A new Ninja or a 10-year-old Hornet?

[meatface]

I'm currently being torn between these two bikes.

I like the look and sound of the Hornet (circa 199?) but can't go past the price (and warrenty) of a new 2008 Ninja 250r.

Essentially the prices on these two bike are the same at the moment with dealers selling the hornets for about 6500 usually....


Yes, they are quite different bikes. Anyone got an opinions on why one option would be better than the other? I guess I want to commute on it (but will do rides on it too) and could actually see myself not needing to go to a larger capacity bike....so maybe something that is going to be okay for a while.

[Qkchk]

I'm currently being torn between these two bikes.

I like the look and sound of the Hornet (circa 199?) but can't go past the price (and warrenty) of a new 2008 Ninja 250r.

Essentially the prices on these two bike are the same at the moment with dealers selling the hornets for about 6500 usually....


Yes, they are quite different bikes. Anyone got an opinions on why one option would be better than the other?

Have you test-ridden both? The reason I ask is, what feels the most comfortable/enjoyable for you? Its a big purchase and will be with you until you get your Full Licence.

Only 3 major differences:
1. The Ninja is a twin, where the Hornet is a 4-cyl
2. Hornet is a slightly (by not much) de-tuned CBR250RR motor
3. Hornet is a naked where the Ninja is full faired

However, personally I would go with the Kawaka for piece of mind with a warranty. Nothing wrong with a Hornet, great bike, awesome motor but if you can afford to go new........

[tate35]

my opinion fwiw,ninja hands down...providing you can stretch to it:msn-wink:

[slopster]

The hornet will be faster, rev a lot higher and probably a bit thirstier. The ninja will have a warranty though.

$6500 is a ridiculous price for a hornet 250. You should be able to get one for half that. Also consider the suzuki bandit 250 its pretty similar to the hornet.

[meatface]

Have you test-ridden both? The reason I ask is, what feels the most comfortable/enjoyable for you? Its a big purchase and will be with you until you get your Full Licence.


Thats a fair call. I haven't ridden them (my BHS is tomorrow!). It's definitely part of the decision making process. I will be riding them once I get that though. I have sat on them an they both feel the right size for me (i'm short)

I actually like the look of naked bikes more than faired ones and if you could buy a new hornet in NZ i would look at that hard. Maybe that is the voice of an inexperienced biker talking though.

Yep, that warrenty is a big carrot....

[Choco]

If you can afford a new bike: go for it, and don't forget to spend TONS of money on gear. (warranty's are very handy)

If you can't, then get yourself a hornet so you can make it howl like a banshee at 16k RPM :niceone:

Good luck finding the perfect bike for you!

[meatface]

The hornet will be faster, rev a lot higher and probably a bit thirstier. The ninja will have a warranty though.

$6500 is a ridiculous price for a hornet 250. You should be able to get one for half that. Also consider the suzuki bandit 250 its pretty similar to the hornet.

Interesting point. Yeah from what I have seen (youtube) the hornet does rev alot higher and is more powerful. Something that makes me think i'll never get sick of it.

6500 too much eh? I haven't seen that many below 5500. But i only really look on tardme....

[Taz]

can you actually get a 08 ninja at the moment?

[Qkchk]

Thats a fair call. I haven't ridden them (my BHS is tomorrow!). It's definitely part of the decision making process. I will be riding them once I get that though. I have sat on them an they both feel the right size for me (i'm short)

I actually like the look of naked bikes more than faired ones and if you could buy a new hornet in NZ i would look at that hard. Maybe that is the voice of an inexperienced biker talking though.

Yep, that warrenty is a big carrot....

Where abouts you sitting your BHS? Doing it with Riderskills?

Nothing wrong with a naked (I like the look of them as well, kinda sexy) but they dont give you as much shelter against the wind and rain like a full fairing. Can be a more tiring riding long distance as you will be fighting the wind a bit more than the Ninja.
BUT
Having a full fairing can also have it disadvantages....... if its dropped (most Learners will drop their bike at some stage, Murphys Law) it can be more expensive to fix. Best thing is take them both for a test ride and then reconsider the other factors.

