2008 Ninja 250R - First impressions

[Betawave]

I've had my brand new 2008 Ninja 250R for a bit over a week now, have put on 400kms, and thought I'd share my first impressions with those of you considering this bike. For the record, I'm new to riding in NZ, but I'm not a new rider and have spent most of my 6 years riding time on 650-1100 sport cruiser types.

Overall, the bike is well put together and handles well. I've ridden it in the city, on the motorway, and out in the country, with a bit of rain and shine in each situation.

Plusses:
- Relatively inexpensive and, if history holds up, should hold value decently well over time.

- Decent fuel economy. I got 320kms out of my first tank. Works out to about 17.77 kms/liter or 41.8mpg. Kawasaki advertises 61mpg. Unless you ride like a nana, you're not going to see this.

- Comfort isn't bad. It's a small sport bike, not a cruiser. That said, I could do 50-60kms before my butt started to get numb. Much more and I need a few minutes out of the saddle. Otherwise, the riding position is decent. I have bad back (two ruptured disks, s1 and c5 for those of you who've been, or who are, in the same boat) and I can ride without discomfort. BTW, I'm 172cm / 75kg. If you're a lot larger than me, this bike may feel too small.

- Excellent low-speed handling. Lane splitting anyone? Very stable, no weave / wobble, even at very low speed.

- Cool looks (for a 250). I bought the green... my least favorite color in the shop... and I have to admit it's grown on me.

Minuses (some major, some just nit-picks):
- Shifter needs adjustment. I'm still playing with it to get it in the right position. Way too much travel initially and almost impossible to get my boot under (my feet are on the small side of average). A quick and easy adjustment improved things immensely, but it's still not there yet.

- Lack of power. What can I say... it's a 250, not a rocket. Still, I run at just under 7k rpm at motorway speeds and have enough power left to overtake if needed. To be fair, the dyno shows max hp up in the 10k rpm range and I'm staying below 6-7k until about 1500kms to break the engine in properly. Stay tuned for more. (pun intended)

- Tyres lack traction. Yep, the tyres are new... but after 200kms, including a bunch of curves, I expect the tyres to have a bit more grip. I don't push it *that* hard (still in the break-in phase, staying under 7k rpm, etc.) and I've nearly had it slide out twice on me... once in dodgy, wet, windy conditions with only 50kms on the bike, but the other was on dry pavement with 300kms on the tyres. I'll be replacing these soon. If you're an easy-going commuter, you may be fine on the stock tires. If you like to push it in the twisties, upgrade immediately.

- No gear indicator. Ok, so I'm spoiled. I like to look down and know what gear I'm in.

- Dual indicator lamps. Again, spoiled. I'd like to see dual indicator lamps instead of the single lamp.

Final thoughts? This is a great little bike and I'm glad I bought it. It makes a great commuter and has just enough power to run at motorway speeds without breaking the bank in fuel costs. I'll definitely be upgrading the tyres and possibly the exhaust to tease out a couple more hp, but otherwise it's good enough stock to keep me happy.

Hope this helps those of you on the fence!

[Roki_nz]

Yeap i Agree with all your points. I have been getting between 20-24 km/L, shifter can be a pain and its annoying to count gears all the time but still it a nice bike and handels well

[Slyer]

Yeah everyone says that the stock tyres are rubbish but at least they picked a part that is commonly changed to cut back on.
I'd also expect that the fuel economy will increase as the engine is broken in.

[Duke girl]

Glad that you are happy with your Ninja and a great write up 2 I must add.
I have a question for you regarding the mirrors which i find hopeless as I have moved them so many times and yet still cant see out of the 100%. For me to be able to see whats behind me I have to either drop my hands off the haldlebars and put my arm down by my side or hang my head over to the side of which mirror it is I am trying to look at which is not only dangerous but a nuisance also. How do you find the position of the mirrors on your bike?.
Also I was out riding on it 1 day when the wind got up to about 120k's and I have never been so frighten in all my life as it was throwing the bike all over the road and I was doing alot of counter steering trying to keep both me and it upright
Other than these 2 minor hipcupps with it I thoroughtly enjoy riding it and find it so easy to put into corners and so easy to ride and as you can see by my photo I have a red 1.

