Ninja 250R feedback [Archive] - Kiwi Biker forums

Mamba

4th April 2009, 07:35

CookMySock

4th April 2009, 08:07

We got the hyosung coz that was what was available at the time, and her over there liked its sexy yellow colour. Green is yummy too, but didn't "do it" for her (and we couldn't get one at the time.)

Its six of one, half a dozen of the other - everyone has their preference, and the main thing is you are on a machine that you love - shit all else matters.

I bet you cant wait until you are on it. ;) :first:

Steve

Mamba

4th April 2009, 10:13

I am counting hours mate... I am counting hours

sil3nt

4th April 2009, 10:30

I can't really say i understand why people spend so much on these bikes. But who am i to judge they do look good and im sure your going to have the time of your life so congrats! When do you get it?

dblancer

4th April 2009, 11:42

I think the magic of buying new is that you don't really have to worry about issues?

I guess the run in period might be a pain

Everything should work on a new one and its under warranty isn't it?

I know a guy who rides one and he reckons invest in some of those crash bars that protrude out the side because the fairings are uber expensive if you have a drop. Somewhere around 3-5k for the fairings?

I think the interesting thing about these is they have the same sounding starter motor and engine noise that my old GPX does, ergo essentially the same engine.

But I must say they are the most gorgeous 250 Ive ever seen! i saw a read one in traffic on my way to work... sweeeeeeeeet!

Reido

4th April 2009, 13:59

5k damage when i crashed my one,
all cosmetic damage really.
fairings would have been the majority

otherwise great bike really
its still a learner bike anyway you look at it though

Buckets4Me

4th April 2009, 15:42

good choice

id buy new 7-8k
againts 5k for a 19 year old cbr :doh:

you do the maths

Hadley

4th April 2009, 16:03

Nothin like a new bike!
I bought my Hyosung GT250 new 2 years ago, and have had no problems with it at all.
Suits me just fine, and Im real happy with it.
Definately would have looked at the Ninja had it been around then.
Enjoy your new bike mate, and dont feel pressured into upgrading straight away.
Cheers

RocKai

4th April 2009, 18:42

Yeah, if you can invest in some of those crash bungs or frame sliders it'll save itself in a drop. Anything fairings is expensive to fix and will affect your resale value. Yeah I woudn't buy a brand new one for my first bike because now I know that no matters what inexperience will eventually land your bike down once. Just take it easy and congrats mate.

P.S. Watch out for middle age woman and people with funny hat :eek::third:

SMOKEU

4th April 2009, 20:45

good choice

id buy new 7-8k
againts 5k for a 19 year old cbr :doh:

you do the maths

But a CBR250 is a lot quicker than any new 250...

Gubb

4th April 2009, 22:10

But a CBR250 is a lot quicker than any new 250...

Who cares?

I fuckin' didn't.

The point is learning to ride. As long as it gets to 110 then it's fine. If you're comparing top speeds with 250's your obviously compensating for your teensy weensy willy.

Howsie

5th April 2009, 21:32

Hi guys

I have just put the deposit on my new green Ninja 250R and it is a bueaty:eek:. I am loving it, she is the most beautiful thing I have seen in a long time... dont tell mu GF :no:, or I'am a dead man :spanking:

I was just interested in the first hand feedback from the owners of the same bike...

how many miles/ leater do you get?
what is the realibility like?
I had a choice between Niinja and a GT250R, and was interested in which one you would pick? I suppose Kawasaki is a well knowen brand, but i was hearing lots of good things about GT250R as well.
Any issues that i should be aware anout?

