GSX-R V Ninja?

[Breed777]

I have an 88 GSXR, it is a great bike but i do like the style of the new and more modern Ninja. My questions is, I have been told that if I get a Ninja I will notice a big decrease in the power between this bike and my current suzuki. A) I dont really want to go up in size cause I am after economy B) I want a more modern style of bike.
My GSXR gets me about 200km per tank (about $18) and been told the Ninja can get around 400km from a tank. Interested to hear from anyone who has ridden both a Ninja and say an older bike such as an FZR, CBR or GSXR and see your views on wether its wise for me to switch bikes. I do like the pocket rocket look, full fairing etc........ (just wish Yamaha did an R1, R6 and and R250:)...... your views?

[mattian]

Zeal 250...... its a brilliant bike

[davebullet]

The Yamaha R125 looks great... I don't know if it would have enough poke though....

[Coldrider]

What year ninja are talking about?

[sil3nt]

What year ninja are talking about?Doesn't really matter when they are all the same :bleh:

Stick with your GSXR i say. Unless you can pick up a cheap ninja.

[vindy500]

If you want economy/reliability and dont want a bigger bike the ninja would be better than the gsxr, depends how much money u have tho, the ninja costs alot of petrol money more

[Breed777]

My bike was $4000, its done 15,000 km now, it has just enough power for me, just prefer the style of the new (08/09) Ninja..... Yeah the R125 does look nice.... just wish they did a R250..... I guess i am just worried that after 2 weeks riding a Ninja I would find it lacking in torque etc..... but most people who own one seem more than happy?..... I guess the thought of owning a bike from new does appeal too...... the new Ninja runs for $7995 I think, but if I plan on keeping it for quite a while I guess I dont mind spending that kinda cash (plus I would sell the gsxr)...... so to boil it down..... whats the difference in economy/power etc between my current bike and a new Ninja? (thanks for all your help guys)

[Phreak]

My 1990 CBR 250 RR out-performs both my workmates new Ninjas hands down... I have ridden one of them (2008 model) and to be bluntly honest, I hated it! It felt sloppy compared to my CBR's set-up, turn-in was sluggish, felt like I couldn't lean as hard into corners, it had way less power, and in my opinion they look to 'plastic' anyways. And the exhaust sounds tinny...

Suffice to say, I'm real happy with my CBR in comparison!

[Slyer]

Keep the GSXR till you can upgrade to a bigger bike.
I have a GPX250, the older model of Ninja 250 and yes they really do get up to 400km to a tank, the tank is 18L though.
The reason they are more economical is because twin cylinder bikes are inherently more efficient.

[shafty]

Keep the GSXR till you can upgrade to a bigger bike.
I have a GPX250, the older model of Ninja 250 and yes they really do get up to 400km to a tank, the tank is 18L though.
The reason they are more economical is because twin cylinder bikes are inherently more efficient.

Good advice Slyer; Remember the major depreciation factor from new - and remember the bonus of a demonstrater deal if that suits - Good luck

Shafty

[sosman]

Don't waste money upgrading unless its worth it!

[vindy500]

it has just enough power for me, just prefer the style of the new (08/09) Ninja....

the ninja will feel gutless

[Breed777]

Well I live in Tauranga and I use my bike mainly for around town and the odd trip to Katikati (for work)..... so mainly for communting and fun. Doubt I will ever do alot of open road riding or major trips on it. So Im thinking 250cc is fine for me. I like the power of the GSXR but want something that is 'new' and 'modern'..... I like the look of the Ninja, what other bikes could I look at? Bear in mind I like full fairing bikes and not into crusiers or naked bikes. Surely if the Ninja was mega gutless they wouldnt sell so many?.....

[BoristheBiter]

I have an 88 GSXR, it is a great bike but i do like the style of the new and more modern Ninja. My questions is, I have been told that if I get a Ninja I will notice a big decrease in the power between this bike and my current suzuki. A) I dont really want to go up in size cause I am after economy B) I want a more modern style of bike.
My GSXR gets me about 200km per tank (about $18) and been told the Ninja can get around 400km from a tank. Interested to hear from anyone who has ridden both a Ninja and say an older bike such as an FZR, CBR or GSXR and see your views on wether its wise for me to switch bikes. I do like the pocket rocket look, full fairing etc........ (just wish Yamaha did an R1, R6 and and R250:)...... your views?

I went from the 250 ninja to the gsxr750 so no contest.
for fuel, yes i could get 400-440km from a tank.
it felt as if i was in a 1300cc car, it gets there (topped at 180) but you need to wind it up.
it also got blown around a lot with the wind.
as for the bigger ninja's I have never rode one so don't know.