[Dragon]

Ive kicked myself twice now for not buying the one I preordered and now not getting one before the price raise never mind going to go look again next week. Any suggustions on a better set of tyres.

[Slyer]

Price rise? Wah?
Kawasaki nz site is down..

[RantyDave]

Yep, the tyres are new... but after 200kms, including a bunch of curves, I expect the tyres to have a bit more grip.
The tyres on my Triumph were shit for the first couple of tankful's ... i.e. at least 500k. I had two little slips in it's first month too - was a bit trouser filling, I can tell you.

Dave

[Maki]

New price is $7,470.00
Don't worry, it's worth it.
If you don't think so there is always the Honda Hornet 250. You can get a used one from Wellington Motorcycles for just $9,499...

http://www.motorcycle.co.nz/other/?id=39531

[robo555]

New price is $7,470.00
Don't worry, it's worth it.
If you don't think so there is always the Honda Hornet 250. You can get a used one from Wellington Motorcycles for just $9,499...

http://www.motorcycle.co.nz/other/?id=39531

Damn...stupid crappy NZD

[Roki_nz]

Glad that you are happy with your Ninja and a great write up 2 I must add.
I have a question for you regarding the mirrors which i find hopeless as I have moved them so many times and yet still cant see out of the 100%. For me to be able to see whats behind me I have to either drop my hands off the haldlebars and put my arm down by my side or hang my head over to the side of which mirror it is I am trying to look at which is not only dangerous but a nuisance also. How do you find the position of the mirrors on your bike?.
Also I was out riding on it 1 day when the wind got up to about 120k's and I have never been so frighten in all my life as it was throwing the bike all over the road and I was doing alot of counter steering trying to keep both me and it upright
Other than these 2 minor hipcupps with it I thoroughtly enjoy riding it and find it so easy to put into corners and so easy to ride and as you can see by my photo I have a red 1.


Postion the mirriors so you arm fills up half of the mirror and the rest is the road, when you want to check you mirrors pull you elbow in and that will allow you to see behind you. Its the only thing i have found that works

[CookMySock]

[...] For me to be able to see whats behind me I have to either drop my hands off the haldlebars and put my arm down by my side or hang my head over to the side of which mirror it is I am trying to look at which is not only dangerous but a nuisance also. How do you find the position of the mirrors on your bike?.It takes me a few days or even weeks to find the correct mirror position. I make very tiny adjustments while riding and gradually they end up in the right position, until some helpful person nudges them!

I have two different mirror configurations I use: For motorway multi-lane riding I set them slightly more outward so I can use them for monitoring lane changes.

For open-road two-lane riding I turn them inwards so I can monitor what is behind me in my lane, with the left mirror showing a clear picture of behind me, and the right mirror slightly outwards so I can also use it to check the right lane when passing.. On the rural open road, the only thing I am looking for behind me is the fuzz - there is never anyone else behind me. I cannot see past my elbows when the mirrors in this configuration - I leave my hands on the grips and simply tuck each elbow against my ribs one-at-a-time, and I can see behind perfectly well. Again, it is very unusual for someone to be behind me.



Also I was out riding on it 1 day when the wind got up to about 120k's and I have never been so frighten in all my life as it was throwing the bike all over the road and I was doing alot of counter steering trying to keep both me and it upright.I had to read that twice to see it was the WIND at 120km/hr, not YOU at 120km/hr. I am not surprised you got a fright. I have no suggestion for riding in 120k winds - unlikely I will ever be out in such conditions. I got caught in a nasty squall some months back, and that was bad enough for me.


Steve

[cameltoe]

they also hold up pretty well from crashes, I crashed mine on thursday, going to fast round a blind corner. Low sided at about 80k in my school uniform which consists of t-shirt and shorts, got a decent size hole in my knee and road rash. but the bike is rideable, justt cosmetic damage really and the mirror indicator and rear brake lever need replacing. took it for a ride yesterday, theres a very noticable vibration somewhere, but atleast the chassis still feels fine.

[blairh]

they also hold up pretty well from crashes, I crashed mine on thursday, going to fast round a blind corner. Low sided at about 80k in my school uniform which consists of t-shirt and shorts, got a decent size hole in my knee and road rash. but the bike is rideable, justt cosmetic damage really and the mirror indicator and rear brake lever need replacing. took it for a ride yesterday, theres a very noticable vibration somewhere, but atleast the chassis still feels fine.