And i say welcome to the club haha

a few things i have found out about the bike:

the tank holds 15L (found that out the hard way) so 300-350km per tank
you will get approx 22km/L when commuting. i get this even with my heavy wrist lol
the Ninja is more agile than the GT250R being a smaller bike (but i havnt ridden a GT250R yet)
no issues with mine and its going in for its 6000km service tomorrow

let me know when you get it and we can do some 250 rides with Ninjas and Hyosungs lol

Reido

5th April 2009, 21:40

the tank holds 15L (found that out the hard way) so 300-350km per tankl

isnt it 18L tank?
"Fuel Tank Capacity 18 litres"

no issues at 15,000kms, although im not liking what the resale value is gonna be when i go to sell it at the end of this year *gulp*

Howsie

5th April 2009, 21:44

isnt it 18L tank?
"Fuel Tank Capacity 18 litres"

no issues at 15,000kms, although im not liking what the resale value is gonna be when i go to sell it at the end of this year *gulp*

haha thats what the paper says! i ran out of fuel at the gas station (luckily) and she took 15.2L or something. That was on its side stand tho.

What do you think the value would be? $5k, maybe $6?

Reido

5th April 2009, 21:46

haha thats what the paper says! i ran out of fuel at the gas station (luckily) and she took 15.2L or something. That was on its side stand tho.

What do you think the value would be? $5k, maybe $6?

by the time i got to sell her in October she'll probs be around 25,000kms >_<
so i dunno..

Howsie

5th April 2009, 21:48

by the time i got to sell her in October she'll probs be around 25,000kms >_<
so i dunno..

as the dollar is dropping and the prices of the 250s goes up so will the resale value. can only be a good thing??

hmmm 25000kms, thats a bit of riding Reido!

Reido

5th April 2009, 21:51

as the dollar is dropping and the prices of the 250s goes up so will the resale value. can only be a good thing??

hmmm 25000kms, thats a bit of riding Reido!

well i've done the 15,000kms in in 6months. minus the time in the shop
and havent dont that much riding really.. too much commuting.

but why have a bike, and not ride it aye? i dont mind loosing 2k on it

25,000 / 2000 = 12.5km.... 12.5kms to the dollar.. plus petrol... and services etc FUCK >_<
lol

Howsie

5th April 2009, 21:56

well i've done the 15,000kms in in 6months. minus the time in the shop
and havent dont that much riding really.. too much commuting.

but why have a bike, and not ride it aye? i dont mind loosing 2k on it

25,000 / 2000 = 12.5km.... 12.5kms to the dollar.. plus petrol... and services etc FUCK >_<
lol

thats what i like about mine, its a toy so all i do is ride and no commuting. Much more fun that way!

Thats the whole point of having a bike, to ride it! I didnt see you at the ART day on Sat, could have done with a few more 250s round, i was getting sick of the bigger bikes holding up my cornering!

Reido

5th April 2009, 21:59

thats what i like about mine, its a toy so all i do is ride and no commuting. Much more fun that way!

Thats the whole point of having a bike, to ride it! I didnt see you at the ART day on Sat, could have done with a few more 250s round, i was getting sick of the bigger bikes holding up my cornering!

ART day?? i havent done much group riding lately.
did the coro loop last saturday (one before yesterday) with hiflyer and jtzzr. was pretty awsum, only had one wanker try to take me out with his van

smaller groups are much better.

Howsie

5th April 2009, 22:02

ART day?? i havent done much group riding lately.
did the coro loop last saturday (one before yesterday) with hiflyer and jtzzr. was pretty awsum, only had one wanker try to take me out.

smaller groups are much better.

Advanced Rider Training Day at Pukekohe Track. Was fantastic!

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=96483

Hope you gave said wanker the correct treatment afterwards.....

Reido

5th April 2009, 22:04

Advanced Rider Training Day at Pukekohe Track. Was fantastic!

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=96483

Hope you gave said wanker the correct treatment afterwards.....

oh riight.. im too scared to take my baby to anything like that.. i dont want to drop her etc
funny how i'll ride the roads with out a problem but any kind of track has me worried.

what kind of stuff did you do? / was covered etc??

