2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

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MixMasterTang

Diamond Member
Jul 23, 2001
3,167
176
106
It's definately not a bad bike to start on. Fun to drive, not too powerful (but still fun), holds it's value great and is always in demand when you want to sell it. So there is really no bad sides as a starter bike.
 
9

996GT2

Diamond Member
Jun 23, 2005
5,212
0
76
Definitely a great bike for beginners. Low price, good reliability, not overly powerful (still does 0-60 in 5.7 seconds though), and looks great with the redesign.

Ironically though the new bike has less power (30 vs 35 hp) than the older versions due to stricter emissions regulations.
 
Dr. Detroit

Dr. Detroit

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2004
8,504
899
126
I don;t ride, but firends do and one bought a 250 new as he echoed your thoughts.

After about 45-days he was bored to death with it and was scared to ride on the freeway as the bike didn't feel stable with cars passing by.

He said if he had to do it all over again he would have gotten a Ninja 500 because he would have enjoyed it more and it would have lasted him longer.

In the end, he went with a HD Sportster 883 as the sport bike was just too uncomfortable to commute on.


 
rstrohkirch

rstrohkirch

Platinum Member
May 31, 2005
2,434
367
126
No one I've talked to who's owned the bike has used it for anything other than quick stepping stone to another bike....even if it wasn't their intention.
I feel it's an excellent beginners bike and with a set of a nice tires(usually sport demons for the old model) and a SS line up front, it became a very fun corner machine.
Unfortunately, people enjoy the speed/handling of a motorcycle and quickly want something bigger and better.
This is not a bike that most people should be buying brand new.
 
S

SAWYER

Lifer
Apr 27, 2000
16,742
42
91
I had one when I was 16. It wasn't a speed demon by any means, but I had mine to 110-115 a few times, that is probably top speed.
 
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mooseracing

Golden Member
Mar 9, 2006
1,711
0
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I couldn't imagine starting on a 250. There is cheaper used 500cc and up bikes out there why invest in an underpowered scooter. Of course most things are underpowered when my dirt bike is a 490cc two stroke and my street bike is an 1100 (which was my first bike).
 
The Stigenator

The Stigenator

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
15,216
3
81
Its a great bike to learn to ride, buy it for a song and sell it for a song. I want one, though it kinda sucks that kawasaki put the FI 250 on the EU market and the US market still uses carbs.. :(

The FI version has a few more HP.
 
scott916

scott916

Platinum Member
Mar 2, 2005
2,906
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71
I was REALLY considering one of these in the near future, but if they're not quite freeway-worthy, then it's a no go. I'll just save up for the black Monster 695 with the red frame that I have had my eye on forever. :)
 
MiataNC

MiataNC

Platinum Member
Dec 5, 2007
2,215
1
81
Originally posted by: scott916
I was REALLY considering one of these in the near future, but if they're not quite freeway-worthy, then it's a no go. I'll just save up for the black Monster 695 with the red frame that I have had my eye on forever. :)
Click to expand...

The Ninja 250R is fine on the highway. People have been using them in Iron Butt events for years. The bike can do 100mph+. A bigger bike will resist wind and wind blast better, and it will be easier to accelerate to pass when required.

If you are interested in a Duc, wait for the new 2009 Monster 696 (http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes...Monster&model=M696-08)
 
scott916

scott916

Platinum Member
Mar 2, 2005
2,906
0
71
I guess I'll just have to give it a test ride. MiataNC, I really don't like the styling of the new Monsters.
 
K

Kelvrick

Lifer
Feb 14, 2001
18,422
5
81
I told you to get the old model 250. Stop looking at aesthetics so much for the first bike. With the new model, you can find the old ones cheap, ride for a year/season or two and get rid of it for the same price you bought it for even if you do some minor drops.

After that, make a move up to a 500 or 650 that'll still get you 50mpg.
 
Josh123

Josh123

Diamond Member
Aug 4, 2002
3,030
2
76
Damn dude, I wish I wouldn't of seen this cause now I want one. I've been thinking of getting a bike because diesel prices are insane. I would ride it around our small town going to work and stuff and the top speed I would be doing around town would be 55mph. I've never rode a street bike and this is looking nice.
 
S

Silex

Golden Member
Nov 24, 2001
1,829
0
0
I have my eye on a older 1993 model Ninja 250. The EX500 is rather tempting as well. Although, I've been a fan of Honda Rebels wias of late.
 
MiataNC

MiataNC

Platinum Member
Dec 5, 2007
2,215
1
81
Originally posted by: Silex
I have my eye on a older 1993 model Ninja 250. The EX500 is rather tempting as well. Although, I've been a fan of Honda Rebels wias of late.
Click to expand...

In the 250cc class you won't find anything close the wee little Ninja 250R. Unlike the Ninja 250R, the others are dogs that can barely handle freeway speeds. The Honda/Suzuki/Yamaha 250cc mini-cruisers/standards are best used around town like a scooter.
 
scott916

scott916

Platinum Member
Mar 2, 2005
2,906
0
71
Originally posted by: MiataNC
Originally posted by: Silex
I have my eye on a older 1993 model Ninja 250. The EX500 is rather tempting as well. Although, I've been a fan of Honda Rebels wias of late.
Click to expand...

In the 250cc class you won't find anything close the wee little Ninja 250R. Unlike the Ninja 250R, the others are dogs that can barely handle freeway speeds. The Honda/Suzuki/Yamaha 250cc mini-cruisers/standards are best used around town like a scooter.
Click to expand...

I'm still seriously considering it. With the videos I've seen, it looks like it'd be decent enough. It would be my first bike, I like the looks, the price is more than reasonable, and the resale value especially for the 08's seems pretty high. I feel like I would have no problem offloading it in a year on the private market to break even on the rest of the loan. Has anyone seen them in person? I'll probably check them out this weekend.
 
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