How long do you plan on keeping your 250?

00v_Lucky · February 24th, 2009, 01:10 AM

In my experience of having this motorcycle, it has been a very difficult relationship.

My first month of having this bike, I was fed up with the lack of power and small top gear. Even before I was to get my 600 mile check up it was up on craigslist.

As the months went on I came to realize that my expectations were just too high. I was trying to compete with my friends with 600 and 1000 cc motorcycles. Now I have come to appreciate this bike even more as time went by! (Esp. as I began to go on this forum an saw how many potential modifications my bike, Coralys can go through.)

Now, I am thinking about keeping this bike for over a year now, instead of just counting the days.

Your turn. I am curious of what people actually think about this bike. Your first thoughts of your first months of riding the bike, and then after that beginning period. I think that my experience is just one in a blue moon because aren't most people having the opposite effects?

CRXTrek · February 24th, 2009, 01:17 AM

I will keep mine even after i finally pry open my wallet and get the 600 i keep thinking about

00v_Lucky · February 24th, 2009, 01:19 AM

Yea, i plan on getting a cbr 600 later on. I just figured, I have the rest of my life to get my dream bike. Why elevate my risk of dying now when there is a pretty good option with the 250 right meow

VeX · February 24th, 2009, 01:35 AM

The way I always looked at it, it was a free motorcycle. What I was paying for gas alone before was $300+ a month. So the money I was saving in gas I used to pay off the bike QUICK. Now that the bike is essentially paid off why sell it? Yeah maybe you could get $3,000-$3,500 for it. It's not worth it in my opinion when the bike is paid off.

When you buy a $9k 600cc or 1,000cc bike THEN it's worth selling when you upgrade IMO. Hell when I start going to a university do you think I'm going to park a near $10k bike everyday (when bike theft in So Cali is rampant) or the $3,500 bike? I love the little Ninja, but I'd be beyond pissed having to jump through the insurance hoops to try and recoup the super sports cost!

BlueTyke · February 24th, 2009, 07:03 AM

For as long as she lets me

TonyKZ1 · February 24th, 2009, 07:10 AM

For as long as I can, I've got 40k+ miles on mine now. If I do buy a new one, very likely a new Ninja 250R or maybe a 650R, I'm figuring on passing this one on to my kids as they want to ride it.
Tony

workdaddy · February 24th, 2009, 08:55 AM

I am torn between the 1-2 years and the secondary (for wife) and get another... But the Wife and I have been talkin' bout getting a couple of quads... that way the kids can come play with us too. But with this fabulous economy we will see haw things are this spring. I had a quad right before I married my beautiful wife and sold it to help pay for honeymoon... knowing that the time would come again to get more. So I am hoping that time is soon...
The bike is fun... don't get me wrong. But there is that funny feeling I get on a quad while whippin' around the dunes (Sand Mtn) that is unexplainable... ""Shivers""

djpharoah · February 24th, 2009, 09:01 AM

I got my 250 last summer in about August. I will probably sell it this upcoming spring break or summer. Looking to get a bike where I'm almost riding in the bike versus on it (don't know if that makes sense). I've ridden a friends cbr600 f2 and wow. It felt so nice and stable - like a bike. The ninja is a great bike but I find my self looking for maybe the false security of a bigger bike that has better brakes/suspension/tires etc.

athimmel · February 24th, 2009, 09:45 AM

Too early to tell for me, but I can't see myself needing a bigger bike for commuting or anything like that. I think I'll keep it until it can't go anymore!

Nemy · February 24th, 2009, 10:51 AM

Well this forum's obviously going to be a bit skewed. Most people that would've taken the time to join up will likely be in it for the long run.

For myself, I'll be selling my 06 in its second year but "upgrading" to an 09, which I plan on keeping for another 3 years for cheap commuting to school. After that, depending on how good my student loans treat me, I'll likely keep it as a secondary bike.

kkim · February 24th, 2009, 10:55 AM

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=9636

CRXTrek · February 24th, 2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=9636

But your thread doesn't have a Poll

Jane Honda · February 24th, 2009, 12:36 PM

I am going to keep my bike forever. I don't have an ego to stroke. I ride because its in my blood. I have hade 600's, and personally my 250 is a perfect fit for me.