BTW What ChocolateWheels says about the gear is true - Spend as much $$$ as you can afford on GOOD gear as this is the only thing saving your skin/bones/body from serious harm if you happen to come off. (Sorry not trying to scare, just being honest)

[musicman]

I'm sure you can get older (90's) IL4 250's for under $4000 on Trademe. Maybe not at the moment (haven't checked) but they do pop up. $6500 is ridiculous.

EDIT:
For example: 250cc 90's sports bikes under $4000 on Trademe (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/CategoryAttributeSearchResults.aspx?search=1&mcat=0001-0026-1255-&sidebar=1&39=Sports&40=&153=&9=250&9=250&24=1990&24=2000&51=0&51=4000&x=50&y=13)

[meatface]

If you can afford a new bike: go for it, and don't forget to spend TONS of money on gear. (warranty's are very handy)

If you can't, then get yourself a hornet so you can make it howl like a banshee at 16k RPM :niceone:

Good luck finding the perfect bike for you!

Thanks, I looked at gear too today...tried on a very snug fitting nolan n84. Felt better than the shoei's I tried.

Your profile says you own a hornet?

And if you had the choice between a hornet and a ninja for the same price you'd choose the ninja?

[skidMark]

hornet is a better bike

[meatface]

can you actually get a 08 ninja at the moment?

no....but I can put my name down for one!

Apparently the shop said that the next shipment (or was it the one after) wasn't fully sold yet...it changes quickly though cos they are popular bikes

So maybe a month and a half? Could just wait for the 09's to come out!!!!!!!

[Qkchk]

I'm sure you can get older (90's) IL4 250's for under $4000 on Trademe. Maybe not at the moment (haven't checked) but they do pop up. $6500 is ridiculous.

Blame it on the fuel prices - More people are learning to ride bikes (in order to save money on fuel) and since youre only allowed up to a 250, its a niche market. Its amazing how many people who havent ridden for years are now getting back into riding. The smaller bikes are also getting snapped up for commuters...

[Choco]

BTW What ChocolateWheels says about the gear is true - Spend as much $$$ as you can afford on GOOD gear as this is the only thing saving your skin/bones/body from serious harm if you happen to come off. (Sorry not trying to scare, just being honest)

ATGATT! Armoured textile is good, leathers are even better. The more money you spend, the better you will be protected. Saying that though, do some research and ask around to see whats good before you spend all your hard earned dosh!


I'm sure you can get older (90's) IL4 250's for under $4000 on Trademe. Maybe not at the moment (haven't checked) but they do pop up. $6500 is ridiculous.

Yeah! I got my 1996 Hornet 250 for 4.4K, sure it's a bit dinged up but thats just means I can mod it :D, do some searching and ask around on KB.

P.s Naked generally drops better than plastic coated bikes.

[meatface]

Where abouts you sitting your BHS? Doing it with Riderskills?

BTW What ChocolateWheels says about the gear is true - Spend as much $$$ as you can afford on GOOD gear as this is the only thing saving your skin/bones/body from serious harm if you happen to come off. (Sorry not trying to scare, just being honest)

Yep, Riderskills. Handy-ish to where I live. I'd just been waiting for a day without thunderstorms!

Cool about the gear. I have been watching a few crashes on youtube to make sure I know what might happen....

[meatface]

Yeah! I got my 1996 Hornet 250 for 4.4K, sure it's a bit dinged up but thats just means I can mod it :D, do some searching and ask around on KB.

P.s Naked generally drops better than plastic coated bikes.

How many kms did it have on it? Someone was telling me that bike kms are like dog years.

10000km on a bike much more than 10000km on a car. So a bike with 35000 - 40000km is pretty well used? I suppose that is a massive generalisation of course...

