I'm curious as to how many 250 riders stay loyal to the Kawasaki brand when moving up to a larger bike. Does kawi have a strangle hold on the new rider market when they are looking to upgrade or do they disperse evenly or unevenly to other brands? If you have just a 250 now, what are you most heavily leaning towards?

i like Kawasaki but i really like the Ducati 848 sooo bad but i think ill stay 4 a lil:p

1. Daytona 675
2. ZX6R
3. R6 or CBR

what i want to build:
1. Shank-racing 250gp (2 stroke honda based, steel trellis frame and swingarm)
2. Shank-racing 600rr (4 stroke yamaha 600cc, steel trellis frame, boxed aluminum swingarm)
3. Shank-racing 650 twin. (4 stroke honda-spec hyosung based twin, aluminum trellis, boxed aluminum swingarm.)

have everything i need for the first two ... except for time. just need time.

My next bike is going to be the Ducati 1199 Panigale, I was going to preorder one until I decided to ruin my perfect driving record, so I figure I will wait a year or so and then get one.

Stepped up to a GSXR600. Looking to add a supermoto to my garage before the end of summer. Thinking something like this.
http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200912/2009-suzuki-dr-z400sm_460x0w.jpg

If not then maybe ill finally buy that 7 or buy another MR2. shiiii

I was going to move up to a bigger Kawi but the CBR fits me so nicely, feel so comfortable for me compared to the other ones. The ZX6r fits me 2nd best though, if that's worth anything. :D

GSXR600 for me, because of the power modes, looks, good mid-power, better MPG, and I love the sound.

Definitely going for the Kawi ER-6N for my next bike.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u59oP2ufV3g/TpTIb_Rpl8I/AAAAAAAACdU/yTOX8MWfxEs/s1600/Kawasaki+ER-6n+%25282012%2529+Front+Side+3.jpg

Went classic and got a 74 Honda CB550. My real "upgrade" though will be to a HD XR1200x.

Keeping it in the family with another Kawasaki!

im torn between remaining loyal to Kawi and going with Ducati....still got time to make up my mind though

I put Honda because that's what I preferred most while sitting down on all of the bikes.

I love the looks of the Yamaha R6 but it was too tall and uncomfortable for me. GSXR was comfortable but I hate the white and blue color scheme and overall looks. The 2012 ZX6R in black and red looks sexy as **** but I probably won't see it used anytime soon. I like the looks of the Honda CBR600RR and it is comfortable for me, so that's why I voted Honda.

I could get any four of those bikes depending on the best deal I find on Craigslist once I save up the money.

im torn between being loyal to Kawasaki or getting a CBR

I wasn't necessarily going to go from my Ninjette to another Kawi but after looking at bikes on line and at the dealership, the 650 was the only choice for me - looks, comfort and good power but not enough to be scary every time I ride it. Here's the funny thing... I went to that dealership because of a Buell XB9 that had advertised. I had convinced myself that I really wanted one. Well, by the time I got there it was gone so I impulsively bought the 2012 650. I LOVE this bike and I'm so happy I ended up buying it! I am still going to get an XB9 though. They are really cool bikes - very unique and definitely future collectibles.

Sounds like someone has a profile update to make! ---> link (http://www.ninjette.org/forums/profile.php?do=editprofile)

I intend to stay loyal to Kawi... I've ridden several other bikes and I just don't care for them as much :noidea:

Went from the 250 to a Ducati Supersport 800.
Posted via Mobile Device

The right machinery could easily make me change.

I want Yamaha (maybe our last hope for something new and better) to jump into the 250cc game with a new FI parallel twin that utilizes the motocross style laid-back cylinder head with the throttlebody on the front and exhaust off the rear. With a mid-ship, underbody exhaust collector and the engine pushed forward in the frame for good mass centralization and a low-and-forward weight bias. Cover it all in a full fairing.

Too much to ask? I think I'm being reasonable... I didn't ask for a 300cc triple, did I?

Stepped up to a GSXR600. Looking to add a supermoto to my garage before the end of summer. Thinking something like this.
http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200912/2009-suzuki-dr-z400sm_460x0w.jpg

If not then maybe ill finally buy that 7 or buy another MR2. shiiii


AHHHH! I want a supermoto soooo bad! They seem like the prefect bike for me. Wish I could afford one.
I'd be happy with the little Kawi Klx250SF......
http://www.smartcycleshopper.com/wp-content/uploads/kawasaki-klx250sf-r-3-4.jpg

I'd like to move up to one of last years MotoGP bikes. Since they moved to 1000cc there should be some useless, wornout, factory GP bikes for cheap money. An ex-Stoner Honda would be cool (since it has that great tranny).

