Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R reviews

Technology today is absolutely amazing. This 2012 Ninja 650 is light years advanced from the offerings of the late 70's and 80's when I first started riding. I've owned so many motorcycles over the years and have found the middle weight bikes of today to be where the fun factor is for me in both cruiser and rocket. After all, it wasn't too long ago that a 650 twin BSA, Norton or Triumph was considered a manly beast of a machine. This Ninja will leave those burly bikes of the past for dead in every detail except maybe nostalgia. I currently own a Star XVS950 and bought this to add variety to my daily riding. This Ninja is light, fast, comfortable (inc. passenger seat), nimble, has a solid feeling and just the most all around fun period. The specs, the features and details of this bike are amazing. Bottom line... What a steal! I absolutely LOVE IT! And I promise you will too! Show less

Its a fun bike to ride. It keeps up with bigger bikes and has plenty of power. The bike is really comfortable for long rides. I ride to San Diego often and it's a little over two hours and my back isn't killing me when I get there. It's my first bike and I have had it for 10 months now. Show less

This is my first bike. Believe me when I say I had been "stuck" between going right for a 600 or getting a Ninja 250. I had heard there is no need to start with a 600, and that the Ninja 250 is all you need - that is 100% right. This bike is VERY cheap on insurance ($420/yr. full coverage) and packs the punch you need. It has the ability to top out around 105-110 and gets up to 60 mph. in about 5-6 seconds. For a 249cc motor, I am VERY impressed with this bike and don't see myself trading it in for a few years. Show less

It's a great little bike. OK, it's not fast, but it is fun. As a first bike, you'll outgrow the speed in a few months. The handling will keep you entertained for years though. It looks and sounds like a proper sports bike. Zooming around corners at full throttle on this thing makes you feel like you're riding in moto GP even though you're only going the speed limit. It's great for commuting - I average 60-65 mpg. with fairly aggressive riding. It's not much good for 2-up, but come on, it's only a 250. Show less

I'm a new rider, and this is my first bike I've ever been on, so I don't have any experience or other bikes to compare to. That being said, I really like my Ninja 250. It gets plenty of acceleration for my daily 20-mile commute, and has very good handling. I haven't been getting the upper 50 to lower 60 mph. like I anticipated, but I've been "gunning" it from hole positions, so that's probably a main reason for the lower 50 mpgs. With a $2,150.00 price tag for the 2012 model, a "beefy" looking sport bike (this beefier look came out on the 2008 models), good gas mileage, you can't lose, unless you are a long distance highway rider. In which, in this case, with it's orginial stock set up, it can be thrown around a bit on the highway at 70-85 mph. On the other hand, it not surprising that a little 250 will be pushed a bit on the highway during wind storms. Other than that, it's awesome for its intention...a daily short distance commute! Show less

This is my fourth bike. It's an excellent choice for a first bike, too. It's sporty and fast, comfortable (not leaning way over the tank) easy on my back. It has super lines on it. I love to be the girl riding an awesome sporty bike!!! Show less

I recently purchased a 2011 Ninja 250 and I have to say it is so much fun! I'm new to riding and as you can see I only have a few miles under my belt but I'm so glad I made the choice to buy this for my first bike. It has plenty of power for a new rider. The seating position itself is comfortable but I am looking to replace the stock seat with something a little more comfortable. Since I'm short I did have to install Roaring Toys lowering links so I could reach the ground more comfortably, but overall it's a great looking bike. One good thing about this 250 over other makes is that it doesn't look like a 250. When parked next to bigger bikes, it can hold its own. I highly recommend this bike to anyone! Show less

I bought this bike in Feb 2011, it was a 2010 leftover. I got it for a very good price. The whole staff was very good throughout the whole purchase. I just love the 14. I have been up to 120 mph. and it's like the bike just wants more. I ride it to work, about a one-hour drive. and it's very comfortable. I don't think I will ever change this bike. Show less

I've had this bike for a week now and I'm completely impressed. It has plenty of power, and is very responsive. The seat gets a bit uncomfortable after being on the saddle awhile. It looks great, I even got compliments from my die-hard Harley friends. Show less

I've had this bike for a while now. I race it almost every night. It's got a lot of power. It's a nice ride over 140. I'd take this bike over newer bikes any day. It's great on gas, fun and fast and smooth shifting. It's been a dream the whole time I've owned it. I've only had to change the oil. If I could find more of the J2 ZX-7, I would buy them just to keep to myself. Show less