I understand the dropped faired vs naked thing. Another thing on my rather long pros / cons list.

[meatface]

Blame it on the fuel prices - More people are learning to ride bikes (in order to save money on fuel) and since youre only allowed up to a 250, its a niche market. Its amazing how many people who havent ridden for years are now getting back into riding. The smaller bikes are also getting snapped up for commuters...


Yeah, I have a feeling fuel prices are a big reason. I mean...i'm one of those people!

[Choco]

And if you had the choice between a hornet and a ninja for the same price you'd choose the ninja?

I tried to find an old GPX to have a sit on but could never find one and no one had a new 08 Ninja either because everyone had bought them all!

I had a GN250 before I got my Hornet and decided to move up because I kinda needed a bigger bike. I wanted a bike that...
- could overtake (dont laugh)
- had some more grunt, so moving up to a 500 or something later on wouldnt be such a scare
- Actually fit me, I'm about 6 ft and i usually sat on the pillion seat of the GN, so a large bike was important.
- could go on long trips
- could teach me more about riding a sport(er) bike

The main factor for me buying the Hornet was it's size, I loved the fat tank and the riding position! But the bike I got WAS older than I wanted, but I fell in love so got it :love::love:



The main thing is that YOUR ARE COMFORTABLE ON THE BIKE!!!

If someone chucked my 7k and told me to get a bike I would go for a (much) newer hornet personally. But I wouldn't really recommend it for a learner/new rider because the IL4's are not so friendly at lower speeds, but thats just my opinion :bleh:

EDIT: My bike had just under 20,000km on it when I got it.

[Coyote]

Buy the ninja, take the fairings off, put them aside. Run it as a naked, buy a single lamp for the front or whatever you want to make it look like you want it too. When it comes time to sell the bike as you upgrade to the next machine, put the fairings back on and it'll look mint. :D

Chances are, being new to bikes, you may drop it. I certainly did, a few times, still do, but I'm a muppet. If you're into faired (is that the word?) bikes I'd be saying to take the fairings off too.

[Choco]

If your concerned about bike history/service history/false mileage then buy new :bleh:
Sit on both bikes and see which one you prefer!

[gijoe1313]

Ahh the mention of little ol'hornets makes my heart go pitter pat :love: Its been great to see the uptake of new riders on hornets in this forum! :woohoo:

And yes, the price of hornets now on the market is ridiculous! When I first got my one, it was only at 5.5k ... and now its shot up almost 1.5k in that time till now! :gob:

A brand new bike with a warranty makes good sense, but do give a little ol'hornet a sit test! I remember sitting on a whole lot of bikes and the first time I sat on a hornet (all the way out in the Coromandel!) I knew it was the bike for me!

PM sent with the usual spiel about hornets I give! :msn-wink:

[BruceC]

Stop procrastinating and buy the Ninja you know you want to. And when you have brought that go and buy lots of nice leather and a skid lid:2thumbsup:bleh::bleh:

[NOMIS]

The hornet will be faster, rev a lot higher and probably a bit thirstier. The ninja will have a warranty though.

$6500 is a ridiculous price for a hornet 250. You should be able to get one for half that. Also consider the suzuki bandit 250 its pretty similar to the hornet.

you must be tight if some one offered me less than $5500 id laugh... alot..
Must be a pretty shit hornet

[slopster]

you must be tight if some one offered me less than $5500 id laugh... alot..
Must be a pretty shit hornet

Well I brought a gsxr 250rr for $1200 and a zxr 250 for $1500. My mate brought a cbr 250 for $500 a couple of months ago. All in good mechanical condition but rough cosmetically. None had more then 35000km on them.

Plenty of bargains out there - just got to look for them.

