More 2011 Kawasaki's.

[dentheman]

I just went to the Kawa site and noticed they have added several 2011's to their list today. I am particularly interested in the new Ninja 250R, it has the same MSRP as the 2010, but I don't like the colors as much. Any thoughts on getting this bike for a first bike? I am 5' 11" and weigh 235, so I don't know if it will fit well. And I wonder if I would be thought of as the family 'oddball', riding a Ninja at 61 years!!!

[alanmcorcoran]

Den, I don't know for sure, but I always liked this video: (Hope this link works:)

[youtube:25chljxv]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVxoVEMTXp8[/youtube:25chljxv]

[dentheman]

WOW! Thanks for that video, Alan! It bolsters my confidence in getting a Ninja. I am still thinking of getting a GZ if I can find a good one, or a TU250, or better yet a GS500F. But right now the Ninja is on the top of my short list. But it will be next summer (probably fall) before I get anything. I am keeping my list to bikes weighing less than 400 lbs, except for the GS500 which I would buy in spite of the weight.

[Water Warrior 2]

WOW! Thanks for that video, Alan! It bolsters my confidence in getting a Ninja. I am still thinking of getting a GZ if I can find a good one, or a TU250, or better yet a GS500F. But right now the Ninja is on the top of my short list. But it will be next summer (probably fall) before I get anything. I am keeping my list to bikes weighing less than 400 lbs, except for the GS500 which I would buy in spite of the weight.
Don't forget the sort of sporty 500 twin that Kaw makes. New for 2011 is the Ninja 400 too.

[dentheman]

Ninja 400? I'll have to look, but I must say the 250 is in my price range.

[dentheman]

Ninja 400? I'll have to look, but I must say the 250 is in my price range.
The Ninja 400 is not available in the USA.

[Water Warrior 2]

Ninja 400? I'll have to look, but I must say the 250 is in my price range.
The Ninja 400 is not available in the USA.
Just picture the 600/636 Ninja and stuff in a 400 engine. All the nice features but won't go 150 MPH. As for the 250 I would love to ride one in the twisties and have some fun. A 250 or 400 would also be cheaper to insure for most folks too.

[alanmcorcoran]

WOW! Thanks for that video, Alan! It bolsters my confidence in getting a Ninja.

Yeah I kind of wanted to get one too after I watched it. The guy lives around me - I thought about looking him up, but I couldn't really think of a good reason to hunt him down. The ride from CA to Florida was pretty impressive!

I think you'll be happy with a Ninja 250, but I want to tell you that you are probably overly cautious about bike power/weight/etc. I was too. The GZ is a nice bike to learn on and is great bike for local roads/moderate commuting, but if you do any amount of 60mph plus riding, you will soon want something faster. If you are short on cash, and you get into a bike that you feel is underpowered, you'll be stuck with it until you can scrape up another stack of motorcycle money. I would recommend you get a used bike in good condition - you can save a ton on one, and then plan on trading up 6 months later.

[bonehead]

That must have been one helluva ride, great video.

[dentheman]

I suppose the real reason I am so concerned about power and weight is I relate them to cost. I have become quite a penny-pincher as I got older. I paid off my credit cards and other bills and no longer believe in buying on credit unless it is an emergency, so I am saving to pay cash for my motorcycle. I have made a number of trips to dealers and checked the sale ads and the only used bikes for sale around here are BIG, except for one Honda with front and rear drum brakes. I haven't seen any 250 on the showroom floor or the street (maybe a Ninja 250 on the street, I couldn't tell).

So, with my penny-pincher thoughts of paying the least, and lowest maintenance cost, best gas mileage, and ease of riding, I had concentrated on getting the GZ or TU.

But then I started reading up on the little Ninja. MSRP is similar to GZ and TU so it will be cheap to buy and maintenace should be pretty low, maybe a little more than a GZ/TU, but I should be able to do much of it myself. Gas mileage seems to be pretty decent from what I have read, however the high compression ratio suggests that I will need to use higher octane gas (even though the manual says 87), and just about everyone seems to rave about ease and comfort of riding. I also like the liquid cooling, tubeless tires and fairings. But the big plus the Ninja has over the GZ/TU is that it is better suited to high speed hiways and interstates, from what I gather. Not that I plan to do a lot of interstate riding, but you never can tell once I get a bike. (I think it might free me up to do some day touring.)