I've had plenty of great reasons to not ride anymore (more about that later) but that's like a death sentence.

I love my bike, pretty soon, I'm going to be keeping up with the 'Big boys' in the corners. The straights are a moot point. I refuse to head up over a buck...
Posted via Mobile Device

Kurosaki · February 24th, 2009, 12:42 PM

I haven't decided yet.

I'm having too much fun on this bike. I have my eye on an 07-08 600RR though. But I won't be selling my 250 because it's boring or I'm better than it.

I'm thinking probably towards the 2nd half of this year I'll be in a position to sell my bike and pick up another.

If I was just riding street only I probably would not consider a bigger bike.

Beast · February 24th, 2009, 01:34 PM

If I get another bike 80% chance says it'll be a second bike. I really want a naked/street fighter

Bill N · February 24th, 2009, 03:50 PM

Actually its one of three in my garage. I plan to keep it for a long long time as its a fun machine and very economical. I personally think gas prices will do nothing but go up. The tires last, the oil is two quarts, the chain is cheap to replace, and at 60 MPG what's not to like.
Bill

kazam58 · February 24th, 2009, 03:54 PM

I'm keeping this baby as long as I can! Maybe someday, years from now, I might look at getting a bigger bike. But this little ninja is just so much fun and so much more practical than anything else that I don't see why anyone wouldn't want to keep. Not to mention it's cheap to keep.

Strider · February 24th, 2009, 05:04 PM

I plan on keeping mine even after I get my new 250

My wife will need one to ride

k-os · February 24th, 2009, 05:38 PM

I'm hoping to be able to keep my 250R. Along way in the future (aka 25 for insurance reasons) I want to get a 600.

Snake · February 24th, 2009, 05:53 PM

I plan on keeping my bike until the motor gives out and then I will buy onother. I have 15,000 miles on it now with no signs of any problems. Hopefully it will last until at least 50,000 miles. HHHHMMMM sounds like a good idea for onother poll...how many miles people have on their bikes.

Sailariel · February 24th, 2009, 06:05 PM

I had my 250 NSU from 1958 to 1982. I have had several bigger bikes in between. My last bike was a Norton Dunstall John Player Special 750. The Ninja handles better and is a lot more fun--actually outperforms the Norton. I am 67years old and it looks like I will not be getting another bike all too soon--unless I find a JAWA sidecar, in which case, I will buy a 650R and fit the sidecar to it. I can just see it now--a Kawa Green 650 fitted a Jawa sidecar painted Kawa Green with Black upholstery and a black tonneau cover. I would still keep the Ninjette.

mike_sema · February 24th, 2009, 06:21 PM

Well for me this will be a track bike in the next year I have always wanted to race or feel like I am racing on a bike since I own it it makes no sense to upgrade the bike for the track.I will be picking up the new yammy fz6r

komohana · February 28th, 2009, 06:00 PM

i had initially rationalized buying the 250 as a bike that my wife, who wants to learn how to ride, would use after learning and licensing...

but i must adimit...i dont wanna give it up!

247Blackout · February 28th, 2009, 06:17 PM

I just sold my ninjette.

kkim · February 28th, 2009, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 247Blackout

I just sold my ninjette.

buying another?

noche_caliente · February 28th, 2009, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 247Blackout

I just sold my ninjette.

sucks for you - great news for someone else!

jpnfrk · February 28th, 2009, 07:09 PM

No matter how gorgeous or powerful the bike, if I can't reach the ground, the seat is too wide, and/or it's too heavy for me then it's no good.

Since Itoshii fits me like a glove I want to keep her until she falls apart many years from now. Would only "replace" her for another Ninja 250.