Moved "across" to a CBR250.

AHHHH! I want a supermoto soooo bad! They seem like the prefect bike for me. Wish I could afford one.
I'd be happy with the little Kawi Klx250SF......


Dude I know! I want one so bad! *sigh. Maybe some day.

They just look like so darn much fun! Hooligan bike :)

If I could have any bike, it would be the KLX450R...they're not sold in America. But, if they never come here, I'd definitely move to Honda, or have to get an MX bike and make it trail worthy from Kawasaki. I love Kawa. They make quality stuff.

Looks like Kawasaki started dominating.

My vote is Honda but second option is Kawasaki.
I find the 600rr more comfortable then the zx6r.

Dude I know! I want one so bad! *sigh. Maybe some day.

They just look like so darn much fun! Hooligan bike :)

I know right! I WILL own one someday.

I love my ninja and I love my mountain bike. You know what would be great, a dirtbike with sticky sportbike tires with a good suspension setup for the twisties yet good enough for light trail riding. Oh wow that make something like that. Wow supermotos. Yay yay yay. My life is complete. Haha

I can't wait to have my own someday. :D

I still have the FZ6 moved to the Ninjette because I never got even close to riding the FZ to it's limits...with the nin...sometimes, just sometimes...I get kinda close. Hey, more than a mouthful is wasted, right ?

I know right! I WILL own one someday.

I love my ninja and I love my mountain bike. You know what would be great, a dirtbike with sticky sportbike tires with a good suspension setup for the twisties yet good enough for light trail riding. Oh wow that make something like that. Wow supermotos. Yay yay yay. My life is complete. Haha

I can't wait to have my own someday. :D

You can't have soft and stiff suspension lol

You can't have soft and stiff suspension lol

Yes you can. Adjustable dampers yo! I got em on my car. And SS bikes come with adjustable dampers as well. I am sure you can get them on supermotos.


You can't change the spring rate though. I think that is what you are thinking of.

Yeah. Forgot about that...my KLX has that.

well **** if we are talking supermotos...

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd202/spectda/IMG_0309.jpg

well **** if we are talking supermotos...

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd202/spectda/IMG_0309.jpg

I stick with the, can I kick it over and not cry policy. Nice bike though :thumbup:

well **** if we are talking supermotos...




One of my favorite bikes. :thumbup:

DRZ400. Cheap, gobs of power, reliable, I don't feel bad about jumping off things and slamming it on landings :lol:

Duc's are beautiful, but SM's are supposed to be no frills hooligan bikes.

meh.

I went to a Ninja ZX-6R after my 250, so I stayed in the Kawi family.

If I find a really inexpensive Ninja 250 in good shape when I start looking for my next bike, then I will still stay Kawi (unless Triumph hurries up with that rumored Street Single).

Otherwise, I will just pick up a WR250X. I love the Duc and Aprilia SM's, but I think they cost too much for what they do. And as much as I have Ducati Red in my blood for life, based on articles and knowing how I ride, I'd buy the Aprilia over the Duc.

honestly Id like a SM and a SS....

a SM to commute on most of the time and a SS for the weekends and start riding on the track...

dry clutch on a SM. boss.

Went classic and got a 74 Honda CB550. My real "upgrade" though will be to a HD XR1200x.

Got a 76 CB550 basket case. Will become a Cafe Racer. I am catching a lot of ribbing about it--almost as much as I did with the Ninja. Since when is someone too old for a certain kind of bike? I'm only 70.

Youre only as old as you fell good sir! :)

Ducati

I read you got one.

Pics kind sir.

I would LOVE to buy a bigger bike (but keep my 250) but school takes all my $$$ . I don't like Suzuki, and I don't like Ducatis *gasp* , I will stick with kawasaki! My next bike will be the 650 :)

:thumbup:

never too old to look :cool: on a vintage cafe racer!!!

Since when is someone too old for a certain kind of bike? I'm only 70.I know someone older than you who wheelies his FZ1 on a regualr basis. He is my idol. God willing, I will live that long, and still be able to ride well.

I moved up to a HD Road King. Would love to have gotten another Kawi, specifically a ZX-14 but it just wasn't meant to be. I would sell my soul to the devil for a Triumph Sprint ST or a SV1000

I'm not really brand loyal, more loyal to my pocket to be honest... lol I would buy a Triumph Daytona 675R for three reasons.

