

Amazing how far there willing to go if you stand up and say naaa.. I really wanted the Yellow one...

[2006ninja250r]

mine is black love it

[Ninja06]

Now that I actually have the black one I like it.

[ervins]

Any bike is fun to ride.