RE: 2008 Ninja 250 Good Idea or Bad Idea
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RE: 2008 Ninja 250 Good Idea or Bad Idea - 4/21/2008 12:53:51 PM
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Orangebutter
Posts: 176
Joined: 2/16/2007
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I finally found 2 that are available. I have been wondering about this bike and whether or not to get one. For around town fine but on the highway with big semis and crazy speeders I was wondering if this had the stability and power to get away. Oh well I guess I'll find out. Can't be too bad.
While I was thinking about getting one, I had no idea that these things sold very quickly. I mean every dealer I went to were sold out. The minute they get one, its gone. I finally found a green and a black one and I have to make my decision quick.
Black looks good but I don't know its too hot during the summer. The green looks good but its green. The black one you can't tell what it is looking at it. You wonder what kind of bike it is. The green one you know its a kawi but don't have to look harder to try and tell which it is.
I think since the green one stands out a bit more and is easier to see might be the better idea so I don't get run in too by a cager.
If I get this bike I will post up some real owner reviews.
I have a feeling next years crop will be two tone.
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RE: 2008 Ninja 250 Good Idea or Bad Idea - 4/22/2008 3:49:08 AM
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Syphen
Posts: 321
Joined: 4/29/2006
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600f3toBuellXB, the Kawi 650 is a parallel twin. They make the Ninja 650R, and Versys 650. Both use the same motor. Not a v-twin.
The 250 is also a parallel twin motor.
For around the highway, the bike is fine. I have used it for commuting a few times now. About 300km of pure highway riding, and to be honest, it is comfortable and keeps up with traffic no problem. The bike weighs 370 lbs wet, which means it is about the same as a modern supersport or 1000. It does not buffet around like everyone says it would. IT IS a bit buzzy on the foot pegs and bars at highway speeds, but then again the lil motor is reving between 7-10 on the highway depending on what your doing. (Redline is 13). With just myself on it, the bike can get up to 160. (5'10", 145 lbs... scrawny bastard, i know..) With my gf on as well, two up, the bike does 135 top speed. (All speeds are KM/H)
< Message edited by Syphen -- 4/22/2008 3:58:00 AM >
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RE: 2008 Ninja 250 Good Idea or Bad Idea - 4/22/2008 6:07:32 AM
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600f3toBuellXB
Posts: 24
Joined: 6/21/2007
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Thanks...I knew it was a twin, forgot that it was parallel. But for the cash wouldnt a 650 be the better option? ( If I remember right its a small difference in price, maybe $1000-1500) Especially for a highway commuter. If you can commute via side roads I think a 250 would be alright. Although the estimated 60-70mpg may sway some people to ride a mosquito on the highway.
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RE: 2008 Ninja 250 Good Idea or Bad Idea - 4/22/2008 4:10:07 PM
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Orangebutter
Posts: 176
Joined: 2/16/2007
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I got the ninja today. And this bike is A W E S O M E!
For about 5 minutes. It has no power whatsoever. Minivans will pull out ahead of you at stop lights. Forget about passing someone unless you are speeding up and they are slowing down. You are ringing its neck the whole time. In first gear you hear it ringing to the redline and you are maybe going 15 - 20 mph. Maybe 25. 9000rpm in 6th and you are doing 65mph. I took it out on the highway and you are riding it to the max. You hear the engine topping out and you are close to the interstate speed limit. Vibrations start at the higher rpm range and everything starts to vibrate but not that bad. Extremely stable on the highway and no severe issues with wind blast.
Its comfy for about 100 miles. That's how many miles I put on it today and my ass is just starting to feel numb. But its okay.
So for those of you riding the big dogs, 1000cc up, you will not like this bike or you will for about 5min. Don't get me wrong, it is a very good bike for what it is. But $4k buys you alot of gas. It's only in the long run will you reap any gas consumption benefits.
This is the real no bs review. I know I paid for this, if I went back in time I would NOT have bought it. But its no problem because you really didn't spend that much. If this bike cost any more it would have been a big mistake. But for the price not a bad purchase at all. Its just what you prefer. Luckily if I want to get rid of this bike I know 2 kids getting started into motorcycling and can sell it to them.
This is my initial first 100 mile review and forget about the engine break in. That is rediculous and probably dangerous unless you plan on riding around a neighborhood for ever and ever. I am sure you have read all the other reviews, I am just saying if you ride 1000cc and up this will get old real quick.
