Is Kawasaki Ninja 250R OK?

[Filip75]

Well, I think the "reality" finally set in with me. I'm looking for a first bike and of course I looked at the MORE powerfull bikes at first, but after reading some threads I downgraded to a Ninja 500, and now to Ninja 250R. I'm going to get it right after my MSF class. What do you guys think? Is that a wise choice?

The thing is, that I was pretty much set on a 250 from the start, but then I went to the dealership to buy the helmet, jacket, gloves and boots and talked to some sales people... They straight out told me that I WILL get tired of 250 in 2 weeks and will want more power. The other argument was that you need power in the bike so you can effectively use it to get away from danger, if needs to be.

But, I'll trust you guys on suggesting a 250. I want to learn the "right" way. But is a Ninja good enough starter?

[UM John]

You have made a very wise choice as most people will agree. As for the dealer, they are aways just out for the sale. I'd say ride it for awhile and see what you still think about it in 6-12 months.

[scotty]

The 250 or 500 are great reliable bikes. Let me ask you this. How big are you? If you are bigger than average-you really should get the 500 or you wont fit on the 250 well. If you're small it wont matter. You can really learn to throw a 250 around well in the corners...

[chicw/speed]

I went to the dealership to get a 250 but setteled on a GS500, was fine with me got me to and from real quick. I'm glad I didn't get the 250 would have hated it I'm sure. I have had a CBR 600 f4i now for 2 years and am glad I started on the 500 first, that was the smartest thing I ever did.

[kawagirl]

I started on a 250 and it was fine, of course I moved up to a 500, then a 750. But when I started riding at age 17; cooler heads prevailed and my parents went with the 250 until I was more comfortable with riding.

[Gimpdiggity]

I like the Ninja 250. I would buy one now just to flog around. I think it would be fun.


Good choice. I highly doubt you'll get sick of it in 2 weeks. Even if you do, just deal with it for a summer and then get a bigger bike next season. You'll be a better rider for it.

[20R602]

Originally Posted by UM John

You have made a very wise choice as most people will agree. As for the dealer, they are aways just out for the sale. I'd say ride it for awhile and see what you still think about it in 6-12 months.

+1.....................

[Canadiankwak1]

You are very wise! Good choice.

Another good choice might be to take the money that you are going to spend on a new 250 and buy an older used 600...a 90's model yamaha FZR600, Honda CBR600 and Kawasaki ZX6 are good options, as well.

The advantage of buying used is obviously that you won't lose much money when you go to up-grade to your next bike. Also, since its not brand-new, if you ever drop it, you won't feel as bad.

Having said that, let me say again that you are very wise to start small and then move up!

[HOGSLAYER]

Great bike.And when you decide to get something with more power you wont lose a lot of cash getting rid of it.If memory serves me right I believe the 250 retails for $2999 and where I live a five year old one still sells between $2000-$2400 depending on condition of course.Glad to see your getting on two wheels. Any bike is better than none at all. And the more of us their are on two wheels the more the aftermarket will grow to provide needs and wants for a variety of people all with different tastes to make each bike unique to satisfy the souls of their owners.All win with every new rider that decides to join our rankings as a motorcyclist.250 or 500 both are a fine first bike .Welcome aboard friend.

[ty454]

We had our Ninja 250 up to 90mph on the e-way today and it had no problem going that speed for distance. I can do more in the turns with the 250 than with the Busa. That's my answer.

[ruger2245]

I went the same route. I bought a Ninja 250 since I had never owned a bike, nor even knew how to start it. Looking back though, I should of just started with the 500. You will outgrow it quick if you are average size. Don't get me wrong, the 250 is nice, but to have a little more muscle to avoid danger and get out of a hairy situation is worth the next size up.

[ZeuSeason]

Depending on your budget shouyld determine which bike to get.

[silent_R1]

my .02. starting on a 250 is a wise decision. even starting on a 500 is a good decision,but i'd stick w/the 250. learning on the 250 will improve your learning curve as you can do more w/the smaller bike. in the long run. the 250 will be better b/c as you gain experience, you will have the ability to deal w/what a bigger bike is capable of. you would still learn on a bigger bike, just not as quickly.

[Oni]

Originally Posted by scotty

The 250 or 500 are great reliable bikes. Let me ask you this. How big are you? If you are bigger than average-you really should get the 500 or you wont fit on the 250 well. If you're small it wont matter. You can really learn to throw a 250 around well in the corners...

+1

It's a great starter and you'll likely be a better rider for it. Some people seem to feel that if it doesn't scare you it's boring. Salespeople also try to push bigger bikes for bigger commisions. Not always but often. Take your time and ride your own ride. If you go the 250 route you'll have no problem selling it when you want to step up. Do things right and it's your first bike, not your last.

[Filip75]

thanks for replies. To answer the size question, I'm 6.1" and 200lb. I'd love to go to a bigger bike (as I'm a BMW track enthusiast with my car, and love BIG bhp), but I will stick around with the 250, get some practice time and sell it within 6-9 months.

My ideal is to get a Ducati 800 Supersport, or a new BMW 1200 (coming out soon)

Just to let you know, I postponed a purchase of a new BMW M3 in order to get a bike, and hopefully I will not regret this decision