Pre-Gen vs. Current-Gen

Scooter M'Gee · September 2nd, 2012, 04:09 AM

Besides the obvious looks what are the performance differences between the two gens? It seems the pre-gens have a little more power but what about handling?

93etgocart · September 2nd, 2012, 04:14 AM

i know running side by side with my buddy on his 2011 i could get him on the take off but he would leave me in the dust on the top end. As for suspension and handling I couldn't attest either way although ive heard a new gen shock is an upgrade for the pre gen

Alex · September 2nd, 2012, 05:54 AM

Good thread here that goes into detail on the differences:

Iron Ninjas!! Battle of the 250s!

beren · September 2nd, 2012, 08:26 AM

Pregens look so much nicer.

The pregen says: look at me, a classy clasic.

The current gen says: look at me, I am a squid starter kit.

:-) :-) :-)

Also, hi everyone. Just got here after buying a used 2007 last week.

Scooter M'Gee · September 2nd, 2012, 09:36 AM

To me the pre-gen looks great with some simple mods. Fender eliminator with the turns in the taillight, new-gen rear shock to raise the rear a little/RaceTech fork springs, exhaust/rejet and a double bubble screen.

Monkeytofu · September 2nd, 2012, 10:22 AM

If you look at it in terms of modification and available upgrades, it's the new gen. New gen bikes have a much larger selection of upgrades than us pregen users.

Only one company still produces a 2 to 1 system for our bike and the slip ons are slowly being sold off. We do have access to some parts from the newgen though, so that's nice.

johnjohn · September 2nd, 2012, 11:52 AM

Which gen? 1,2,3,4,5 need more details. Best was the ZZR250, all the bells and whistles the new ones are striving for!

Scooter M'Gee · September 2nd, 2012, 11:58 AM

There were so few changes from '88 to '07 I consider all of them 1st gen.

bfpower · September 2nd, 2012, 12:15 PM

I've ridden both and I don't really find a ton of difference. Like you said, mostly looks. The pregen looks like a bike off of Road Rash (the Genesis one). Which is cool, don't get me wrong. But the newgen's a sexy beast.

I do wish the newgen came in that sweet yellow color that the pregens did.

LoneRonin · September 3rd, 2012, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beren

Pregens look so much nicer.

The pregen says: look at me, a classy clasic.

The current gen says: look at me, I am a squid starter kit.

:-) :-) :-)

Also, hi everyone. Just got here after buying a used 2007 last week.

uh no....

The pregen says "look at me, still stuck 20 years in the past"

The newgen says "look at me, a timeless looking sportbike", arguably one of the best model redesigns of its intro year...

dirty nasty · September 3rd, 2012, 12:40 PM

All the 250s are stupid looking. They're UJMs made to look like the rockets of their time, but fail miserably at it due to having moped wheels, dirtbike brakes and a standard riding position with sewing machine engines. Get over it.

The 2008+ Ninjas have better suspension and wheels. I also find they handled a bit better than the pre-gen, but not by much. However at the expense of the handling was rider comfort. I couldn't go more than 30 miles without getting sore on the new-gen. I'm 6'1".

The 1988-2007 Ninjas have better engines.

You can easily enough swap on a new-gen front and rear end with wheels onto a pre-gen and have the best of both worlds. That's the ultimate Ninja me-thinks.

choneofakind · September 3rd, 2012, 02:08 PM

power difference is negligible. The power band is just shifted around between generations.

08+ models have access to better tires and newer exhaust systems. and handle better. The pre-gen suspension is squishy and needs help.

Other than that, they're both 250's, it depends on your style choice. Pre-gens look pretty classy-aggressive with a raised tail though

BlueHairSar · September 3rd, 2012, 03:49 PM

Wondered the same thing when i was shopping for my first bike.

Doing test drives on both, the price, and this article all helped me decide:
http://ridingjezebel.com/2011/08/10/...d-the-classic/

(I went with a 2005)

choneofakind · September 3rd, 2012, 03:50 PM

OH! I forgot the most important part!

The pre-gen is much easier to work on!! Easier valves, less bodywork, a centerstand etc!! That's important!