[BruceC]

In ten years the Hornet will be 20 years old. In 10 years the Ninja will be 10 years old. And I know you will still have it in ten years:done::confused:

[gijoe1313]

Hehe and I hope mine will still be running then ... I keep what I collect, and I'm collecting all the Hornets, just a couple of 600s to get next! :woohoo:

And if it ain't still going by then? I'll be mounting it on the wall as 1:1 scale model of a nice little ol'hornet :niceone:

[NOMIS]

Well I brought a gsxr 250rr for $1200 and a zxr 250 for $1500. My mate brought a cbr 250 for $500 a couple of months ago. All in good mechanical condition but rough cosmetically. None had more then 35000km on them.

Plenty of bargains out there - just got to look for them.

yeh well mines not rough in any aspect.. so yehh. actually a darnsite better than a brand new one of the floor .. mind you mod's dont put up the price of a bike

[T bone]

buy the hornet ya poof:clap: hahhaa, I'd let you ride mine but I just got it back from the painters:rolleyes:

[NOMIS]

buy the hornet ya poof:clap: hahhaa, I'd let you ride mine but I just got it back from the painters:rolleyes:

I Just got mine back aswell..

[meatface]

buy the hornet ya poof:clap: hahhaa, I'd let you ride mine but I just got it back from the painters:rolleyes:

Patience grasshopper...

[Choco]

buy the hornet ya poof:clap: hahhaa, I'd let you ride mine but I just got it back from the painters:rolleyes:


I Just got mine back aswell..

oooh! touch ups or brand new colours? :D

[Gubb]

buy the hornet ya poof:clap: hahhaa, I'd let you ride mine but I just got it back from the painters:rolleyes:


I Just got mine back aswell..

See that, be careful. It seems Hornets crash often.

[NOMIS]

Lol yes it was insurance job.. But has come back to me very pretty indeed. And hornets dont crash any more than any other bike what kind of stupid comment is that??

Any way a few mods ( minor ) have been made. Got some carbon fibre mirrors coming from the states heh heh now hopefully they cool, and some frame sliders ( learnt my lesson ) then some ultra low Renthal bar's.

See how many mods you can do on a hornet???? get one ....

[BruceC]

buy the hornet ya poof:clap: hahhaa, I'd let you ride mine but I just got it back from the painters:rolleyes:

Have you got spare paint. He'll drop it....lol:bash:

[meatface]

some frame sliders ( learnt my lesson )



Frame sliders... I just looked up a pic and saw one for the 600... I like it!

[Choco]

Frame sliders... I just looked up a pic and saw one for the 600... I like it!

Cycletreads sells oggy knobbs for the hornet 250, about $180 for a pair.
On my to do list :D

[NOMIS]

Cycletreads sells oggy knobbs for the hornet 250, about $180 for a pair.
On my to do list :D

Yeh nah F*** that price.. I just got mine from the states ( motivation ones ) top brand and a total of $94.00 to get them to my door. Any one got some renthal ultra lows on there hornet?? I wana set how much??

[meatface]

Yeh nah F*** that price.. I just got mine from the states ( motivation ones ) top brand and a total of $94.00 to get them to my door. Any one got some renthal ultra lows on there hornet?? I wana set how much??

Which shop did you use?

[NOMIS]

Which shop did you use?

http://www.motovationusa.com/ this one bro.

[T bone]

Yeh nah F*** that price.. I just got mine from the states ( motivation ones ) top brand and a total of $94.00 to get them to my door. Any one got some renthal ultra lows on there hornet?? I wana set how much??

yep I got some on mine. Can't remember how much I paid for them though??? around $200 I think:slap:

[NOMIS]

yep I got some on mine. Can't remember how much I paid for them though??? around $200 I think:slap:

Man really? think ill keep a eye on trade me what they look like ? hard to fit?

[Choco]

oggy knobbs are some of the best you can get, and CT fit them for free.
up to you in the end I guess

[HenryDorsetCase]

I'm currently being torn between these two bikes.

I like the look and sound of the Hornet (circa 199?) but can't go past the price (and warrenty) of a new 2008 Ninja 250r.

