kawasaki Ninja 250

[mimmo66]

I've heard a lot of good things about the little Ninja 250 but could never guess how good it was till last ridebout.

I was on the k75 and one of the buddys had this little Kawa Ninja 250,
at speeds of 100 mph the little thing was right behind my tale!

I never expected it to be that fast for a 250.

The only weakeness was a lack of torque when opening the throttle, otherwise it would keep up with much larger bikes without any problem.

My R65ls must have known and choose to stay in the garage!

[Ed Miller]

Did you get a chance to ride it?  I know a guy who has one and loves it for twisty roads, and I know Snowbum is either thinking of getting one or has one.  But both of them are quite a bit shorter than I am, though I'm only 5' 11".  I want to try one out some time.

[nhmaf]

I personally haven't ridden one, but from talking to several folks who have, I get the impression it is somewhat like a modern-day Yamaha RD 250 or 350 from the 70s - surprisingly quick when you get it in its powerband, exceptionally light and good brakes mean you can keep  more speed in the corners, and have almost unlimited cornering clearance compared to heavier, wider bikes.   Just remember to keep the engine 'on the boil' and you'll be rewarded.

[mimmo66]

It does look and feel like a small bike, but it had no problem of keeping up with bigger bikes whatsoever.

If I remeber correctly the owner said it will rev up to 14.000 rpm.
and return a 60 mpg fuel economy.

I was very impressed by the output of such a small engine displacement.

Domenico

[chewy4x4]

Yep 14000 and 60 are about right. I was considering one there for a time. The bike can be up graded to incorperate a few nicities like a 140 rear tire and corrected trail geometery. But if some one is considering them wait for the new Honda cbr250r this spring all of the nice of the Kwaka and fuel injected!

[DeeG]

We have one, its an '07. Absolute kick in the shins to ride.  Spouse did 11,000 miles in a year on his.  I'm seriously considering the new little Honda 250 sport bike as my ride while the spouse rides the Ninja.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Honda CBR250R, eh?  I'm looking for something to replace the ex's bike (Kaw GPZ550) that we (I) had to sell 20 years ago when I foolishly took a job at the local BMW dealer, for way less pay.  I think that kind of pissed her off... I want to make it up to her, esp. as she may be moving back in with me.
(Both her son & our daughter are moving back to Indiana to continue their college educations.  Yes, two can live cheaper than one.  And I can get good eats, again!)

[montmil]

Honda CBR250R, eh?

Cycle World -or maybe it was Motorcyclist, I get so many bike mags- did a ride review of the new Big Red CBR250R. The mag's initial feeling is that the Honda will outperform the Kwacker and do it a lower revs. Honda's price point will be the same as the 250 Ninja.

Global economics encouraged Honda to introduce the 250R in the lucrative first time buyer market with a bike aimed directly at Kawasaki hefty market share in this particular category. Honda quality is evident but items of suspension, while good, are more production economics correct.

Buyers are the big beneficiaries.

Monte  

[suecanada]

That Honda 250 has got me intrigued as well but so far I have my heart set on the Yamaha, used, XT225. I wonder if there will be more small bikes available to us as we 'baby'boomers' start looking for lighter bikes as we get weaker and really start to want to re-live our early days of riding? Light and low = freedom!!!  for me.

[Vegasrandall]

That Honda 250 has got me intrigued as well but so far I have my heart set on the Yamaha, used, XT225. I wonder if there will be more small bikes available to us as we 'baby'boomers' start looking for lighter bikes as we get weaker and really start to want to re-live our early days of riding? Light and low = freedom!!!  for me.

Good idea!  Now if BMW just made a lightweight 650 airhead........

[doode3005]

My previous bike was a 05 ninja 250. i loved the thing but its nothing compared to my 650. its acceleration was about the same as my r65 because of its tiny weight but i found it didnt handle quite as well. the forks are not as steep as one would think so they dont turn in as quick as a bike that light could. from what i hear, the hondas are a little nicer around town because their single cylinder 250 makes a little more torque than the ninja but the ninja blows the honda away in the twistys and thats whats always mattered to me.

[bigfoot3387]

hi guys ive found a few that have the almost same performance as the ninga but under 2000.00 new ive road both and be at is i like the china modle better,little cheasy but decent and has little bit difrence in the seat the ninja keep presher on your legs and arms the other seats you where your some what lose im 6,5 285 and both the litle bikes will run plenty with me on them