Ninja 250R: A Great Bike for Beginners

I learned to ride and got my endorsement in March 2008. The only other motorcycle I rode prior to getting my Kawasaki Ninja 250R was the 2008 Honda Nighthawk 250 that I learned on when taking the MSF course/test.



I was set on the 2008 250R Ninja from the moment I saw it. It had the right price t...ag for my budget and was a great deal to get something brand new cheaper than most used bikes were priced.

I didn't decide on it primarily for the looks. It was all about comfort and handling as well as any bike should be.

I am just shy of 5'5" and my feet touch flat on the ground. I have a Herniated Disk and Degenerative Disk Disease and this bike doesn't bother my back one bit. When I sit on it I am sitting upright. I am comfortable when I put my chest on the tank to lower myself behind the windshield in higher winds.

My arms are at a comfortable extension while controlling the bike. The clutch and brake levers, turn signals, horn, light, ignition are all right on target for comfort and usage.

The new design makes it look much bigger than it is. Every time I ride people ask me if it is a 600 and when I say no they keep going higher. They are in disbelief when I tell them it's a 250. There are no emblems/stickers that say 250 on the bike so that helps to keep people guessing.

This bike doesn't have a lot of horsepower, so don't be fooled by the looks that you're going to get on the road and be wide open as soon as you hit pavement. However, it will go over 100mph and it does pretty well for what it is.

Another key factor in my decision for getting the Ninja 250R was the weight. It weighs about 349 pounds and I knew I would have no problems picking it up. Unfortunatley after having the bike for 2 days I found out first hand as I dropped it in a parking lot! I picked it up very quickly and got the heck out of there! A couple of other perks with the bikes weight is that it is easily controlled. I don't have to press very much to lean on curves or when making turns. I have rode in 25mph wind gusts on the highway and the Ninja 250R was easily blown, but I simply shifted more body weight to the proper side and kept it on the road with no problems. It's very easy to handle.

I can rave on and on about the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R. I have put over 3,000 miles on it. I have only had it for a year, but can't be upset for taking a bit of a loss by selling it so soon because it helped me feel confident and comfortable while learning to ride and develop good riding skills.

Best Regards,
Heidi Massey

P.S. If you're interested in buying a used one, I am trying to sell mine. Contact me @ [email protected]
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It's a fantastic backroad blaster

NOt only is it affordable, not only is it downright sexy, not only does it get good gas mileage, it can rip a corner like nothing else. Well, actually not nothing else more like a 125 track bike. I love riding this bike through the farms and back roads even dirtroads, in the summer and spring. With ...a jet kit and exhaust, this little beauty will make you smile. There is no problem zooming around on highways, though it does have to run at high RPM's to keep up with fast traffic, and on interstates or 80+ mph highways you want to stay in the right lane unless passing. You can duck behind the fairing and hump the tank to get good turns at high speed. Top speed on my jetted version is 112 which is ridiculous for a 250.
Great learning tool, great for girls though it is a tall bike and shorter people may need to tip toe it.
Great for guys but get a pipe and fender eliminator and jet kit immediately or you really are asking for ridicule. Read Full Review

An excellent commuter bike

The Ninja 250 makes an excellent ride for a daily commuter, or a first time rider.



It is fast enough to keep up with any traffic, yet not so overpowering it feels like you are constantly having to hold it back.



The handling is crisp, predictable, and one of the standout strong points on this b...ike.

The brakes are well suited to this bike. They are capable of stopping it consistently, time after time, with little fade.

The ergonomics are surprising for a bike that looks like a crotch rocket. The seating position is more vertical than expected, and the hand grips sit high enough to be comfortable. The only knock is that the seat padding is a bit thin, but it only becomes a bother after longer rides.

The bike, redesigned for the 2008 model, is attractive. It has been mistaken for larger sportbikes on occasion, and after I purchased it and started riding it, I've been asked on more than one occasion if it's a 600. I have friends who saw it the first time and didn't believe it was actually a 250.

The mileage, even going full throttle through city traffic, is excellent.

And last, the price. Dirt cheap, and better in about any way you could measure compared to anything else within $500.00 of its MSRP. Beware of unscrupulous dealers that are willing to gouge customers for a much desired ride...

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And they said there's no such thing that's good and cheap

The bike is really a pleasure to drive. The engine has quite much torque for a 250cc, especially the fuel injected model you can buy in Europe. The fuel economy, agility and the price are all spot on.



The only downside with the "Ninjette" is the bodywork that has not been made for a ver...y tall person. My legs don't fit well into the reserved dents on the sides, making riding fast somewhat uncomfortable. Read Full Review

what a joy to ride

i used to have a susuki 850 but this little baby has every thing you could wish for would not change this little baby for a big monster again i love her Read Full Review