Let's Talk About This: Update my 250R or Upgrade?

[johncrist1988]

So I'm about to pay off my 250R and once that's done I plan on dropping some serious dough on one of two different directions: Updating my 250 or upgrading to something bigger. This is a classic discussion many have had, but I feel like I have some different points that I can bring to that discussion and, hopefully, your valuable feedback will help me reach a conclusion. Fortunately there's a lot of time between now and when I'll be doing this, so time isn't exactly an issue.

Unlike a lot of arguments I've seen from others facing this dilemma, I'd like to stress that I'm not put off for any performance reasons to the 250. It has plenty of speed for me and I'm not asking for more. I'm not disappointed by it's acceleration at all. All of that is great.

In the first scenario I'd like to update the look of my 250 -- I'd be interested in throwing on a 150 rear, throwing on a replica ZX-6R upper cowl (they are in stock and I've gotten quotes from the factory via email), updating the tail, throwing in some projectors with halos, swapping the master cylinder, doing an EFI upgrade, a Scorpio i900 security setup, frame sliders, heated grips, digital dash, a Woodcraft rearset, more tuned overall suspension, exhaust overhaul, clipons with a 1" rise (I think it's a 1" rise, can't remember what the 'minimum' was), short levers, a better gel seat, and low profile signals up front with signal mirrors. I may have forgotten a thing or two in that list, but I hope that conveys that most of what I want to do is for looks and ergonomics and less about 'performance'. Will it be a poser bike? Unfortunately yes, but at the end of the day, I'm the one riding and admiring it.

Everything together is going to push me around $4k in stuff, plus my time doing all the work.

That said, every time I talk to the family about it, a few things always come up.

1) At the end of the day, an 'updated' 250 is still a 250.
2) I could use that money and get a 300.
3) Just because I don't want to necessarily go faster doesn't mean I wouldn't benefit from a bigger bike with better parts.
4) "Nobody drops that much money on a little 250."

To address these things, I reply by saying that I'm not disappointed with the 250 at all and I'm far from maxing the bike out in turns. It's the right size (I'm a 5' 4" rider), it's a fantastic weight, and all I'm really looking to do with option A is give it a more up-to-date look that I'd be very happy with for many years to come.

I could spend the same money and get a 300 that'll have a similar face and might come with ABS, but it'd still be lacking some of the things I want, such as a gel seat, heated grips, etc. I'd still be spending a grand or more in stuff to add to it, and it's performance will still be exceptionally similar to what I already have.

I can't refute that a bigger bike would have more durable parts and may last longer. That said, bigger bikes tend to be exactly that -- bigger. I can flat foot my left foot leaning my 250, but I can't imagine how I'd sit on a bigger and subsequently heavier bike.

As far as nobody dropping that much on a 250, I feel that's subjective to personal preference. Someone who loves motorcycles and loves their 250, I feel, would. I could see myself in that camp by the end of the year.

---------------------

So let's take a trip down the bigger bike lane.

The next part of my familial discussion usually treads down the notion of 'how big would someone go to'. The two options that come up are always the Kawasexi 636 and the Yummi R1.

While bikes love to be revved out, I always catch myself not wanting to top out my 250 if I can help it -- I just like the mental feeling of thinking I'm taking good care of my stuff. I feel like I'd never really top out a 636 and most certainly not an R1. To that point, I'm sure they'd last longer mechanically, but they'd also be far more expensive to repair and maintain as well (I assume). To really get some grunt from an I-4, I'm also assuming I'd have to be in the upper RPM range anyway, so I'd be somewhat forced to rev it out.

The bikes are also significantly heavier and, I assume, have a higher stance. To my understanding, lowering a bike is a VERY BAD IDEA, with the primary objective being to not change the suspension geometry as much as possible.

That's not to say that I wouldn't ever consider a liter bike -- I get excited at the idea of a ton of power on demand. In fact, if I had any complaints at all about the 250, it'd just be that I lack an overabundance of passing power when I want it.

I'd have to save my pennies a little longer, but that's not a problem -- I'd still be riding my 250 on the daily just like I am now.