Essentially the prices on these two bike are the same at the moment with dealers selling the hornets for about 6500 usually....


Yes, they are quite different bikes. Anyone got an opinions on why one option would be better than the other? I guess I want to commute on it (but will do rides on it too) and could actually see myself not needing to go to a larger capacity bike....so maybe something that is going to be okay for a while.

buy the new bike absolutely.

Oh, and isnt it ironic that I am looking at around 7 large for my one owner 06 Hornet 900 and a ten year old 250 hornet is the same money near as dammit? that is wack!

in my latest PB they even call it a "proper performance bike": Budget for new tyres (they recommend Dunlop GPR70's and maybe some fairing repairs. (it will fall over).

have fun.

[ozrobo]

the new kwaka looks like a 125 and looks awful go the hornet i got a kwaka but not worth getting one under 600cc

[NOMIS]

oggy knobbs are some of the best you can get, and CT fit them for free.
up to you in the end I guess

Yeh they are, so are motivation.. But i can fit for free to even comes with tourque specs lol. it only one bolt dude, and still more than $100.00 cheaper

[NOMIS]

Ooohhh One thing if getting the hornet be prepaired to for out alot of money for the front tyre i paid around $300 for it and $330 for the rear, Makes you think when wanting to smoke it up.. The front still pretty much brand new after 4000km though,

And come on let us know if you have made a decision yet

[justsomeguy]

Ooohhh One thing if getting the hornet be prepaired to for out alot of money for the front tyre i paid around $300 for it and $330 for the rear, Makes you think when wanting to smoke it up.. The front still pretty much brand new after 4000km though,

And come on let us know if you have made a decision yet

What tyres are you running? I don't remember paying that much and I only ran GPR70 SP's?

Best tyre prices in Auckland - Cycle Treads.
Botany Honda - if you ask nicely will match any price, beat it even.
Corsa Motorcycle Wreckers (Mt Welly) - Richard the owner is a distributor for one brand of tyre - think it's dunlop or something. He can offer really decent prices on that brand.

Meatface - The Hornet is a better bike. Slightly faster, nicer engine, will retain its value well. The Kwaka is a simpler engine, cheaper to run and service but only by a little bit. Since you're into meat - The Hornet's like Sirloin. The Kwaka's like Brisket. If you want Eye Fillet stuff get a CBR or ZXR. If you're partial to a decent T-Bone look at a VTR250 too.;)

[NOMIS]

What tyres are you running? I don't remember paying that much and I only ran GPR70 SP's?

.;)

Will get back to you on that I know they where the best you can get but i have forgotten haha, ive always paid top dollar for tyres unless ive wanted to do skids on them.

[Choco]

Which sliders did you get from motovationusa.com? Ones for the 600??
Also, have you crash tested them by any chance :bleh:

[NOMIS]

Which sliders did you get from motovationusa.com? Ones for the 600??
Also, have you crash tested them by any chance :bleh:

Yeh the ones for the 600 there the same as the 250 any way.. and no I havnt crash tested them there not yet fitted will let you no if I do hahah I hope not. But motovation is a well knowen brand . even though there not sold hugely here I have seen them on the odd gsx-r and YZF

[gijoe1313]

I've always put Diablos on my little ol'hornet, 4 sets of them so far! Pricey, but for the way I ride and the kms I put on them (avg 20 000km) its great value! And oh yeah, got them all from 'Treads as well :msn-wink:

[Choco]

Yeh the ones for the 600 there the same as the 250 any way.. and no I havnt crash tested them there not yet fitted will let you no if I do hahah I hope not. But motovation is a well knowen brand . even though there not sold hugely here I have seen them on the odd gsx-r and YZF

What do you need to fit them? standard socket set do the job?

