Faults:

The motorcycle has been rock solid knock on wood. Only thing I've done is an oil change and chain cleaning.

General Comments:

This is my first motorcycle and I would definitely recommend it to any and everybody. It is very forgiving, nimble and fun to ride. For me I love the sound of high revving engines. Mine came with an aftermarket exhaust installed, and although I wasn't looking for one, I do enjoy the sound.

Things I like are the high revving engine, and also the reliability. I have a car for commuting, and with this bike I can just wring it out every time I ride and it is a joy. It is definitely at its best on back roads that have 60km-80km (35mph to 50mph) speed limits. The traffic goes about 100km (60mph) and there is usually less traffic so can wind it out as you please to 140km-150km (90mph) when you find spots. Or just enjoy some nice corners. Whereas on the highway, the wind buffeting is insane. Well any windy day and going over 80km (50mph) the wind becomes something you have to constantly ride against. I think it's due to the windshield design. Maybe it's to help keep beginner riders from too much trouble. On highways I am relegated to the slower right lanes. The motorcycle has no problem at this speed; the riding comfort of driving at a steady speed on mainly straight roads is mind numbing and I find I take more breaks on highway.

It is a confidence inspiring bike; redlining it in every gear is not something you can do with the more powerful bikes as a beginner. I have enjoyed it immensely; it's sometimes just as fun doing figure 8's and practicing techniques that am sure are easier on this bike than something with more power.

This motorcycle has me thinking about more powerful bikes in two ways. One, this motorcycle is already enough motorcycle to get into trouble, and break all the speed limits easily. So is it wise to get a more powerful sport motorcycle? Two, the more comfortable I feel riding, the longer I ride. Which leads to being on 80km+ roads more which leaves me wanting for more power and the comfort that comes with the bike being able to easily handle it.

Faults:

Nothing so far... (in 3500 KM).

General Comments:

I bought a new Kawasaki Ninja 250r in April 2008. I have had it one year now and think it’s a great bike.

Description: Liquid-cooled four-stroke twin cylinder, 249cc. The 2008 models come in red, green or black (the US also got blue). Six-speed transmission, chain drive, cast wheels with bias-ply tires, and a single disc brake on both the front wheel and the back.

The seat is about 30 inches high, with a large 15 liter, maybe 28 HP, 16 ft-lbs of torque, and seems to get decent mileage - about 55 mpg. Although the top speed is about 150 KPH, that's really pushing the little engine. It feels much more at ease at about 100 KPH or so. It makes for a nice little backroad cruiser, although I don’t know if I’d want to ride it all day on a busy American Interstate.

Pricing:

Inexpensive: In April 2008 I bought mine new with zero mileage for $4249 CND - about $4000 US at that time. I used to ride a Kawasaki EX-500 (Ninja) sportbike. The 500 was a pretty good bike, and this 250 reminds me a lot of that Kawasaki. The little Ninja looks nice if you like sportbikes. I like the solid red color, and I also like the lack of goofy racer-boy graphics.

It's fairly light (about 355 pounds with a full tank of gas) and easy to steer. The handling feels very similar to my old Kawasaki 500. The brakes are very good, and stop the bike very smoothly without any drama. It starts easily with the choke on. After just a few seconds the choke can be eased off and the bike will run fine. The clutch is very nice; it has a wide gradient of 'grab' and is great. The transmission is typical for a Kawasaki, it feels a bit notchy but is easy to flick through the gears..

It's not startling fast, but I can race away from a stop faster than most cars. I find that in 6th gear the engine is running about 7000 RPM at 100 KPH. The redline starts at 13500 RPM.

The mirrors are typical for a sportbike; they have a narrow angle of view, so you get a really good look at your shoulders…

So far I've only rode the bike for about four or five hours in one sitting, but the front seat is okay. The passenger seat is small and I suspect isn't as comfortable. At 5' 8" I find the seating position, foot pegs, and handlebars to be well-placed for me.