Kawasaki ninja 250r

GF-91 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

So just been on the website and looked at the ninja 250r (https://www.kawasaki.co.uk/Ninja250R). Looks fabulous. Do I save up and buy it? Any known problems?
Seems too cheap for a kwak. Not all too sure. It looks fab and seems perfect for me.

Note: I'd have my license before I bought it.
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FerretFing · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Nov 2007 Karma :

There are quite a few low mileage used ones knocking about so maybe save a few quid & grab one of those?

GF-91 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

Not really sure what to do when buying private as I know sod all about engines; so couldn't identify any problems with it. I don't want one that will fall apart a few miles away from where I buy it.

Suppose I could get a dealer to source me one and check it over for me...
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P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

The problem is you'll get bored so quick. Its quite pricey for me to insure and will become an unwated bike come January as they will get rid of the 33hp crap.

Might as well buy a nice 400/600 and restrict it Smile

GF-91 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

GF-91 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Indeed.

GF-91 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

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P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

GF-91 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

GF-91 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

nowhere.elysium · The Pork Lord Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Karma :

Don't let Paddy put you off the SV. They're not as excruciatingly boring as he makes out - that award goes to the NTV.
Provided you're not expecting it to act like an I4 engine, they work fine. I just wish that Suzuki had put better suspension on there.
More to the point, if it's your first big bike, then the fact that you'll be able to approach/break the ton (depending on restriction) will blow your mind for a while.
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'10 SV650SF, '83 GS650GT (it lives!), Questionable DIY dash project, 3D Printer project, Lasercutter project

GF-91 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

Thank you mr.elysium.

It will be my first big bike yes.
I initially wanted an r6 however I have been told it'd be a bit mental for me to ride.
I guess I'll just have to see! The SV has been recommended to me by a guy I know who owns an r1. He's said the SV he owned was mint but he wanted moar powahh! Mr. Green

Any other suggestions? Time to start saving up!
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garth · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Dec 2004 Karma :

An SV with sorted springs would be a bloody good road bike.
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G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

A restricted R6 will probably be a bit slower power wise than a restricted SV unless you change the gearing.

_Troy_ · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Feb 2011 Karma :

I think you need to have a real think about what you want in a bike. A 250R will be slow and boring, for a lot of money. An SV could be a good option, they restrict well (so I hear) and are fairly popular, meaning cheap and available parts. The R6, ummm, no. You complain about your age, so you want an extremely powerful super sports bike. Don't bother if you ask me.

Anyway, all of the above 3 options are all built for completely different purposes. You need to decide what's more important, consider the cost of everything and then go and sit on some bikes! There's no use asking a computer screen what to get, because we are just going to present semi-meaningless/pointless opinionated arguments that probably don't even apply to your own unique situation.

Oh and for the record, you don't need to know a thing abut engines to buy second hand. If you're sceptical, buy second hand from a reputable dealer and get a decent warranty.
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Current bike: ZX6R J1
Previous bikes: CLR 125 | GS500 | ZX6R G2 | SV650

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

With respect, you'd have to be certifiable to buy a brand new Ninja 250 at the prices they're asking.

By the time you get it paid off, there will be no riders with a 25kW license left - and any riders with the new 35kW license will have got it on a 500cc+ bike - so expect the value to plummet.

If you're buying new then right now, you can get an SV650S for less than the cost of a Ninja 250, with £1 down and most likely with a free 25kW restrictor thrown in. Heck, considering how well Suzukis are(n't) selling, go and ask for insurance and some extras or gear as well.

To go for the Ninja you'd need an active desire for a smaller, lighter, more economical bike and be willing to pay more for it, up front and at resale time.
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Recluso · Brolly Dolly Joined: 16 Mar 2011 Karma :

Definitely think about what you want from a bike. If a 250 is something you want to hold onto for a couple of years and then sell it on, don't forget that with the new license changes and the changes in power brackets, you need to consider whether you'd be able to sell it on at all.

A friend of mine has a 'Baby Ninja' as I call them and he absolutely loves it. It has all the power he needs (he's not a speed freak), gets him to and fro where he wants to go at a very reasonable pace (I think his tops out at 80-ish) andof course with all the stylings of a Ninja in a smaller package, it definitely turns heads. Heck, I almost went for one myself as they're smaller, lighter and are more upright positioned than their 'big brother'.

Don't let anyone put you off with THEIR opinions of boring. You might find 250cc will set you for life (as it has my friend) or you may feel you want something with a little bit more. End of the day, only person who can decide what you feel boring, is YOU.

Ideally, if you can, I'd suggest test-riding one. If you're unable but have a friend with one, see if they'd be willing to let you have a little play on theirs.

The biggest disadvantage is that 250cc's, particularly the available 'sportier' ones are definitely quite expensive for what they are. Which again points back to thinking about what you want as you could get a very good condition, used 'big bike' for what you'd pay for a new or even used baby Ninja.

Think on it, take your time. End of the day it's YOUR choice. You're the one who has to ride it, no one else.
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JoeDougieDoug... · World Chat Champion Joined: 25 Oct 2011 Karma :

nowhere.elysium · The Pork Lord Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Karma :

_Troy_ · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Feb 2011 Karma :

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

I know of one dealer I would consider 'reputable'.

Even they use bought-in warranty policies that generally offer less than your legal rights. You can buy these for privately bought bikes too.

Redoko · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Nov 2009 Karma :