[BoristheBiter]

Well I live in Tauranga and I use my bike mainly for around town and the odd trip to Katikati (for work)..... so mainly for communting and fun. Doubt I will ever do alot of open road riding or major trips on it. So Im thinking 250cc is fine for me. I like the power of the GSXR but want something that is 'new' and 'modern'..... I like the look of the Ninja, what other bikes could I look at? Bear in mind I like full fairing bikes and not into crusiers or naked bikes. Surely if the Ninja was mega gutless they wouldnt sell so many?.....

take one out for a spin.
good learning bike and a good commuter. i went around the north island last year so on the road they are good aswell.

[gatch]

I would guess you 18,000 rpm gsxr would be a little quicker than the new ninjas. They are pretty slow.

[Breed777]

Ok well I took one for a test today and the verdict.... Im holding out now for a yamaha R6.... The Ninja was a good bike and had I not had a GSXR I probably would look at it as a good first bike, but I think buying one now would be a big step backward. Thanks for all your help...... any R6 riders out there? :)

[del-solider]

All of sudden your wanting an r6 now??
Theres a huuuge difference between the new ninja 250 and an R6! You were saying in ur posts b4 that u didnt want a bigger bike and now you do.

Another thing a r6 isnt really a commuter which what you said is most of the riding you do.
My advice is look for a 600 thats more suited to the sort of riding you do, which a r6 is definitely not

[Little Miss Trouble]

All of sudden your wanting an r6 now??
Theres a huuuge difference between the new ninja 250 and an R6! You were saying in ur posts b4 that u didnt want a bigger bike and now you do.

Another thing a r6 isnt really a commuter which what you said is most of the riding you do.
My advice is look for a 600 thats more suited to the sort of riding you do, which a r6 is definitely not

Commuting on an R6 is fine as long as hes aware how fast he'll chew through tyres etc

Plenty of people commute on sprotsbikes, besides, commuting down here is a little different to up in Auckland

[Toaster]

My GSXR gets me about 200km per tank (about $18) and been told the Ninja can get around 400km from a tank.

Food for thought: I get about 400km per tank.... approx $37 by the same measure.

[avgas]

Have to agree - You should consider an FZR400/600 instead. Similar bikes.......but not as lethal.
Friend went from a FZR250 to K3 600........he gave me a new definition of "high slide".
Would hate the same to happen to you man.
FYI - FZR400 will still get to 200kph quick enough (bit more if its good)...even the bucket of bolts I have does that.

[wanpo]

Hyosung 250 >.>
17L tank so you can easily get 350+km on a fill. Better fuel efficiency than the ninja too... Only problem is the depreciation on the bike (i.e. pick one up 2nd hand for cheap)

[Slyer]

Hyosung 250 >.>
17L tank so you can easily get 350+km on a fill. Better fuel efficiency than the ninja too...
Want to bet?

[Cayman911]

Get a proper ninja at least. zxr250c 4 cylinder beast. will eat any other 250.. (minus the beastly aprillia)

looks modern enough. but to be honest if you're gonna have to compensate a huge price difference its not worth it and you should stick to what you have.

[SMOKEU]

Get a proper ninja at least. zxr250c 4 cylinder beast. will eat any other 250.. (minus the beastly aprillia)

looks modern enough. but to be honest if you're gonna have to compensate a huge price difference its not worth it and you should stick to what you have.

You forgot about the RGV250. And the NSR250. And the TZR250. And don't forget that a lot of the 250cc 2 smoker dirt bikes are pushing in excess of 60bhp.

[SMOKEU]

Food for thought: I get about 400km per tank.... approx $37 by the same measure.

That's exactly the same economy as my CBR. Except I've got about 1/4 of the power that you've got.

[SMOKEU]

Food for thought: I get about 400km per tank.... approx $37 by the same measure.

That's exactly the same economy as my CBR. Except I've got about 1/4 of the power that you've got.

[racefactory]

The 90's jap 4 cylinder screamers in good nick look far, far better than the new 250 barbie dolls. The only good thing about having one of those is guaranteed parts availability and for some people a warranty.

[Toaster]

That's exactly the same economy as my CBR. Except I've got about 1/4 of the power that you've got.

I was so surprised but confirmed it with other Busa riders. It only works if in cruise mode on the open roads though. Giving it stick blows any hint of economy right out the exhaust pipe!

[Scorp]

Ok well I took one for a test today and the verdict.... Im holding out now for a yamaha R6.... The Ninja was a good bike and had I not had a GSXR I probably would look at it as a good first bike, but I think buying one now would be a big step backward. Thanks for all your help...... any R6 riders out there? :)
Good luck with the next bike. Let us know if/when you're selling the GSXR. Just about to buy my first bike, and I live pretty close to where you are.