Powerwise, I would actually go up to a 500cc if I found a good used one. I would certainly like a chance to see and test a nice GS500F. I have also considered the S-40, but I just don't like the looks. I have considered the Korean and Chinese bikes, but have read too much about poor build quality, though I have never looked at one; and their dealers seem to come and go so I'm leary of maintenance support.

So, based on all of the above, the Ninja 250 seems like about the best bike for me AT THIS MOMENT. (A penny-pincher also over-analyzes things.)

[alanmcorcoran]

It seems you've done your homework, and I totally agree - one should not borrow money to buy a motorcycle unless it's your only way to get to a job. I think you will also like the Ninja (I've never heard anybody that had one say they didn't like it.) The GZ has a slightly different riding position and a cruiser style, but the Ninja will go faster - and that gives it a wider range of application.

I am surprised you can't find more used motorcycles for sale. I'm not familiar with Lubbock, and I know Texas did better than most with regard to the current economic climate, but there are a flood of used bikes elsewhere (here and Illinois for instance.) You may want to widen your search. You might get a motivated seller to ride one/deliver to you -even if they are 300-400 miles away - assuming you drive out there to inspect it first.

[Easy Rider]

So, based on all of the above, the Ninja 250 seems like about the best bike for me AT THIS MOMENT.

For a LOT of folks, that turns out to be a good choice....."for the moment".
A few keep them a long time but most end up trading up just like with the other 250's.

Even though it will reliably go faster, being light with all that body work, it's somewhat succeptible to side winds. And you need to at least do a "sit on" before you narrow your consideration to that one model. I don't think I could stand any mileage that qualifies as "touring" with that riding posture......but some riders can.

As for doing your own service......the "body work" needs to come off to do most anything except an oil change and cable/chain lube.

If your immediate objective is get the best "training" bike possible, taking all things into consideration, and knowing you probably will want to upgrade in a year or two......then something in a 250 is best.

IF, OTOH, you want to get something that is "reasonable" to train on AND will last more than a couple of years, then someting in the 500 range would be better.

Figure out what your primary objective IS and then keep sight of it.

[dentheman]

It seems you've done your homework, and I totally agree - one should not borrow money to buy a motorcycle unless it's your only way to get to a job. I think you will also like the Ninja (I've never heard anybody that had one say they didn't like it.) The GZ has a slightly different riding position and a cruiser style, but the Ninja will go faster - and that gives it a wider range of application.

I am surprised you can't find more used motorcycles for sale. I'm not familiar with Lubbock, and I know Texas did better than most with regard to the current economic climate, but there are a flood of used bikes elsewhere (here and Illinois for instance.) You may want to widen your search. You might get a motivated seller to ride one/deliver to you -even if they are 300-400 miles away - assuming you drive out there to inspect it first.
I may have to widen my search for a good used one. In one case when I asked a dealer about a 250 he got all puffy and said "We don't handle 250's, NO ONE wants one" and he walked away. I know I can order a new one from a dealer, but I would like to at least see one and sit on it before ordering. I did get to ride a GZ at the MSF course last month, but I had never seen one before that. It just seems that here in west Texas we mostly have pick-up truck, SUV, and Harley drivers.

[dentheman]

Easy - I have read elsewhere as well about the body work having to come off, and in the instruction manual too. I don't see a problem with removing a few screws to take off the fairings and maybe a few bolts to loosen the radiator every month and a half or two months or whenever to do some maintenance. Maybe there is more to it than that, but I used to be a jet mechanic so I know what it's like to remove a LOT of screws and panels. I think the wind and debris protection from fairings as well as the other pluses for the bike would make it worthwhile.

As far as crosswinds, I know they will wear a person out, but I'm not afraid of them. I have ridden my road bicycle for years in W. Texas so I know all about crosswinds on the hiway, and semi trucks trying to blow me away then suck me in. I know it would be worse on a motorcycle, but other than getting more tired I think I would get sort of used to handling it like I did on my bicycle. It's all part of the fun as far as I am concerned.