Ouch =( Glad you're ok..

[wbks]

What kinda power are those things putting out? Is it pretty much just a re moddeled gpx250?

[Slyer]

Around the same as the GPX, maybe a bit more.

[wbks]

I'm still is awe as to why they did that rather than revive the zxr250. Thing would sell like crazy, here!

[Slyer]

Yeah but only here

[wbks]

so what makes the gpx viable to make but not the zxr? I'm assuming the gpx is going on sale all over the world, so why wouldn't the zxr sell in the same places?

[Slyer]

Because why would you want a fast 250 when you can get a 600?

[wbks]

why would you want a slow 250 when you can get a 600?
I would have thought people would only buy them in country's with graduated licencing systems like here not in the states so how is an even slower 250 going to do?

[cameltoe]

mine made 31.2hp on the dyno stock

[Slyer]

NZ and Aussie are the only two countries that I know of.
In England it's 125cc limit or something.

[Betawave]

With regard to the mirrors, you're correct... the positioning isn't ideal, but it's going to be a problem more for those of you used to riding cruisers. I agree fully with the earlier response... tucking in the elbows and leaning just a bit gives me enough visibility to be happy.

I have noticed another niggling problem however:

False neutral between 5 and 6. It doesn't happen often, but there's a definite problem with false neutral between 5 and 6 when I "soft" shift... that is, I shift lazily from 5 to 6 when cruising. I don't get this in any other gear and I don't get this when shifting aggressively.

Also, I'm now close to 700kms on the bike and the engine is definitely getting stronger. I can feel it craving the higher revs, but I'm not ready to take it there quite yet. The Kawa manual suggests 1500kms and I'm trying to stick to that suggestion.

As for tyres, I'm really disappointed that most of the tyres I like aren't available in the correct sizes. I've heard of some folks upsizing to 150 rear to get a wider variety of available tyres, but I'm not willing to upset the bike geometry. Since I'm limited, I'll probably go with the BT45... that seems to be a fairly popular choice and many have given good feedback on it. The other recommended choices were Pirelli Sport Demons and Michelin Pilot Activ. If any of you have personal experience with these tyres on a 250, I'd love to hear from you.

[CookMySock]

I'm still is awe as to why they did that rather than revive the zxr250. Thing would sell like crazy, here!If it was, I would say it would be much more expensive than other 250's. But yeah its a shame they arent available new. Such awesome bikes.

Steve

[Slyer]

I'd go for the parallel twin over the inline four but that's just me.

[Duke girl]

Thanks heaps guys for the advice about tucking the elbows in trying to get more visability from the mirrors. I will definately give it a try when i am next out riding. And to the guy who crashed his Ninja wearing his school uniform, please make sure you are fully covered with the appropiate riding gear as you were lucky not to have done more than just putting a hole in your knee.

[Slyer]

I think you have to tuck your elbows in for pretty much every sports bike, you can extend them but then you lose some of your lanesplitting abilities!

[CM2005]

the dunlop GPRa10's are the best tyres to fit according to PB mag, i have to say they stick like the proverbial to a blanket on my mates RS250 aprilia.

[Sparrowhawk]

As for tyres, I'm really disappointed that most of the tyres I like aren't available in the correct sizes. I've heard of some folks upsizing to 150 rear to get a wider variety of available tyres, but I'm not willing to upset the bike geometry. Since I'm limited, I'll probably go with the BT45... that seems to be a fairly popular choice and many have given good feedback on it. The other recommended choices were Pirelli Sport Demons and Michelin Pilot Activ. If any of you have personal experience with these tyres on a 250, I'd love to hear from you.

I've put Dunlop GT501's on my GPX250, I'm assuming that the tyres are the same because I had about the same choices. I've been really happy with the GT501's so far, no grip issues at all. :woohoo:

[Slyer]

Yeah I've read some really good reviews on the Dunlop 501's, and cycletreads have them so that's what I'll be getting next.
http://motorcycletirereviews.com/7-1-dunlopGT501.html
http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.co.uk/tyres/ranges/roadBias/arrowmaxGT501/

[Betawave]

Very interesting about the Dunlops. I specifically asked Cycletreads for advice and the Dunlops didn't come up in the list of suggested options. I'll go back and find out why.

