the new ninja 250R

[darkelvis]

I'm thinking about getting a bike for next summer. I've ridden before (but not for 6 years now) and I've never owned a bike. I have no intentions of racing it (on the street or at the track) more of something to just tool around town on. I was thinking about getting something around a 600-700 but ever since I saw this thing I can't stop thinking about it (plus it's price is nothing to bitch about). I guess my question is this...if I get this bike will I be hating myself in a few short months because it's only a 250??? Also I'm 5'10 200lbs, is the bike itself going to be small and uncomfortable for me?

bike: http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/detail.aspx?id=263

[2wheeler]

Although it looks good, you're prolly gonna hate the lack of torque. Most guys that get 600s get rid of them for that reason.

[harm]

16 lbs of torque!

it's a 250, yeah. looks nice, probably handles great, great mileage. sounds user-friendly.
guess I wouldn't expect much for wheelies/stoppies, but it would probably be fun enough getting from point A to point B. Expect the usual "my honda can take your bike" from the next lane. Worry about how you deal with it. I'd ride a 250, not much of a sportbike person though myself.

See if you can find one at a dealer, check out how it fits, don't bring your wallet the first time. =D

[KA-T_240]

I am not a bike guy. But, they do/or did make a 500. Or if you want cheap look for a older ninja(if you dont like the color rattle cans are cheap.

[banders]

sell ya an 05 500 with slight damage for 2800 Rides great still just little cosmetic damage.

2000 miles or so on it.
Only reason i'm getting rid of it is I bought a 600

[blindsp1]

Although it looks good, you're prolly gonna hate the lack of torque. Most guys that get 600s get rid of them for that reason.
i love my kawi zx6r fast and nice lookin

[2wheeler]

i love my kawi zx6r fast, for a 600, and nice lookin

fixed. ;)

[dubbsy]

I wouldn't mind a little bike like this to ride to work when it gets nice out....

but I'm a little leary myself about being 6'4" on a little bike...

[Bassplayer]

Buy a SV650 and you'll be set. Plenty of torque, and its you're worried bout not riding for a while it'll deff be forgiving.

[HandoEX]

I am not a bike guy. But, they do/or did make a 500. Or if you want cheap look for a older ninja(if you dont like the color rattle cans are cheap.

The 500 is still the old style, just as the 250 was up until 2008. The 500s and the pre-2008 250s look just like my old '88 Ninja did...which was horribly outdated. The new 250 actually looks like a normal sport bike.

I started calling Wheels to see when they'd be at the store in October. First they told me early December, then January, then last week they said March or April.

I'd say that if you are looking for a bike to mess around on, the new 250 is great. It's the nicest new sport bike under $6000 ($3499 before the fees and crap) and it looks great. Take a look at the price for used 250s on Ebay...even the ugly old ones held their value. The new ones should hold it even better so if you decide to move up, you shouldn't lose your butt on the sale.

[kzrider]

wow, impressed with the looks of the new style. Rode a new ninja 250 during motorcycle safety course, and it was alot of fun. Really fun bike to throw around a parking lot or obstacle course. But do have to say, even at this early age of riding, I expected a little more when I cracked it open

[zbrown]

you sould look into a yamaha fz6, honda 919, or the sv650... all are no slouches and actually sit somewhat comfortably