2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
User Reviews
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Good beginner bike
By (I am an Owner) on Apr 06, 2011This is a good beginner bike for those people who don't know how to ride. But I think you should practice going straight with a bicycle first otherwise you will wobble around and you might fall.
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what a joy to ride
By (I am an Enthusiast) on Apr 05, 2011i 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
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And they said there's no such thing that's good and cheap
By (I am an Owner) on Jan 11, 2010The 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 very tall person. My legs don't fit well into the reserved dents on the sides, making riding fast somewhat uncomfortable.
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Ninja 250R: A Great Bike for Beginners
By (I am an Owner) on Apr 30, 2009I 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 tag 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 @ ur2silly@yahoo.com.
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A Wonderfull Feeling
By (I am an Enthusiast) on Mar 14, 2009I've been a motorcycle fanatic for the longest... Now my time came to own one and this motorcycle is a challenge to me due to I learn how to ride on a simple a lay-back motorcycle. Riding a motorcycle gives me the freedom and thrill!!! Also a girl riding it is sexy and dearing.
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It's a fantastic backroad blaster
By (I am an Owner) on Jan 21, 2009NOt 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.
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An excellent commuter bike
By (I am an Owner) on Dec 13, 2008The 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 bike.
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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Fantastic Motorcycle
By (I am an Owner) on Dec 09, 2008Fast enough to have tons of fun. Fantastic on country curvy roads and plenty of power, you would be amazed. I have owned larger sport bikes, but for the money this is the best bike I have ever owned. Very nimble and incredibly fun. People constantly ask if this is the new Ninja 650R. You would never ... know by looks that it is a 250. However, this bike is not designed for speeds over 100 mph.
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Great for beginners or seasoned vets
By (I am an Owner) on Oct 09, 2008This is my first motorcycle and I am glad I invested. Ive already saved a butt load of money on gas and the savings pay for the bike! Its not a drag racing bike but if you want something more light and comfortable for the the longer rides and tight twisties this is what you want. This bike is also ... the best bang for the buck.
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The Ultimate Pacifier for Beginner Cyclists
By (I am a Writer) on Oct 04, 2008The Kawasaki Ninja 250R is simply a wonder in all business and mechanical aspects. Kawasaki simply put has created a sport-bike that fits the market niche that all their other creations cannot fall into. I personally describe this bike as the "John Everyman" sport bike. It performs surprisingly well ... for 250cc total power and effortlessly absorbs most punishment average street and highway roads can provide a motorcycle. It has the fuel-efficiency of very economy aware machine (60+mpg) and sips on gasoline like a socialite sips on champagne. Yet, it lacks and lacks greatly. This bike will seduce beginner riders with it's aggressive new styling and overall "peppiness" but it doesn't perform in the long haul. I rode this machine several times as a former owner. (I am also 5'10" and very lightweight.) I felt the acceleration and I felt its gusto but once a rider moves past the stage of neophite into experienced, it becomes useless. I have conquered several driving platforms (aggressive road, and rally racing) and have moved to motorcycles (which I've always loved!) and learning the clutch and shifting on this was quite simple but that was my problem this is simply a decently priced LEARNER bike. This bike handles your learning curve well but disappoints you after, as a connoisseur of motor vehicles, there was no magic behind this motor simply because there was barely any motor on this machine. Overall this bike has great appearance, great performance (for its class), and decent maneuverability but I'm disappointed at its long-term ability to keep a rider. This is the bike your brother owns to go to work with that you learn on, and you graduate to something else after. I look to build long-term relationships with my machines (2 finished project cars in the garage will agree) and this was fun while it lasted.
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Kawasaki 250R
By (I am an Enthusiast) on Sep 17, 2008Great looking bike with no power! Be careful on the road with this minibike as cages will be on your bumper if your not wide open in 6th gear.
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One of the best bikes on the road
By (I am an Owner) on Sep 01, 2008Ninja 250 is probably the best bike on the road, no wonder it is the top-selling bike in North America. It makes me wonder why no other bike manufacturer makes a 250cc sportbike that has great looks. Im sure a CBR250 would sell. Anyways, Im glad I have my Ninja... see you at kawiforums.com
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My first bike
By (I am an Owner) on Sep 01, 2008The Kawi 250R is my first bike and its awesome. I have had mine for about 6 months now and ride it every single chance I get. It is a great commuter bike and sometimes gets almost 100 mpg. The price of this bike will cost you less than the gas for your SUV!
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Great bike for beginners!
By (I am an Owner) on Aug 26, 2008I bought a 2008 Kawasaki 250R as my first motorcycle, and have absolutely loved it. The bike is smooth and nimble. And its not soooo fast that you need to be scared of it. This is the perfect bike for females, or for new riders just starting out.
Its sporty, well-balanced, ... and a HOOT for a very good price!!!
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