[Betawave]

Here's what the vendor shared with me:

"The Dunlop GT501 is a good tire but I talked to our mechanic (a tire expert) and he told me that the BT45’s are a grippier tire than the Dunlop with a bit newer technology. Also, the distributor does not have any Dunlop rear tires in stock and have listed them as a “closeout” item on the computer, which basically means that they will not be getting any more.
My ranking stays the same with the BT45’s being my recommendation."

[Slyer]

Comparing the two:
http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/What_tire_makes_are_available_that_fit_the_250%3F# Bridgestone_BT45

[SilentNinja]

Has anyone looked at putting pipes on their 08 ninja ??
What brand pipes and from where??

and if so did you look at getting the carbs re-jetted and what new air filters would you look at putting in ??

[Betawave]

I'm taking it one step at a time, but will be looking at exhaust at some point. The problem I see is that I'm relatively happy with the factory setup and I don't necessarily want to screw up a good thing.
I'm just as interested in hearing about the top rated mechanics who know carb tuning inside out as I am in hearing about the specific brands, options, etc. When (if) I get work done, I want it to be done right the first time.

[Slyer]

http://www.2fiddy.com/
All the info you need

[SilentNinja]

whats available in new zealand?? what shops???

[dave_a]

dont waste your money its a 250, I had the first one in wellington.sold it after two months it was fun in the corners but painfully slow in a straight line

[mister.koz]

- Cool looks (for a 250). I bought the green... my least favorite color in the shop... and I have to admit it's grown on me.

Green rocks! I was in the same boat with my 6rr for about a week, now i :headbang: every green kawaka i see even if i have to swerve to do so.



- No gear indicator. Ok, so I'm spoiled. I like to look down and know what gear I'm in.


:pinch: dude, you know the gear indicators are called idiot boxes? quite a few of my mates had a real good chuckle at me when i said "See its in 1st now" on my GN250 :)

Good review dude will be pointing some of my new rider mates here.

[mister.koz]

Has anyone looked at putting pipes on their 08 ninja ??
What brand pipes and from where??

and if so did you look at getting the carbs re-jetted and what new air filters would you look at putting in ??

Talked to speed-tech?

[Ripperjon]

Good job on buying the green meanie.

Green is waaay faster :msn-wink:

After 8000kms i've only found false neutral a few times. A few people seem to be finding it a lot. Whether this is inconsistency in the mechanics or different technique, i dunno.

I'm loving my bike too. Bought it at the end of last summer so looking forward to ripping it up in the warm weather.

Considering some Sport Demons but i think i'm gonna wait until i've taken the stocks down a bit more.
The Dunlops i have found to be not very confidence inspiring.
But, having said that, they haven't failed me yet (touch wood) and those chickenstrips are steadily shrinking. They are perfectly capable for cruising around commuting and taking it easy, i reckon.
Will be interesting to feel the difference the Pirellis make.

[Ripperjon]

oh and, i agree that a new pipe would be a bit of a waste of money.
It'll never be fast in a straight line.
And no pipe is gonna make it sound "impressive".
That's not what this bike is for.

But, each to their own.

[NedKellley]

Bought my "Green Machine" yesterday :) Love it, looking forward to a some good summer runs!!

[mister.koz]

Bought my "Green Machine" yesterday :) Love it, looking forward to a some good summer runs!!

Wicked, should put some pics on your profile :)

[racefactory]

GPRa10's are the absolute best tyre you can put on this machine. the choice of tyre for F3 racing. Stick like your filthy yoghurt to your partners hair i'm tellin' ya!

But if your looking for more touring balance then it's not really in that game...