[alanmcorcoran]

Den, For some reason I have a strong urge to get you off the fence and onto a motorcycle! (Apparently I'm a Impulse-Buyer-By-Proxy!) Anyway, your point about things being all part of the fun applies to the never ending evaluation and analysis. So many bikes to choose from! I still have my GZ, but I'm leaning toward's selling it. If I get used to climbing on the KLR, it may become my "around town" bike. If you change your mind, I might meet you half way - say in Las Cruces. I think that's a 750 mile haul. My recent DV trip was about 920 over four days - but on the big bike. But I tend to be able to rise to the occasion if I got a place to be and a purpose to go there.

[dentheman]

Alan, I might take you up on that if you still have the GZ NEXT SUMMER, when I will have the cash needed! Unless I firmly decide on something other than the GZ.

Once I have cash in hand I will really go out some distance to look for a bike. Kind of a waste of time now since I couldn't buy one if I found it. I had originally planned on getting a mototcycle this coming spring, but my dog got sick and had to spend several days in the pet hospital, so some of my motorcycle savings were depleted.

[Water Warrior 2]

Dentheman, thank you for being a responsible pet owner.

[mrlmd1]

I bought a 2006 almost brand new condition Ninja 250 as a second bike about a year ago and I love it. It's a 6 speed, is quicker and faster than the GZ,, can handle your size and probably your weight without much problem. It's also a great starter bike and something you may not outgrow for a while, but everybody eventually buys a bigger bike. Before you make the leap, check out these forums, they are VERY helpful, lots of technical advice to be had also.
www.ninjette.org/ (http://www.ninjette.org/)
www.ninja250forum.com (http://www.ninja250forum.com)
www.ninja250.org/ (http://www.ninja250.org/)

Get a good used bike, not a new one, for a first bike. You will save a ton of money, just be sure about the maintenance- oil changes, valve adjustments, and other routine service that should have been done, and the age of the tires. Eventually in a year or two you may want to trade up and the value will be close to what you paid compared to losing bigger bucks on a new bike. Don't forget the investment you have to make in a good full-face helmet, armored jacket, boots, gloves, ? riding pants, etc,. which will add hundreds of dollars to your original investment and don't skimp on those as your safety depends on them.

I also considered the GS500 and was seriously looking for one, but the Ninja 250 popped up on Ebay and I couldn't pass it up for the price. Another good bike might be the Suzuki S40 at 650cc for a first bike, just a bigger version of the GZ or TU250, or the SV650. Don't go up to a Ninja 650, it may be too much for a newbie rider. With your size, they shouldn't be too big and you will not "outgrow" them as fast.

[dhgeyer]

I've owned both the Ninja 250 and the 500. Loved them both. There's really no comparing the little Ninja to the GZ250. The Ninja is a twin that revs to over 13,000, has dual carbs and a 6 speed tranny. Want to hear something funny? I've owned bikes from 150cc to 1500cc displacement. My current ride, a BMW R1200R, was tested to 137mph by Motorcycle Consumer News. But, the fastest I've ever gone on a motorcycle was on that little Ninja 250! They changed the engine a couple of years ago, so it's not one of the ones that's been made forever and has been proven bulletproof, unless you get the older model. That's what the guy in the video had, of course.

It's good on gas around town. On the highway the mileage drops, as the engine is revving pretty high. The 500 actually got better highway mileage. But either one is still pretty good, and the Ninja will do highway with no problem, which the GZ250 will not.

The bodywork on the Ninja isn't overly hard to remove as bodywork goes. Being a parallel twin there's only one valve cover. Valve checks/adjustments aren't terribly hard, although harder than on an unfaired single of course. And you do have to do a carb sync as part of the tune up.

The tubeless tires mean you can plug a flat and keep going if you carry the stuff to do it. Saves a tow when, not if, you pick up a nail or screw someday. To me that's a big consideration.