View Poll Results: How long do you plan on keeping your ninjette?
Only for a couple of months, after that I plan on upgrading	1	1.79%
For maybe a year or two	16	28.57%
FOREVER! this bike is more than enough for me	22	39.29%
I plan on keeping this bike as a secondary	17	30.36%
Voters: 56. You may not vote on this poll

February 24th, 2009, 01:10 AM	#1
00v_Lucky ninjette.org sage Name: Howard Location: Cypress, So. Cal. Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Candy Thunder Blue Ninja 250R Posts: 618	How long do you plan on keeping your 250? In my experience of having this motorcycle, it has been a very difficult relationship. My first month of having this bike, I was fed up with the lack of power and small top gear. Even before I was to get my 600 mile check up it was up on craigslist. As the months went on I came to realize that my expectations were just too high. I was trying to compete with my friends with 600 and 1000 cc motorcycles. Now I have come to appreciate this bike even more as time went by! (Esp. as I began to go on this forum an saw how many potential modifications my bike, Coralys can go through.) Now, I am thinking about keeping this bike for over a year now, instead of just counting the days. Your turn. I am curious of what people actually think about this bike. Your first thoughts of your first months of riding the bike, and then after that beginning period. I think that my experience is just one in a blue moon because aren't most people having the opposite effects?

February 24th, 2009, 07:03 AM	#5
BlueTyke So slow I'm first! Name: Sunny Location: San Jose, CA Join Date: Oct 2008 Motorcycle(s): 06 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 10	For as long as she lets me __________________________________________________ Learn from the mistakes of others, you cannot make them all yourself. Save yourself the trouble and Learn.

February 24th, 2009, 07:10 AM	#6
TonyKZ1 ninjette.org member Name: Anthony Location: Marble Hill, MO Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 1975 Kawasaki KZ400D (Sold), 1989 Kawasaki Ninja 250 (sold), 1997 Yamaha XJ600s Seca II Posts: 231	For as long as I can, I've got 40k+ miles on mine now. If I do buy a new one, very likely a new Ninja 250R or maybe a 650R, I'm figuring on passing this one on to my kids as they want to ride it. Tony __________________________________________________ 1997 Yamaha Seca II - mostly stock, Racetech upgraded forks, FZ6R rear shock, Oxford Heated Grips, Barkbusters Blizzard Handguards, a Scottoiler vSystem chain oiler. My Mileage Tracker Page.

February 24th, 2009, 01:34 PM	#15
Beast Pure Imagination Name: Chris Location: Burbank, CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08' 250r, '07 Vespa LX150 (it counts right?) Posts: 183	If I get another bike 80% chance says it'll be a second bike. I really want a naked/street fighter __________________________________________________ Yoshi CF Slip on, Galfer SS lines, Motul 5.1, HH brake pads, Dynojet Jet Kit, BT-090's, Pearl white paint + flat black accent, Gold wheels, A-Tech CF front fender, A-Tech tank pad, BEET rearsets

February 24th, 2009, 01:17 AM	#2
CRXTrek FORMER MOTORCYCLE RIDER Name: Steve Location: On a Trek SU200 or in my CRX Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): Rode an 08 250r then rode an 08 ZX-6R until i totaled it on 7/10/10 Posts: 758	I will keep mine even after i finally pry open my wallet and get the 600 i keep thinking about

February 24th, 2009, 01:19 AM	#3
00v_Lucky ninjette.org sage Name: Howard Location: Cypress, So. Cal. Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Candy Thunder Blue Ninja 250R Posts: 618	Yea, i plan on getting a cbr 600 later on. I just figured, I have the rest of my life to get my dream bike. Why elevate my risk of dying now when there is a pretty good option with the 250 right meow

February 24th, 2009, 01:35 AM	#4
VeX That's me! Name: TJ Location: Ames, IA Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r (Tis blue), 2008 CBR600RR Posts: 454	The way I always looked at it, it was a free motorcycle. What I was paying for gas alone before was $300+ a month. So the money I was saving in gas I used to pay off the bike QUICK. Now that the bike is essentially paid off why sell it? Yeah maybe you could get $3,000-$3,500 for it. It's not worth it in my opinion when the bike is paid off. When you buy a $9k 600cc or 1,000cc bike THEN it's worth selling when you upgrade IMO. Hell when I start going to a university do you think I'm going to park a near $10k bike everyday (when bike theft in So Cali is rampant) or the $3,500 bike? I love the little Ninja, but I'd be beyond pissed having to jump through the insurance hoops to try and recoup the super sports cost!

