EX250

As a new rider I took the smart approach and signed up for my local MSF class to learn the ins and outs of driving. At the class i was paired up with an EX250.

After 3 days of riding around in a parking lot with this thing i tossed out my original plans for a 600 and went to Craigs List and bought... an 06 EX250 the very next weekend.

As a beginner this has everything I could ask for.

*It's very cheap so I don't have to worry about spending half a year's salary because I laid the bike down in some parking lot or at a track day. (this hasn't happened yet so *knock on wood*)

*With today's Gas prices at around 4 dollars a gallon its nice to get 76mpg. I replaced my car as my daily driver to commute to and from work.

*Acceleration, breaking, and handling on this bike are amazingly forgiving. making this a dream to learn on and build skills/confidence.

*the bike is very well made, the fit and finish is just as good as any other of the larger sport bikes out there on the market today.

*the ex250 is great for people of all shapes and sizes. I am 6 foot 230lbs and the bike fits me well. I don't look too big and goofy on top of it as i do on top of a buel blast. Its also narrow and low enough that my wife can get on and ride it with no problems either. she's about 5'5 and 125lbs.

This thing isn't going to give you any land speed records or win a bunch of cool points at bike week. But, if you are interested in learning how to ride, or simply want a reliable and economic replacement for your gas guzzling car, THIS IS THE BIKE FOR YOU! Read Full Review

Non Freeway Only

I used to ride a 1982 Suzuki Katana 550 about 1984 at college. I bought the 2006 Ninja 250 bike about 5/2006 when I was age 41 to rekindle my youth. I bought this bike after much research. I thought it would be great since it's light, cheap and looks hot. Well the bike has good qualities. It dri...ves well in highways less than 60 mph with smooth road. The bike is stable and is in unison with the rider. It looks great and it's a good quality bike. The problems: The suspension is to soft for rides over 25 minutes, the breaking power is just tolerable, at speeds of 55 mph plus when you turn the throttle you get a blank response. If you try to change lanes in the freeway going 65 mph, it is a scary experience. I usually have to let everyone pass before I can change lanes. Since the bike is light, you and the bike gets blown side to side by the wind. If you just throttle it at really high rpm over 10,000 you can get the power you need with a loud scream. If you are in the wrong gear with low rpm you are in trouble because you may not have the power to get out of emergency situation. The fuel tank was also an issue. When I drove off the dealer the engine went off. I have to always leave the lever on reserve. If I leave it on "ON", the engine keep going off. I complained to the dealer and they told me it's just the way the bike was built. At high speeds over 65 mph in roughly lined freeway the bike shakes like crazy. I felt like the bike was about to fall apart. At low speeds less than 55-60 mph, the bike behaved perfectly. If you want a bike to ride around town it's perfect. If you need to ride on the freeway more than one exit you need to get a Ninja 500 or bigger. I upgraded my bike to 2006 Ninja 650 on about 1/2007 and it drives perfectly. No more shaking in the freeways and plenty of power. No more worring about being in the right gear or rpm. It is slightly heavier but it's worth it. Read Full Review

Hard to Argue with 60 MPG

I got this bike 2.5 years ago to save money on parking and gas. Back then, gas was approaching $3/gal. :-O



Since then, I've put more than 11,000 miles on it, replaced the tires, and had the valves adjusted (last time around 7,000 miles).



You're not going to break any records for acceleration, ...speed, or anything else.

I'm 6' 3" and 250#. The bike has no problem doing 80 on the highway, and that's without me tucking. To get it up to a shade over 100, I do have to tuck.

Doing 70+, and not accelerating hard (either from a start or from motion), I can get about 60 MPG. If I ride it harder (acceleration-wise), MPG drops to perhaps 50.

Being only 300# of bike, it seems awfully nimble and sure-footed, I have been slowly pushing my limits, and am leaning it more, taking corners with more ease than in a car. In Dallas, the roads are concrete which provides good traction, but perhaps induces more wear on the tires. Oh, and YAY to HOV.

Even if motorcycle maintenance eats into your gas savings, being able to ride in the HOV lanes saves you serious time commuting.

Bottom line is: If you're secure in your masculinity, don't have to be the quickest or fastest or biggest, and still want to have fun while saving on gas, then get one if you can find one. Read Full Review

Balancing the ratings

This is to balance out a review that doesn't have a rating "Alan Matthews(Owner), Sep. 27, 2008", which was clearly intended to be a positive review (or at least neutral). Read Full Review

Wonderful little bike!

Without a doubt, the Kawasaki Ninja 250 is the staple of beginner bikes. it has a smooth ride and plenty of power for any beginner. Mind, you won't be breaking any speed records, but when your getting 65-70 miles per gallon, does that really matter? The bike is extremely reliable, and comfortable to... ride. Seriously, you can't go wrong choosing the 250 as a starter or as a commuter bike. Even as a weekend play bike or mod it up for the track, you'll LOVE this motorcycle. Read Full Review