For any newbie looking at a Ninja 250...

[formaulhaut]

Hello,
I'm a new rider and just purchased a 2008 Ninja 250; I was looking for a bike that I could use 80-90% of its ability (engine, brakes, agility) and still be relatively safe and legal on the street. For anyone considering getting a 250 (vs. the ever popular 600+ I4) I have only this advice: DO IT. I was repeatedly told by everyone (salesmen, mechanics, friends, relatives, etc.) that a 250 was simply not powerful enough to be safe on surface streets, let alone any highways or interstates. This is completely false, as I expected. That bike, even in its brake in period and at low RPM, accelerates much, much faster than any car I have ever owned. For reference, I am 5'9" and an athletic 220 lbs (235+ with all gear). The displacement requires shifting frequently to maintain power, but I find the shift point (speed wise) are actually pretty similar to my car, I just hit them much faster on the bike. I can't wait to get enough miles on this thing to really open it up through all the gears. Why does the 250 get such a bad rap???

BTW I cannot stress enough the importance of taking the MSF and buying your gear FIRST! I started researching over a year ago. Everyone thought I was nuts when I went out w/o even having a bike and dropped several hundred dollars on gear (helmet, armored pants, armored jacket, gloves, boots). The thing is, it was a smart move. Getting a helmet that fits, for example, takes trying on at least 20-30 models, which is very time consuming. Plus, when I went to take the MSF, I was already familiar with the fit of the gear. Finally, I wasn't put in the position of not being able to afford the gear + bike (common occurence in my area).

[smakawhat]

in regards to the helmet, knowing your head shape helps a lot and if you have a knowledgeable staff they can point you to certain makers that will help you out.

[DG713]

+1 on the OP's post.

I was told time and time again that it wouldn't be enough for me or the streets, especially if I ever wanted to go 2up. But the bike has been great! I've been on the freeway and haven't had any problems...and in Houston that means being able to cruise at about 10-15 above the limit.

[formaulhaut]

Hello,
W/R/T getting help from staff at the moto dealers, I found that the only dealers that were helpful concerning gear were HD/Buell. Unfortunately, they left a little to be desired in the types of gear they carried (all HD or Buell branded). All of the big four dealers ranged from *no help* to "all our helmets are over there". Nobody mentioned anything about the differences in outer shell sizes, weights, venting, or fit among manufacturers. I think in my case, it is due to the fact that only about 5% of riders in my area (SW Illinois) wear ANY gear at ALL. I was even told by the staff at Hall's Ducati/Husqvarna: "yeah, we don't carry many helmets cause there is no demand; around here you're lucky if people wear any more than shorts and tank tops...". Not to dismiss Hall's, which I found to be a very helpful dealer indeed, if somewhat specialized (mostly motoX and enduro gear).

[ChiTown_Rydah]

Originally Posted by formaulhaut

Hello,
I'm a new rider and just purchased a 2008 Ninja 250; I was looking for a bike that I could use 80-90% of its ability (engine, brakes, agility) and still be relatively safe and legal on the street. For anyone considering getting a 250 (vs. the ever popular 600+ I4) I have only this advice: DO IT. I was repeatedly told by everyone (salesmen, mechanics, friends, relatives, etc.) that a 250 was simply not powerful enough to be safe on surface streets, let alone any highways or interstates. This is completely false, as I expected. That bike, even in its brake in period and at low RPM, accelerates much, much faster than any car I have ever owned. For reference, I am 5'9" and an athletic 220 lbs (235+ with all gear). The displacement requires shifting frequently to maintain power, but I find the shift point (speed wise) are actually pretty similar to my car, I just hit them much faster on the bike. I can't wait to get enough miles on this thing to really open it up through all the gears. Why does the 250 get such a bad rap???

BTW I cannot stress enough the importance of taking the MSF and buying your gear FIRST! I started researching over a year ago. Everyone thought I was nuts when I went out w/o even having a bike and dropped several hundred dollars on gear (helmet, armored pants, armored jacket, gloves, boots). The thing is, it was a smart move. Getting a helmet that fits, for example, takes trying on at least 20-30 models, which is very time consuming. Plus, when I went to take the MSF, I was already familiar with the fit of the gear. Finally, I wasn't put in the position of not being able to afford the gear + bike (common occurence in my area).

have you ridden an 600 before?

[gatorSMASH]

you forgot to include that the 250 is now hot enough to get bitchs!

[smakawhat]

Originally Posted by formaulhaut

Hello,
W/R/T getting help from staff at the moto dealers, I found that the only dealers that were helpful concerning gear were HD/Buell. Unfortunately, they left a little to be desired in the types of gear they carried (all HD or Buell branded). All of the big four dealers ranged from *no help* to "all our helmets are over there". Nobody mentioned anything about the differences in outer shell sizes, weights, venting, or fit among manufacturers. I think in my case, it is due to the fact that only about 5% of riders in my area (SW Illinois) wear ANY gear at ALL. I was even told by the staff at Hall's Ducati/Husqvarna: "yeah, we don't carry many helmets cause there is no demand; around here you're lucky if people wear any more than shorts and tank tops...". Not to dismiss Hall's, which I found to be a very helpful dealer indeed, if somewhat specialized (mostly motoX and enduro gear).

You can definitely run into that a lot, tis true... once in awhile you will get someone who knows what they're talking about regarding helmets. I've been in both situations.

[Saidin270]

Originally Posted by gatorSMASH

you forgot to include that the 250 is now hot enough to get bitchs!

Very true.

To the OP great choice on the bike and gear. Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. Remember keep the rubber side down and always gear up.

[formaulhaut]

Re: riding a 600 I4.

No. Why? I expect they are much quicker (accel) and I know they are faster (top spd.); they also probably spin up to the powerband much more quickly. The 250 that I got accelerates fast enough for legal use, and is pretty easy to modulate. I decided to buy something that would be easy to learn on and that can be used at 80+% of its potential. I don't like having potential that can't be actualized. It's a personal quirk. Everyone else I know rides 750cc+.

[fishnride]

Riding any motorcycle to 80% of its potential on the street doesn't leave much margin for error.

Please be careful.

PS - I applaud your choice of motorcycle. My wife and I both ride CBR 600RR's and we're looking at the 08 Ninja 250 as an addition to our current motorcycles

[mharrison]

The only downside to the new Ninja 250 that I've hears so far is that it sounds like a 4-wheeler instead of a motorcycle.

They are indeed sweet looking bikes.

[shah269]

Smart very smart!
I think the 250 will keep you happy for a number of years.
I wish I haden't gone so big for my second bike and now I'm kind of stuck with her.
Ride safe and have fun!

[Gaolee]

There was talk around here of setting up a racing class for EX250s. It would be a whole lot of relatively inexpensive fun. The reason people think of them as not big enough is the same reason Americans won't buy 400 cc bikes.
We have this fixation with bigness, and forget low mass is its own reward.

[TegRacer243]

When anyone tells me my 250 is unsafe for the streets I know to immediately disregard the rest of what they say.

[e-rod]

Originally Posted by TegRacer243

When anyone tells me my 250 is unsafe for the streets I know to immediately disregard the rest of what they say.

AMEN TO THAT