My 2011 Ninja 250 review
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- Опубликовано: 9 сен 2024
- I've had enough time to give you guys a good review on this bike. This is my first sportbike (I'm usually a scooter guy) and I go over the pros and cons of the Ninja 250 from an actual owners perspective.
0:55 If that crease is on your thigh, you either have same DAMN long legs, or your feet are in the completely wrong position somewhere. Get some aftermarket rearsets for $30 and problem solved.
These bikes are made to be comfortable and usable for the majority of people, for general motoring, if you are a 7-foot exception, then you're the problem, not the bike.
1:22 It's a sportbike, built around the sport riding position, which is somewhere between semi-tuck and full-tuck. Other sportbikes have a near identical windshield, while most others have an even lower profile windshield. Again, rider's problem, not the bike.
1:47 It's $5,000 brand new and Kawi was alread selling them at a loss just to build brand loyalty you want them to cut corners somewhere else just to add unnecessary weight in order to tell you something that you should already know, or to close up a 100% inconsequential gap 1/16" wide, in some plastic that you'll never notice if you're watching the road like you should?
3:58 Those cables are fully adjustable... Adjust them!
4:27 That's every open-air vehicle ever produced, by any manufacturer, anywhere in the world.
I don't mean to come at you bro, but a '08 candy plasma blue Ninja 250R was my first two-wheeled love and it's really enraging to hear these pitiful gripes. It's not a scooter buddy, it's a high performance machine. Treat it with the respect that it deserves.
I just bought a ninja 250r for my first bike today, and I can't wait to ride it more in the morning!
+Cash Vargas congratz!! have fun mate and be safe happy riding!
+Cash Vargas really fun bike and good mpg in the city, hit some windy roads when you can and you will definitely see it shine
I'm thinking about getting one. Is it a good beginner bike and is it comfortable?
Noice! How was it? (:
wtf is this guy on about
its a beginners bike, its made to get thrashed
if you know how to ride the bike you dont need no gear indicator
GEAR INDICATOR IS FOR AMATEUR... as long as neutral shows, thats what matter. YOU GET TO LISTEN TO YOUR ENGINE TO KNOW WHAT GEAR YOU ARE AT.
Exactly man.....If i am the one who is shifting those gears then i should remember which one i am on right....
Dude, while riding a bike watch the road, not the gaps under the windshield.
That's the 1st thing that came to my head when he said that
🤣🤣🤣🤣 Good one
Thankyou so much for this review, 11 years later I find myself buying one of these bikes and your review sold me. Amazing quality and earned you a sub. ❤
Most Honest Ninja 250 review ever haha thank you man
Most bikes do not have a gear indicator noob
I'm 5'11" and it fits me perfectly lol
BIGBANGtheory99 I had a Honda shadow 600 and just sold it, thought maybe getting one of these Ninja 250s I'm no speed demon and I mostly commute the street. I know it's small but I like small, maybe I'll pull the trigger
Did you ever get it?
You can adjust the play in the clutch lever..
That's what I thought too in the beginning but I think he is referring to the vertical play of the clutch lever, as in the up and down motion of the clutch lever as opposed to the forward and reverse motion.
Clear, friendly, honest review. Respect.
Great review. Caught a lot of details. Nice work.
This video is very well done. The areas you covered in the review are very helpful to people who are considering buying a Ninja 250R. Thanks very much for making it.
I gotta say, this review is VERY well done. I haven't seen this many cons about the 250 before, I didn't know it had the issues that you mentioned, and I agree with your philosophy on what it means to have fun riding (drive-ability not raw speed). I really like the bike in white too, still can't resist candy lime green though. You should do a how-to-ride video too, or something like that, your voice and presentation is great, much better than some of the other reviews I've seen on here....
Finally someone who 1. doesnt compare very little thing about the bike to a 600cc and 2. doesnt really want about he is going to get rid of the bike and upgrade and 3. (most importantly) reviews the bike and goes in detail about what he doesnt like Thank you
I got a Ninja 300 a few months ago and every single problem you stated down to the paint on the handlebars has been 100 percent fixed. With all my riding time I have only come across 1 single thing I didn't like. The exhaust on it was too quiet. When I was on it riding at around 45 to 50mph I couldn't hear it and nobody else could either. So I got an MGP Growler exhaust and that exhaust is just audible sex. It is the best sound I have ever heard. Other than the exhaust every problem with the Ninja 250 has been fixed with the Ninja 300. If you have any friends with one ask them to check it out. You'll want a 300 over the 250 after looking at the 300 for a couple seconds. I guarantee it.
I got a Ninja 250 and like it alot. I actually downsized to a 250. I bought an aftermarket tinted raised windscreen for mine. Keeps the wind from hitting me when highway riding,
where did you get the raised windscreen from?
