Beginner Bike: Kawasaki Ninja 250r

[TheCoopenator]

Hey everyone, new to this site and just wanted to say what's up and ask a question.  I'm super duper psyched about buying a Kawasaki Ninja 250r, as I've heard it's a great bike for beginners like me.  I don't have a job at the moment, but I've been applying to stores, saving money, etc.  My question is how much money do you think a Kawasaki Ninja 250r will cost me?  I'm thinking of buying a 2008 or higher.  Kelly blue book has it listed as $2600, while the MSRP value is $3500.  Thanks for your input,
- G

[Rogue]

Whatever the price of comparable year Ninja 250R's are in your area is how much it's going to cost you.  But remember that you will need to factor in insurance, registration, and maintenance on top of that.  I would say $2k for the bike is a good price if it's in good condition and iti is the '08 model that has the latest updates.  Not sure how much insurance and registration costs are in your area.

2008 and newer 250R's are great motorcycles, beginner or not.

[FiremanBob]

You can buy a perfectly nice 1970s or 1980s bike for under $1K. Second lesson in finance for young people: find ways to save money, not to spend it.

First lesson is earn your money before you spend it.

[Rogue]

I would not recommend a '70's or '80's bike to a beginner unless they are already mechanically inclined.  If they find one in good condition for $1k, it's most likely going to need a lot of work.  20-30 years have past since then.

OTOH, a 2008 or newer Ninja 250R is only going to cost $2k-$3k.  If they are careful, young people can easily pay that amount off in a short period of time and still be able to ride the piss out of it.

That's better than $15k-$25k bikes that us older people get into debt for.  

[jay547]

it looks like the '08 and newer ones run about $2600 and up here. my g/f (ladyninja) got one in december, '08 and loves it. she's put 19,000+ miles on it already. it's been 100% reliable and gets 60+mpg. i highly recommend it. buy one, go ride, smile alot.

[FiremanBob]

I would not recommend a '70's or '80's bike to a beginner unless they are already mechanically inclined.  If they find one in good condition for $1k, it's most likely going to need a lot of work.  20-30 years have past since then.

OTOH, a 2008 or newer Ninja 250R is only going to cost $2k-$3k.  If they are careful, young people can easily pay that amount off in a short period of time and still be able to ride the piss out of it.

That's better than $15k-$25k bikes that us older people get into debt for.  

Nonsense. There are perfectly good 400-700cc Hondas, Yammies and Suzukis in that range. I'd look particularly for Honda: V45 Sabre, 650 or 700 Nighthawk, 500 or 700 Interceptor; Yamaha XS 550 or 650, Suzuki GS 550 or 650. There are plenty of mechanically sound ones around, and will be more once garages aren't snowed in any more.

[bluepoof]

Welcome!  There are quite a few Ninjas on craigslist, too, if you're on a budget.

Also come hang out at ninjette.org -- lots of friendly Ninja 250 riders there.  

[Rogue]

Nonsense. There are perfectly good 400-700cc Hondas, Yammies and Suzukis in that range.

How do you know they're good unless you've looked at and ridden them?  Nothing lasts 25-35 years.  Fork oil, brakes, carbs, cables, shocks, those all need to be changed out and/or rebuilt.  If you're mechanically inclined, got the money and tools, there is no problem doing that.  But if you're a noob and just want to ride then you're feeding him nonsense.

[Mr.Black]

Welcome!  There are quite a few Ninjas on craigslist, too, if you're on a budget.

Also come hang out at ninjette.org -- lots of friendly Ninja 250 riders there.  

Listen to this one. She has mad ninja skillz.

[FiremanBob]

How do you know they're good unless you've looked at and ridden them?  Nothing lasts 25-35 years.  Fork oil, brakes, carbs, cables, shocks, those all need to be changed out and/or rebuilt.  If you're mechanically inclined, got the money and tools, there is no problem doing that.  But if you're a noob and just want to ride then you're feeding him nonsense.

I'm glad you think that. Guys like you keep the prices of these old bikes down. Normal maintenance and adult riding make all the difference.

I bought my 1985 V65 in 2006 in virtually new mechanical condition - no fork seal leaks or any other kind, perfectly flowing carbs.

[Rogue]

Well then good for you.   If you like that kind of thing then more power to you.

