So tell me about the Ninja 250 Ex.

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Dragon on Wheels · Sun Apr 29, 2007 4:14 am

I recently put a deposit on one of these bikes, but I won't be able to pick it up until next week. I can't give you any actual experience with it yet, but I chose it because it's gotten lots of great reviews and the price is very good. I also liked the way it felt when I sat on it at the dealer.

HarleyW · #12 Unread post by **HarleyW** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 4:17 am

Dragon on Wheels wrote:I recently put a deposit on one of these bikes, but I won't be able to pick it up until next week. I can't give you any actual experience with it yet, but I chose it because it's gotten lots of great reviews and the price is very good. I also liked the way it felt when I sat on it at the dealer.

Great! Keep me updated.

Duffy · #13 Unread post by **Duffy** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 8:11 am

I am also going this coming saturday to buy one (my crosses fingers) The more I read about them the more me likey!! I am getting so stoked. This is turning out to be one humdinger of a week. I just got home from a trip from my car dealership trying to work out a deal to trade in my truck for an economical sporty hatchback. So if all goes well and I am able to finagle a decent monthly payment I might end of owning a new car AND bike this week......WOOOOT

for the same price I am paying for my truck...2 for 1 is better in my book.

loPro · #14 Unread post by **loPro** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 8:27 am

The EX250 has gotten nothing but solid praises since I started diving into the motorcycle community. Is there any reason why the EX500 isnt as popular?

Obviously it is more powerful, but it is still considered a good learners bike. Also, that added weight & power seems like it would be useful for crosswinds and areas with alot of inclines.

Any opinions for a guy who caught between the two starter bikes?

Dragonhawk · Sun Apr 29, 2007 9:46 am

loPro wrote:The EX250 has gotten nothing but solid praises since I started diving into the motorcycle community. Is there any reason why the EX500 isnt as popular?

Obviously it is more powerful, but it is still considered a good learners bike. Also, that added weight & power seems like it would be useful for crosswinds and areas with alot of inclines.

Any opinions for a guy who caught between the two starter bikes?

Personally, I picked the 250 over the 500 for a few reasons.

#1 - Ergonomics. The seating position of the bikes is NOT the same. They are very similar, but not identical. Personally, I found the 250 to be more upright and comfortable.

#2 - Price. The 500 is about $2000 more expensive. Considering that the 250 is only $3000, that means the 500 is 66% more expensive. Does it deliver 66% better handling, power, reliability, comfort, gas mileage? ... No. Why spend so much more money, for a bike with only moderately better performance?

Those were my big reasons to pick the 250 over the 500.

avoidalliteration · Sun Apr 29, 2007 3:39 pm

z310 wrote:Speaking of the EX250, is anybody sure if using the built-in helmet lock that's so close to the exhaust causes damage to the helmet?

I'm not sure, but I'm not keen to find out =) I just bring my helmet with me. And to answer the OP, I bought this bike b/c it was:

1. Inexpensive (to insure as well)
2. Holds its value well since it's an in-demand beginner's bike
3. Is a lot of fun to throw around in the twisties, as I'm finding out =)
4. Is very forgiving to newbies like myself
5. Great gas mileage (rated at 55 to 75 MPG, but I tend toward the lower end of that spectrum, as I have a somewhat "spirited" driving style)

You can't really go wrong with this bike. If you get tired of it or want something bigger, sell it for pretty much what you got it for and trade up.

HarleyW · #17 Unread post by **HarleyW** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 7:43 pm

Hey thanks alot everyone!. Its been really helpfull. All i hear of these bikes is that they are great. Im getting stoked about them too. Thanks for the help everyone.

loPro · #18 Unread post by **loPro** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 6:04 am

Thanks for everyones input. I kinda jumped the gun and assumed that the 500 would have a real noticeable power increase and would be worth the extra money to spend.

Suzuki GS 500 F seems appealing as well....is it general knowledge that the ninjas are better for starters, or does it come down to power of opinion....as it usually does, haha

Choices =

PioneerUrban · Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:22 pm

How much can these be lowered without compromising safety?

ie, 28 1/2" for the seat height. Is this possible to do on this bike?

gsJack · #20 Unread post by **gsJack** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 4:01 pm

PioneerUrban wrote:How much can these be lowered without compromising safety?

ie, 28 1/2" for the seat height. Is this possible to do on this bike?

Pingel makes makes some links to lower the 06 Ninja 250 about 2"

http://www.pingelonline.com/lowering_links.htm

Diamond makes some links to lower the 86-06 EX250 about 1 1/2"

http://www.diamondpowersports.com/lower ... 71a3b15844

Lowering links will alter the geometry of the rear suspension and can change the ride/handling of the bike. If your already dragging pegs, it could cause you clearance problems.

I put some Pingel ZX6 links on my GS500 that lowered it 1 1/4" and the rear suspension was stiffened up a bit but I already had installed Progressive front springs to stiffen the front so I found the bike to be better balanced with the stiffer rear. I like it this way.

I normally run 150/70 or 140/80 radial rears that raise the rear 1/2 to 3/4" higher then the OE 130/70 tires so I'm less than an inch below standard height and cornering clearance is no issue for me. But it still makes the bike 1 1/4" lower than it would be otherwise with the taller tires and it"s significantly easier to swing my arthritic hip over to get on.

As with most things, moderation in lowering a bike is best in my opinion. Some lower them much more just for appearance purposes.