February 24th, 2009, 08:55 AM	#7
workdaddy WORKDADDY Name: Dave Location: slc utah Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 ninja 2fitty Posts: 112	I am torn between the 1-2 years and the secondary (for wife) and get another... But the Wife and I have been talkin' bout getting a couple of quads... that way the kids can come play with us too. But with this fabulous economy we will see haw things are this spring. I had a quad right before I married my beautiful wife and sold it to help pay for honeymoon... knowing that the time would come again to get more. So I am hoping that time is soon... The bike is fun... don't get me wrong. But there is that funny feeling I get on a quad while whippin' around the dunes (Sand Mtn) that is unexplainable... ""Shivers""

February 24th, 2009, 09:01 AM	#8
djpharoah \m/ Name: Mesh Location: Irvine, CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): CBR600F3 Smokin Joes Posts: 138	I got my 250 last summer in about August. I will probably sell it this upcoming spring break or summer. Looking to get a bike where I'm almost riding in the bike versus on it (don't know if that makes sense). I've ridden a friends cbr600 f2 and wow. It felt so nice and stable - like a bike. The ninja is a great bike but I find my self looking for maybe the false security of a bigger bike that has better brakes/suspension/tires etc.

February 24th, 2009, 09:45 AM	#9
athimmel ninjette.org member Name: Adam Location: Sacramento area Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 - blue Posts: 177	Too early to tell for me, but I can't see myself needing a bigger bike for commuting or anything like that. I think I'll keep it until it can't go anymore!

February 24th, 2009, 10:51 AM	#10
Nemy ninjette.org sage Name: Tim Location: Portland, OR Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 SE Ninja 250R Posts: 796	Well this forum's obviously going to be a bit skewed. Most people that would've taken the time to join up will likely be in it for the long run. For myself, I'll be selling my 06 in its second year but "upgrading" to an 09, which I plan on keeping for another 3 years for cheap commuting to school. After that, depending on how good my student loans treat me, I'll likely keep it as a secondary bike.

February 24th, 2009, 10:55 AM	#11
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=9636

February 24th, 2009, 12:36 PM	#13
Jane Honda ninjette.org member Name: Kris Location: Willamette Valley Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R Posts: 45	I am going to keep my bike forever. I don't have an ego to stroke. I ride because its in my blood. I have hade 600's, and personally my 250 is a perfect fit for me. I've had plenty of great reasons to not ride anymore (more about that later) but that's like a death sentence. I love my bike, pretty soon, I'm going to be keeping up with the 'Big boys' in the corners. The straights are a moot point. I refuse to head up over a buck... Posted via Mobile Device

February 24th, 2009, 12:42 PM	#14
Kurosaki Akai Suisei - 赤い彗星 Name: Joseph Location: socal Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 Kurosaki 250, 09 Honda 600RawrRawr Posts: 540	I haven't decided yet. I'm having too much fun on this bike. I have my eye on an 07-08 600RR though. But I won't be selling my 250 because it's boring or I'm better than it. I'm thinking probably towards the 2nd half of this year I'll be in a position to sell my bike and pick up another. If I was just riding street only I probably would not consider a bigger bike.

February 24th, 2009, 03:50 PM	#16
Bill N ninjette.org member Name: Bill Location: Tampa Fl Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 250 Ninja Posts: 180	Actually its one of three in my garage. I plan to keep it for a long long time as its a fun machine and very economical. I personally think gas prices will do nothing but go up. The tires last, the oil is two quarts, the chain is cheap to replace, and at 60 MPG what's not to like. Bill Last futzed with by Bill N; February 24th, 2009 at 06:24 PM.

February 24th, 2009, 03:54 PM	#17
kazam58 Sarcasm: Yea that'll work Name: Andy Location: Essex Jct, VT Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: 330	I'm keeping this baby as long as I can! Maybe someday, years from now, I might look at getting a bigger bike. But this little ninja is just so much fun and so much more practical than anything else that I don't see why anyone wouldn't want to keep. Not to mention it's cheap to keep.