I still would recommend newbies to stick with fairly current machines.  The 2008 and newer Ninja 250R's have modern chassis and braking, with an updated engine.  I'd go with that and spend more time riding a high performance beginner's bike than wrenching and chasing old parts for a 30+ year old bike all over the internet.  Nothing wrong with doing the latter if you enjoy that kind of thing, which it sounds like you do.  That's just me and I think the OP probably feels the same way.  I too enjoy wrenching and bringing old bikes back to life, although I draw the line at bikes no older than 10 years.

[CosmicCowboy]

Also come hang out at ninjette.org -- lots of friendly Ninja 250 riders there.  

Urk. Not another forum to hang out at.

[bluepoof]

Urk. Not another forum to hang out at.

C'mon, you don't want to be working or have a rich personal life anyway!  

[Thunderbox]

I'm glad you think that. Guys like you keep the prices of these old bikes down. Normal maintenance and adult riding make all the difference.

I bought my 1985 V65 in 2006 in virtually new mechanical condition - no fork seal leaks or any other kind, perfectly flowing carbs.

The ugliness of the V65 keeps the price down.  It has nothing to do with anything else.

[FiremanBob]

Actually, I like the Sabre much more than the pseudo-Harlot Magna.  And for anyone who things a v65 is ugly, I have one word for you: Madura.

[caddydaddy]

I had a 2006 250R as my first bike.  100% reliable and fun.  I'd also stick with a newer bike, less chance of something needing fixing!  

[shawn and gwyn]

my daughters first bike was an 05 ninja 250.  i was very impresed with the performance.   i know the older ones look a little dated.  but are allot cheaper. and i don't think there is much difference in the handling.  you cant go wrong with them.  

[M]

The '88-07 'F' model (second generation) Ninja 250s are also a good consideration. You can buy an '02-07 in the $1200-2000 range. The bikes are typically bullet-proof, even with severe neglect.

I actually prefer the older 'F' model over the newer 'J' model, though both are excellent choices.

Peruse http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Main_Page for information about being a first time MC buyer, along with specific information about both the F and J models.

Remember, your first purchase probably won't be the only bike you ever own.

Oh, the 250 isn't just for beginners. There's a lot to be said about wringing out a low bhp motorcycle.

[Bryan217]

If I were in the market for something like that, I'd seriously consider the Honda CBR250, especially with the available ABS. http://powersports.honda.com/2011/cbr250r.aspx

[CosmicCowboy]

C'mon, you don't want to be working or have a rich personal life anyway!  

Curse you, Gadget!

[doublen675]

A Ninja 250 is a great starter bike and there are a ton of them out there.  Check cycletrader.com and Craigslist and you should be able to find one for under $2k easy.  Another notable sportbike, that is good for beginners is a Suzuki GS500 or the Ninja 500.  Or just find yourself a 70's-80's standard bike.  Perfect to learn on, easy to ride, and you won't cry when you drop it and scratch er' up.  

[TonyKZ1]

A Ninja 250 is a great starter bike and there are a ton of them out there. Another notable sportbike, that is good for beginners is a Suzuki GS500 or the Ninja 500.  Or just find yourself a 70's-80's standard bike.  Perfect to learn on, easy to ride, and you won't cry when you drop it and scratch er' up.  

  +1. Great beginner bike, and you might even find you enjoy riding it so much, you keep it instead of automatically upgrading to a 600cc+ after a few months.
Tony

[cjgauthier]

          The 250 is a good bike. If finances are a consideration, all bikes are dirt cheap on craigslist right now. $1000 will get you a bike that you can learn on. Wreck the more expensive bike later when you have the dough for the bike and insurance.  

[HipGnosis]

The bikes come out in spring.
Searchtempest.com does craigslist on crack for you.

[medswife]

My first bike was a new Honda 750 Shadow ACE, handle bars too wide, looked way too nice for a beginner.  I was too afraid of dropping it, so I never really road it.  Years later I decided I was going to ride and last fall bought at 1982 Honda CB450E.  I'm not afraid to drop it, and at just over $600, who cares if I do, besides the previous owner put the engine guard on it.  

It was one of the best purchases I made, not only did I get a bike, my friend who checked it over for me introduced me to a friend who could help me learn to ride again.  So not only did I get a bike but, a absolutely wonderful husband.