1) I want a super sport
2) It's the only sub liter super sport (soon)to be launched in India which I can hope to afford.
3) It really helps that it can kick the jap 600s where it hurts :D
4) It comes stock with Ohlins goodies :drool::drool::drool::drool::drool:

still haven't decided, but Kawi is still in the picture for an upgrade. Likely a 650r. Honda's put themselves out of my picture with only 600+ supersports. don't need the power, and since i mostly city commute, don't need the body position. I can still tuck down low on a plain sport bike for some high speed or twisties. never been a fan of the look of suzuki. Yamaha might still be in the picture, but if I could find a KTM duke, I might jump on it.

No more Kawi for me, most probably.

New ZX6R must REAAAALLY blow my mind and be a pure track machine. Then I'd consider it.

If I was to move up to a 1000cc, 10r is amazing.. But then... so is S1000RR :D

or there's the vtwins...

just too many amazing bikes :confused:

I'd like to move up to one of last years MotoGP bikes. Since they moved to 1000cc there should be some useless, wornout, factory GP bikes for cheap money. An ex-Stoner Honda would be cool (since it has that great tranny).

I missed my chance at moving up to an ex-motoGP bike.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/578/12470/Motorcycle-Article/Ducati-GP10-and-GP11-at-Monaco-Auction.aspx

Each went for over $300,000 with Stoner's edging out Rossi's.

I've owned 5 Kawis in the past year XD

For MX bikes I'll ride whatever is winning.

For street bikes I'll ride whatever is in my budget and type of motorcycle I want.

Kawi really got me hooked on the whole supersport bikes and I absolutely loved the looks of them (still do). But after seeing and hearing my friends' Buell I couldn't help myself and went with that instead! Im sure somewhere down the line ill pick up a Ducati 1198

I'll likely upgrade to one of these:

1. Kawi ER6n
2. Ducati Monster 696
3. SV 650

I wish I could upgrade to one of these:

1. Triumph Tiger
2. Kawi Versys
3. Triumph Street Triple
4. BMW GS650

Daytona 675R w/ arrow exhuast :D

Next bike for me is the Triumph Street Triple or Ducati Monster.

I ride red (again)! :thumbup: I used to race cross country on a Honda and my first (running) bike was a vfr, my zx6r was kind of a piece no matter what work went into it; either way Honda grew to be my favorite over the years. If I found something along the lines of, say, a ktm duke I am not to sure the cbr would live with me anymore :eek:

I'm looking to upgrade to a Suzuki SV650S 2005-2007.

My plan is to move up to a ZX-6R in the next couple years, but if money isn't as big of a deciding factor when the time comes, I'll probably aim at getting a Ducati 848.

I think the more financially smart decision would be for me to just pay off my car first before trying to get a 2nd bike, but eh. I'll see if saner minds prevail in the next year or two.

Been doing a lot of thinking and my next real bike is likely be an enduro. Either XR650L or KLR650.

I want to test ride a Ninja 300 and the new 636. We'll decide from there.

But damn the 675R still makes me :drool: and dream.

I would really like a cruiser and get me a Harley. The 883 would be just fine for me:thumbup:

Test rode the 2012 650 and Versys back in June, ended up buying the 650 towards the end of July through the Costco deal. :thumbup:

YEA COSTCO!!!!

Tell me, which do you prefer to take through the twisties, the 250 or the 650?

At this point, to be totally honest, I'd have to say the 250 is better in the twisties. I don't know if it's the slightly shorter wheelbase, lower center of gravity, or just not being used to the 650 yet after 4 years on the 250, but the little guy just seems to dive into the corners compared to his big brother.

Most of my riding is commuting though, and for that, the 650 is a big step up.

Yep thats how I felt. I always felt like the 250 was superior in the twisties and the 650 was better for commuting. Its the reason I ended up buying another 250, the 650 just wasn't "good enough"

ducati monster 696 in white!

but that's going to be a long time from now...

I just brought home a Daytona 675 a few days ago :D

Just upgraded to a 2009 Honda CBR 600RR ABS....i enjoy the power but find the 250R a much more manageable bike around town that is much more comfortable and ample enough for everyday traffic whereas the 600RR is better for its power on the freeway and is fun to lean. I would consider a new 300RR if I was to ever buy another fuel-efficient bike. Love the way it looks. My next bike may be a Kawasaki 1000R. I love Supersports and all but after the 600RR (which is perfect for a street SS), I am going to rent the supersports at the track going forward and find bikes with a bit more comfort.

You mean the ninja 1000?

Best bike on the market ;)

You mean the ninja 1000?

