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

**meatface** · 12th July 2008, 21:06

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:Me** · 12th July 2008, 21:34

Originally Posted by 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?

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** · 12th July 2008, 21:37

my opinion fwiw,ninja hands down...providing you can stretch to it

**slopster** · 12th July 2008, 21:38

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** · 12th July 2008, 21:48

Originally Posted by Qkchk

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** · 12th July 2008, 21:48

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

Good luck finding the perfect bike for you!

**meatface** · 12th July 2008, 21:52

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 12th July 2008, 21:54

can you actually get a 08 ninja at the moment?

**Qkchk:Me** · 12th July 2008, 21:54

Originally Posted by meatface

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** · 12th July 2008, 21:57

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

**meatface** · 12th July 2008, 21:57

Originally Posted by ChocolateWheels

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

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** · 12th July 2008, 21:58

hornet is a better bike

**meatface** · 12th July 2008, 21:59

Originally Posted by Anthrax

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:Me** · 12th July 2008, 22:02

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 12th July 2008, 22:03

Originally Posted by Qkchk

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!

Originally Posted by 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.

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

, do some searching and ask around on KB.

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