-----------------

So, what haven't I thought of, what are all of your thoughts, etc? Anyone go through this situation that went the 250 route? What were your thoughts and what are your afterthoughts looking back? Anyone get a literbike and never look back? Why?

[corksil]

Here we go again. Forgive my tone if it sounds judgmental or condescending. That is NOT my intention. I'm trying to offer practical advice in a practical and straightforward way.

-- The 250r is good for atleast 50k miles before needing any kind of overhaul or internal engine work. Valves rarely go out of spec, but it's smart to check them at the recommended intervals.

-- The 250r can ping off the rev limiter in any gear for years of riding without causing it any harm. Don't think in any way/shape-or-form that you are somehow preserving the bike by not taking it to redline.

-- People can push a 250r on a track for years without being able to ride the bike "to it's limit." I'd focus on improving your skill as a rider instead of buying something with more power.

--- The notion of putting 4k into a bike that can be bought on CL with under 5k miles for 2k or a little more is asinine. Repeat after me... "I will never get that money back." In all seriousness you're better off spending that 4k in a casino because the money is as good as gone as soon as you click "place order" and buy the parts.

-- I don't think a 150 rear tire will fit. I've been through 4 140 rears in the past few years and there's not much room between the swing arm and 140 edges.

If that 4k is really burning a hole in your pocket, buy another different type of motorcycle and learn how to ride it. Cheap dirtbikes will do wonders to improve your skill as a rider.

Better yet, put it into an investment which will hold [some] of it's value better than a motorcycle. You can travel for a long time with 4k, and travel is a great way to improve your character/outlook as a person.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

[johncrist1988]

Originally Posted by corksil

-- People can push a 250r on a track for years without being able to ride the bike "to it's limit." I'd focus on improving your skill as a rider instead of buying something with more power.

Thank you I intend fully to keep the 250r regardless and it's definitely a bike I'll be using to focus on cornering skills. I have never made nor will I ever make the illusion that I'm anywhere near a skilled enough rider to even claim to be close to be able to push this bike to it's limits.

Originally Posted by corksil

Repeat after me... "I will never get that money back." In all seriousness you're better off spending that 4k in a casino because the money is as good as gone as soon as you click "place order" and buy the parts.

I have no intention at all of ever selling this bike, so the sale value of it is irrelevant to me. If I ever intended to sell it there's no way I'd put that kind of money into it as, as you've pointed out, it'd be a total loss.

Originally Posted by corksil

I don't think a 150 rear tire will fit. I've been through 4 140 rears in the past few years and there's not much room between the swing arm and 140 edges.

That's great to hear, because my choice of 150 was based on this thread.

------------------

Thank you for taking the time to reply I don't want to get off on the wrong foot with you and I feel like, because you've encountered this discussion before, you're more inclined to be more dismissive with me in this particular case. I love my 250 to death and spending the money on a bike I love isn't about the money itself to me. I'm not looking for a return on investment, I'm looking to do it right in whatever direction I go.

For example, "The GSXR600 has a similar seat height that might be worth looking into", or, "****, why don't you look at THIS rearset? Why didn't you talk about a steering damper?"

[NevadaWolf]

Not sure if my situation applies but here goes.

I've dropped more money than I care to admit into my 250. Beyond normal (accelerated) maintenance routine of oil, chains, sprockets, tires, coolant, and the periodic shop overview, I have also put in new bulbs (few times, they burn out), several new windscreens (each going larger until I decided screw it and got the largest touring screen), digital display, LED turn signals and brake light, Corbin seat, Galfer brake lines, new levers, new grips (again, several, those wear out too), peg adjusters, electronics for two constant gizmos and three more optional gizmos, handlebar risers, complete new set of fairings and rear cowl, and other bits of doo-hickeys that have come and gone.

I bought my bike in 2012 and in that time it has morphed from a local rides machine, to a track bike, to a vacation bike, to a long distance beast, to an off road camper, to (now) a do it all Swiss army knife that is more mule than sport bike.

