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Looks great, handles well, awesome value.

I bought this bike because I was looking for something inexpensive that I could learn on, without sacrificing looks or performance. I read numerous reviews that showered this bike with praise, and after nearly a year in the saddle, I have to say that those opinions were pretty much dead on.



From... the outside, the 250R looks just like any of the larger-displacement sport bikes in its class. Kawasaki did a great job of wrapping the frame in a fairing package that is both modern and attractive. In fact, the only real give-away that this might not be a 600cc bike is the smaller rear tire. Everything else looks ready to run with the big boys, and you'll get compliments on it even when it's parked.

Fortunately, riding the bike is even better than looking at it. The engine and clutch combo are very forgiving, which is perfect for a new rider who's just learning to shift smoothly through those gears. Mis-timing a downshift results in a bit of a lurch, but the 250R takes it in stride without becoming unstable. Acceleration is the same – just enough power to put a smile on your face, but not so much that a crack of the throttle (intentional or otherwise) will put you into a pole or a grill. Everything's nice and smooth, no matter how much experience you've got in the saddle.

Two other big benefits to the smaller engine lie in fuel economy and insurance costs. I can often do multiple road trips without reaching for a pump, while my buddy on his big cruiser has to stop more often than a 12-year old with a Big Gulp addiction. And because the 250cc engine falls into most insurer's lowest cost range, guys with bikes only twice my size pay many times my annual premium. Combine that with an affordable extended warranty from Kawasaki, and your long-term ownership costs are going to keep you smiling even in the off-season.

Of course, there are a few things in the package that could stand to be improved. The stock horn is underpowered, especially considering that most owners will be new riders – a demographic that needs every tool available to keep distracted SUV drivers from running them over. I upgraded my bike to a Stebel Nautilus, and with a quick tap of the horn have sent wandering delivery vans back into their own lane in a hurry.

Two other minor issues round out the trouble-shooting list. Kawasaki chose to use a carburettor instead of fuel injection, to keep costs down. This works fine in the summer, but this bike is about as happy to get up on cold mornings as your teenage daughter. And for some reason it's starting to develop an occasional reluctance to shift from second to third gear. When this happens, I don't feel the usual 'click' of a smooth shift on my left foot, and somehow end up in the same gear I started in. I brought it into the dealership for service, but they weren't able to replicate the problem. Fortunately, it only happens once in a while, and a quick downshift seems to reset the system.

Despite the generally excellent experience of being a 250R owner, most riders will eventually find themselves looking to move up to a larger bike. But even when the Ninja leaves your garage for the last time, it'll give you one last parting gift. The resale value on a 250R is amazingly high. In fact, if you keep your eye out for a good deal on the purchase, there's a pretty good chance that you'll be able to sell it again in a couple of years for almost exactly what you paid for it. So the 250R ends up being a forgiving little beauty on the wallet as well as the road.

All in all, this little bike is a champion, and I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and economical entry into the sport-bike riding world. Read Full Review

Jeremy Woodard Reply

Hey, I would HIGHLY suggest this bike for a newbie. Though if you haven't gotten your M class DL yet I'd suggest taking it with a scooter.

This bike is great for starters because it's not something your gonna pop a wheely on, that's not an insult to it's speed or anything.

It's high seating posit...ion gives great comfort, and I personally get over 200m on 1 tank of gas (between 3.5-3.8gal {keeping in mind I'm not going to run it till it's bone dry}).
As for the upkeep, you might just want to take it into the dealer after the recommended miles (500, 1500, etc..). Read Full Review

Gret starter bike!

I purchase my 250 earlier this year and have loved it ever since. I have over 3k mile on her (1k of those miles was a road trip) and the only issues I've come across is that the some bolts loosen up and rattle after about 800 miles and the bike chugs at near to full throttle due to it being to rich ...for the altitude, it is carburated. The bike handles well and is a fantastic confidence builder for those just starting out, it handles great and is easy to flick around. However, after a while you will crave more power. By then though, you should be more than able to step up to a bigger bike. Read Full Review

i love it

i bought this bike in mid-august this year. it was a carry-over model. this is my 12th motorcycle, and i have to say, i love the little thing, even though it really isnt little. its fun to ride, pretty fast, cheap on gas and insurance, and cheap to maintain. you wont regret getting one. i love mine! Read Full Review

The Apt R machine for Indian Road

I wanted to buy or import a R6. Was fully involved in the process and i learnt many important aspects of an R machine.



The big bikes demand a different fuel which is 50% more expensiv and avearges 12 to 15 kmpl.



The average price of a R6 or an equivalent is 7000 to 8000 usd, which is sold by c...ompanie at 20000 to 25000 USD.

Ninja 250 R which is 4300 USD is being sold in India for 5700 USD. Considering the fact we do not have free and wide roads in India, Ninja is better bet than any of the bigger machine. I was riding a R1, for a few days, it was exciting, but difficult and dangerous given the above conditions. R 250 is a good and a right choice for Indian Condition. Read Full Review