Here's a second guy with nothing but praise for the 250 (and 500).  I spent a season on a 250 and anyone who can tell me you'll actually outgrow the 250 "fast" is absolutely nuts.  It took years of experience to put myself in a position to be able to outride the ninjette.  The only thing you outgrow in short order is the 120mph~ish top speed.

People need to keep in mind that it isn't always about power and performance.  Sometimes it's just what the person wants and I want one of the new 250's myself.  If Kalee wasn't so hung up on Ducatis I'd try and snag a pair of them for us to put around on.

I agree with mak...

As a long-time motorcyclist (rode dirt-only in the '70s; finally got my street endorsement in 1982), I can remember when MANY people rode 250cc motorcycles. The two-strokes were the screamers, while the four-strokes were for people (like me) who didn't know how to replace pistons and rings on a regular basis. The Ninja250 is a modern engine; nothing fancy, but a generation ahead of the GS (liquid cooling, four-valves per cylinder)... Kawasaki has been selling them for a LONG time now, all over the world. The design is proven and damn near bulletproof. If I happened to weigh more than 250 pounds, I'd opt for the GS; my NEXT motorcycle will be a used 250 Ninja a friend has agreed to sell me when he buys his NEW (2008) Ninja250. In the meantime, he just picked up his 2008 Suzuki DR-Z400SM... He also owns a Honda enduro (XL), and a Suzuki Bandit 1200, so he's having fun no matter which one he happens to be riding on any given day.

You don't have to like the Ninja250, but it is an excellent motorcycle, and I wouldn't hesitate to ride one across the US tomorrow.

Quote from: jserio on April 05, 2008, 04:27:30 PM
well, i'm sure this will really piss you guys off. this is what i really am lusting after. 

not sure if you were just kidding or whatever. those look pretty good for a small framed guy/gal to ride. i tried sitting on one, and it just kind of disappeared. the hd i would like would be a road king. if someone else paid for it. and maintained it.

yes, i was serious about wanting that harley. but the main reason i figured the 250 would be better for me is purely based on price. i know many of you will scream to the heavens i should buy a used bike first. thanks for the input but this is probably the only time i'm gonna go against the advice of this board.  i want a new bike. i understand there is a great chance i'll drop it. i'm willing to take that chance. at least i'm not completely ubber squidly and saying i'm going to get a nice shiny new busa or zx-14 for my first bike. 

Well the biggest reason people tell you to start on a used bike IS because we know it'll most likely be dropped...but that's ultimately just a matter of how much money you want to spend.  If you're comfortable with the potential cost then by all means, spend it.  Money is all about what makes you happy.

don't worrry. when/if i do buy a shiny new bike, i'll be sure to post about it here. and if/when i do drop said shiny new bike, i'll also post that here. and feel free to say i told you so. 

naaah man, we wont rag you, much lol most of us here have dropped our bikes, through moving incidents, or workshop mishaps. ( all count as droping bike btw) im liking that sportie tho. but i got another gs today so im VERY happy within a few months the john deere bike will emerge

  congrats on the ride man!

btw maintenance costs on a harley are very minima, no matter what the haters say lol, i kinda like the ninjette myself, but not sure tho  all i have to do now is find an extra gs tank, plastics, and wheels front and rear.  and a seat. tank and plastics are getting painted john deere green, wheels are gettign powder coated jd yellow, seat upholstered by me, jd yellow. and jd decals ( ebay) go on the tank , then i go race a car, after i beat it, i want to ask the driver, " how does it feel to be spanked by a john deere?"

  i was curious about the maint actually. i talked to a guy at the local HD dealership and he said that the newer bikes are actually built better, longer intervals for major jaint. the FI would be a plus. i'm torn actually. the lil ninjette is much, much cheaper in terms of out the door costs. and would probably use less fuel. hmmm..but you know, since i'm not getting it right away, i've got the time to debate.  geez. i was all set on the ninjette but i bought a house instead. so now i'm back to the drawing board, debating bikes. what should i set my eyes on? i've learned alot on here about bikes to start with, what to stay away from. i know that no matter what i get, i won't get in over my head. i just want to be happy with my purchase and get the best bang for my buck. i got a friend who owns a harley. he's probably the closest one to me that i'd be riding with when i do get a bike. he loves his bike. it's an 03. says it never gives him any problems. except when the bike is cold.    i'm a moron, i know. can't decide what i want. well, not really. i know what i want, i just don't know what i want. i got awhile to figure it out though. until then i'll just postwhore it up here and enjoy the company.