I'm with you, speed and performance aren't me. I like the speed limit, I like puddling along, I don't mind being the turtle in a group because I know my bike will get me anywhere I need to be on my schedule. I wanted a comfortable ride that fit me and made my rides enjoyable for me. My bike isn't the prettiest (hell, I have two camelbacks strapped onto the sides so I can drink more water easily) but she's mine and I love her.

Then why am I now upgrading to a CB500X?

After four years and near 100k miles (without a major overhaul, I might add), I know I've gone as far as I want to with the Ninjette. I'll never reach it's potential but as I have grown in my motorcycle enjoyment, I find the few minor things that were occastional quirks beginning to limit how I want to proceed. I want to do more off roading and I find the low clearance of the fairing to be bothersome. I want to pass easier vs setting up the time and distance needed. I want better fuel range. I want more electrical power to give me options on lighting and heated gear. Little things that I can change on the Ninjette, but I found for me it is better to move to a different bike and explore what is possible.

So, my opinion, if you still love the Ninja - fix it up the way you want to make you happy. You will never get that money back. But you will get more enjoyment out of it while you continue to ride it like you want to. But once you start having those pesky thoughts surface more and more and the shortcomings of the small bike feel like limitations, then look into upgrading. Lots of bikes of a variety of types are out the for us short folks (5'4" here too, with a 29" inseam) and you'll be in a better place to make a decision if you have set goals of what you want the new bike to accomplish.

[CaliGrrl]

I'd say fix the Ninja to look how you want. That's an entirely uninformed opinion, given that I've only been on a bike since January, but that's what seems right to me. I keep getting told that I'll be selling mine soon, but I'm not so sure, and I'm not really worried about it. I'm certainly going to be making any mods that seem like they'll make me happy, though that's not likely to be as much as you're looking at.

[tfkrocks]

Go with what will make you happy or make it fun now. Your tastes may change later on anyway so no guarantee that getting the exact bigger bike you're thinking of now will make you happier later, especially since you're already happy with the 250. Besides, you always have the option of just getting a second bike later down the road. As long as you're still enjoying it, then you're probably doing it right.

I've gone through 3 Ninjettes now. Started on a pregen that was beat to hell and decided I finally wanted something nicer looking. Went with the 300 because I didn't care for more power yet, it had an updated look, and I wanted EFI. Temporarily had a new gen while the 300 was out of commission. I've modded the 300 a fair amount, will likely mod more, and don't plan on ever selling it. However, I also finally wanted to try something a bit different since I essentially owned the same bike 3 times.

I now have an FZ-09 as a fun bike. I honestly thought when I started that I would eventually end up on a supersport. I threw around a lot of different ideas for what type of bike to get next and only finally settled on my choice after knowing more about what I really wanted out of a bike. I think modding the 300 also helped me decide what aspects of a bike are important to me. Oh and FWIW I'm all of 4'11" and I feel quite comfortable one-footing the FZ-09. It's a surprisingly light narrow bike.

[johncrist1988]

When I think about what I want, the list goes something like this:

1) More passing power (someone on reddit called it warp drive and I like that description -- something to get you past the 18 wheeler in front of you without having to worry about setup)

2) Heated grips, which can be added later. Winters in Phoenix are still cold, after all!

3) An aggressive look, which pretty much includes anything sport above 2009, though less bug-eyed than my new gen, lol though I like the bug eyed look. See how dyslexic I'm becoming with this?

That's... really about it when I think about what I want above and beyond what the 250 gives me. I've ridden a family member's cruiser for a few days and decided I don't like cruisers. I haven't tried any dual-sports but my main focus right now is just centered around my daily commuter.

I can absolutely mod up the 250 to fit two of those points, but passing power is something that can only be fixed with timing and setup, and then it isn't about the passing power but rider skill.

At the end of the day, something a family member said to me is someone sticking in my mind as an undeniable truth: At the end of the day, the 250 will still be a 250. I LOVE my 250 to death and it'll always have a place in my garage. I know at some point I'll do both -- update the 250 AND purchase a bigger bike. It just sucks being in the place of asking which to do first :P

[Ralgha]

I love my 250 and while I do plan to get another bike (Tiger 800), I don't plan to get rid of my Ninja. I put money into my Ninja knowing I won't get it back and that's just fine with me. It's my bike and I like spending money on it. Besides, it only cost me $3000 to get it in the first place. In the grand scheme of things, that's not very much.

