Ninja 300

[bogfro]

Not sure if this has been posted yet (didn't see it in this category)......

Has anyone noticed that for 2013, the Ninja 250 has become the Ninja 300?

http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Product-Specifications.aspx?scid=6&id=717

Unfortunately, the price keeps climbing out of what I'd consider "beginner" or "entry level" range.

Does anyone else feel that there are less and less beginner motorcyclists out there?  In other words, the younger you are, the LESS likely you are to be a motorcyclist?  I'm wondering how much the price of these entry level bikes has to do with it --- either a beginner is forced to make a huge financial commitment with a new bike, or they have to buy something used that they know not much about.  I know firsthand how it can be intimidating for a beginner to buy a used bike, when they don't really know what to look for mechanically, or whether or not they are getting a good deal, etc.  I think the money thing has a significant impact on people not joining the ranks.  Younger people can get a smartphone for $100 and be plenty satisfied just typing and texting all day long, and the thought of wanting to ride a motorcycle may never even enter their minds.

[nater]

 Young guys can't get $0 down financing anymore.

[cultureslayer]

I understand they need to add FI to get around the EPA, but a slipper clutch?  I agree that it's not priced at a point that makes it friendly to beginners anymore.  I'mm be sticking with my 250 since at this point it's not worth selling ('89 with close to 33k on it).

[GRN]

In my experience, as a full time moto instructor, the 250 class isn't as big of a draw for new riders as the mid displacement class is. The suite of 500's Honda just stood up is going to be a much hotter ticket IMO. YBMV...

[2RR2NV]

 Young guys can't get $0 down financing anymore.

what's young?  under 41?  

[TonyKZ1]

I'll be sticking with my 250 since at this point it's not worth selling ('89 with close to 33k on it).

I know the feeling, my 89 Ninja 250 EX250 has 83k miles on it. I just keep maintaing/fixing it and then riding it. I'd like to find a bigger bike with a little more HP and more elect. output but just haven't found the right deal yet I guess. I imagine if I tried to trade it in on a newer bike, they'd laugh and say we'll give more money if you keep your old bike.
Tony

[cultureslayer]

I know the feeling, my 89 Ninja 250 EX250 has 83k miles on it. I just keep maintaing/fixing it and then riding it. I'd like to find a bigger bike with a little more HP and more elect. output but just haven't found the right deal yet I guess. I imagine if I tried to trade it in on a newer bike, they'd laugh and say we'll give more money if you keep your old bike.
Tony

Mine has been laid down more times that I will be able to guess, so at this point I'm only fixing mechanical stuff.  Even if I were to get another bike, it's probably cheaper to keep it and get the multi bike insurance discount than try to sell it.    It works great for me since I've had trouble parking other bikes around campus, so this one won't get stolen and if it's run over (my first 250 was totaled by a drunk neighbor who went straight when the parking lot curved) I'll be sad only because I won't get much of anything from the insurance company for it.  

[nater]

what's young?  under 41?  

Of course.  We'll always be young.  

[2RR2NV]

i sat on a 300 a couple weeks ago. it was actually pretty nice and i wouldn't mind owning one.... excellent commuter bike since it soooooooooooo dang light. looks good too. a lil spendy for what ya get, but in a few years, they'll be cheap.

[GRN]

i sat on a 300 a couple weeks ago. it was actually pretty nice and i wouldn't mind owning one.... excellent commuter bike since it soooooooooooo dang light. looks good too. a lil spendy for what ya get, but in a few years, they'll be cheap.

I'll wait for one to get totaled cosmetically, throw track plastics and a better suspension on and go drift around at The Ridge.

[nater]

i sat on a 300 a couple weeks ago. it was actually pretty nice and i wouldn't mind owning one.... excellent commuter bike since it soooooooooooo dang light. looks good too. a lil spendy for what ya get, but in a few years, they'll be cheap.

Was it you that was planning on getting something for 2-up?

[HipGnosis]

Has anyone noticed that for 2013, the Ninja 250 has become the Ninja 300?

Actually, the Kawasaki USA Motorcycle site shows the 300 and the 250R for 2013.

[nater]

Actually, the Kawasaki USA Motorcycle site shows the 300 and the 250R for 2013.

The 250 is for 2012--it just hasn't been taken off the website yet.

[GRN]

The 250 is for 2012--it just hasn't been taken off the website yet.

I would be surprised if they stopped producing them though...

[nater]

I would be surprised if they stopped producing them though...

Why is that?

[GRN]

Why is that?

Same reason they sleeved the KLX300 down to a 249, they can sell it in more markets world wide. Keeping the 250 is much less of a mind bender than introducing the 300 in the first place, from a sales/marketing perspective.

[2RR2NV]

Was it you that was planning on getting something for 2-up?

guess my post got deleted or some such thing cause I had posted to your question....  

2-up will probably entail something much bigger. the 300 was going to be her bike or maybe my commuter bike  since the 750 sucks gas like it's going out of style.