Howsie

5th April 2009, 22:07

oh riight.. im too scared to take my baby to anything like that.. i dont want to drop her etc
funny how i'll ride the roads with out a problem but any kind of track has me worried.

what kind of stuff did you do? / was covered etc??

well the next one isnt until August so plenty of time.

Thats absolutely insane cos the track is in much better condition than the roads are there are no cages, cyclists, cops, intersections to worry about. Plus you can get to top speed of 170kmph down the back straight and have your helmet touch your nose! I didnt drop mine but there were a few offs that i saw. Just go at your own pace and you wont come off.

So you keen?? Hiflyer was supposed to have been there....

Howsie

5th April 2009, 22:09

i was in novice slow so everything was covered by the instructors, cornering, suspension set up, braking, lines, throttle control and even lunch!

The tutors follow you on the track and then get you to follow them if they can show you something better.

Reido

5th April 2009, 22:12

well the next one isnt until August so plenty of time.

Thats absolutely insane cos the track is in much better condition than the roads are there are no cages, cyclists, cops, intersections to worry about. Plus you can get to top speed of 170kmph down the back straight and have your helmet touch your nose! I didnt drop mine but there were a few offs that i saw. Just go at your own pace and you wont come off.

So you keen?? Hiflyer was supposed to have been there....

thats the problem, with the conditions so good i wouldnt be able to help myself
and just keep pushing harder and harder till whoops....

yeah i think he mentioned something about going to it.

i got new tyres last week, Pirelli sports demons. Feels soo much better its stupid.

Howsie

5th April 2009, 22:15

thats the problem, with the conditions so good i wouldnt be able to help myself
and just keep pushing harder and harder till whoops....

yeah i think he mentioned something about going to it.

i got new tyres last week, Pirelli sports demons. Feels soo much better its stupid.

bring it to the track mate, so much more fun!

Have you just got rid of the stock ones?? I didnt like the feel of the tyres on the track but that could just be me. How much did they set you back?

Reido

5th April 2009, 22:17

bring it to the track mate, so much more fun!

Have you just got rid of the stock ones?? I didnt like the feel of the tyres on the track but that could just be me. How much did they set you back?

yeah ditched the stocks they were .... ewww? i was gonna get rid of them earlier but im allways low on $$$

$323 fitted etc.
got them just before i did the coro loop. took me awhile to just used to sticking to the road lol.

Nofiller

8th April 2009, 20:59

To get a bit back to the main subject, I have had 2 different Ninjas 250 in the last 4 months ( the first one ended up in the front bumper of a campervan driven by a bloody swiss guy on my side of the road in a blind corner.

For a little background, I had no bike riding experience when I came in this wicked country last August. My first bike was a 1994 Suzuki Bandit 250 I bought a fex days after I had my learners, which gave me a pretty good comparison point when I got the first Ninja on Christmas last year.

My first impression on the test ride about the Ninja was that it's riding position was quite not like you would expect for a sports looking bike. Having the chance to had a quick run on the GT250R I found the riding position on the Ninja really upright compared to the Hyosung.
The Ninja had a really smooth handling compared to my moody Bandit (although I think it was mostly about the fact it was brand new), with real easy cornering behaviour and smooth power on the whole rpm range (compared to an undepowered feeling below 6000rpm on the 4 cylinders Bandit).

It's fuel efficiency is pretty good (i top up every 10 days or so on a 10km / day commuting pattern).
Talking about comfort on a long run, I find it more comfortable than the Bandit, my ass starting to get sore only after 200km generally.
I feel the bike heats up really quick in the morning, without any power loss at first throttling provided you give it a good 30 seconds with choke.

I certainely forgot a lot of things and my opinion i from a very newbie rider but after about 10 000k on this bike that's about was I feel about it !

The Pastor

8th April 2009, 23:28

Who cares?

I fuckin' didn't.