[corksil]

In terms of performance -- kawasaki left a bit of performance to be had in the typical mods. A free-flowing exhaust, jetting, shimming the needles, pod filter intake, remove all the emissions crap, gear it for acceleration, and about ten other things. Higher-lift/duration cams really woke up my bike at the expense of low end power.

It's a slippery slope modding vehicles because you'll never get back anywhere near the amount you put into them but if you love the vehicles, you can almost justify it.

After doing pretty much everything I could to the 250r in terms of performance upgrades -- it's still a slow bike. Very fun to ride, but hey -- it's still a 250.

Speed is a relative concept. "Fast" is all relative to what you've experienced and become accustomed to. It has been my experience that riding a slow bike fast is more gratifying than riding a fast bike slow.

[VaFish]

Get the bigger bike first, keep the 250, that way you still have something to ride when you are working on the 250

[adouglas]

A 5'4" rider on an R1?

This I'd like to see.

Yeah, Dani Pedrosa is 5'4", but he has a pit crew to manage the bike for him... and he drops it a lot anyway.

Just go to a dealer and sit on a bigger bike. Try maneuvering it as if you were on the street. You'll be able to decide in seconds if the height and weight are issues for you. You're right that lowering the bike is not the preferred thing to do. Slamming an R1 goes against the very concept of the bike, but that's my opinion only. People do stuff like that and if that's your thing, then so be it.

You're talking about sport bikes. These bikes are specifically designed to go fast, and that means having good ground clearance.

You're also talking about machines that accelerate faster than a Ferrari. From your post you don't seem to be a rider that gets off on 0-60 in three seconds. Are you thinking about this clearly?

Regarding your "dilemma", just my $0.02, but if I were going to start spending money it'd go to better gear, experiences (like track days or memorable road trips) and training before farkles for the bike.

Assuming you're dead set on modding the bike instead of improving your own protection and skills, then....

Functional parts first, appearance parts last.

Your #1 complaint is power, so address power before all else. That means rejetting, the usual intake mods (e.g. snorkel delete, Kleen Air delete, K&N filter), plus a full exhaust. I had, and highly recommend, AreaP with a QuietCore muffler.

While more power is fun, the best bang for your buck hands down is investment in tires and suspension. So that's next. Many options for suspension... depends on your use and riding style. Go all out and you can spend anywhere from a couple of hundred to thousands.

Re tires: Putting on a wider tire because it looks good is like electing a president because he shouts louder than anyone else. What matters is actual performance. Spend your money on better rubber, and the bike will perform well. It doesn't need a fat tire. And remember... a wider rim and a bigger tire add to rotating mass, which will HURT acceleration. So you'll be spending money to make the bike more sluggish. Does that make sense?

After that come mods that actually do something. Clip-ons, rearsets and seat change how you interact with the bike and will make it feel a lot sportier.

Last come mods that are just for looks.

But again, that's just my priority list.

Lastly: True that the 250 doesn't have that "make it so" acceleration that will let you pass anyone, anywhere at any time. Neither does the 300. There is no substitute for horsepower. So if your number-one priority actually is straight-line acceleration, then the answer is to get a bigger bike.

However... you openly admit you're not using the power you have. Get over the idea that you're hurting the bike if you rev it. The bike thrives on being run at 9k and above and it WILL NOT wear out faster.

The secret to little bikes is that the party starts when you ride them hard. Try it. Seriously. The bike is a LOT more fun when it's being flogged, and can easily keep up in traffic.

Plus: Bigger bikes do not have more durable parts. Where did you get that idea? For one thing, the plastics on my 250 were much better than those on my GSX-R.

One more thing to think about: My 750 has five times the power that my modded 250 did. It costs SEVEN times as much to insure.

Food for thought.

