Ninja 250R - Good idea for my comute?
 

I currently have a daily 110 mile commute with my b18c1 91 hatch..all freeway driving in socal. I am looking into the kawa 250r, but am curious if it would be a worthwhile purchase. My main concerns are comfort on a 50 mile ride and how the bike itself would handle such mileage. I also hate putting so many miles on my car.

I would like this for the simple facts that it is a gas saver, and would get me through socal traffic at a better pace.

TIA

The 250 would be sufficient. Someone I know commutes on his 250R, and he loves the great gas mileage he gets (50-60mpg).

If it were me, however, I would go with a 500 at least. A 250 is capable of freeway speeds, but it'll be struggling to get there, especially with socal speed demons and idiot cagers. The 500R is just as capable and efficient, but the bigger engine allows you to stay in the left (or carpool) lanes more easily.

I have a 01 250R...

5 bucks gets me like 180-200 miles.

I ride on the interstate all the time, but the wind beats the hell out of you, being that the bike is so light-weight.

Great commuter bike in my opinion

Re: (marmaladeboy)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The 250 would be sufficient. Someone I know commutes on his 250R, and he loves the great gas mileage he gets (50-60mpg).

If it were me, however, I would go with a 500 at least. A 250 is capable of freeway speeds, but it'll be struggling to get there, especially with socal speed demons and idiot cagers. The 500R is just as capable and efficient, but the bigger engine allows you to stay in the left (or carpool) lanes more easily.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I agree completely. I used to have a Ninja 250 and I tell you once you're above 80 mph, the thing shakes like crazy--not really confidence inspring. but then again, with socal rush hour traffic, i guess you don't have to worry about that.

gas mileage is excellent and it's very light and flickable, perfect for lane-splitting. the ergos aren't too bad (the bars are raised above the top triple-tee) and the pegs are not high at all.

if you're a beginner, this is a great bike to learn on. it'll be fun in tight canyons.

if you put a pipe on it, the parallel twin has a really good sound. I had a kerker two into one on mine and it sounded so obnoxious, i loved it.

Re: (ladius)
 

Thanks for the input, and yes I would be a new rider. I can't see myself driving much faster than 80mph ( https://honda-tech.com/forums/images...s/emsmileo.gif ) so I'm not too concerned with that issue, nor is performance a huge issue. I've read numerous rider reviews in comparing the 250r with the 500r, and most prefer the 250, not only because of the 2k price difference, but they say the 250 is more of a joy to ride. I've also read that unless you are STRICTLY into bikes for performance, then the "you'll outgrow a 250" story is mostly hype.

...thoughts?

Re: (PotatoePAPA)
 

I've ridden on a Ninja 250 on highways and it just feels flat out flimsy. When I went 60+ it just feels like riding a bicycle, oh and forget about it if it's windy outside. I was drifting left and right whenever there'd be a gust of wind. Also performance wise, if you're using this thing to commute, you should get something with a little more ass to it. Granted a 250 is a great starter bike but I would just use it to learn on, not rely on it for commuting the mileage you have to.

Re: (Home Skillet)
 

What would be your suggestions as far as a reasonably priced bike that I would feel about pouring the mileage on? This may be a noob question, but wouldn't wind be a factor on most any bike?

Re: (PotatoePAPA)
 

I would just get a bigger bike 500+. Trust me, you will outgrow the bike, not because of performance but just handling and stability as well. I think 01+ F4i's are great starter bikes.

SV650, GS500, Ninja 500 are a few.

Re: (sup gurl)
 

ive got a friend selling his 500R if you wanna go with marmaladeboy. He's in san diego. i think his asking price is 3000-3500.

Re: (.xcalibur.)
 

I commute on a 500r. I love it.

