the new ninja 250

[jserio]

i just read two different reviews about the bike. both reviews said that the euro models will get fuel injection.  but, not here in the states. they apparently conteplated the idea but they say it would have pushed the price to over $4,000. a price they say would hurt the sales of this bike in america. i bet it would cost me a small fortune to buy a euro model and have it imported just for the pleasure of having FI. 

[yamahonkawazuki]

if the units are identical, 'cept for fuel induction, hell wait a bit, and buy the FI stuff from ebay or something and convert it 

[ohgood]

the 250 is awesome. too bad my merican brethren can't see past the horsepower numbers.

EFI + a super light 250cc bike = a freaking blast.

now, can they please make one large enough for riders that aren't midgets ? k thx

btw, the new styling looks fantastic !

[jserio]

i'm going to look at one on friday. dealer just put em out on the floor today. sadly i don't have the time to get down there until friday. will let ya guys know what i think! 

[bombadillo]

Didn't the engine stay exactly the same in the states?  I was under the impression that it was the same thing wrapped up in new plastic.

[jserio]

according to 2 separate reviews i read, kawi is claiming to have reworked 70% of the engine. redesign of the combustion chamber, etc. lemme find them reviews. i'll try to post links to them both.

[jserio]

here are the articles i read on the bike. 




http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/kawasaki/review-2008-kawasaki-ninja-250r-75782.html

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=5920&Page=1

[TheGoodGuy]

dang it.. i would have taken an FI ninja 250..

[fodder650]

I read the Motorcycle - USA write up as well. Id be curious to see what it would take to convert it to Fuel Injection.

Is it right though that the Ninja 250 is Kawasaki's best selling American bike?!

[bombadillo]

My ideal would be a four cyl 250 or 350cc bike similar to the cbr250 that was around years ago.  A super nimble, highway quick, gas sipping bike.  That would just rock.

[jserio]

okay guys. so i went down to the dealership today to look at the new 250. WOW. i'm actually very impressed. the bike looks so much better in person than it does in the pics on-line. i find it beautiful. the ergos were great. me being of smaller stature, i felt very comfy on it. i know, i know, sittin on it and riddin it are two different creatures. but all the same, i think i'm in love. i didn't wanna leave the dealership without one! unfortunately we're in the middle of buying a house and i wouldn't have a place to store it properly since there is no garage currently at the house we're buying. but, i've got my heart set now. gonna get one soon as i can. they only had a red one and a blue one. they just got em in on tuesday. they've allready sold the blue one. and they aren't even out on the main floor right now. they're keeping them in the back until they get a larger shipment in. the wife told me i looked really sexy on it!  i just can't get it outta my head. 

[GeeP]

"You'll outgrow a 500!"

And upgrade to a 250?!?"   

I bet they're a blast.  I'm still jonesing to my neighbor to let me ride his.   

[jserio]

i've no desire to be the next hayden and i'm still a newbie so i think the 250 will be great for me. as far as folks saying they'll "out-grow" a bike, well i find that statement a bit odd. i mean, the street is not a track. how fast do you really need to go? i only plan on riding round town, back and forth to work, maybe a few rides in the country with a buddy(he owns a 2003 harley dyna lowrider) and eventually the 5 and 1/2 hour trip to my buddy in michigan. i'm sure the 250 will be good for these things. i also believe it will help me to become a better rider by allowing me to concentrate on just riding and not trying to make sure i don't use more of the bike than i can handle. i remember in my safety class you could nail the throttle on those lil rebels and it wasn't an instant jump to 60mph.  and maybe someday i will want a bigger bike but for now, i think i'd be content with a 250. it's not what you ride it's just that you ride right?

[makenzie71]

I want one to see how hard I can push it with the 250 4stroke motor...then I want to slap in a CR500 motor....