[RacinNinja]

If you're going to keep it long term, one of the first things you should do is upgrade the suspension. I always find it interesting that people talk about every upgrade but that......it's one of the best things you can do and will really change your ride.

[InvisiBill]

I think you're better off with a $4000 EX300 with $1000 in mods than a $1000 EX250 with $4000 in mods.

I've spent a lot of money on "worthless" upgrades for my 500. If you love your bike and want to make it perfect for you, go for it. As long as you see it as spending money on a hobby you enjoy rather than thinking that you're directly increasing the bike's value by however much you spend, do whatever makes you happy.

However, a lot of what you're asking for is covered by a stock 300. It has EFI. It has a little more power. It has the updated look. The 636 projector headlights can be dropped in. I think $4000 toward a 300 and a few mods will be closer to your goal than trying to upgrade all the "weak points" of your 250. You don't necessarily know what you do and don't want until you have a bike for a while, but you probably would've been better off to get a 300 last summer instead of the NewGen.

If you do decide to upgrade to a bigger bike, insurance is a big thing like adouglas said. Also, there are a lot of bikes that have more power than a 30hp 250, but less than a 120hp supersport. I think the EX500 would be a good fit for a lot of people, but compared to the NewGen it's the same technology and a step backward cosmetically. Also keep in mind that the little Ninjas look more like sportbikes than they actually are. A true supersport is going to have a much more aggressive riding position - a lot of people find it less comfortable for boring commuting. The inline 4 generally needs to be revved pretty high to make usable power. The ZX6R can basically hit the 250's top speed in second gear. Most people find it more fun to ride a small bike at/near its limits (i.e. legal-ish speeds) than to putt around on a massively overpowered bike. Even my ~55hp 500 can do 0-60 in about 4 seconds, exceed any speed limit in the state in third gear, and break into the 12s in the quarter. 120hp really is a ton of power if you're content with a 250.


Since you're not especially unhappy with the 250's power, but have some changes in mind, I vote 300. It gives you a small bump in power and a lot of the changes you want, right out of the box, for about the same cost as your upgrades. I think selling the 250 + $4000 (or less) will get you the 300 and all the mod results you're looking for.

Originally Posted by adouglas

Functional parts first, appearance parts last.

Meh. If the bike functions adequately for you, and you want to make cosmetic changes, go for it. Personally I go for function over form too, but I feel that anyone should be able to do whatever they want to their own stuff, even if it's something stupid like dropping $10,000 on a My Little Pony paintjob. It has absolutely no effect on my life, so if it makes you happy, have at it.

Originally Posted by adouglas

Re tires: Putting on a wider tire because it looks good is like electing a president because he shouts louder than anyone else. What matters is actual performance. Spend your money on better rubber, and the bike will perform well. It doesn't need a fat tire. And remember... a wider rim and a bigger tire add to rotating mass, which will HURT acceleration. So you'll be spending money to make the bike more sluggish.

The VRossi wheels that I got for wider tires are actually lighter than stock. Combined with the new radial tires, it actually feels snappier. I did it mostly for the look though (partially for tire selection, so of course they released the PSR right after that). I agree that you absolutely don't need a wider tire to handle the power (the 500 has twice the power and the same size wheels/tires as the 250, and there are more powerful race bikes that have even smaller tires), and bigger tires can even hurt handling (one area where these little bikes shine). But just going to a slightly bigger tire doesn't necessarily mean tons of extra weight leading to slowness and poor handling.

Originally Posted by RacinNinja

If you're going to keep it long term, one of the first things you should do is upgrade the suspension. I always find it interesting that people talk about every upgrade but that......it's one of the best things you can do and will really change your ride.

I agree. The NewGen/300 is the least bad, but the spring rates aren't great on any of these little Ninjas. You can go pretty crazy on suspension improvements, but simply respringing to match your own weight will help a ton without breaking the bank.


