Did you hear that?

Zola · June 6th, 2012, 05:41 PM

In case that you missed it, that was the sound of Honda firing another shot across the bow of the Ninja 250. Honda has added ABS as an option to its CBR 250 at a relatively modest cost - $4599 for the ABS equipped Hondette.

Love it or hate it, Honda is selling boat loads of the littlest CBR and buyers are pretty pleased with EFI, compliant suspension, a relaxed riding position, nice instrumentation, decent seat, functional mirrors (!), gobs of torque from a mini-motor - and now ABS.

Kawasaki has once again proven its engineering prowess and sales savvy with a comprehensive and much appreciated redesign of the 650R (no R for 2012) and the thoroughly amazing ZX-14R (and how the R fits this beauty). Now's the time for our favorite motor company to turn that same level of attention to to its littlest best seller and relieve us of carburetors, too lean or otherwise, chokes, concrete slab seating, harsh shocks, beautiful views of our elbows and bring the ninjette up to a higher level of technological competence.

Scattcatt · June 6th, 2012, 05:43 PM

Still can't say I'd ever buy a CBR250. I Just hate the front end look

alex.s · June 6th, 2012, 05:46 PM

the two bikes have different intended purposes. as a street only commuting bike, the cbr takes it. as a bike made to be ridden how a real bike is supposed to be ridden, the ninja wins hands down. people race the ninja 250. nobody races the cbr 250. theres a reason for that. stock, i also think the seat has too much padding, the shocks are too loose, and you dont need mirrors in the first place. all they do is give you false confidence

what WOULD be really awesome is if kawi gave the ninjette stock 3 way adjustable front and rear suspension. now THAT would be awesome.

side note- the cbr 250 was introduced with abs as an option wasnt it?

NDspd · June 6th, 2012, 05:48 PM

@Scattcatt I'm with you man...

Whiskey · June 6th, 2012, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

the two bikes have different intended purposes. as a street only commuting bike, the cbr takes it. as a bike made to be ridden how a real bike is supposed to be ridden, the ninja wins hands down. people race the ninja 250. nobody races the cbr 250. theres a reason for that. stock, i also think the seat has too much padding, the shocks are too loose, and you dont need mirrors in the first place. all they do is give you false confidence

what WOULD be really awesome is if kawi gave the ninjette stock 3 way adjustable front and rear suspension. now THAT would be awesome.

side note- the cbr 250 was introduced with abs as an option wasnt it?

Pretty sure it was.

menikmati · June 6th, 2012, 08:34 PM

I'm also pretty sure it launched with an ABS option.

Boom King · June 6th, 2012, 09:11 PM

Yesterday's, or more accurately, last year's news:

Available in Metallic Black or Red/Silver here in America, the all-new Honda CBR250R retails for $3999 (exactly the same as Kawasaki’s Ninja 250R), with the ABS-equipped edition fetching an extra $500 to retail for $4499. Look for the new bike to hit dealers this spring.

Zola · June 6th, 2012, 09:42 PM

It wasn't. See CycleWorld, July 2012.

Kawasaki needs to hear from people who recognize the limitations as well as the assests of the 250R given their experience with the motorcycle, particularly people who will be repeat buyers of superior machines over time.

Five years is a long time for a model in the motor vehicle industry to remain unchanged - other than OEM rubber. Through May 2012 the secondary motorcycle finance market reports more customer quote requests for the 2008 250R than the 2012 (that's interesting for several reasons) and more quote requests for the 2012 Honda CBR 250 than the Ninja 250R.

Market fundamentals indicate Kawasaki can, should, and needs to bring a better 250 to market.

As regards current-gen owners, 250R loyalty runs deep. Kawasaki can rely on two facts: 1) If Kawasaki builds it, they will come, and 2) they won't wait forever.

menikmati · June 6th, 2012, 09:47 PM

As Alex and Anson mentioned earlier, the CBR250R did indeed launch with ABS as an option.