I would totally rock the 08+ suspension swap though. I just need to find a donor bike.

dirty nasty · September 3rd, 2012, 06:25 PM

Me too. Unfortunately it seems any donor bikes available do not have the parts needed for a swap because they're roached. The other way involves $$$ and waiting for the parts to come up for sale.

Pre-gen is lighter too.

Jiggles · September 3rd, 2012, 08:46 PM

The newgen is like filet mignon. The pregen is like filet mignon after you poop it in the toilet.

Aufitt · September 3rd, 2012, 09:27 PM

They are both soon to be cast aside as relics from the stone age.

Jiggles · September 3rd, 2012, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aufitt

They are both soon to be cast aside as relics from the stone age.

newgen 250 = classic forever

choneofakind · September 3rd, 2012, 09:30 PM

No. The pregen is already filling that title of classic bike. Bahaha. Poor newgen loser bikes.

Aufitt · September 3rd, 2012, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

newgen 250 = classic forever

Classic Fisher Price.

johnjohn · September 4th, 2012, 03:41 AM

This is what a pre gen (H model) looks like not the F model you Yanks got. Adjustable suspension, adjustable levers, full fairings, better running motor, 17" wheels, larger tires, different gearing, 14500 red line, aluminum frame, larger disc brakes, etc.

Aufitt · September 4th, 2012, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnjohn

This is what a pre gen (H model) looks like not the F model you Yanks got. Adjustable suspension, adjustable levers, full fairings, better running motor, 17" wheels, larger tires, different gearing, 14500 red line, aluminum frame, larger disc brakes, etc.

Yep, we got em too in OZ, much better bike than either what the mericans are circle jerking over, 17" wheels, and no fisher price Dash,
They still sell well on the secondhand market.

choneofakind · September 4th, 2012, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnjohn

This is what a pre gen (H model) looks like not the F model you Yanks got. Adjustable suspension, adjustable levers, full fairings, better running motor, 17" wheels, larger tires, different gearing, 14500 red line, aluminum frame, larger disc brakes, etc.

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/What_ab..._it_compare%3F

You have a shock that has adjustable pre-load. Nothing to get excited about. $40, and I bought myself a shock from an '09 bike that has preload adjustment.

Adjustable levers: meh. You adjust them once and never touch them again. Not necessary anyways.

Larger front brake: also, not necessary. If there's one thing the 250 has a lot of, it's braking ability.

It's still the same performance specs. 0-60 mid 6's, top speed of around 100.

The only thing I see as "better" are the wheels, which will hold better tires. The engine (not a motor) is identical to the engine used in the F model.

The F model has full fairings, and half of them have a 14500 rpm revlimiter as well.

There's more of the F model out there, but I guess it's not really a pregen after all

It's practically the same bike.

I will say that the H model looks timeless though. That will never look old.

September 2nd, 2012, 04:09 AM	#1
Scooter M'Gee Silent Service Name: Scott Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): '12 H-D XL1200C Posts: 3	Pre-Gen vs. Current-Gen Besides the obvious looks what are the performance differences between the two gens? It seems the pre-gens have a little more power but what about handling?

September 2nd, 2012, 05:54 AM	#3
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Good thread here that goes into detail on the differences: Iron Ninjas!! Battle of the 250s! __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

September 3rd, 2012, 08:46 PM	#16
Jiggles Jigglin' your Jiglets Name: Sean Location: San Jose, Ca Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 1 MOTM - Apr '13	The newgen is like filet mignon. The pregen is like filet mignon after you poop it in the toilet. __________________________________________________ If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs

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September 2nd, 2012, 04:14 AM	#2
93etgocart ninjette.org member Name: dennis Location: swmo Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Honda Shadow, 2008 ninja 250 Posts: 237	i know running side by side with my buddy on his 2011 i could get him on the take off but he would leave me in the dust on the top end. As for suspension and handling I couldn't attest either way although ive heard a new gen shock is an upgrade for the pre gen

September 2nd, 2012, 08:26 AM	#4
beren ninjette.org member Name: John Location: dallas Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 181	Pregens look so much nicer. The pregen says: look at me, a classy clasic. The current gen says: look at me, I am a squid starter kit. :-) :-) :-) Also, hi everyone. Just got here after buying a used 2007 last week.