Best bike on the market ;)

Correct. I love the looks and it has just enough sport and comfort for 2 up and all the things you'd want in great street bike...Honestly, I don't understand WHY it hasn't gotten enough press...I plan to ride it at the next demo to get a better feel. My CBR 600RR is fun but really tests my lower back strength

It was named motorcycle of the year twice. You can also attach side cases to it, its a great sport tourer and balls deep in power everywhere. I rarely go over 4k rpms

I so want to get the ne 300.

ducati monster 696 in white!

Ducatis, and Ferraris are RED.:)

Moved down to a 250 lol.

Picking up my brand used versys on friday, have a few interested buyers for the ninja. I do plan on buying a 250 for the track at some point in the future though. I'm a fan of the kawk, but more because they tend to produce bikes that suit my needs than because of brand loyalty.

Not for dirt though, that is yamaha and ktm territory.

I just bought a 2009 Harley Heritage a few months ago. I still have the Ninja though, it's my commuter, and it's fun. :D

Definitely no loyalty to Kawasaki here. I don't care if the newer bikes were the best on the planet, they are hideous!! Ultimately it will be a Triumph Speed Triple, or Daytona 675 for me, but I may get an '06 636 (if Kawi's bikes still looked like that they'd have a shot at getting me to buy a new one!) or CRB600RR in the mean time since you can find them pretty cheap.

I just bought a slavage cbr today from a local auction. I got it at a decent price. ven though is rebuilt, its in great shape and requires small repairs to get it look like new again. It was rear ended. I attached a pic. I sold my 250 like 2 weeks ago.

Moved down to a 250 lol.

Really? From what????

2007 ZX6R - (still own and ride it) see avatar

Getting a mint rd350 next year. Nothing says badass like kick starting. 2 stroke ftw.

Did I move up or down? It has the same displacement.

I plan on getting a CBR 600rr when I upgrade. Most of my riding is 100 mile round-trips on the interstate to school. I have not had any issues with the 250 on the interstate; while it has sufficient power for the interstate, it doesn't have that 'rocket ship' type of power a supersport has, if it ever needs to be called upon :P

I am not in any hurry to upgrade, and it won't be particularly soon. I'll be joining the Air National Guard soon, so I'll use part of my signing bonus to buy one out-right.

This summer sold me 250r and bought a black w/gold rims 2009 R6:)

Kawasaki for me problem is the one I like you cant get here and that's the new 636 but also looking at the 1400 which you can get here

Bought an Aprilia Dorsoduro earlier this year and have lots of fun riding it. Have lots of fun riding the Ninja 250, too!

http://i657.photobucket.com/albums/uu299/vstromklr/2012/185364.jpg

http://i657.photobucket.com/albums/uu299/vstromklr/2011/Photo2-1.jpg

Bought an Aprilia Dorsoduro earlier this year and have lots of fun riding it. Have lots of fun riding the Ninja 250, too!

http://i657.photobucket.com/albums/uu299/vstromklr/2012/185364.jpg

Those bikes are sweet!!! I met a guy who has a black 750 with an aftermarket exhaust. Man does it sound nice! Is yours the 1200?

Those bikes are sweet!!! I met a guy who has a black 750 with an aftermarket exhaust. Man does it sound nice! Is yours the 1200?

It's a 750. Installed a Leo Vince decat with stock mufflers and it sounds really good. Take my Wife two-up on it for "short rides" and she says it's scary/exciting and growls. Told her I have to go easy on the throttle, so I don't lose her off the back or wheelie. This photo gives a good look at the stock muffler & tail tidy (fender eliminator). The DD is a sweet machine. Installing DNA air filter on it tomorrow.

Thanks,

That's a really "nice" Ninja you have! Do you have a photo thread for it? I like to modify bikes and would like to see what you have done to yours. Might modify my Ninja 250 when I finish another project (street tracker) and borrow some of your mod ideas, if you don't mind! :)

http://i657.photobucket.com/albums/uu299/vstromklr/2012/185362.jpg

A zx636 will probably be my next move up, the 2013s are awesome, but an 05-06 is more likely what i'd buy. :thumbup:

Might modify my Ninja 250 when I finish another project

My input here:
Start with the suspension and brakes. Best bang for the buck.

Thanks,

That's a really "nice" Ninja you have! Do you have a photo thread for it? I like to modify bikes and would like to see what you have done to yours. Might modify my Ninja 250 when I finish another project (street tracker) and borrow some of your mod ideas, if you don't mind! :)



Thanks, here is a thread I made for my bike. http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=100916


Nice pics of it: http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showpost.php?p=557530&postcount=85
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showpost.php?p=580626&postcount=1979

Thanks, here is a thread I made for my bike. http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=100916


Nice pics of it: http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showpost.php?p=557530&postcount=85
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showpost.php?p=580626&postcount=1979

Beautiful!!!!!

