Rumors

JeffM · May 4th, 2011, 07:27 PM

I know, another Honda 250 review, but what caught my eye was the next to the last paragraph:

Quote:

"There are currently rumors that Yamaha are developing a 250 and let's hope Suzuki enter the market too. We're still at the early stages of what the 250 market can offer"....

Looks like the quarter liter world may get a little more crowded. Has anyone heard anything else?

Read more: http://www.visordown.com/road-tests-...#ixzz1LRMjz3z2

CmichRider · May 4th, 2011, 07:29 PM

This is the first I've heard of it. I'd be all for it though, competition is great for the consumers. Lower prices, more aftermarket support, bigger following. Awesome.

Live2ride · May 4th, 2011, 07:36 PM

This is great, competition making more effort towards improving and modifying the 250cc bike class should be interesting. Honestly, I think they might be tapping the 250 market due to gas prices shooting through the roof. I like yamaha sportbikes, I can't wait to see them make a 250, I hope the rumors are true.

p.s. If the rumors true, how much do you wanna bet the msrp will be around $3999?

Live2ride · May 4th, 2011, 07:39 PM

I just looked at that link, that guy makes the cbr 250 look like a pocket bike

LoneRonin · May 4th, 2011, 07:52 PM

surely this man knows the Ninja 250r has been the class leader for alot more than 3 measly years....

JeffM · May 4th, 2011, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoneRonin

surely this man knows the Ninja 250r has been the class leader for alot more than 3 measly years....

Yea, I saw that too

zilaniz · May 4th, 2011, 08:12 PM

be very interesting to see what Yamaha would do for a 250 sport bike..they usually go against the grain with there sport bikes.

Too40gawlf · May 4th, 2011, 08:13 PM

I think some of the comments in the article regarding the lack of 400 cc options really hit the nail on the head. Its annoying how all these manufacturers are like sheep. Honda has a 250 to compete with Kawasaki so now Yamaha is thinking of bringing one to market. What will happen over the course of time is that they will dilute the market and then they will discontinue their 250's becuase of lack of profit - except for Kawasaki as the Ninja 250 is such an established brand that Kawasaki rely's very heavly on it.

What one of these guys should do is design and market an inline 400cc, sub 400lb sportbike, with an output of 40-50 hp at around $5-$6K. If such a bike existed in the US market, Id be buying one tomorrow. This bike would bridge the gap perfectly between an entry level 250 and a suspesport 600. Right now there is no other option for the relatively novice rider who wants something more powerful than a 26hp 250 but not as powerful as a 100hp 600. I dont want either of Suzuki's or Kawaski's 650 and Yamaha's FZ6r is damn near 500 lbs.

Make this bike please with FI, and I will be at the Yamaha dealer torrow:

Boom King · May 4th, 2011, 08:33 PM

Yamaha does have a 250cc single cylinder FI bike in Brazil and I believe, now is also available in India. These rumours may have some truth to them. Would it be this same Yamaha model or a modified version or an entirely new design?

Link to original page on YouTube.

Live2ride · May 4th, 2011, 08:44 PM

I'd assume that they would enter the U.S. market with a full fairing sport bike, not the street fighter look like that bike. That bike looks very comfortable though.

Reswob · May 4th, 2011, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Too40gawlf

I think some of the comments in the article regarding the lack of 400 cc options really hit the nail on the head. Its annoying how all these manufacturers are like sheep. Honda has a 250 to compete with Kawasaki so now Yamaha is thinking of bringing one to market. What will happen over the course of time is that they will dilute the market and then they will discontinue their 250's becuase of lack of profit - except for Kawasaki as the Ninja 250 is such an established brand that Kawasaki rely's very heavly on it.

What one of these guys should do is design and market an inline 400cc, sub 400lb sportbike, with an output of 40-50 hp at around $5-$6K. If such a bike existed in the US market, Id be buying one tomorrow. This bike would bridge the gap perfectly between an entry level 250 and a suspesport 600. Right now there is no other option for the relatively novice rider who wants something more powerful than a 26hp 250 but not as powerful as a 100hp 600. I dont want either of Suzuki's or Kawaski's 650 and Yamaha's FZ6r is damn near 500 lbs.

Make this bike please with FI, and I will be at the Yamaha dealer torrow:

The Ninja 500R made 50-60 hp and weighed around 400 lbs. Kawi chose to axe it instead of updating it like the '08 250R. Guess you're the only one who would've bought a "new gen" 500.

