Ninja 250

[gfloyd2002]

I've made many mods to my ninjette, and the best one was upgrading the stock tires. Remarkably more capable bike with good rubber. Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires probably the best tires out that fit the stock rims now that it comes in a 140 rear - nice radial tire with dual compound. But short of that the Sport Demons are great for bias ply tires. A good choice, and a good value for significant performance improvement.

[RydRy]

You will love the demons, will perform, grip and do it well, just for less miles, worth the trade

[SeanShawn]

Buyers remorse is killing me on this one as I bought it brand spanking new. It's great when the road is smooth like butter and your flicking the thing wherever you want.. on the other hand bumpy roads destroy your balls, the clip-on's kill your wrists and the pegs are positioned so awkwardly that you feel like you're walking a tightrope.. not to mention wind buffeting.

Any way to make this 08+ torture rack more comfortable?

[firebrick]

Buy an 07-earlier :)

[Cat0020]

Originally Posted by firebrick

Buy an 07-earlier :)

+1, at 1/2 the price or less.

[YJake]

These tires blow the stock DunRocks out of the water!

I commute on this bike so a lot of my riding this time of year is in the rain, these tires give me much more confidence while on the interstate in a rain storm than those stock pieces of shit ever did not to mention the slightly taller stance. Overall an amazing buy and performance upgrade, due to the larger size my speedo reads closer to actual speed as well. (You know, these Ninjettes being speed demons and all )

I'm probably buying another set.

-Jake

[SeanShawn]

Originally Posted by firebrick

Buy an 07-earlier :)

I'm pretty sure you pre 08 owners are a cult

I prefer the current gen style, plus since it's supposedly a great "beginners" bike all the kids are after it. Which makes it an easier resell(IMO) after I crash it 10 times and decide to buy a guzzi.

Anyone have specific experience with the aftermarket seats? Corbin/Airhawk etc, maybe some bar risers too.

[Anteraan]

Originally Posted by SeanShawn

Buyers remorse is killing me on this one as I bought it brand spanking new. It's great when the road is smooth like butter and your flicking the thing wherever you want.. on the other hand bumpy roads destroy your balls, the clip-on's kill your wrists and the pegs are positioned so awkwardly that you feel like you're walking a tightrope.. not to mention wind buffeting.

Any way to make this 08+ torture rack more comfortable?

6'2", 35" inseam, and I'm fine on it. Double bubble windscreen shuts down the buffeting quite a bit (Zero Gravity or Puig both do the job, and are nearly identical). Other than that, all I've added is the Motech mirror extenders (wouldn't ride this bike without them), a tail tidy, and one of those expandable bags that attached to the passenger seat.

I find the bars to be very well-positioned, but I agree that the rear shock is flat-out awful. If I rode on bumpy roads more often, that is where I would start. I chalk that up to the price point. For $4,000 though, it's a great machine, and a wonderful commuter at speeds up to about 70. The engine is certainly good for more, but the vibes through the bars and the stock seat are limitations there.

[Gryphon12]

With a 35" inseam, how do you handle the tank flairs? I'm at 31" and my knees hit the peak edge of the flairs. I can't ride the bike without dropping the pegs at least 1.5-2.0".

[Cat0020]

I'm 5'10", 34" inseam.. I cut the hump of the passenger seat on my 04 Ninja 250, i can slide further back on the seat to reduce the bend in knees.. just another reason the pre-gen Ninja is better.

Originally Posted by Anteraan

For $4,000 though, it's a great machine, and a wonderful commuter at speeds up to about 70. The engine is certainly good for more, but the vibes through the bars and the stock seat are limitations there.

Both of my SV650s were purchased under $2.5k each:



My 04 ninja 250 was under $1200.

[MotoSailorDC]

Originally Posted by Cat0020

I'm 5'10", 34" inseam.. I cut the hump of the passenger seat on my 04 Ninja 250, i can slide further back on the seat to reduce the bend in knees.. just another reason the pre-gen Ninja is better.

+1 I'm 6-3/ 36" inseam and never had much trouble with fitting. Didn't even have to make any dropped pegs.

[Anteraan]

Originally Posted by Cat0020

I'm 5'10", 34" inseam.. I cut the hump of the passenger seat on my 04 Ninja 250, i can slide further back on the seat to reduce the bend in knees.. just another reason the pre-gen Ninja is better.



Both of my SV650s were purchased under $2.5k each:

My 04 ninja 250 was under $1200.

That's like comparing apples and motor oil. :

For $4,000, mine was brand new.

[Cat0020]

Originally Posted by Anteraan

That's like comparing apples and motor oil. :

Apples and motor oil all have two wheels and twin cylinder engines?

Originally Posted by Anteraan

or $4,000, mine was brand new.

And does it perform $1500 better than a used SV650?

[jordan325ic]

Originally Posted by Cat0020

Apples and motor oil all have two wheels and twin cylinder engines?



And does it perform $1500 better than a used SV650?

Really? Comparing the value of a new motorcycle directly against a used motorcycle doesn't make any sense. In virtually every case the used motorcycle will have more value per dollar.

Buying a motorcycle new means you can choose exactly what you want, it will be in perfect condition, you don't have to worry about abusive/neglectful previous owners, all components are brand, and nothing needs replacing and you've got a warranty. You pay a premium for a new motorcycle but for many people it's worth it. (and without new motorcycles there would be no cheap used motorcycles).

I've never paid more than $1500 for any motorcycle but I don't make fun of people who do.

[Cat0020]

Originally Posted by jordan325ic

Really? Comparing the value of a new motorcycle directly against a used motorcycle doesn't make any sense. In virtually every case the used motorcycle will have more value per dollar.

Looks like you agree that buying a used Ninja is better value than buying a new one. What's the problem?

Originally Posted by jordan325ic

Buying a motorcycle new means you can choose exactly what you want, it will be in perfect condition, you don't have to worry about abusive/neglectful previous owners, all components are brand, and nothing needs replacing and you've got a warranty. You pay a premium for a new motorcycle but for many people it's worth it. (and without new motorcycles there would be no cheap used motorcycles).

I disagree, you are limited to the selection that is available at your local dealer. You never know if there could be warranty issues until something goes wrong, you don't know for sure if the mechanic that setup the new bike has ever abused the vehicle, even if it is for a few minutes during test ride.

Originally Posted by jordan325ic

I've never paid more than $1500 for any motorcycle but I don't make fun of people who do.

Good for you, what is the problem again?