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Ninja 250 as first bike?

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Old 09-09-2005 | 12:34 PM
  #26  
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Default Re: (sup gurl)

Is there any other bikes that have really good resale values besides the ninja 250?
Old 09-09-2005 | 02:31 PM
  #27  
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Default Re: (answerx)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by answerx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is there any other bikes that have really good resale values besides the ninja 250?</TD></TR></TABLE>

For used bikes, look for models that haven't changed much over the years...
Ninja 250 and 500
Honda Nighthawk 250 and 750
Many of the dual sports (xt225, drz400s)
Old 09-09-2005 | 03:37 PM
  #28  
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Default Re: Ninja 250 as first bike? (technine)

I should check the threads I make more often. Thanks guys for all the great info. My coworker was saying doesn't think the 250 will do 80mph at a good rpm... is this true? What rpm will I be in when going 80? I want fuel economy and my bike to survive my commutes, I don't want to over rev it all the way to work.

Thanks again guys, I think I'm going to pick one up very soon.
Old 09-09-2005 | 09:02 PM
  #29  
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Default Re: Ninja 250 as first bike? (technine)

a 250 is def not a highway bike. but its a great city or local cruising bike though. great for those speeds under 50 mph. IMO it is capable of doing 60+ but it will be a "struggle" on the bike.

you want to do 80+? you are better off with a 600 and up. just make sure you can handle that type of power and weight first.
Old 09-09-2005 | 09:35 PM
  #30  
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Default Re: Ninja 250 as first bike? (genetsang)

I guess you can also look into a ninja 500.
Old 09-10-2005 | 08:40 AM
  #31  
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Default Re: Ninja 250 as first bike? (answerx)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by answerx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I guess you can also look into a ninja 500.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I was just going to say this. I've got a ninja 250 and wish I had gotten the 500. The 250 retailed for $2999 and the 500 was $4999. Both are very affordable.

Couple notes on the 250.
It accelerates from 0-60 pretty quick, however above that drag becomes very evident and it drops off pretty good from there.
It tops out at around 105 (according to the speedo, which almost all of them are off so its more like 95ish)
Crusing at 80mph puts you at 9-10k rpms, noise isnt really an issue but vibration is. With the wind kiking you pretty good you keep a tight grip on the bars which eventually makes your hands feel kinda numb.
Very light bike, easy to maneuver, GREAT bike for curvy roads, very fun. However on the interstate semis/trucks/wind gusts etc can push you around pretty good, keep alert.

Overall I think the 250 is an awesome bike, especially for the price...even brand new your looking at 3600 out the door. Used are obviously even better, I saw one with 7k miles for 1800. I'm hoping to upgrade around 5k miles for an F4. Good luck with what you get man, and have fun, be safe.
Old 09-10-2005 | 08:30 PM
  #32  
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Default Re: Ninja 250 as first bike? (blah13)

Thanks blah13, that has got to be the best reply yet. Exactly all the info I was looking for. So is 9-10k a bad rpm to be in at those speeds? I guess I might try with a bigger bike like a 500 or 600, but those ninjas are so damn cheap it's hard to pass up. If it helps, I'm 6', 220lbs (muscular build, but can loose 10lbs, but I bench close to 400lbs if that helps also).
Old 09-11-2005 | 12:01 AM
  #33  
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Default Re: Ninja 250 as first bike? (technine)

Cruising at 9-10k isnt so bad, with the high redline its not bad on the motor. Quite a few people I've read about do quite a bit of highway riding. If the noise/vibration is too much for you you can opt for a 1 tooth smaller countershaft sprocket, or a 3 tooth bigger rear sprocket. Most people go for the countershaft one as you wont need a new chain.

Some other tips, do the rear fender removal. This aids in top speed and a couple mpg, its just a big parachute plus it looks better. Theres a great writeup in the forum I posted below, easy search.
A taller windscreen makes highway driving not so bad, you dont have to lean forward as much.
Sprocket change to suit your needs, better accel or better top speed/lower crusing rpms.
Also I'd note that I'm 5'11" 210lb, so your not getting the opinion of some 100lb dude.

I'm a member on this forum as well and its where I got most of my info on this bike before I got it, so run a search for the 250 and you'll find a good bit of info/opinions. http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum/index.php?
A lot of people will say go for the 500 or go into a 600...the reason I got the 250 was if for some reason I didnt get into riding bikes I wouldnt be out a whole lot if I had to sell it. And the option of killing myself isnt so great as on a 600.

Any other specific questions you have feel free.
Old 09-12-2005 | 11:28 AM
  #34  
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Default Re: Ninja 250 as first bike? (blah13)

I think you answered all my questions. Thanks again, I really appreciate all the help. I'll be getting my ninja asap, damn gas prices.
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