Live2ride · May 4th, 2011, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reswob

The Ninja 500R made 50-60 hp and weighed around 400 lbs. Kawi chose to axe it instead of updating it like the '08 250R. Guess you're the only one who would've bought a "new gen" 500.

If they updated the looks of the ex500 to be like the 250's I think I would have easily chosen that over my ninjette, but beggars can't be choosers.

Boom King · May 4th, 2011, 09:02 PM

Canada has the Ninja 400R which is basically the 650R except with a 400cc engine. For an extra $1000 though, I'd go straight up to the 650R. No weight penalty either.

http://www.kawasaki.ca/model/STREET-...256/Ninja-400R

Too40gawlf · May 4th, 2011, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reswob

The Ninja 500R made 50-60 hp and weighed around 400 lbs. Kawi chose to axe it instead of updating it like the '08 250R. Guess you're the only one who would've bought a "new gen" 500.

The 500 was a dinosaur and I dont know how it made it to 2009 looking the way it did. Frankly, Kawasaki should be embarassed that they were marketing that bike as brand new in the year 2009.

Besides, what I was asking for was an inline 4, smaller displacement, fuel injected motor - the 500 had none of those characteristics. Combined with its dated aesthetics, the 500 was the abortion of the Kaewasaki family.

Still, with all of the above being said, if Kawasaki had updated the 500's styling as they did with the 250, I certainly wouldve bought one and I wouldnt have been the only one.

Live2ride · May 4th, 2011, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Too40gawlf

Combined with its dated aesthetics, the 500 was the abortion of the Kaewasaki family.

Too40gawlf · May 4th, 2011, 09:33 PM

The Ninja 250 has and will always have to a certain extent, a captive demographic. Each year, there are going to be a new crop of new riders who are going to buy 250's regardless of what it looks like. It could look like a Gaint pink mushroom with two wheels and people will still buy it, because its an entry level bike. Kawasaki got away with not updating the 250 for years because it was basically the only option in the US when it came to 250 sportbikes. When Hyosung introduced their modern styled 250, Kawasaki finally saw the writing on the wall and updated the styling. Had the 250 not been updated in 2008, the CBR250 and the Hyosung would be killing it now in sales.

I know it doesnt make sense for a Honda or Kawasaki who currently have a 250 model and a 600 model to introduce a 400 model - all it would do would be to take a portion of the target market from the 250 and a portion of the target market for the 600 and direct it to the 400. HOWEVER, a manufacutrer like Yamaha or Suzuki who DOESNT have a 250, should market a 400 sportbike. Because of guys like me who werent willing to buy a 600 right off the bat, but wouldve liked something more powerful than a 250, they would lay waste to the Honda and Kawasaki 250 but still 'protect' the sales of their flagship 600s.

CC Cowboy · May 5th, 2011, 06:33 AM

I heard a rumor that Suzuki is planning to make a GSXR250. It will have a fully adjustable suspension (inverted front forks) and develope 53 horsepower at 17,000RPM. Now that they are having 250 classes at most racing organizations Suzuki wants to dominate this class. The best developmental new technology and Suzuki's top selling point (price to be in the $4300 range) is the the bike will run on distilled water. I called my local Suzuki dealer and they not only don't have a delivery date on this new bike but they won't even admit Suzuki is going to build it. It would be a big seller if they do and I'm not sure I would buy one but it's a thought.

MrBrownTX · May 5th, 2011, 06:42 AM

I grew up in Europe and there were a lot of 400's like a CBR, FZR, RGV and such. That would be the perfect bike for me. I SO wish they were available here.

That Canadian Ninja 400R is pretty cool but priced too high. Can't you get an SV650 or somehting similar in that price range?

almost40 · May 5th, 2011, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Too40gawlf

I think some of the comments in the article regarding the lack of 400 cc options really hit the nail on the head. Its annoying how all these manufacturers are like sheep. Honda has a 250 to compete with Kawasaki so now Yamaha is thinking of bringing one to market. What will happen over the course of time is that they will dilute the market and then they will discontinue their 250's becuase of lack of profit - except for Kawasaki as the Ninja 250 is such an established brand that Kawasaki rely's very heavly on it.

What one of these guys should do is design and market an inline 400cc, sub 400lb sportbike, with an output of 40-50 hp at around $5-$6K. If such a bike existed in the US market, Id be buying one tomorrow. This bike would bridge the gap perfectly between an entry level 250 and a suspesport 600. Right now there is no other option for the relatively novice rider who wants something more powerful than a 26hp 250 but not as powerful as a 100hp 600. I dont want either of Suzuki's or Kawaski's 650 and Yamaha's FZ6r is damn near 500 lbs.