DevinWolfe · June 6th, 2012, 10:07 PM

Cool story, however the CBR250 that runs with the local sportbike group always gets left sitting in corners when we ride, so I'm still beyond sold on the Ninjy... nvm the fact that the guy counter-leans in at-speed corners...

broilmebk · June 7th, 2012, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zola

...beautiful views of our elbows...

dubojr1 · June 7th, 2012, 11:56 AM

I didn't hear anything...

etiainen · June 7th, 2012, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

the two bikes have different intended purposes. as a street only commuting bike, the cbr takes it. as a bike made to be ridden how a real bike is supposed to be ridden, the ninja wins hands down. people race the ninja 250. nobody races the cbr 250. theres a reason for that. stock, i also think the seat has too much padding, the shocks are too loose, and you dont need mirrors in the first place. all they do is give you false confidence

what WOULD be really awesome is if kawi gave the ninjette stock 3 way adjustable front and rear suspension. now THAT would be awesome.

side note- the cbr 250 was introduced with abs as an option wasnt it?

Yes.

Of course actually getting one last year was a different story.

Mountain Dew · June 7th, 2012, 12:33 PM

The CBR250 is hideous and looks like a toy. They styled the front end similar to the Insight (and exactly like the FC concept).

etiainen · June 7th, 2012, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zola

It wasn't. See CycleWorld, July 2012.

Kawasaki needs to hear from people who recognize the limitations as well as the assests of the 250R given their experience with the motorcycle, particularly people who will be repeat buyers of superior machines over time.

Five years is a long time for a model in the motor vehicle industry to remain unchanged - other than OEM rubber. Through May 2012 the secondary motorcycle finance market reports more customer quote requests for the 2008 250R than the 2012 (that's interesting for several reasons) and more quote requests for the 2012 Honda CBR 250 than the Ninja 250R.

Market fundamentals indicate Kawasaki can, should, and needs to bring a better 250 to market.

As regards current-gen owners, 250R loyalty runs deep. Kawasaki can rely on two facts: 1) If Kawasaki builds it, they will come, and 2) they won't wait forever.

The bike launched worldwide with an ABS option. The 2011 models did have it. It was labeled the CBR250RA.

etiainen · June 7th, 2012, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountain Dew

The CBR250 is hideous and looks like a toy. They styled the front end similar to the Insight (and exactly like the FC concept).

It was styled after the VFR1200. It's ok with me. I'm not a huge fan but I don't really care. The headlight does a great job. That's good enough for me.

cbdallas · June 7th, 2012, 01:12 PM

I'm fine with the looks of the fairings, but those spiraled wheels look like they came straight off one of those Chinese half-assed 150cc sportbikes. I get that it's nearly as quick as the Ninjette, but F.I. or not, I don't think I'd ever get past feeling like I was riding a bike with a lawnmower engine in it. Thumpers are great for lawn equipment, but I don't want one as transportation.

etiainen · June 7th, 2012, 01:19 PM

I find it to be just as smooth if not smoother than my old Ninjette. It barely buzzes even at 8000RPM on the highway.

Boom King · June 7th, 2012, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zola

It wasn't. See CycleWorld, July 2012.

There was nothing in there about the ABS being a new feature for 2012. It was a short write-up on the feature that they happened to test on a 2012 model but it was available for the introductory 2011 model as well. At least that's how it was here in Canada. I know that the US gets excluded from certain models of motorcycles but to my knowledge, the ABS option was available there as well. On my local motorcycle forum, we had a member advertise and sell a 2011 model with the ABS option.

Jiggles · June 7th, 2012, 03:41 PM

Yes EFI would be cool, but then modding a ninja would suck because you would need a power commander

Numbersix · June 8th, 2012, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

As a bike made to be ridden how a real bike is supposed to be ridden, the ninja wins hands down.

Sorry, but what is that supposed to mean? The only wrong way I know of to ride is the one where the non-tire parts are on (or all over) the road.

alex.s · June 8th, 2012, 02:06 PM

when i say "ridden the way a bike is meant to be ridden", i mean full lean with WOT going at least 85

Numbersix · June 8th, 2012, 03:36 PM

OK, gotcha. So, proper motorcycling can only be done in large parking lots so that one can ride around @ 85mph in 600' radius circles (I'm being generous here and assuming lateral 1G.)