Picking up a 2010 Ninja 250 tomorrow as my first bike, mega hyped. Great review
Loved this review! I almost want you to ride every bike known to man...just to give us reviews so we can choose which bikes to ride XD
This 250R review is probably the best review on youtube.... He seems unbiased and knows what he's saying for the most part.
I have the same bike, white 2011 Special Edition. You're absolutely right it's a very likeable bike. I had planned on just using it as a stepping stone to something bigger, but now I think when the time comes to step up to a 600/650, I'll be keeping the little 250 as well.
An honest review.
Really decent thorough review man, best I've seen for this bike. Be sure to review your next one (Y)
Gear indicator would have been good, but there are aftermarket gear indicators for little money if you want to add one
Excellent video man. Great info. And, yes, being able to lean the bike down and go faster in the twisties is wayyyyy more fun than going from 0mph to DEADmph in a straight-away. Pz
I'm picking mine up today. It's a 2008 and for 12 year old bike it's not too shabby. The bikes held up well to passing years and abuse given by young learners. The engine still pulls well if thrashed. Brakes are great. Panel fit and finish isn't bad. Gearbox is still okay. Suspension is still on the firm side as per other reviews. It needs a gel pad fitted. Definitely needs a gear indicator. These bikes rev so high you need one for optimum momentum. The only other part that could help you is a different muffler. Otherwise the bike is so quiet.
Those dial's are very old fashioned, they remind me of my Kawasaki AR125 back in the 1980's. This is why I like it. This bike was made is Asia. It's a cheap budget learner. I like mine. But then I do also own an Aprilia RSV1000....
Daily drive a naked bike for a year+ and then tell me the Ninja 250 isn't good on the highway. Just got my wife a Ninja, rode it 45 minutes home on the highway and it was a DREAM compared to my old naked bike :) Nice review. Thanks!
I think this was a great review. You shared your opinions and told us what most people want to know about the bike that are watch. And I didn't get bored with your review. That's a lot coming from me. I usually have trouble sitting through 5 minute videos.
I have watched 100s of ninja 250r videos and I must say this was the BEST!!!
Wow so many haters! As someone who is looking to buy my first motorcycle, I thought this one of the best reviews yet...and I've seen at least 100 reviews.
You said right man, the windshield doesn't "shield" very much, actually it concentrates the wind power directly to the rider's torso lol, it's pretty silly (I still love my 250 though).
And yes, I've heard many people saying that the dashboard "looks" cheap, but hey, we can't demand everything from a ninja250.
The CBR250 has a better display, but still, any bike is special in its own uniqueness.
Keep rocking with your white Ninja!
The guy on that Bigger bike didn't know how to ride .
Best review video for the Ninja 250 I've seen, good job. I'm glad someone else noticed how that bike likes you to go through the gears quickly, I thought it was just me!
i cant lie man, watchin your video made me wanna buy this brand of bike. i was concidering a cbr250r but i think i might just go with this one for my first bike. thanks for the vid
Make sure you tires are well inflated check your manual or online if you don't know your psi levels for your tires. Make sure your chain is always clean and lubed (a little free-play not too tight). Brakes of course are super important so be sure to keep your eye on the brake fluid reservoir (front and back). Those are the most basic check-ups other than the ones you've listed already. Keep your battery charged up - get a tender if you don't have one.
Man I've been looking everywhere to get these questions answered, lol, thanks man! Good job.
a couple things. the clutch handle, is supposed to be a little loose, or else youll get clutch slippage. (failure to transfer 100% of engine power to the drive train) the up and down play is a simple tightening of the bolt on the under side of the lever. the most fatal flaw of the gauge cluster is not the lack of a gear indicator, its in fact a lack of temperature gauge. a 600cc sport bike weighs close to 150lbs MORE than a 250r. so they get blown around significantly less.
it was my first bike. so much good memories I had with this bike. hope still got it.
10:20 I know exactly what you mean! I had a bike when i was 17 and whenever i walked towards it or starting it up, i could just feel my body thrill. Not from adrenaline, but because i liked it so fking much! Sadly i had to sell it cause it caused to much trouble with the police in my country...
I always thought that play in the clutch handle was to preserve the joint it is connected to, and also to protect the clutch itself. Everybody squeezes the handle towards the handlebar grip at a slightly different angle. The vertical play allows that. I read in the manual the horizontal play is also intentional and should be about 2 to 3 mm at the joint.
Beautiful! I'd love one to run around town. I already have the sport tourer Triumph but this is a sweet ride.
Nice bike. You did a great job reviewing it, also. You were honest, with no BS.
I'm still enjoying my 2010 ninja 250! Not bored, great milage, and easy on the eyes.
