The CBR250R is a very very solid bike. Thing is a new bike always has a few problems here and there. It's not like the Ninja 250 is perfect, and I wonder how many of you were around in 1986 at the launch? It really hasn't changed much since then but Kawasaki has had two decades to iron out the kinks, so that is definitely an advantage to the Ninja.
The CBR has more torque, and gets much better mileage. As a commuter bike the CBR makes a lot of sense, much easier to ride quickly around town without wringing it out over 10k RPMs. For the more sporty riders, the Ninja will be preferable because it has higher top end.
If I was getting a cheap 250 for commuting, I would pike the CBR. If I was racing 250 class at the track, I would get the Ninja.
Personally I prefer commuting on something a little faster then either though