Seriously, I'm hard-pressed to think of a road in this entire state, other than maybe an on-ramp, where you could pull that maneuver; and I can think of maybe two corners in U.S. tracks like that (the outer loop at Watkins, and the carousel at Road America.)

blink · June 10th, 2012, 04:19 PM

Did you just call it a hondette?

What about the gixxette then?

Yamaha-ette

lgk · June 10th, 2012, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blink

Did you just call it a hondette?

What about the gixxette then?

Yamaha-ette

i would buy the yamette if they sold them here

June 6th, 2012, 05:41 PM	#1
Zola 40 on the road Name: Vod Location: Victor, NY Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250, 2012 Ninja 650, 2006 Bonneville, 1990 Sportster Posts: 67	Did you hear that? In case that you missed it, that was the sound of Honda firing another shot across the bow of the Ninja 250. Honda has added ABS as an option to its CBR 250 at a relatively modest cost - $4599 for the ABS equipped Hondette. Love it or hate it, Honda is selling boat loads of the littlest CBR and buyers are pretty pleased with EFI, compliant suspension, a relaxed riding position, nice instrumentation, decent seat, functional mirrors (!), gobs of torque from a mini-motor - and now ABS. Kawasaki has once again proven its engineering prowess and sales savvy with a comprehensive and much appreciated redesign of the 650R (no R for 2012) and the thoroughly amazing ZX-14R (and how the R fits this beauty). Now's the time for our favorite motor company to turn that same level of attention to to its littlest best seller and relieve us of carburetors, too lean or otherwise, chokes, concrete slab seating, harsh shocks, beautiful views of our elbows and bring the ninjette up to a higher level of technological competence.

June 6th, 2012, 05:43 PM	#2
Scattcatt ninjette.org sage Name: Zach Location: Michigan Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, 2003 Honda CBR600RR Posts: 721 Blog Entries: 1	Still can't say I'd ever buy a CBR250. I Just hate the front end look __________________________________________________ ATGATT

June 6th, 2012, 05:46 PM	#3
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	the two bikes have different intended purposes. as a street only commuting bike, the cbr takes it. as a bike made to be ridden how a real bike is supposed to be ridden, the ninja wins hands down. people race the ninja 250. nobody races the cbr 250. theres a reason for that. stock, i also think the seat has too much padding, the shocks are too loose, and you dont need mirrors in the first place. all they do is give you false confidence what WOULD be really awesome is if kawi gave the ninjette stock 3 way adjustable front and rear suspension. now THAT would be awesome. side note- the cbr 250 was introduced with abs as an option wasnt it? __________________________________________________

June 6th, 2012, 10:07 PM	#10
DevinWolfe Which pedal is the gas? Name: Devin Location: Knoxville, TN Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R SE Posts: 192	Cool story, however the CBR250 that runs with the local sportbike group always gets left sitting in corners when we ride, so I'm still beyond sold on the Ninjy... nvm the fact that the guy counter-leans in at-speed corners... Last futzed with by DevinWolfe; June 6th, 2012 at 11:08 PM.

June 7th, 2012, 11:56 AM	#12
dubojr1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Jacksonville, Florida Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R SE, 07 Honda CRF230F, 06 Honda CRF150F Posts: A lot.	I didn't hear anything... __________________________________________________ 09 250R SE: Paying it forward one post at a time! Don't forget to add yourself to our Member Map

June 6th, 2012, 05:48 PM	#4
NDspd 1/4 English, 3/4 Kick Ass Name: Jeremy Location: Dayton, OH Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Triumph Speed Triple 955i, '05 Suzuki SV650S(retired), '11 Ninja 250R(sold) Posts: A lot.	@Scattcatt I'm with you man...

June 6th, 2012, 08:34 PM	#6
menikmati crash 250, get supersport Name: Richard Location: San Diego, CA Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250R SE (Sold 6/9/14), 2009 ZX-6R (Sold 6/25/14), Subaru BRZ Posts: A lot.	I'm also pretty sure it launched with an ABS option.