[NOMIS]

I've always put Diablos on my little ol'hornet, 4 sets of them so far! Pricey, but for the way I ride and the kms I put on them (avg 20 000km) its great value! And oh yeah, got them all from 'Treads as well :msn-wink:

I think thats what mine are, I got mine from cycle treads to. I will check when I get home and let yah no.

[NOMIS]

What do you need to fit them? standard socket set do the job?

I would say so prob pay to use a 1/2 inch set get a little more leverage off them, Illbe using my tourque wrench tho.. and prbly use a bit of thread locker ( quiktite ) aswell.

[Choco]

Looks like you need an allen key?
locktite would probably be good too.

[NOMIS]

Looks like you need an allen key?
locktite would probably be good too.

Yeh ive got a hex set, havnt had a look yet. sorry yes locktite not quiktite lol.
Will let you know how it is when I fit them, prob sometime in the next weeek. got alot on atm.

[meatface]

And come on let us know if you have made a decision yet

I'll definitely be posting up with I decide but i'm notoriously bad at making decisions :confused:

I am on the keeping my ear to the ground as far as the hornets that are out there though so I suppose that is something!

[Lteejay]

I agree 6500 sounds expensive for the hornet, but its from a dealer so there you are.

[Choco]

Yeh ive got a hex set, havnt had a look yet. sorry yes locktite not quiktite lol.
Will let you know how it is when I fit them, prob sometime in the next weeek. got alot on atm.

sweet! I'm fully interested because I'm a poor ass student :pinch:
Also would be great if you could post some pic's of them on your bike
Choco

[NOMIS]

The tyre's i got are both Diablo's they where $560 in total. but still look like new tyres about 95% tread and I have done around 4000km or so maybe more.

[T bone]

Man really? think ill keep a eye on trade me what they look like ? hard to fit?

yep, sh@t I know but I needed a new set of bars. They look sweet nice & low & the titanium finish looks good with the silver of the rest of the bike. Easy as to fit barely 20mins if your going slow

[NOMIS]

yep, sh@t I know but I needed a new set of bars. They look sweet nice & low & the titanium finish looks good with the silver of the rest of the bike. Easy as to fit barely 20mins if your going slow

I want some gold ones but i think i may have a pair sorted for cheap black tho.

[Choco]

The tyre's i got are both Diablo's they where $560 in total. but still look like new tyres about 95% tread and I have done around 4000km or so maybe more.

Good tyres? Good in the wet? Would you recommend them?
Got a Mitchlin Power Sport rear at the moment and it's scary in the wet. awesome in the dry though!:headbang:

[NOMIS]

Good tyres? Good in the wet? Would you recommend them?
Got a Mitchlin Power Sport rear at the moment and it's scary in the wet. awesome in the dry though!:headbang:

I used to have metzlers ( crap ) then I got the diablos man what a change, thats when my riding really started improving. But yeh once you get a lil bit of warmth into them thre good in wet and absolutly the best in the dry. I did bin not long ago besides just stuffing it up my self all i can come down to is cold tyres. But i put it more down to rider error.

But yeh the diablos have been mint

[Choco]

I used to have metzlers ( crap ) then I got the diablos man what a change, thats when my riding really started improving. But yeh once you get a lil bit of warmth into them thre good in wet and absolutly the best in the dry. I did bin not long ago besides just stuffing it up my self all i can come down to is cold tyres. But i put it more down to rider error.

But yeh the diablos have been mint

Might look to get one for the rear!
Extra bling for you man! info on sliders and tyres! you rock!

[NOMIS]

Might look to get one for the rear!
Extra bling for you man! info on sliders and tyres! you rock!

Cheer's . I still havnt fitted them I didnt even get to ride once on the weekend been realy busy the only place im not busy at the moment is at work.

[Choco]

Me thinks we need to start a hornet modding/reccomendation thread, we kinda hijacked this one:Offtopic::laugh:

[kimjie]

Me thinks we need to start a hornet modding/reccomendation thread, we kinda hijacked this one:Offtopic::laugh:

it's kinda hijacked already lolz....yeah do some thread like that so we all hornet riders go there and look at mods/ bits and bots... really nice thing to do... lolz

keep it up all hornet riders...