Excellent review. I took everything you said into consideration for my first purchase of a bike. Can't wait to post my first review vid!
easily the best 250 review on youtube.. you covered so much thank you.
That is the most awesome review i've seen... so honest ! I love it !
bEAUTIFUL BIKE MAN!!Love the color and graphic on this model.I had a 97 250 that was red and black..my first bike,rode the hell out of it and had a blast on it too.Thinkin about gettin another one,and between a Ninja or CBR 250.
this's the best bike review i ever heard, honestly
Great job on the review! Lots of details, specifics, and close-up views. Very helpful.
also your comments saying this bike is cheap is because it is.. NINJA 250. invest in a newer and bigger bike if you don't like this one so much.
Thank alot for your review... It answered alot of questions that i was wondering. First of all i'm gonna change the dashboard asap when i get my bike (in 2-3 days) and maybe put some protection around the key hole.
Thanks again mate, have a safe drive & enjoy the ride.
Love that white. Good review. I'm more and more sold on this bike with each vid that i watch.
great review man you should do more. its hard to find honest people like you.
Excellent review man dead on with everything. They are great running bikes for what they are. Quick enough.
I eliminated my fairing and tachs everything I made a monster outta mine
Drill into your triple put dirt bars on. I don't get bad wind ratio without any fairing
You gotta throw her around lol that's what's fun about practicing on one get down on turns every biker hates 250s for passing on turns best bikes for the BUCK $$$$
I was going to be going for the zx6r but you definitely helped me change my opinion back to a 250
i like how this guy hates what he hates and is really enthusiastic about what he likes lol, i have this exact bike same color too and i love it
this was a very good review. you didnt just go on about how good it is. you pointed out the bad too
This a great review. The best review i've watched on youtube. Excellent job! Btw, the big bike you were referring to at around 7:00 minutes was a ZX-14.
Ride safe!
Great review, I would have to agree. Driving fast around corners is more fun than driving fast in a straight line
Yes. I purchased this bike from a dude who was about 6'3", and i'm about 6'1". I find the ride plenty comfortable (though it is my first bike). I have ridden my dad's 1400cc Kaw Concourse and I found the ninja comparable in comfort-ability. The pegs aren't placed behind the seat a ways like larger sport bikes which cause the riders to lean forward.
It would help A LOT, but not having one makes you pay attention more than anything and enables you to know your bike better, listening for sounds and the vibration of the bike which will tell you whether you should be gearing up or down.
I can say I appreciate honestly with things like this. Good video bro. I own a 2006 v-star custom 1100cc and I love my bike. Always wanted to get another bike and thinking of a 250 for my gf to learn on.
I have been driving mine for 2 months now. He is absolutely right about the gas tank. I am still not very comfortable. Given your height, I would adjust the preload on the rear suspension. It helped me feel more comfortable as the higher your bottom sits the lower your knees will sit. Quite frankly, If I were you, I would go for a test-drive on this bike and the CBR250. That might be a better bike for you as the seating position is higher.
Those big bikes have to slow down to a crawl, then they must lean right over to make the turn. It's very noticeable.
Cornering with the 250R is effortless, it just does it and you can do a tight corner at 40kph or 50kph in some cases.
That's why big bike owners often miss their 250's as they're just so easy and so much fun to ride through the twisties.
You know, i agree with everything you said. But the bike msrp is the at the most, 4 thousand. thats less then most down payments on a car. Im buying a 250R only for my transition from dirt to street and i dont feel like getting killed learning on a 600+.
But at least you dont lay down only on the cons. Great review man, much appreciated.
great video, thanks for all your effort! You covered sooooo many things other people didn't... It's obvious you actually have one ;) thanks again
I liked your video. It was thorough, descriptive, and professional. It was very helpful for a soon to be bike rider. Are you still enjoying the bike?
Great video. You gave so much information. The best review i have ever seen.
this is a very good and detailed review. I Like this bike
you mentioned about a gear indicator. in england it's really rare to see a bike with one of these most of our bikes you just do by feel so i wouldn't say it's as big a flaw you suggest.
your clutch just needs adjusting that's not the bikes fault
Some interesting stuff about the bike, fun that you start with all the things you don't like, good to hear on the design front - the other ninja you referred to, probably was new to riding themselves!
Cheers
Great review. I just test rode this bike and i noticed the gear indicators and side crease too. I agree that maybe kawi made this for smaller people. This bike made me feel good and i dunno if this is a coincidence but i'm a scooter guy too. lol. 150cc.
Very honest review. Ride safe. Thank you.
You are so right! I ride a super fast Yamaha FJ1200 that's a monster on the straightaways, but I seriously have to watch it on the corners because it's heavy and I easily feel the g-force.