September 2nd, 2012, 09:36 AM	#5
Scooter M'Gee Silent Service Name: Scott Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): '12 H-D XL1200C Posts: 3	To me the pre-gen looks great with some simple mods. Fender eliminator with the turns in the taillight, new-gen rear shock to raise the rear a little/RaceTech fork springs, exhaust/rejet and a double bubble screen.

September 2nd, 2012, 10:22 AM	#6
Monkeytofu I told you bro Name: Noor Location: Austin, Texas Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1996 Ninja 250r Posts: 680	If you look at it in terms of modification and available upgrades, it's the new gen. New gen bikes have a much larger selection of upgrades than us pregen users. Only one company still produces a 2 to 1 system for our bike and the slip ons are slowly being sold off. We do have access to some parts from the newgen though, so that's nice.

September 2nd, 2012, 11:52 AM	#7
johnjohn ninjette.org member Name: John Location: Caledonia, Ontario, Canada Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): Honda, Buell, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha Posts: 170	Which gen? 1,2,3,4,5 need more details. Best was the ZZR250, all the bells and whistles the new ones are striving for!

September 2nd, 2012, 11:58 AM	#8
Scooter M'Gee Silent Service Name: Scott Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): '12 H-D XL1200C Posts: 3	There were so few changes from '88 to '07 I consider all of them 1st gen.

September 2nd, 2012, 12:15 PM	#9
bfpower ninjette.org mafioso Name: Ben Location: Dillon, MT Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 337	I've ridden both and I don't really find a ton of difference. Like you said, mostly looks. The pregen looks like a bike off of Road Rash (the Genesis one). Which is cool, don't get me wrong. But the newgen's a sexy beast. I do wish the newgen came in that sweet yellow color that the pregens did.

September 3rd, 2012, 12:40 PM	#11
dirty nasty ninjette.org sage Name: Karl Location: MA Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2000 Kwak Ninja 250 and 1998 Yamaha YZ400F Posts: 534	All the 250s are stupid looking. They're UJMs made to look like the rockets of their time, but fail miserably at it due to having moped wheels, dirtbike brakes and a standard riding position with sewing machine engines. Get over it. The 2008+ Ninjas have better suspension and wheels. I also find they handled a bit better than the pre-gen, but not by much. However at the expense of the handling was rider comfort. I couldn't go more than 30 miles without getting sore on the new-gen. I'm 6'1". The 1988-2007 Ninjas have better engines. You can easily enough swap on a new-gen front and rear end with wheels onto a pre-gen and have the best of both worlds. That's the ultimate Ninja me-thinks.

September 3rd, 2012, 02:08 PM	#12
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	power difference is negligible. The power band is just shifted around between generations. 08+ models have access to better tires and newer exhaust systems. and handle better. The pre-gen suspension is squishy and needs help. Other than that, they're both 250's, it depends on your style choice. Pre-gens look pretty classy-aggressive with a raised tail though

September 3rd, 2012, 03:49 PM	#13
BlueHairSar ninjette.org sage Name: Sarah Location: NYC Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): Silver 2005 Ninja 250 - Available for free mustache rides. Posts: 842	Wondered the same thing when i was shopping for my first bike. Doing test drives on both, the price, and this article all helped me decide: http://ridingjezebel.com/2011/08/10/...d-the-classic/ (I went with a 2005)

September 3rd, 2012, 03:50 PM	#14
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	OH! I forgot the most important part! The pre-gen is much easier to work on!! Easier valves, less bodywork, a centerstand etc!! That's important! I would totally rock the 08+ suspension swap though. I just need to find a donor bike.

September 3rd, 2012, 06:25 PM	#15
dirty nasty ninjette.org sage Name: Karl Location: MA Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2000 Kwak Ninja 250 and 1998 Yamaha YZ400F Posts: 534	Me too. Unfortunately it seems any donor bikes available do not have the parts needed for a swap because they're roached. The other way involves $$$ and waiting for the parts to come up for sale. Pre-gen is lighter too.

September 3rd, 2012, 09:27 PM	#17
Aufitt The A Team Name: Aufitt Location: Western Australia Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): Z50, CB125, RZ500, MC22, R3. Posts: 394	They are both soon to be cast aside as relics from the stone age.

September 3rd, 2012, 09:30 PM	#19
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	No. The pregen is already filling that title of classic bike. Bahaha. Poor newgen loser bikes.