My biggest complaint about the 500 is that I'm simply too big for it. The 300 actually fits me better than the 500 (and the R3 is even better). I really like the bike, but even with losing some weight, I'd still simply be taller than ideal for it. My next complaint is the carbs. Buying the bike nearly brand new and properly maintaining it means I haven't had any problems with them, but I'd much rather deal with injectors and fuel mappings than jets and needles and shims and tiny passageways. I actually told myself I would never buy another carbed bike, but made an exception due to the deal I found on the 500.

I really think I could be happier with a lot of the features of a newer bike, but the 500 is my baby and I really like the niche that it fills. I honestly haven't found anything current that quite fits there (it has about 20% more horsepower than the new Honda 500s).

[Panda]

Originally Posted by johncrist1988

That's great to hear, because my choice of 150 was based on this thread.

150s will definitely fit if you get the right ones. They don't look that great though b/c the rims are too narrow so they pinch the tire.

[Sarge1992]

I upgraded from my 2000 ninja 250 to a 2014 ninja 650, and do not regret it. The 250 is a great bike don't get me wrong, but personally I'm 6' tall 185lbs, sometimes the 250 just didn't have enough. The 650 has a similar riding position to the 250, plenty more power, and all around fun to drive. I haven't ridden an R1, but I have ridden my buddies sv1000, and actually found the 250 and 650 to be more fun to ride overall. Personally I don't like the riding position of the 636, so I'd say get what you want, get what feels right for you. Dumping that kind of cash into a 250 just seems like a huge waste IMO.

[HoneyBadgerRy]

I completely read the post, didn't read the comments so Booo on me.

I would reccomend something along the lines of a sv650 (but not a old sv650). You want something newer looking, something with a wider rear tire, you like the quick turning of the 250, wouldn't mind more power, but don't want to scream the motor. I'd look onto a newer V twin. 959 panigal is probably way out of your price range, but you could fond something bewteen a ratted up sv650 and a 959 that suits your wants almost perfectly and was close to your budget.

[allanoue]

http://www.superbikeschool.com/

upgrade the rider

[RacinNinja]

Originally Posted by allanoue

http://www.superbikeschool.com/

upgrade the rider

Ooohhhhh...good call!!

[HoneyBadgerRy]

^^Yes riding school would make op faster and safer. But that is not what op asked for or wanted. Op wanted to know the best way to have a cool looking fun bike.

[RacinNinja]

Originally Posted by HoneyBadgerRy

^^Yes riding school would make op faster and safer. But that is not what op asked for or wanted. Op wanted to know the best way to have a cool looking fun bike.

Read the title of the post again......and the OP's last sentence of the first post.

Update my 250R or upgrade?

So, what haven't I thought of, what are all of your thoughts, etc? Anyone go through this situation that went the 250 route? What were your thoughts and what are your afterthoughts looking back? Anyone get a literbike and never look back? Why?

[toEleven]

BLUF: You'd be better served getting a new bike - perhaps the 300 - rather than updating your current 250. The 300 moves you pretty far toward the desires you listed, and it keeps you out of the obscene insurance costs of proper sportbikes. The SV and some of the other options mentioned are also worth a look.

Random responses/rambling:

Originally Posted by johncrist1988

3) Just because I don't want to necessarily go faster doesn't mean I wouldn't benefit from a bigger bike with better parts.
4) "Nobody drops that much money on a little 250."

Emphasis added in #3. I think you're more on target here than you are with the 'lasting longer' line of thought. A modern supersport will have higher spec, performance oriented components. Of course, if you don't need that performance, why go through the added expense? With regard to #4, it's always worthwhile to remember that nobody else is you, and thus what they do/like/feel/etc is not an accurate gauge for you.

Originally Posted by johncrist1988

...(I'm a 5' 4" rider)...

Someone above me already hit it, but your overall height is far less important than your specific dimensions in gauging your fit on a bike. Inseam? Arm length/reach? I'm 2 inches taller than you (...or close enough not to be questioned on that claim ), but I have yet to swing a leg over a sportbike that I didn't feel comfortable on. With a DRZ400SM (seat height 35" on the spec sheet), I can position myself such that neither foot can reach the ground. However, a minor shift is enough to put one foot solidly on the deck with the other on the foot controls. Ducatis (panigale in this case) are at the taller end of the sportbike spectrum, but they're also quite narrow. I personally find the current Duc more comfortable at rest than my CBR (with its fairly low seat height). Spec sheet numbers may differ from your subjective experience.