I need to make some adjustments to the clutch, maybe my view will change with more mileage.
I'll give it this though, it's any extremely well handling bike. I just would not have bought this if I had experienced it like I did today. And when ever you ride a bike for a test ride, sometimes if you ride it just a little longer, if possible, your view might change.
< Message edited by Orangebutter -- 4/22/2008 4:22:08 PM >
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RE: 2008 Ninja 250 Good Idea or Bad Idea - 4/22/2008 8:47:51 PM
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HondaCBR24
Posts: 91
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orange ru upset u didn't get that 1000rr..? i have a couple people in the market for one of these things. Seems like EVERYONE is talkin bout this bike, even the females..is it honestly a worthy option for the ladi's
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RE: 2008 Ninja 250 Good Idea or Bad Idea - 4/23/2008 12:32:25 AM
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Orangebutter
Posts: 176
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Definitely a good starter bike I guess. I started on a 650 and quickly went up. I just prefer the liter bikes and for all intent and purposes this should do me just fine for commuting, but it is kinda slow, especially off the line. It will keep up with traffic but you are wot all the time.
And to be honest this bike may make me a worse rider. I am use to the 1000cc and up bikes which require alot of finess and smooth operation. This thing you just slam the throttle all the time, no finess at all. I can't seem to find a comfy clutch lever position. Will have to toy with that some more.
I will say this though, it handles extremely well. And it has surprisingly good wind protection and stability on the highway. I thought I would get tossed around with big rigs and heavy congested traffic at highway speeds ( 75mph- 80mph ) but this thing is pretty stable. And the tranny is smooth, crisp and accurate almost the best I had ever experienced, no joke. No false neutrals, no missed gear.
For the price $3599 not a bad deal. Just don't expect any power at all. I am going to race my buddy on his V-star 650 classic tomorrow just to dick around and to give you all some perspective about its acceleration.
The only thing I am getting use to that completely was new to me is the kawi gas tank. For some reason because of pressure differences within the tank it makes this beeping noise. I thought it was a warning buzzer or something. But its just pressure being released. Its funny though because it sounds like a electric warning beep but its just gas coming out of the gas opening.
I could have gotten the new cbr1k but I have to remember why I got this bike. Commuting. It just barely fits that bill. It's just that sometimes its nice to be able to pull out into traffic and be up to speed without causing the people behind you that you just pulled out in front of to have to slam on their brakes. With this bike you just have to wait longer for the bigger gap in traffic before you pull out.
And as for gas, I really don't see getting 60-70mpg unless you really ride it like a scooter. I filled it up today and rode 100 miles and have just under half a tank. I'll have to do the math but I am looking at this thing getting 45mpg maybe more maybe less. And for some reason when I filled it up the fuel meter would not read full. About a 1/8 down. I don't get it cuz I filled it up to the brim.
I am sure girls will like this thing as well as all new riders. But yeah its one of those things where you think " if I was on my ........ "
Oh well, I just chopped off the shuvall ( holy shit how do you spell shu.... ) and created my own fender eliminator. Now I am going to work on the exhaust. Drilled through the baffles and not much difference. I am going to try to remove the baffle tomorrow. And if that doesn't make it sound the way I want I am just going to cut the muffler off completely. This thing is too quiet.
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RE: 2008 Ninja 250 Good Idea or Bad Idea - 4/23/2008 7:01:52 PM
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Orangebutter
Posts: 176
Joined: 2/16/2007
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Is this a good idea or bad idea.........It's a good idea. This bike is worth the $$$.
Did my fuel calculations and this does get 60mpg. And that's riding it not babying it. I'm sure if I rode it agressively it would get a little less. The gas mileage makes up for the lack of get up and go in first gear.
If I wanted more power I'm sure the gas mileage would decrease so this is a good bike. Happy with it. The smooth tranny and positive gear shifting overall stability makes this bike a well worth purchase especially at $3599.
Great job Kawasaki!
Oh I decided I am going to keep this little ninja. To hell with the break in. The highway riding definitely impressed me. As well as the 60mpg.
< Message edited by Orangebutter -- 4/23/2008 7:10:58 PM >
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RE: 2008 Ninja 250 Good Idea or Bad Idea - 4/26/2008 1:16:07 PM
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bullit_70
Posts: 32
Joined: 4/12/2008
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hey i am not going to dog on the 250. i have a 1988 250 ninja with somthing like 32,000 has been downed 4 times and just started it for the first time in 1 1/2 years and it ran great. i think they are great bikes and even though the plasic on my bike is cracked to hell i will never get rid of it and as soon as i get done fixing it up again i know what i will be driveing back and foth to work again. 