If you can find a good used Ninja 250, especially as a first bike, there's no way you're gonna' go wrong. If the price of gas skyrockets again, and if it goes higher than it's ever been, which I think is inevitable, that little 250 might be your permanent ride, and you might be very thankful to have it.

Alan: loved that video! The guy did the 50CC (50 hours coast to coast) on a 250! Cast Iron Cajones and then some!

[dentheman]

Thanks all for your inputs. Next summer/fall is a long way off, so who knows what will be available then, or what I will eventually get. A lot of the fun and interest I have in motorcycles right now is from doing the research, planning ahead and the anticipation. Who knows what my list will look like then. I have just added the KLR 650 to the list! I looked at Honda's and Suzuki's 'Adventure' style offerings and I am not impressed.

As far as protective gear, I have also been figuring it into my budget. I have plenty of tools, except for feeler gauges and a torque wrench, which I can do without until I need them.

So, the engine has changed. I will have to look into that and see if people are having problems with the newer engine; if so, I might remove the Ninja from my list.

ADDED: I just spent a little bit of time on-line looking for Ninja 250 problems. I found some carburetor/fuel problems that are also typical of the GZ and with the same advise on how to fix it; BUT, there seems to be a problem with the CDI on some of the newer model Ninjas that I want to look into further.

[alanmcorcoran]

Alan: loved that video! The guy did the 50CC (50 hours coast to coast) on a 250! Cast Iron Cajones and then some!

Yeah, he's so laid back and yet, a monster of a ride! I bet he has sold a lot of Ninja's.

[mrlmd1]

A lot of the problems with the Ninjas have to do with the mentality of the younger riders who just have to try and mod the hell out of it thinking they will gain more horsepower, etc, with aftermarket exhausts, freer flowing air systems and changing carb jets. Each mod leads to it's own set of problems where the bike just doesn't run right. If you get a stock Ninja, it'll be fine, don't look at a modded bike. Mine is a 2006, stock, 4200 miles, runs great as is, and is as reliable as anything else including my older 10 yr, old GZ or my 2005 S50 - as "bulletproof" as you can get. The problems with the CDI have been caused by the modding done and was something that somebody looked at to try and solve other problems. These things are solid state and sealed and usually don't fail by themselves, the owners are looking for solutions to the problems they themselves have created and some "bright" guy came up with the idea of a bad CDI and everyone else jumped on the bandwagon to replace theirs or get an older model to fit.

[dhgeyer]

Can't say anything about the new model. The older one was what we had, and it was definitely in the "bulletproof" category. I don't care as much for the looks of the newer model anyway. I sat on one of the new model, and the seat was pretty hard, not that the old one was a living room couch!

Another nice thing about the little Ninja that hasn't been mentioned is the riding position. It's really more like the old "standard" or "UJM" riding position than a real sport bike. Feet under, slight forward lean, good weight distribution. I could do much longer rides on that than on a Rebel or even the beloved GZ250.

[Water Warrior 2]

:2tup: A big + for the unmodded bike. Years ago I would try minor mods with cages and finally gave up and slammed the hood closed. Some bikes will not take to modding unless you have a bag of money and can afford professional expertise. You may change the appearance to your own personal liking but it also make the bike unsaleable when the time come to move on.
An unmodded bike is an easy sale unless you find that special buyer who just has to have your creation no matter what you did to it.
The above opinion is that of an old guy with a large overly ugly Vstrom with a sweet unaltered engine. :biggrin:

[dentheman]

Suzuki FINALLY posted a $3,999 MSRP for the 2011 TU250 (a $200 increase from 2009). The 2011 Ninja 250 has the same MSRP. It seems to me that the Ninja has much more to offer for the same price. Tubeless tires, liquid cooling, better hi-way speed, 2 cylinder engine, etc. But I think the TU nearly makes it all up just on ease and cost of maintenance; screw type valve adjusters vs shims for example. Then there's the TU's fuel injection to consider, and its old school styling also appeals to me.

The thing is, when I get a motorcycle it is liable to be something that is not even on my list now, but I do have to pick out one or two models in anticipation. As you can tell, I am anticipating getting a new or used Ninja or a new or used TU. But I will see what happens when the time comes.