2005 kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R reviews

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. Show less

This year's model Ninja ZX-6R 636 is probably the best made by far. It's dual headlights with air ram intake between them look wicked! With the undertail pipe, the bike looks nice and sleek from front to back. This bike not only looks good but it rides just as good as it looks. With top speeds at a little over 170 mph. and 124 hp. at 12,500 rpm., this bike is a beast!!! It handles well and is comfortable. I just took it up to the mountians last weekend with a few buddies and couldn't believe how I kept up with my buddies. They all ride 1000cc-750cc. For a bike as heavy and bulky as it is, it's freakin' fast! Show less

Bike is awesome, fast, but for me doesn't handle well, but I have a race ready Ducati 999s as well. This thing straight ahead is the fastest stock bike I have ever ridden. I have owned or ridden everything!!! It's a really great deal for the money. If you wanna go fast and beat everyone off the line and on the highway this is your bike!!! Show less

This was my first bike and it was awesome to learn on. Great handling and had some power, but it got old really quick. I have heard a lot of people say it will keep up with a 600 but only if you are cruising. Great bike to start and learn on if you have never riden before but you will be looking to upgrade in a year. I would suggest getting this over a 600 to start off with because a 600 will but you on the ground if you don't know how to ride it. Show less

This is my first bike, but I had ridden a couple others first. This bike is hands down the best of the bunch. It has extremely smooth power, awesome brakes, superb handling and it looks amazing. I get compliments on it nearly every time I ride it. I wouldn't trade this bike for anything. Kawasaki really did their homework when creating this monster. Show less

I just bought this bike in July, and it was everything I thought it was and more. I put about 1,500 miles on it. It now has 7,500 miles. I commute to school and work on this bike when possible, only 15 miles one way. The gas mileage is amazing; way better than my truck. It's very comfortable too. I have a few friends I ride with and it keeps up with their bigger bikes. I recently bought new tires for it and it acts like a whole new bike. The old tires were squared from highway miles. I'll make sure I don't do that. Twisties only :)
I would say it's a great starter bike and commuter. I'm thinking about getting a bigger bike next season. Show less

It's a really sweet bike. The 636 is a dominant force over the 600cc field. The power and handling are above all. I wouldn't want any other bike. Show less

I'm over six feet tall and I thought this bike was too small for me, but I couldn't be more wrong. It is perfect. It is lightweight and handles like a dream. You can't get a better 250. The Ninja is as good as it gets in its class and I love every minute of this bike. Show less

Where to start... the handling is quick and effortless. It's such an easy bike to ride you can really push and still be comfortable. The 636cc engine is a monster that comes to life around 7000 rpm and doesn't stop screaming all the way to its 15,250 redline. A good rider can give liter bikes fits all day long on one of these, tear them up in the corners and have enough power to stay with them on the gas. With standard PC3, exhaust, and intake mods no 600 is going to touch you and the guys on the big bikes will be wondering why you're so fast, because like all the big bike riders say, it's just a 600 right... Riiiiggghhhtt, just try not to smile too hard when you smoke some squid on a liter bike. Show less

This is an all around bike, and it can keep up with the big dogs even though it's a 636. Since I got this bike 5 months ago, I have been hooked on it. It also can wheelie pretty good with out using the clutch. I would advise new riders if they run into this bike, give it a chance. Everytime I ride it, I'm impressed by it. Show less