The point is learning to ride. As long as it gets to 110 then it's fine. If you're comparing top speeds with 250's your obviously compensating for your teensy weensy willy.
also corner speeds and ability to keep the bike once your on your full.

not to mention proven reliability and resale values. (for the woman out there)

The Pastor

8th April 2009, 23:32

well the next one isnt until August so plenty of time.

Thats absolutely insane cos the track is in much better condition than the roads are there are no cages, cyclists, cops, intersections to worry about. Plus you can get to top speed of 170kmph down the back straight and have your helmet touch your nose! I didnt drop mine but there were a few offs that i saw. Just go at your own pace and you wont come off.

So you keen?? Hiflyer was supposed to have been there....

i'd suggest getting a helmet that fits properly mate, you dont want to find out the hard way what brain damage is like.

Bow-Down

21st April 2009, 19:01

My 09 ninja makes a whining noise lyk a high pitch howl when its turned off on the stand. The noise is coming from around the speedo area lyk behind it. I think it might be a loose connection with the horn but also sounds like a fuel pump? Any ideas will be appreciated. I will take to a kwaka shop when I got some time.

sil3nt

21st April 2009, 19:13

It is the gas tank and it is normal.

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Why_does_my_gas_tank_sometimes_whine_when_I_stop%3 F

That website should answer all your ninja related questions :)

Reido

21st April 2009, 22:00

Howsie

21st April 2009, 23:03

i'd suggest getting a helmet that fits properly mate, you dont want to find out the hard way what brain damage is like.

It was fitted at the bike shop and is a snug fit. It only touched with the wind pressure at 170kmph. Will look into it though.

My 09 ninja makes a whining noise lyk a high pitch howl when its turned off on the stand. The noise is coming from around the speedo area lyk behind it. I think it might be a loose connection with the horn but also sounds like a fuel pump? Any ideas will be appreciated. I will take to a kwaka shop when I got some time.

Yea dont bother going to the shop. Its the breather on the top of the fuel tank. Will happen more often with a lesser amount of fuel in the tank or when its in the sun. Its the excess gas escaping from the tank to stop it pressurising. BTW the bikes dont have fuel pumps, its gravity fed :niceone:

dblancer

22nd April 2009, 19:57

""My 09 ninja makes a whining noise lyk a high pitch howl when its turned off on the stand. The noise is coming from around the speedo area lyk behind it. I think it might be a loose connection with the horn but also sounds like a fuel pump? Any ideas will be appreciated. I will take to a kwaka shop when I got some time.""

I get the same noise with mine, and it is black! It does appear to be fuel tank related. Open the fuel filler and it will *gasp*
I thought it might be an issue till I heard the new ones do it too, nothing to worry about.

steelestring

22nd April 2009, 21:43

The new fetal ninja's look the biz. They always look like fun to ride! Sound bullet proof too. I say congrats to everyone who owns one!

Slyer

22nd April 2009, 23:08

Yeah it's just air escaping, hot air expands.

raspygold

24th April 2009, 02:02

Yeah it's just air escaping, hot air expands.

And it sounds like a chicken! If there's no other reason to buy one, that is it!

Dutchee

2nd May 2009, 09:23

Has anyone tried the Cycleworks muffler? Curious as to whether it does make a real difference or not.

Howsie

6th May 2009, 23:23

Has anyone tried the Cycleworks muffler? Curious as to whether it does make a real difference or not.

Reido has an aftermarket muffler on his bike, ask him. Or ask Cycleworks for the dyno sheets of the exhaust, that will show if it has a power increase or not. At the very least it will just change the exhuast note.

dblancer

13th May 2009, 10:23

sil3nt

13th May 2009, 10:46

I was talking to a motorbike mechanic and he reckoned the new Ninjas are pretty restricted by their current exhaust. he said as much as 4hp could be gain from the right exhaust choice.... not a bad gain.But the $1000 it costs for a new exhaust would be better put towards a faster bike...