After the street tracker project, will start on the Ninja next and borrow some of your ideas!

Thanks!

My input here:
Start with the suspension and brakes. Best bang for the buck.

Will install sonic springs & upgrade rear mono shock. Already have the air box mod & Thermo-Bob mods completed.

Like the looks of Jono's Ninja, too!

Thanks,

Def thinking about the upcoming cbr 500r!

In another year or two I'd like to get a Bonneville. Don't think I'll get rid of the 250 though.

Staying loyal to Kawi. For now.
I'm ****ing nuts over the 07-08 zx6R I dream about her. I love the undertail exhaust. :D
So my picks are
1. Zx6R 07-08 RED
2. R1-with new Graves full exhaust :)
3. Gsxr750
4. Triumph
**** the cbr lol jusskidding. But they are at the end of list

2012 Street Triple R for me. I love the extra power, and awesome handling.

I'll probably be getting a BMW F800 GT

2012 Street Triple R for me. I love the extra power, and awesome handling.

That bike is one sexy beast.

2012 Street Triple R for me. I love the extra power, and awesome handling.

I love that bike! I just wish they kept the round headlights.
http://www.motorcyclefamous.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/2011-triumph-street-triple-gray-black-review.jpg

I put Honda although there's a variety of bikes I want to move up to. Only reason I refuse to go up to a kawi is because the bike guru's suggested I try some other brand flavors.

Only reason I refuse to go up to a kawi is because the bike guru's suggested I try some other brand flavors.

Test ride them all to see which you like. There's no reason to limit your options when looking for the right bike.

But Honda's are well rounded bikes, so there's nothing wrong with looking at those. :thumbup:

Not a lot of SV650 fans eh? I upgraded to one, crashed into a deer, and got another one. Good, solid, easy bikes to work on. Plenty of aftermarket parts with a HUGE following. You should check them out.

SV's rock yo! Would gladly own one. Especially the nekkid ones.

I was dead set on picking up an SV but found a great deal on a Daytona 675. In a way, I regret not buying a naked SV, as it really would be a much better bike for the street in my opinion.

Triumph Street Triple R is what I really want to get next but they are pricey

Looking at:

WR250X
KTM Duke 390
Ninja 300

Probably go motard. Easy to ride, snappy, fun, and MX bikes are what I know how to ride. I WILL keep the 250 unless I go with 300 or Duke. I'll never go 600cc or larger.

i want too many bikes
suzuki drz400 supermoto
kawasaki ninja650r commuter
yamaha r6 track bike

I ended up staying with Kawasaki and getting a 2005 636. I got it more because of the looks than brand loyalty though.

First sportbike I owned was an SV650. Really nice bike. Liked SV engine so much, when I was looking for a sport touring bike, bought the Vstrom DL 650 with the SV650 engine. Replaced the original 19" front wheel with a 17" SV650 front wheel & fender on my Vstrom, too.

Yellow Strom with 17" front wheel.

http://i657.photobucket.com/albums/uu299/vstromklr/2012/SANY0103.jpg

Triumph Street Triple R is what I really want to get next but they are pricey
Only "pricey" when compared to a ninjette.

Step up to a 600 cc bike with comparable horse power and you will be looking at closer to $12.000 rather than the $10,000 for the Street Triple R

Only "pricey" when compared to a ninjette.

Step up to a 600 cc bike with comparable horse power and you will be looking at closer to $12.000 rather than the $10,000 for the Street Triple R

I agree with you on that, just that I don't have enough left in the budget to buy and insure a Street Triple R. If I get another bike I am definitely not selling the 250, it serves as an amazing commuter and the gas savings make it worth keeping. If I had the dough I would add a Daytona 675 R and Street Triple R to my stable in a heart beat, if only that powerball ticket had hit.

I do want another bike for long trips across multiple states though, looking to pick up an FZ6R used for a cross country trip Atlanta<->California next year. Prices are less than half the Triple.

I love my Street, but I am sending the seat out this Winter for a little work. It is not what I would call comfortable much beyond the 2 hour mark.

This :)


http://www.motoport.nl/WebRoot/Store/Shops/Motoport/MediaGallery/Kawasaki%202011%20modellen/Z1000SX/Z1000SX.jpg

I voted quite a while ago but i kept true to my vote. Bought another kawasaki a few weeks ago,

2011 Ninja 1000 - red/black with 1305 miles