2004 Kawasaki Ninja® 250R

looks great, thinking about buying one.

... not a bike you "get rid of" after you've "grown out of it". Sure its a great beginner bike, the best IMO, but if you have any experience on motorcycles you'll quickly come to appreciate its attributes and what it lacks in power it makes up for in being light and nimble. I've put over 48,000 on ... mine and ridden well over 300 miles in a day in relative comfort; the fairing does its job well. I own two motorbikes, a Sportster the the Ninja. The Ninja is still my go to bike for a lot of reasons. I've put sport bags on her and she make running quick errands a breeze. I still take her into the mountains for a bit of fun in the twisties and when the Sporty is getting some maintenance done the Ninja gets back to what I bought her for and what she excels at, daily commuting with a "standard" riding position and 70mpg. With a top speed of 110mph out of the crate there is no fear on the freeway and although she lacks the get up and go of bigger displacement bikes her lightweight and nimble handling will help get you out of a jam with no worries. Anyone who talks poorly of this bike doesn't know much about actual riding, that's a fact. I've owned a dozen bikes over the past 30 years and the Ninja 250 is one of the best and most reliable you'll ever own. Bombproof engine, 70mpg, 110mph top speed, light, nimble, and FUN.

this is a great bike for a novice. great gas mileage. very fun to ride.

Performance-

You really don't understand unless you ride one! This thing handles great and is fast enough to get up at highway speeds easily. Although this thing isn't a great race bike, it is a great bike to learn on and commute on. Low end power is weak, but is great for the begginer. I ... was able to drag my knee for the first time on this bike.

Quality and Reliability-

Great quality for the price. Starts up fine everytime. The only problem I have with this bike is with the Idle. It seems eradic and you can never tune it just right. Seems like the idle is never the same any two times you ride it.

Ride and Comfort-

This bike handles great for what it is. As for comfort, the 250 allows you to site more upright than a lot of sportbikes, which makes it more appealing for commuting and longer trips. The seat is a little stiff, and I find myself standing up while riding to give my butt a rest.

Value-

With gas prices high, the 70mpg you can squeeze out of this make it very appealine. This is also a great bike to learn on, or even to commute on for a great price. Most new bikes are going to cost you over $7,000. You can pick up a used 250 for $2,000 with low miles.