Thx for the video - I am buying a 2012 version soon (sadly, the new ones don't come in white :( ) - The things you mention as problems, such as the clutch, can easily be fixed - Either by tightening it or replacing it with a custom one. Also, yeah, the dash looks crap and is not digital, but if you invest a bit more, there's all sort of after market fixes for these kind of things... all in all, I think this is a great bike for the money and I can't wait to get mine :)
'Better' is something you determine on your own through careful research and test rides. The two bikes are very different in character.
for the reflector. You can buy reflective tape and use that instead of the fender one.
I got sick of my 250R within the first two months of owning it, definitely wished i had sprung for a bigger bike but the price tag was just too good to pass up. Do yourselves a favor and test drive before you buy. once you ride a 600 you'll fall in love
Jtech87, great presentation! I must say I'am with you on the advantages of small bikes. People who have to have a 750cc or higher machine are wasting their money. I purchased my first bike a Honda Sport 50 May, 1966 and have never own anything larger then a 450. I currently own a 1964 Honda CB160 and Hyosung GT250R and enjoy them both. I'am sending you a video of my latest bike for your review. Keep up the good work and ride safe!
The windshields are always like that because sports bikes are made for the rider to tuck under the wind for less drag.
very thorough review, much appreciated thank you :D
Liked listening to your review of this man!!! I've been riding since 1993 and in that time,I've owned a TOTAL......of 3 ninja-250's!!! Each time I moved up to a bigger-bike,I'd ALWAYS "miss" how much quicker and easier I could zip in and out of tight-twisties as I did on my 250!!! So yes,I'd agree that riders that have bigger and more powerful machines,ALSO have to brake much sooner and earlier due to their higher weight,unless their skilled moto-gp rider of course!! Lol.
RESPECT bang on review
you make proud to own a 250 ninja
I agree with you about your story. I enjoy handling much more then speed in a straight line. I've got a Ducati 696, it doesn't have much power, but its one of the most nimble bikes in its class.
Same as BattyBitz said here.
This was a Very good review in my opinion.
I might buy this bike.
All the exact same flaws I saw when I had one, I flipped it in 4 months to a Triumph Daytona 675 SE and I'm absolutely in love with it. 250r was a fantastic bike to learn on tho. Great review.
I bought my Kawasaki ninja 250r last month and i absolutely have no negative things to say about it....rides smooth...runs like a champ....its midnight blue...some people you just can't please no matter what.
@SuperSneakySteve The problem with the clutch lever is the fact that it rattles when I get up to speed. I can hear the rattle over the sound of the bike at 60mph.
Most bikes are perfectly fine staying in one gear. On this bike you are CONSTANTLY shifting to keep the engine revved up. I went riding with my uncle and he has a gixxr 750. He never went above 3rd gear the whole ride, I was shocked. So I can understand how a gear indicator is not needed for him. But it is needed for this ninja 250
Nice honest review man, Love your bike.
Great vid man! i'm sold. Good job on the pros AND the cons.
Nice video. You're right on about the gas tank and your legs. I am never comfortable as my knees are not where they are supposed to be and I am only 5f10. Raising the rear suspension would help a bit as your knees would sit a bit lower. You're right about the windshield as well. I get a lot of air into my eyes on the highway, as a result even with a helmet on.
You're wrong about the muffler though. A loud muffler could save your life as cars are notorious for not seeing/noticing motorcycles.
good review, man detailed and informative nice and clear, would be to slow for me but a nice lookin little bike that obviously suits your needs, take care and stay safe shane uk
With the whole cornering thing, it's been said, and established in my mind that it is more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than to ride a fast bike slow ;)
Without the fairing on you can see it's built to a budget. Some things have Thailand stamped on them. It's a decent run about. I have a 2008. They will do the miles no problem.
Thanks for the great review. I'm going to be getting the same bike and color, or perhaps a cbr 250r. I was wondering why people always add fender eliminator kits, and you raised a great point on how the reflectors on the back of the bike are great for visibility. If people can see you on the road, that's just better for safety! Safety is best for new riders for sure!
1. The clutch leaver should not be tight, all bikes need some play if it's too much you can adjust it however you want.
2. Almost no motorcycles have a gear indicator. For the most part it's not needed unless you have a dedicated track bike.
Otherwise I like your review. Thanks.
Awesome video man, I loved it! You have a really nice bike there. I'm pretty sure I'm going to get a Ninja 250 for my first bike, something like a 2008. Happy Ridings!
I absolutely agree with most of your points. Great video and commentary!
@StreetFighterCalum I've already responded to another comment about the need for a shift light. Bottom line is THIS bike needs one, bigger bikes don't. The end.
You are right, the gap on the windscreen is crappy. Thats what you expect from a Chinese bike. Not Japanese.
the reason the windshield is so low is because its a supersport, it is made for shorter people and for being tucked right against the tank lol
best ninja 250 review i've ever watched!