June 6th, 2012, 09:11 PM	#7
Boom King So, where's the reverse? Name: Anson Location: Ontario, Canada Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Yesterday's, or more accurately, last year's news: Available in Metallic Black or Red/Silver here in America, the all-new Honda CBR250R retails for $3999 (exactly the same as Kawasaki’s Ninja 250R), with the ABS-equipped edition fetching an extra $500 to retail for $4499. Look for the new bike to hit dealers this spring.

June 6th, 2012, 09:42 PM	#8
Zola 40 on the road Name: Vod Location: Victor, NY Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250, 2012 Ninja 650, 2006 Bonneville, 1990 Sportster Posts: 67	It wasn't. See CycleWorld, July 2012. Kawasaki needs to hear from people who recognize the limitations as well as the assests of the 250R given their experience with the motorcycle, particularly people who will be repeat buyers of superior machines over time. Five years is a long time for a model in the motor vehicle industry to remain unchanged - other than OEM rubber. Through May 2012 the secondary motorcycle finance market reports more customer quote requests for the 2008 250R than the 2012 (that's interesting for several reasons) and more quote requests for the 2012 Honda CBR 250 than the Ninja 250R. Market fundamentals indicate Kawasaki can, should, and needs to bring a better 250 to market. As regards current-gen owners, 250R loyalty runs deep. Kawasaki can rely on two facts: 1) If Kawasaki builds it, they will come, and 2) they won't wait forever.

June 6th, 2012, 09:47 PM	#9
menikmati crash 250, get supersport Name: Richard Location: San Diego, CA Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250R SE (Sold 6/9/14), 2009 ZX-6R (Sold 6/25/14), Subaru BRZ Posts: A lot.	As Alex and Anson mentioned earlier, the CBR250R did indeed launch with ABS as an option.

June 7th, 2012, 12:33 PM	#14
Mountain Dew Ambrosia. Name: Jaymie Location: Oahu, Hawaii Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 1974 Honda CB550K0 W.I.P. Posts: A lot.	The CBR250 is hideous and looks like a toy. They styled the front end similar to the Insight (and exactly like the FC concept). __________________________________________________ Life's better on the Mountain.

June 7th, 2012, 01:12 PM	#17
cbdallas ninjette.org guru Name: Charlie Location: Wylie, TX Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 650R Posts: 317	I'm fine with the looks of the fairings, but those spiraled wheels look like they came straight off one of those Chinese half-assed 150cc sportbikes. I get that it's nearly as quick as the Ninjette, but F.I. or not, I don't think I'd ever get past feeling like I was riding a bike with a lawnmower engine in it. Thumpers are great for lawn equipment, but I don't want one as transportation.

June 7th, 2012, 01:19 PM	#18
etiainen CBR250R Traitor Name: Jon Location: Greater Philadelphia Area Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Red CBR250R 2009 Ninja 250r SE(With 2008 Fairings)(sold) Posts: 924	I find it to be just as smooth if not smoother than my old Ninjette. It barely buzzes even at 8000RPM on the highway.

June 7th, 2012, 03:41 PM	#20
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	Yes EFI would be cool, but then modding a ninja would suck because you would need a power commander __________________________________________________ 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

June 8th, 2012, 02:06 PM	#22
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	when i say "ridden the way a bike is meant to be ridden", i mean full lean with WOT going at least 85 __________________________________________________

June 8th, 2012, 03:36 PM	#23
Numbersix ninjette.org member Name: Michael Location: MI Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): Honda Elite 110 (deceased), Green 2012 Ninja 250 (sold on Pi day); Grey/Green 2019 Ninja 400 ABS Posts: 238	OK, gotcha. So, proper motorcycling can only be done in large parking lots so that one can ride around @ 85mph in 600' radius circles (I'm being generous here and assuming lateral 1G.) Seriously, I'm hard-pressed to think of a road in this entire state, other than maybe an on-ramp, where you could pull that maneuver; and I can think of maybe two corners in U.S. tracks like that (the outer loop at Watkins, and the carousel at Road America.)

June 10th, 2012, 04:19 PM	#24
blink Always. Name: Alex Location: Calgary, AB Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, '05 GSX-R600 Posts: A lot.	Did you just call it a hondette? What about the gixxette then? Yamaha-ette __________________________________________________ blink-182

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