Another thing to consider (and I believe you've already pondered it a little) is your physical build. If you're deadlifting 400#, returning a sportbike to vertical (or better yet, keeping it there) won't even raise your heart rate. If 'squat rack' sounds like a torture device, it could prove problematic.

Originally Posted by johncrist1988

I could spend the same money and get a 300 that'll have a similar face and might come with ABS, but it'd still be lacking some of the things I want, such as a gel seat, heated grips, etc. I'd still be spending a grand or more in stuff to add to it, and it's performance will still be exceptionally similar to what I already have.

My lightly used 300 cost me $3k out the door. If $1k will cover your mods, that leaves you at the end state you currently envision with a) a second bike b) fewer aftermarket components.

Originally Posted by johncrist1988

I feel like I'd never really top out a 636 and most certainly not an R1.

Legally? On the street? No, you wouldn't. It often seems implicit in these discussions that one must use every drop of capability available. Ask yourself if you personally feel that way. And if you're bored, ponder how many exotic sports car owners worry about the capacity they aren't using, but definitely paid for.

Originally Posted by johncrist1988

To really get some grunt from an I-4, I'm also assuming I'd have to be in the upper RPM range anyway, so I'd be somewhat forced to rev it out.

If you want to use all the power available, then sure, this is reflective of the dyno charts you'll find. If your point of comparison is a ninjette or 4-wheeled relatively law abiding traffic, I'd have to disagree. A supersport will easily move you anywhere you want to be, the moment you want to be there, without getting into the meaty part of the power. If you're in the same ballpark as the legal limits, you're unlikely to need all the power available.

[subxero]

My thoughts and opinions in a nut shell

1) don't blow tons of money on goofy mods for the N250, it's a waste, even if it adds some cosmetic appeal to you that appeal is nothing you could not get by just getting another bike that is more bad a** in fully functional stock form. Main reason to blow $ on a n250 is you are a special interest racer/rider (land speed, want super sleeper bike for something? IDFK?) That or you just have to much money and free time and you just want to tinker, if so proceed.

2) With that out of the way, just keep the n250 and use the $ you were going to waste on it to buy another bike. You will then have 2 bikes. 2 bikes > 1 bike. If you are not entirely happy with the n250 I would stay away from the other small cc bikes, yes they offer more than the n250 but they are still from the same gene pool.

I would suggest any mid sized twin you like, engine characteristics seem like they would be a good fit. That or maybe a triple, will still have some good off idle grunt. I would stay away from the SS IL4's from what you say. JMO Pick up a nice used bike for around $5k give or take.

[Bigballsofpaint]

I didn't go through the details of every comment, but I agree with Invisibill. I think the 300 suits your needs more than the 250 as a baseline. Prices may be a bit off in his case though. I think your better off with a $4,000 300 with 2,000 in mods, vs a 2,000 250 and 4,000 in mods.

Youll get the larger tire and rim stock, the EFI, the split front cowl, % digital dash stock. The other parts you plan on getting (sliders, security system, heated grips, etc) are all farkles you would do on either bike anyway. And honestly most are a direct swap between the 250 and 300. The exhaust upgrade for the 250 will put you just under what a stock 300 is in terms of power. Since you don't care about performance at all, its not worth recommending a 650+. Your happy with the 250, the 300 is a jump but not huge and will basically be everything you like about the 250, but updated.

For me, I really looked into changing to EFI but aside from spending a decent chunk of money for OEM parts overseas, theres no good options. ECOtrons kit ended up being so wishy washy I wouldn't want to put the time and money into it.

Just my opinion, but hope it helps your decision. The 250 is a great bike, and I don't plan on getting rid of it. Having said that, if the 300 was available when I got my 250, I would have a 300. If the 250 was my only bike, I would get rid of it for a 300. But since I have the other bikes an upgrade isn't really needed for me.