Just bought a Ninja 250----What kind of parts to get???

Mooosman · 06-01-2008, 09:57 PM

Just bought a 2004 EX250 today, and it needs a couple things, namely a front tire. I've read that the stock tires kind of stink, does anyone have any suggestions? The rear tire is fine for now, but I will most likely buy a new one to match whatever I get for the front. I'm going to use this bike mostly for local commuting, with some freeway miles thrown in. No real sporting riding for now. Ideas?

It also needs brake pads and rotors on both ends. Are there pads that are better than OEM? Has anyone tried any other brands? Strictly street riding here.

Otherwise, this little thing runs pretty nice. Aside from the brakes and tires, it looks like just a valve adjustment, oil change, and basic maintenance will get it perfect!

Thanks!
Nick

636blurr · 06-01-2008, 10:26 PM

Well first off your supposed to post pics.
Second there are not alot of choices for tires for that, anything but the stock tires are fine, yes stock for that are horrible.
For pads for that just go OEM and you will be fine.

Have fun.

LDS · 06-01-2008, 10:36 PM

I've had good luck with Pirelli Sport Demons, and EBC brake pads.

Serraph · 06-02-2008, 12:02 AM

Pirelli Sport Demons if you want the best gripping tire for riding twisties. Good for 7k miles or so.
Metzeler ME 880 if you want a good highway tire. Good for 15k-25k miles according to some 250 owners.

ZippZ · 06-02-2008, 04:19 AM

I got bridgestone BT45 tires on mine. Good grip and lasts a long time, about 8-10k on the rear. Good price too.

Upgrade your suspension while your at it. Replace your front springs with used ninja 500 springs, new fork oil, and PVC pipe. It'll stiffen up the soft suspension and prevent brake dive for about $40.

Got more upgrade instructions and tips at http://www.ninja250.net/. Site is currently down though.

coolatula · 06-02-2008, 04:44 AM

I've had good luck with Pirelli Sport Demons, and EBC brake pads. Ditto!

Your stock rotors should not be bad unless the bike has at least 20K+ mi. or else they were just abused.
Stock rotors are usually hard as Hell and usually last a very long time. My buddy's V-Max has the thin vented rotors and his are just now needing replaced at 55K+ miles. New rotors may not be cheap either,but used ones on e-bay are very reasonable for the EX250.

All good advice so far and do upgrade at least the front suspension if not both as the stock set-up dives faster than a cheap Hooker. At the very,very least change over the fork oil to 15 weight and add a little PVC pipe to the stocker,but even that is a band-aid not a cure.

Mooosman · 06-02-2008, 07:11 AM

I've kind of found out that the rotors are a bit on the pricey side!

The ones on there are kind of grooved (lots of small grooves when you run a fingernail across the surface). Looks like the brakes were just abused a bit. Seeing the price of the rotors, I think I may have to end up just replacing the pads and calling it good until I can afford some new rotors. I've also got my eye out on eBay for used rotors...

For the tires, has anyone had any experience with Kenda tires? They were recommended to me by another Ninja 250 rider. Kenda K671 was the model.

Nick

Red_SC · 06-02-2008, 10:59 AM

I agree on the Pirelli's, I'm on my second set and love them. Huge improvement over stock tires. I'd suggest getting them from Southwest Moto, they had the best prices when I was buying and free shipping on two tires.

Southwest Moto Tires: Sport Demon

My rotor feels the same, it doesn't hurt anything.

Mooosman · 06-02-2008, 04:36 PM

I called around and looked at quite a few tire websites, and all were out of stock on the goofy-sized tires for the Ninja 250!

So, I went with Continental TKV tires instead. I read some reviews, and they look like a decent touring type tire (higher mileage for the wear). Hopefully, they'll be OK. I don't ride very aggressively, mostly commuting, so they should suit me.

Also picked up some EBC pads, oil filter, and some plugs. Tune up time this weekend!

Nick

kxl77 · 06-02-2008, 07:26 PM

www.ninja250.com

The have the absolute best information for the 250, sadly their forum style is outdated and their moderators are _________. Yep. sbn ftw.

tobu · 06-02-2008, 07:30 PM

If you're looking to find the best tire for the twisties (better than the Sport Demons), I'd go with the Pirelli MT 75. The stock tires are truly terrible -- I wouldn't wait to wear them out before uprgrading.

DCRIDR500 · 06-02-2008, 10:51 PM

+1 on the Pirelli MT75s. Just picked up a front/rear for my 250 @ motorcyclesuperstore.com for shade over 100 bucks.

They're bout as popular as the demons, but they come in the 250's stock rim size. With the demons, you gotta mod the f.fender to make 'em fit.

I'd also add to your list a 15T front sprocket swap, a K&N drop in air filter, and barend mirrors.

Mooosman · 06-02-2008, 11:26 PM

How much does the 15t sprocket conversion lower rpms at highway speed? I'm going to be commuting on the freeway about 25 miles each way. Lower rpms couldn't hurt!

Nick

DCRIDR500 · 06-03-2008, 12:26 AM

Pre-mod, I'd hit 80-85 in 6th @ 9-10k. Post-mod, I hit the same speed/same rpm's in 5th instead of 6th. Kick up a gear and u can hit 85 @ 7.5-8k.

Basically turns 6th into an overdrive gear, like in a car. Not bad for 20 bucks and an half-an-afternoon in the garage

Mooosman · 06-03-2008, 08:54 AM

I'll have to pick one of those up. That's quite an rpm drop!

Nick