Re: Ninja 250R - Good idea for my comute? (PotatoePAPA)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PotatoePAPA &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I currently have a daily 110 mile commute with my b18c1 91 hatch..all freeway driving in socal. I am looking into the kawa 250r, but am curious if it would be a worthwhile purchase. My main concerns are comfort on a 50 mile ride and how the bike itself would handle such mileage. I also hate putting so many miles on my car.

I would like this for the simple facts that it is a gas saver, and would get me through socal traffic at a better pace.

TIA</TD></TR></TABLE>

how big a guy are you?
unless your in the sub 140lbs frame, your going to want more out of your ride. HP can be your friend when commuting, believe me. the 250 four strokers are cool and all, but you have to be pretty lite to be a good match on them.

Re: Ninja 250R - Good idea for my comute? (MSchu)
 

5'11, 160lbs http://images.honda-tech.com/set1//smile/emcrook.gif

So for comparisons sake, can you guys give me some feedback on this grudge match for my specific needs?

GS500 vs. Ninja 500r vs Ninja 250r

Re: Ninja 250R - Good idea for my comute? (PotatoePAPA)
 

I can't answer this as I have never owned any of these bikes, or have no specific knowledge of them that could help you... but what I do know is that to much HP has never been a problem for me, the more the better (within reason)... it is ususally safer (unless the rider does not have the skill or self control to conrtrol it). you should use power to get out of situtations not get you into situtations https://honda-tech.com/forums/images...s/emsmilep.gif

Re: Ninja 250R - Good idea for my comute? (MSchu)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MSchu &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> you should use power to get out of situtations </TD></TR></TABLE>
This is one of the biggest benefits of motorcycles.

Re: Ninja 250R - Good idea for my comute? (marmaladeboy)
 

well now I'm not so settled on the 250r. thanks guys https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emsad.gif $$$ lol

Re: Ninja 250R - Good idea for my comute? (PotatoePAPA)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PotatoePAPA &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">well now I'm not so settled on the 250r. thanks guys https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emsad.gif $$$ lol</TD></TR></TABLE>
Is the price difference between the 250 and the 500 really 2 g's? It won't be that bad if you're buying used.

Re: Ninja 250R - Good idea for my comute? (marmaladeboy)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by www.kawasaki.com &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ninja 250r MSRP $2,999 // Ninja 500r MSRP $5,049</TD></TR></TABLE>

If I spent 2k more, I would much rather get a GS500. Way sexierrrr

But that's if you buy new. Used prices won't have such a huge discrepancy.

Re: Ninja 250R - Good idea for my comute? (marmaladeboy)
 

My first bike was a ex250 and it wasnt that bad on the freeway. Big semi trucks you gotta watch out for though. An ex500 is a good choice too. They both sit pretty relaxed so you wont have a problem commuting on them. The gs500 is pretty comfy too.

for freeway commuting i would also reccomend a GS500 or EX500 (ninja 500). the 250 is cool, but much more suited for around town riding, you are really gonna want a bit bigger bike than the 250 for the freeway. short freeway stints arent a problem, but long freeway jaunts would not be fun.

just my $0.02

Re: (smokee)
 

I think the writers of the reviews I was reading had a different idea of what commuting is...like 20 miles round trip. pshhhaw

Maybe I will just buy a used 500cc+ or splurge for a new one. Thank you all for the great input!

Re: (PotatoePAPA)
 

I know I kind of killed this thread in my previous post, but anyone else have opionions on the GS500 vs. YZF600??

I sat on a GS500s the other day and wasn't impressed with the build/appearance of general quality. However, the YZF600 seemed to be built very solid, and appeared much more rigid/quality. thoughts?

Both bikes can be great starter bikes. The YZF600 is more sporty than the GS500, but if you're just commuting on it, the GS will be sufficient. Both are fuel-efficient, but the GS more so.

In either case, you don't need to buy new. Used will net you a great deal. And proper maintenance will keep the bike in great condition.

Re: (marmaladeboy)
 

is the YZX worth the extra money? Let's just say for instance brand new they are 2g's difference....