Make this bike please with FI, and I will be at the Yamaha dealer torrow:

My most missed bike. Wish I would have kept mine.

coondog · May 5th, 2011, 05:27 PM

I've been waiting for a yamaha yzf-250r, and if Honda wants to be a part of the 250 age they'll bring back the cbr. Suzuki owned "small displacements" for quite some time over two different decades so?

SSR · May 7th, 2011, 10:36 PM

I imagine in the North American market there's a pretty big gap of people looking for the 400-500 range. I don't need the power of a 600 (or the associated insurance cost

) but wouldn't mind having a few more ponies. It's pretty sparse in that range and I imagine that use few who have commented on this thread aren't the only ones.

blubyu · May 8th, 2011, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CmichRider

This is the first I've heard of it. I'd be all for it though, competition is great for the consumers. Lower prices, more aftermarket support, bigger following. Awesome.

This is the only thing in my opinion that would change if more 250's are brought to market. Lower prices won't happen. They will always be priced with what the existing market it.

MrBrownTX · May 8th, 2011, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Live2ride

If they updated the looks of the ex500 to be like the 250's I think I would have easily chosen that over my ninjette, but beggars can't be choosers.

agree

May 4th, 2011, 07:36 PM	#3
Live2ride ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Cody Location: NoVa Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 06 yzf r6r previously: 09 ninja 250r, black 07 zx6r Posts: A lot.	This is great, competition making more effort towards improving and modifying the 250cc bike class should be interesting. Honestly, I think they might be tapping the 250 market due to gas prices shooting through the roof. I like yamaha sportbikes, I can't wait to see them make a 250, I hope the rumors are true. p.s. If the rumors true, how much do you wanna bet the msrp will be around $3999? __________________________________________________

May 4th, 2011, 07:39 PM	#4
Live2ride ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Cody Location: NoVa Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 06 yzf r6r previously: 09 ninja 250r, black 07 zx6r Posts: A lot.	I just looked at that link, that guy makes the cbr 250 look like a pocket bike __________________________________________________

May 4th, 2011, 08:44 PM	#10
Live2ride ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Cody Location: NoVa Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 06 yzf r6r previously: 09 ninja 250r, black 07 zx6r Posts: A lot.	I'd assume that they would enter the U.S. market with a full fairing sport bike, not the street fighter look like that bike. That bike looks very comfortable though. __________________________________________________

May 5th, 2011, 06:33 AM	#17
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	I heard a rumor that Suzuki is planning to make a GSXR250. It will have a fully adjustable suspension (inverted front forks) and develope 53 horsepower at 17,000RPM. Now that they are having 250 classes at most racing organizations Suzuki wants to dominate this class. The best developmental new technology and Suzuki's top selling point (price to be in the $4300 range) is the the bike will run on distilled water. I called my local Suzuki dealer and they not only don't have a delivery date on this new bike but they won't even admit Suzuki is going to build it. It would be a big seller if they do and I'm not sure I would buy one but it's a thought. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

May 7th, 2011, 10:36 PM	#21
SSR ninjette.org guru Name: Jonathan Location: Ottawa, Ontario Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 398	I imagine in the North American market there's a pretty big gap of people looking for the 400-500 range. I don't need the power of a 600 (or the associated insurance cost) but wouldn't mind having a few more ponies. It's pretty sparse in that range and I imagine that use few who have commented on this thread aren't the only ones. __________________________________________________ From here...to everywhere!

May 4th, 2011, 07:29 PM	#2
CmichRider ninjette.org member Name: Jacob Location: Michigan Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2000 Ninja 250 Posts: 227	This is the first I've heard of it. I'd be all for it though, competition is great for the consumers. Lower prices, more aftermarket support, bigger following. Awesome.

May 4th, 2011, 07:52 PM	#5
LoneRonin ninjette.org sage Name: Jason Location: Mississauga Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 634	surely this man knows the Ninja 250r has been the class leader for alot more than 3 measly years....

May 4th, 2011, 08:12 PM	#7
zilaniz ninjette.org member Name: Jeff Location: PA Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 08 R6 Posts: 224	be very interesting to see what Yamaha would do for a 250 sport bike..they usually go against the grain with there sport bikes.

