New 250 Ninja.

[Desmo]

I know a lot of newer riders are buying these as their first bikes because they look like such a good option.
Have any more experienced riders taken one of these for a spin that can give an idea on what the bike is like?
Their point of view might be useful to people looking at buying one.
I suspect it's probably just a GPX with a bodykit on it, but I've never ridden one so couldn't tell you.

[Col]

I suspect you'd be right Desmo me ol' mate!

[Desmo]

Yamaha bringing out anything in the 125/250 range?

[Col]

MMmmmm Maybe!

[Desmo]

[Bendito]

I suspect it's probably just a GPX with a bodykit on it, but I've never ridden one so couldn't tell you.

From what I know, this is right for the most part.

That being said, it's not a bad thing. Ain't much wrong with a GPX for a first bike

[millsy]

It will probably give the rider a better introduction to sports bikes in terms of seat and body positioning than the gpx I'm guessing.

I think someone has posted a MCN review of the bike somewhere.

[Desmo]

That being said, it's not a bad thing. Ain't much wrong with a GPX for a first bike

Not a bad thing at all, it'll go forever, albeit with funny noises.
I was just thinking that it might be good to pull a heap of different 250's together, get a few experienced riders to rate them, then get some basic info like fuel consumption, tyres available and servicing costs, and post it all up to give newer riders something to go on.

[CitizenD]

I spit venom and sultana-bran at anything that purports to be a 'sportsbike' and has bars as highly raised as the new 250 ninja.

[T-roy]

Yamaha bringing out anything in the 125/250 range?

http://www.perthstreetbikes.com/foru...bout-it-56989/
maybe

[Murley]

Sultana Bran really lost it's way with the introduction of too many sultanas, their original mix was quite nice, only hinting at the taste of sultanas rather than asking "Would you like some Bran with your Sultanas?". I don't like the new Sultana Bran... but I like the new Baby Ninj

I must agree it's a bit kooky having handlebars that high up however as a daily ride it's pretty comfortable that way, I ride hours and hours and never feel sore or uncomfortable. Unfortunately I am not an experienced rider so can't find another two cents! I have a GPX also - they don't feel anything alike however the GPX is fairly old and bunky. It's a pretty capable bike though, corners very nicely (knee hits bitumen quite easily), front pops up fairly easily for a heavy bike, I personally don't have a problem in traffic but I'm somewhat of a nutcase and am very familiar with the bike (9000ks since March). Guess it could go quicker down the strip but I'm guessing a bigger bike would take care of that!?

I'd like to hear thoughts about a ride on one from someone who's ridden a lot of bikes - swap for the 748 for a day, Desmo?

[Desmo]

swap for the 748 for a day, Desmo?

At least I'll get home on the Ninj.

[Nath]

I read it is a completley redesigned chassis based on the zx6/10 (not sure if this is a good thing...) and they spout 30% power increase over the previous range.

[Rider]

At least I'll get home on the Ninj.

You really have to have a sense of humour when you riding a Duke

[CitizenD]

Or a good pair of walking shoes.

[T-roy]

well desmogod when i go get mine later this week ill tell you. =)

[Lord Farquaad]

you seem to have missed the point of this thread, havent you?

[T-roy]

true im not be experienced but i have ridden a gpx so i guess we can sort something out maybe, maybe i should just go back in my hole

[Murley]

Ha... I don't think so. Back to back against my '91 GPX it aint that much quicker - however I don't need to be wringing it's neck as often and I do appreciate the better spread of 'power'. I've taken the bike to Neil at Pro-Flo, he reckons a lot has changed. The engine block isn't much different however the head is something new, the frame seems the same but it's a little beefed up and the geometry of the front forks is different, but otherwise it's the same frame:



Back brake works on this bike which is nice. Hardly use it but it's nice to know it's there (locks up far too easily - touchy pedal + my tendency to use a lot of engine braking). Back suspension is adjustable now, I only change it for taking passengers though as I'm quite light.

Dunno if it purports to be a sports bike - I guess it has the look, but those handlebars and putting the tacho off to the side? Booo... In the end it's easy as piss to ride, can ride it daily comfortably, and it's capable of having a lot of fun on, and turns and handles like a charm. It's quite happy to weave in between the cat-eyes on the F/way at 120, not missin a beat (don't do at home kids)

[Xuaxace]

Not a bad thing at all, it'll go forever, albeit with funny noises.
I was just thinking that it might be good to pull a heap of different 250's together, get a few experienced riders to rate them, then get some basic info like fuel consumption, tyres available and servicing costs, and post it all up to give newer riders something to go on.

Shit, that is a good idea. I'd lend the zzr.