[Choco]

Thread started!
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=78218

Also, tyre advice is welcome!

[meatface]

Just to put the finishing touch on this...I got a vtr250 in the end. It's red like a fire engine.

Lots to figure out but getting the hang of things slowly. Pootled around in traffic a bit today, a bit of motorway running and some twisty roads (which i'm crap at). Lots of waving too :cool:

Almost got run over about 10 minutes into my first ride by a person turning right into the street where I had stopped at a stop sign; they were cutting the corner like no one was there, thankfully saw me at the last second otherwise I probably would have been walking. It won't be my last traffic story I'm sure but I hope they aren't too frequent!

[NOMIS]

Just to put the finishing touch on this...I got a vtr250 in the end. It's red like a fire engine.

Lots to figure out but getting the hang of things slowly. Pootled around in traffic a bit today, a bit of motorway running and some twisty roads (which i'm crap at). Lots of waving too :cool:

Almost got run over about 10 minutes into my first ride by a person turning right into the street where I had stopped at a stop sign; they were cutting the corner like no one was there, thankfully saw me at the last second otherwise I probably would have been walking. It won't be my last traffic story I'm sure but I hope they aren't too frequent!

Good stuff and don't worry it wil all come together no ones good at cornering on their first ride.

[BruceC]

I told you so:Pokey:lol

[Choco]

Congrats on getting the VTR250 mate!
You'll get better with time and practice, and just watch out for the silly cagers!
If you ever want some company for a toodle drop some of us Auckland folk a PM and we'll see what we can do :niceone:

Choco

[Jerry74]

Go for the Kwakka Ninja

[NOMIS]

Go for the Kwakka Ninja

boooo.......

[GrayWolf]

Have you test-ridden both? The reason I ask is, what feels the most comfortable/enjoyable for you? Its a big purchase and will be with you until you get your Full Licence.

Only 3 major differences:
1. The Ninja is a twin, where the Hornet is a 4-cyl
2. Hornet is a slightly (by not much) de-tuned CBR250RR motor
3. Hornet is a naked where the Ninja is full faired.......

I'd agree with Qkchk about what suits your needs. On long journeys, 2 up? What suits you. I've tried a few 250's and they are very different beasts from my learner days. I found the higher performance 250's are great for a 'quick blat' (Ninja? CBRR/FZR etc). I prefer 'tourers' and I found the good ole ZZR250 (same basic engine as the GPX and I'd guess the ninja is developed from it) was not as quick, but more tractable in traffic and was able to maintain highway speeds competently. I'd also venture a lot more 'cumfy' for pilot and pillion than the Ninja. Unless you really intend to keep the Ninja for years, you lose a lot of dosh when selling/trading a new bike thats not very old. Maybe the ZZR - GSX250 are worth considering?

[adam1194]

What tyres are you running? I don't remember paying that much and I only ran GPR70 SP's?

Best tyre prices in Auckland - Cycle Treads.
Botany Honda - if you ask nicely will match any price, beat it even.
Corsa Motorcycle Wreckers (Mt Welly) - Richard the owner is a distributor for one brand of tyre - think it's dunlop or something. He can offer really decent prices on that brand.

Meatface - The Hornet is a better bike. Slightly faster, nicer engine, will retain its value well. The Kwaka is a simpler engine, cheaper to run and service but only by a little bit. Since you're into meat - The Hornet's like Sirloin. The Kwaka's like Brisket. If you want Eye Fillet stuff get a CBR or ZXR. If you're partial to a decent T-Bone look at a VTR250 too.;)


I think saying that the kwaka is like brisket is just a little to harsh. More like rib eye! Eye fillet is for old rich people who cant chew through a proper steak! Does that mean its for old people who cant ride?