[Reido]

yeah not really worth buying a new pipe,
however, when it was getting fixed (yay for insurance) after a little slide,
i had them replace it with a Leo Vince.
and ooooo its yummy, a lot less bulky, sounds good, and look mean :Punk:

[NedKellley]

Wicked, should put some pics on your profile :)

Will have a go at putting some on for next weekend mister.koz, pick the bike up from Hamilton Motorcycles Monday or Tuesday...looks like I will have a "the flu" on Wednesday!!! :)

[mister.koz]

Will have a go at putting some on for next weekend mister.koz, pick the bike up from Hamilton Motorcycles Monday or Tuesday...looks like I will have a "the flu" on Wednesday!!! :)

Awesome dude :) have fun and be careful, a group of us do longish rides (250 - 250km) every sunday, we have some quick ones and some slow ones and a few in the middle, so far a few 250's come along and have a ball, you are welcome to come along, just drop a "hello" on the thread in my profile.

[Monolith NZ]

yeah not really worth buying a new pipe,
however, when it was getting fixed (yay for insurance) after a little slide,
i had them replace it with a Leo Vince.
and ooooo its yummy, a lot less bulky, sounds good, and look mean :Punk:

May I ask how much that set you back, and is that the full pipe?

Filco in Nelson quoted me $1000 to have a full Leo Vince slapped on there and I'm interested to see if it varies much

[NedKellley]

Wow :banana: Picked my new bike up today....good job it is a rainy day otherwise I would be somewhere near Upper Hutt by now!! Still skived off and had a great ride around the Hamilton area!! Most fun I have had with my clothes on or off for years sad I know!!! What a great little bike...Kawasaki have outdone themselves!!
Just off to clean it and whisper sweet nothings to her!!

Laters!!!!:2thumbsup

[Reido]

May I ask how much that set you back, and is that the full pipe?

Filco in Nelson quoted me $1000 to have a full Leo Vince slapped on there and I'm interested to see if it varies much

no idea lol $550 excess is all i payed

[mister.koz]

May I ask how much that set you back, and is that the full pipe?

Filco in Nelson quoted me $1000 to have a full Leo Vince slapped on there and I'm interested to see if it varies much

Dude, honestly i reckon you should put all the $$ you think of putting into your 250 into a bank account for your first big bike (unless its for an excess)


Wow :banana: Picked my new bike up today....good job it is a rainy day otherwise I would be somewhere near Upper Hutt by now!! Still skived off and had a great ride around the Hamilton area!! Most fun I have had with my clothes on or off for years sad I know!!! What a great little bike...Kawasaki have outdone themselves!!
Just off to clean it and whisper sweet nothings to her!!

Laters!!!!:2thumbsup

Wicked dude, nicely done, bring on the photos :D

[NedKellley]

Dude, honestly i reckon you should put all the $$ you think of putting into your 250 into a bank account for your first big bike (unless its for an excess)



Wicked dude, nicely done, bring on the photos :D


Have some for the weekend mister.coz!! Already putting something away each payday for next year and a ZX10R!!:yes: Green of course!!!!:wari:

Everyone needs a hobby!!!!:woohoo:

[mister.koz]

Have some for the weekend mister.coz!! Already putting something away each payday for next year and a ZX10R!!:yes: Green of course!!!!:wari:

Everyone needs a hobby!!!!:woohoo:

Wicked bro, green is the colour of champions :) i went for the 600 myself, as they are a little more manageable down low.

Go for it :) :woohoo::woohoo:

[Diamond]

As most would have heard the 2008 ninja 250 sounds kinda pathetic (its a stock 250 tho), so has any body done an exhaust change to something abit better?
if so, what would you recommend??? (best sound, power, look etc.)

cheers

[SixPackBack]

Ninja 250 would have to be one of the worst bikes I have ever ridden. It handles poorly, the ergonomics are shite, build quality eastern bloc, tyres are a fookin disgrace [standard], and its bloody expensive!
Save your money and buy a dirt bike while getting your full licence, learn to wheelie and slide. Most learners will drop their first bike and a dirt bike is better equipped to handle this.

[motorbyclist]

Ninja 250 would have to be one of the worst bikes I have ever ridden. It handles poorly, the ergonomics are shite, build quality eastern bloc, tyres are a fookin disgrace [standard], and its bloody expensive!
Save your money and buy a dirt bike while getting your full licence, learn to wheelie and slide. Most learners will drop their first bike and a dirt bike is better equipped to handle this.

what a good idea - i've always noticed the dirt riders make very good road riders (atleast in terms of keeping the thing upright) and it all comes down to learning to crash on a crash proof bike