After riding a Roketa 150cc scooter, a Honda Shadow 600, and a Kawasaki Concours 1000 for commuting, I finally found a good fit. I purchased my 2005 Ninja 250 used with 5,300 miles on it in May of this year. I have racked up 3,400 more miles, and have had no issues at all with it; just replaced a...
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After riding a Roketa 150cc scooter, a Honda Shadow 600, and a Kawasaki Concours 1000 for commuting, I finally found a good fit. I purchased my 2005 Ninja 250 used with 5,300 miles on it in May of this year. I have racked up 3,400 more miles, and have had no issues at all with it; just replaced a worn rear tire. Unless you need to prove something to yourself with power, glitz, and acceleration, this could be the perfect motorcycle. It gets me to and from work reliably, easily keeping up with traffic doing 60 - 80 miles per hour on a 2-lane state highway with rolling hills (and the ever-present Oklahoma winds). It is light, very easy to maneuver, predictable and confidence-inspiring. I did give the quality a 4; this is because the mirrors are the only weak spot I have found on this machine. They are mounted too close to the fairing (and too small) to give a good view to the rear. They can be adjusted to give an adequate view by tucking your elbows in when checking the long view backwards, but I would still like to have seen Kawasaki use a better design. The seat was an initial concern as it seemed to create hot spots, but it has broken in to my seat, and is now quite comfortable. Overall, I would buy this bike again in a heartbeat. It is a perfect solution for those on a limited budget, with moderate mechanical skill, who want to ride simply for the enjoyment of riding. It won't put your eyeballs in the back of your skull, but once you adjust to the Ninjette's nature, she will provide plenty of thrill. The Ninja EX250....not JUST for beginners.
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