There is a cheaper way to get the same increase http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Do_K%26N_pods_provide_a_significant_improvement_in _horsepower%3F

Bow-Down

13th May 2009, 13:36

Good bike alround but dont keep it on the stock tyres during winter they feel like wood.
Have fun with it!

kunoichi

13th May 2009, 14:25

Yeah i got the ninja myself, and i'm thinking about getting more grippy tyres and a new exhaust. i feel like it might be chocking my engine.

dblancer

13th May 2009, 18:07

But the $1000 it costs for a new exhaust would be better put towards a faster bike...

There is a cheaper way to get the same increase http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Do_K%26N_pods_provide_a_significant_improvement_in _horsepower%3F

I think in essence those who have the 7-8G to spend on the new Ninja might not worry about 500-800 for the muffler, plus it adds to the selling point... ( not that the resale value is bad..)
Plus with all that warranty stuff of a new bike and do you really want to mess with something brand new? Im not that brave ;-)

thanks for the link tho, that website is gold, got onto it a little while back its just excellent. I think that's aimed more at models like my EX250F where the are two mufflers so changing them isn't so easy or available. id like to do the K&N intake change, I did investigate the replacement a little while back... it is a good option it appears.... upto 3hp... nice :clap:

Mamba

21st May 2009, 23:02

I GOT IT!!! I GOT IT!!!:done:

AUCKLAND I AM FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE :Punk:

I hope the cops don't see me :Police:

Slyer

21st May 2009, 23:38

Took them long enough eh! :)
Colour?

Mamba

22nd May 2009, 22:49

yip, and they were braging that it was quick <_<

its GREEN :eek:

BuckBuck#1

30th December 2009, 22:12

Well riding since May 2006, and now my fifth bike.

The Ninja 250 from new and 2000km in 5 weeks, I am very very happy with the bike.

The trade off with way less horsepower is more than made up with a very agile bike that carries me over the Rimutaka Hill with a big smile on my face.

Pictures in my album - link below.

cambridgedan

30th December 2009, 23:10

hey i ride one at the moment, im loving it, usually i get about 200kms per tank or there abouts, actually more than that i think, anyway i love riding it but i would highly recommend either not crashing or dropping it or getting a crash bar sorta thing. I had a guy drive into mine and just knocked it over with a tap and the insurance nearly wrote it off, i think that was all from the fareings so just watch that.

Slyer

31st December 2009, 07:57

I usually i get about 200kms per tank or there abouts, actually more than that i think
My GPX can do 300-400 so yours should be able to do at least 300. :bleh:

cambridgedan

31st December 2009, 08:48

My GPX can do 300-400 so yours should be able to do at least 300. :bleh:

Depends how you ride :bleh:

Mudfart

7th January 2010, 11:38

I got the ninja over the hyo, because A) the hyo was damn uncomfortable to sit on with the footpegs soooo far back, and B) coz the hyo is aircooled vs the ninja liquid cooled. But mostly just because it was so fukin painful to sit on, I'm an inch over 6ft.
Im pretty sure I am getting between 320-350kms a tank.
I've done 720kms on it now and I'm crankiong the revs to about 10000 in 6th.
The only issue I've had sofar was when I changed from 5th to look for 6th but it went into neutral. It was all my bad though, for doing too fast gear changes.

Slyer

7th January 2010, 11:47

Hey man good to hear. Yeah the Hyosungs aren't water cooled but they are oil cooled.

You'd have to be going what 120+ to get to 10000 in 6th? Should sit at 8000 when doing 100ish.
False neutrals are pretty easy to do on this bike and yeah you can avoid them by doing a proper kick up, make sure your gear shifter is set up perfect for you as well.

brendonjw

7th January 2010, 12:10

My replacement radiator from the states finally arrived so should be getting that on tomorrow and hopefully out for a ride on the weekend.
P.S Get a radiator gaurd made up or something, 1 little stone ruined my xmas/new years riding and Kawasaki want $946 for a new radiator and the only 2nd hand ones i could find at the time were in the states.