May 4th, 2011, 08:13 PM	#8
Too40gawlf ninjette.org guru Name: Eric Location: NoVa Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388	I think some of the comments in the article regarding the lack of 400 cc options really hit the nail on the head. Its annoying how all these manufacturers are like sheep. Honda has a 250 to compete with Kawasaki so now Yamaha is thinking of bringing one to market. What will happen over the course of time is that they will dilute the market and then they will discontinue their 250's becuase of lack of profit - except for Kawasaki as the Ninja 250 is such an established brand that Kawasaki rely's very heavly on it. What one of these guys should do is design and market an inline 400cc, sub 400lb sportbike, with an output of 40-50 hp at around $5-$6K. If such a bike existed in the US market, Id be buying one tomorrow. This bike would bridge the gap perfectly between an entry level 250 and a suspesport 600. Right now there is no other option for the relatively novice rider who wants something more powerful than a 26hp 250 but not as powerful as a 100hp 600. I dont want either of Suzuki's or Kawaski's 650 and Yamaha's FZ6r is damn near 500 lbs. Make this bike please with FI, and I will be at the Yamaha dealer torrow:

May 4th, 2011, 08:33 PM	#9
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.	Yamaha does have a 250cc single cylinder FI bike in Brazil and I believe, now is also available in India. These rumours may have some truth to them. Would it be this same Yamaha model or a modified version or an entirely new design? Link to original page on YouTube.

May 4th, 2011, 09:02 PM	#13
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.	Canada has the Ninja 400R which is basically the 650R except with a 400cc engine. For an extra $1000 though, I'd go straight up to the 650R. No weight penalty either. http://www.kawasaki.ca/model/STREET-...256/Ninja-400R

May 4th, 2011, 09:33 PM	#16
Too40gawlf ninjette.org guru Name: Eric Location: NoVa Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388	The Ninja 250 has and will always have to a certain extent, a captive demographic. Each year, there are going to be a new crop of new riders who are going to buy 250's regardless of what it looks like. It could look like a Gaint pink mushroom with two wheels and people will still buy it, because its an entry level bike. Kawasaki got away with not updating the 250 for years because it was basically the only option in the US when it came to 250 sportbikes. When Hyosung introduced their modern styled 250, Kawasaki finally saw the writing on the wall and updated the styling. Had the 250 not been updated in 2008, the CBR250 and the Hyosung would be killing it now in sales. I know it doesnt make sense for a Honda or Kawasaki who currently have a 250 model and a 600 model to introduce a 400 model - all it would do would be to take a portion of the target market from the 250 and a portion of the target market for the 600 and direct it to the 400. HOWEVER, a manufacutrer like Yamaha or Suzuki who DOESNT have a 250, should market a 400 sportbike. Because of guys like me who werent willing to buy a 600 right off the bat, but wouldve liked something more powerful than a 250, they would lay waste to the Honda and Kawasaki 250 but still 'protect' the sales of their flagship 600s.

May 5th, 2011, 06:42 AM	#18
MrBrownTX ninjette.org member Name: Brown Location: Caddo Mills, TX Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 1995 Ninja EX250 Posts: 65	I grew up in Europe and there were a lot of 400's like a CBR, FZR, RGV and such. That would be the perfect bike for me. I SO wish they were available here. That Canadian Ninja 400R is pretty cool but priced too high. Can't you get an SV650 or somehting similar in that price range?

May 5th, 2011, 05:27 PM	#20
coondog ninjette.org sage Name: john Location: Palm Beach County, Fl Sligo County, Eire Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ninja 250 street fighter, 2008 street fighter ninja 500, 2001 nsr 125 Posts: 812	I've been waiting for a yamaha yzf-250r, and if Honda wants to be a part of the 250 age they'll bring back the cbr. Suzuki owned "small displacements" for quite some time over two different decades so?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
[motorcycledaily.com] - Is Fiat Looking to Buy MV Agusta? (News) (Rumors)	Ninjette Newsbot	Motorcycling News	0	March 25th, 2014 01:50 PM
[motorcycle.com] - Rossi to Ducati Rumors Heat Up	Ninjette Newsbot	Motorcycling News	0	August 5th, 2010 04:21 AM
[motorcycledaily.com] - Aprilia and Moto Guzzi Rumors	Ninjette Newsbot	Motorcycling News	0	May 7th, 2010 09:50 PM
[superbikeplanet.com] - Week of Amazing Rumors Ends	Ninjette Newsbot	Motorcycling News	0	October 16th, 2009 02:40 PM
[superbikeplanet.com] - From The Rumors Are Always True Dept.	Ninjette Newsbot	Motorcycling News	0	June 12th, 2008 01:11 PM