Motorcycle.com

Sweet Suprise After Leaving Motorcycles

15 Years ago I stopped riding motorcycles. I have Owned 5 street and 4 dirt bikes. Today I bought my first "new" bike ever. Deciding to go with a "Starter Bike" since I haven't rode a motorcycle in years I picked the '09 Ninja because of reviews and projected resale value when ...compared to similar priced cruisers.

I was taken with the looks when I saw it. (pictures don't do it justice at all.) mine was all black. My son said it looked the coolest, (an he knows cool!)

After 2 laps around the parking lot I was ready to go. I was suprised the power and acceleration from the 250cc engine it felt like my old honda CT500 without the vibration. Driving was smooth, quiet and the control was very natural.

I paid over MSRP ($4600) but not at all upset. This bike was a bargin at twice the price. There were a few Dealer Extras to justify the price, Drop Bars and Riding Gear to meet local riding codes.
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Lovin' it!

Checked a local bike store. I asked the owner, "I thought you had Ninja 250's in stock. Where are they?" He was like "you just walked past them." I was like no way, these are the 250's?! So far, I love it. Its my first bike and have been impressed. I'm 6'3", 190 pound...s and I fit nicely. Great acceleration, great cornering and just plain fun to drive. I know its only a 250cc bike, but it still turns heads at the stop lights! Read Full Review

Perfect bike

The performane is great! The bike feels like much more then just a 250. Its the best bike you can buy if you dont want to spend over 5k to get a brand new bike. The bike can do 100+ mph!!! Thats all you need and here are 3 reasons why.

1. You can pass most cars with out any issue for those that wi...sh to road race.

2. You got just the speed you need to jump on the highway and get a super high speeding ticket and maybe do some jail time for those that wish to do that.

3. You can ride with one tire in the air as you fly through a intersection for those that want to do that.
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unlike the "old" Ninja 250

I had a 2007 Ninja 250 and it was a good ride. Just purchased a 2009 ninja 250 and I can say they are world's apart. The difference is looks is obvious, but riding position, transmission, breaks, mid-range power and feel of the bike is significantly different.

Kawasaki has taken a good bike and m...ade it great! Read Full Review

Performance and Style = Affordability?

For anyone who has ever ridden a sport style Motorcycle a few key things tend to stand out. How you sit, Feeling the G's leaning into every turn and the pure acceleration and speed they can offer. While these factors and others contribute to how an individual feels about what type of bike is right f...or them most people tend to either love them or hate them. Cruisers offer the comfortable ride with tremendous power while sacrificing the speed, acceleration and need to lean however, going on a long trip most riders, including many sport and supersport riders, would agree a cruiser is the way to go. Thankfully Kawasaki has introduced their brand new Kawasaki Ninja 250r. This little sport offers a compact, affordable and sleek looking alternative to those expensive cruisers and supersports dominating the market today. The Ninja 250r was introduced in 2008 a new model from the perviously unchanged 20 year running model of the Ninja 250. Changes for 2008-2009 are clear to anyone who even remotely knows the history of the Ninja 250. The bike is 70 percent different than the previous model. The engine has been changed slightyly and is both a high-reving beauty and a gas-sipping wonder getting from 55 to 75 mpg. With a DOHC, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooled engine the Ninja 250 has all the power a begining rider would need. Carbuereted using Keihin CVK30 x 2 keeping insurance cost even lower is also a plus. At $3999 msrp this little Ninja is primarily geared more towards people just breaking into the riding family there is still plenty a seasoned vetren will find to enjoy with 36 ponies at 11000 rpms and 18 lbs of torque it delivers enough power to make any ride fun and exciting. Side by side an average person probably couldn't tell the difference between the Ninja 250 and it's supersport brethren as the body has been completely redone to accomedate the ever changing market and demand for more aggresive styling. (About time Kawi!) With full fairing engine coverings and the supersport style front end and new 17" rims this little Kawi was built to turn heads. With new emission laws forcing developers to cut power for the sake of emissions the 250 is a quit little ride and at low rpms isnt going to rattle any windshields however, at higher rpms this whip makes some serious noise. handeling is another shining point as cutting corners and riding the twisties is as easy and exhilarating as anyone could hope. and at less than 400 lbs dry the 250 remains as nimble at low speeds as it does ripping the throttle wide open. The lack of a slipper clutch means that shifting is slightly more demanding however, it never caused problems even when pushing the limits. While not likely to win many races on the track the 250 is a heart pounding expirience that needs to be felt to understand. The real beauty of this machine is the combination of comfort and style with performance. Its more upright seating postion and raised handlebars are almost as close to a sport touring rig as a sport posture. However, with the seat maybe not being as comfortable as some other sport bikes it could be considered a stalemate. Long trips tend to be far more tolerable than that of its bigger siblings. Sitting only 30in off the ground women and other shorter ridiers recieve yet another bonus as being able to plant your foot firmly on the ground is a major confidence booster for new and seasoned riders alike. Exclusive is also the fuel gauge brand new to the 2008-09 ninja is a nice treat. The lack of a temperature gauge has some enthusiests raving. All in all the @008-2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250r is a begginer bike through and through sill managing to harbour something for everyone. its light weight and nimble handiling coupled with the sexy new agressive sport styling and affordable price may just make this the best bang for your buck for anyone looking to ride. Read Full Review