Slyer

7th January 2010, 12:23

brendonjw

7th January 2010, 12:29

Yeah i think i saw that one go up after i bought mine :P ended up being $200 shipped (well air freight) to my door

BoristheBiter

7th January 2010, 19:01

i had the ninja when got back into riding last year. i would say that it was a fantastic bike to learn on, easy to handle and it let me get away with the few mistakes without dropping it speicaly at low speed.

The only problem that i found was that it was too small for me and i'm not that big and as with a small lightweight bike it got blowin around with a good breeze.

other than that i had no problems and would get about 400km per tank.
took it for a road trip at the begining of the year and even with 400km per day it was a pleasure to get back on to.
I got it just before the price went up and with only having just over 6000km on the clock it held its price quite well.

i havn't rode any of the other 250 around and most people seem to think they are ok but as of the ninja i don't think you could get a better bike to start off on.

Mudfart

8th January 2010, 16:06

I'd swear the same also being a newb rider on my first 250.
I did ride a '74 suzuki 125 some 15 yrs ago, that was a pig, but hey even 15 yrs ago it was still old.
And 10k revs is about 140kph on the ninja. Private roads only of course.

quickbuck

8th January 2010, 17:08

The only issue I've had sofar was when I changed from 5th to look for 6th but it went into neutral. It was all my bad though, for doing too fast gear changes.

Ummm,
All bikes do that from time to time.
Simply hook the gear again, but firmer next time, and away you go.....

On top of this, ensure there isn't too much slack in your chain... and make sure it isn't too tight either....

BuckBuck#1

10th January 2010, 19:26

Ummm,
All bikes do that from time to time.
Simply hook the gear again, but firmer next time, and away you go.....

On top of this, ensure there isn't too much slack in your chain... and make sure it isn't too tight either....

Here is another tip: if you find you have a false neutral then don't immediately click it up of down with your left foot. Safety and time permitting pull over and come to a stop, clutch in and come back to true neutral. The consequences of kicking it up or down into gear can be expensive, and if done repeatedly over time inevitable.

If you have to reselect then go up a gear as opposed to down, get the engine running normally and then re-select downshift.

Howsie

20th January 2010, 20:02

Hey all, its been some time since i posted so thought id treat you with an update on my riding on the Ninja 250r. Being my first bike, its has been so much fun. The latest bit of fun was being out at pukekohe racetrack, improves your riding ability and confidence so much when you spend time with the instructors and the people that know how to ride. It is completely different to road riding, so good in fact that my Ninja might end up being a racebike in the future. I was passing people on the outside of Ford Hill corner fully lent over doing 120-130kmph, its the most exhilarating experience out there. Of course you dont need to be that much of a maniac

Bike is currently at 18000kms after a year of riding, no problems at all and will be in for its next service real soon. The only advice i can give 250 owners, is to learn how to ride your bike silly! Get so good that your skills outperform your bike, then look to upgrade. That does not mean riding like an idiot, just learn how to corner properly, gearshift, be smooth. Best way to learn that, is on the track under a watchful eye and i did. Best money you will ever spend on your bike.

Thats all from me till next time, keep the sticky stuff on the black stuff!

BuckBuck#1

20th January 2010, 20:10

Good post Howsie, good to get that sort of feedback about the 250R. And good on you for getting out there with the instructors.

s_devo

1st February 2010, 16:45

Thanks for the post. I totally agree that getting out to the track makes a difference. I went out to pukekohe racetrack for an Advanced Riders Training day with the Auckland Motorcycle Club. Good to have all the advice on tap and on track. Totally transformed the way I ride.

I also learn't about centrifugal forces, engine compression and what happens when you change down from 5th into 3rd at 100kpm by mistake! Nothing a brused ego and some plastic welding to solve.

--Stevo