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98 Honda CBR 600 F3 Custom Paint, D&D Pipe
..........150 on two wheels, nothing like it..........
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RE: 2008 Ninja 250 Good Idea or Bad Idea - 5/28/2008 12:12:22 AM
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alejandrof2
Posts: 156
Joined: 3/8/2008
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na some ppl love those 250 no way in hell i will get on one and ride around town may be i a live in india or korea but no down here put
that 250 on a state road and a 18 wheller goes by and you will never gonna get back on it, is a super sport moped, it may look good but come on 250 is way to litte unless you are 5 foot tal and weigth 120 lbs 
3700 get you a nice f4i
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RE: 2008 Ninja 250 Good Idea or Bad Idea - 6/20/2008 7:20:14 AM
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Hayden06F4i
Posts: 1416
Joined: 6/9/2007
From: Cali
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its funny but the only people that down the 250 are people that have never ridden one.....incredible handling, great mileage, and fun to ride....
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RE: 2008 Ninja 250 Good Idea or Bad Idea - 6/25/2008 1:27:40 PM
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JeremyGSU
Posts: 27
Joined: 5/24/2008
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I''m personally glad I started with my F4i and not a 250. People always say it''s a great starter bike and you can carve up the twisties and maybe if I lived near some I''d have a different opinion but living in C. FL I haven''t found them so accelerating fast is the only option left. I would have been bored with a 250 pretty quick I think. Not to mention the dealers quoted me the same price I paid for my used ''04 F4i.
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RE: 2008 Ninja 250 Good Idea or Bad Idea - 6/25/2008 4:08:51 PM
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bullit_70
Posts: 32
Joined: 4/12/2008
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ok well i hear everyone on how boring the bike gets and it does don''t get me wrong. i rode my 250 for about 5 years and well after all that time i wanted to kill myself. however that is the reason why i went to the track with it. the 250 on the track is so much fun for the simple fact that it is light and thin and throwing your weight from left to right is just plan out easy and a blast. but now that i have my 600 all i want to do is go up up and well up. power is one of those things i want more of. my bank account doesn''t like power but someday i will have my super bike. the 250 isn''t that bad would i go out and spend 4k on the new one.......no but for just getting from work and back well 60 MPG you can''t beat that.
_____________________________
98 Honda CBR 600 F3 Custom Paint, D&D Pipe
..........150 on two wheels, nothing like it..........
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RE: 2008 Ninja 250 Good Idea or Bad Idea - 6/26/2008 4:57:09 PM
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Midnightcivic
Posts: 42
Joined: 4/24/2008
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My fiance just picked up her 08 250r yesterday. GREAT looking bike. 250s are alot of fun to ride, but the biggest thing is that she loves it! Very much so worth the money
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RE: 2008 Ninja 250 Good Idea or Bad Idea - 6/27/2008 11:38:00 AM
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Goose Rider
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Hayden06F4i
its funny but the only people that down the 250 are people that have never ridden one.....incredible handling, great mileage, and fun to ride....
\
+1
As far as a starter bike goes, it cannot be beat. I made some brain farts on my 250 that may have killed me on the F4i whan I first started riding. The ultimate learning bike...ride the piss out of it, make mistakes and not kill yourself, and plain just have a blast motoring around on it.....
I have an 06 250 that I wish I could keep. Can''''''''t justify having 2 bikes when I don''''''''t get to ride the F4i as much as I want to. That Ninja was very good to me and instumental in helping me in learing how to safely ride a bike. Yeah the mpg is kick ass so that does not hurt either.
I will agree that it is a little light on the highway but not terrible like. I hopped on it a few days ago to make sure it is ready for sale and had a scream on it booting around town and out on the side roads..it is fun to ride a bike in town and go through all the gears
In any event if my commute was a bit shorter than 100 miles a day, no question would I be on this bike every day to work
Goose
PS Oh yeah..not to mention the resale value on these bikes is at an all time high right now...I''''m expecting to maybe be down only 500 bucks when I sell it..not bad for a 2 year old investment!
< Message edited by Goose Rider -- 6/27/2008 11:50:27 AM >
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