February 24th, 2009, 05:04 PM	#18
Strider Back on the Black! Name: Alan Location: Gastonia, North Carolina Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 (Black) Posts: 831	I plan on keeping mine even after I get my new 250 My wife will need one to ride

February 24th, 2009, 05:38 PM	#19
k-os ninjette.org sage Name: Andy Location: Sheboygan, WI Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 1988 Honda Hawk NT650, 1989 Honda Hawk NT650, 1997 GSXR750 Track Bike Posts: 890	I'm hoping to be able to keep my 250R. Along way in the future (aka 25 for insurance reasons) I want to get a 600.

February 24th, 2009, 05:53 PM	#20
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	I plan on keeping my bike until the motor gives out and then I will buy onother. I have 15,000 miles on it now with no signs of any problems. Hopefully it will last until at least 50,000 miles. HHHHMMMM sounds like a good idea for onother poll...how many miles people have on their bikes.

February 24th, 2009, 06:05 PM	#21
Sailariel ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Alex Location: Belfast, ME Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	I had my 250 NSU from 1958 to 1982. I have had several bigger bikes in between. My last bike was a Norton Dunstall John Player Special 750. The Ninja handles better and is a lot more fun--actually outperforms the Norton. I am 67years old and it looks like I will not be getting another bike all too soon--unless I find a JAWA sidecar, in which case, I will buy a 650R and fit the sidecar to it. I can just see it now--a Kawa Green 650 fitted a Jawa sidecar painted Kawa Green with Black upholstery and a black tonneau cover. I would still keep the Ninjette.

February 24th, 2009, 06:21 PM	#22
mike_sema ninjette.org guru Name: mike Location: tucson az Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250r Posts: 371	Well for me this will be a track bike in the next year I have always wanted to race or feel like I am racing on a bike since I own it it makes no sense to upgrade the bike for the track.I will be picking up the new yammy fz6r __________________________________________________ 08 250R: sportisi VR full exhaust, Dynojet, custom seat, kleen air rmvd, rim tape, grips, fender chop,zg db windscreen,k&n air filter,15t front sprocket,sportisi-usa clipons,solo seat cowl

February 28th, 2009, 06:00 PM	#23
komohana ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Steve Location: Kekaha, Kauai HI Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 GSX-R 600 2003 EX250: Woodcraft Bars, Levers, Mirrors, Shim'd Mixture, Synthetic, '08 Rear Shock Posts: A lot.	i had initially rationalized buying the 250 as a bike that my wife, who wants to learn how to ride, would use after learning and licensing... but i must adimit...i dont wanna give it up! __________________________________________________ Remember when sex was safe and motorcycles were dangerous?

February 28th, 2009, 06:17 PM	#24
247Blackout vroom vroom Name: Jnet Location: CA Join Date: Aug 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Ninja 250 Posts: 25	I just sold my ninjette.

February 28th, 2009, 07:09 PM	#27
jpnfrk Her name is Itoshii Name: Nani Location: Charlotte, NC Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Posts: 311 Blog Entries: 3	No matter how gorgeous or powerful the bike, if I can't reach the ground, the seat is too wide, and/or it's too heavy for me then it's no good. Since Itoshii fits me like a glove I want to keep her until she falls apart many years from now. Would only "replace" her for another Ninja 250. __________________________________________________ "A frog in a well can not see the ocean" ~ Japanese proverb

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
So long, 250	Hero Danny	General Motorcycling Discussion	16	June 26th, 2014 12:13 AM
Long trips on a 250.	berserk81	General Motorcycling Discussion	55	October 7th, 2013 09:39 PM
keeping the pregen 250 owners	james250ninja	General Motorcycling Discussion	15	February 24th, 2013 09:56 AM
So what I ride a 250. Sorry possible long rant.	beqwarrior	General Motorcycling Discussion	55	November 10th, 2011 12:42 PM
long corner, keeping your angle	alex.s	Riding Skills	28	September 4th, 2011 06:43 PM