MGRV - 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250r (Official) Review

[bakedguineapigs]

I think all you need is a bike that can run at highway speeds with a passanger for extended periods of time. I think that the ninja 250 is finding its place in the american market. dependable and light makes a great bike.

[Island728]

i bought a brand new ninja 250 and sold it 3 months after cuz it was too slow and not big enough honestly I am only 5"7 asian hope that helps

[Killamuf]

I just bought this bike Nov 2011. Its the exact same, 2010 SE. I have to say, it is an amazing bike.!

[mattyros]

awsome review sad that i have to wait 2 years =(

[anonimamenteyo2]

don´t let your girl ride it with her period.. you might get a red-green seat..

[2White2Fight]

what is that key slot for behind the seat? is it a trunk?

[BarefootArizona]

When is Honda gonna make a CBR250? When is Yamaha going to make an r2? Come on people.

[2010MGRV]

@BarefootArizona honda already released the cbr250r this year! As for yamaha... I dont know if yamaha is working on bringing any small displacement bikes to north america just yet.

[BarefootArizona]

@2010MGRV I've seen those cbr250r. I don't like them nearly as much as the Ninja. I hope yamaha or suzuki comes out with something like this. I think Suzuki makes the best bikes.

[Misiekgren]

@2010MGRV hey that was a great review man, i am however somewhat torn between this 250R and the 400R, as i spoke with a few people here and on the street, they informed me that due to the 250's light weight it can be a bit scary at times when you travel on the highways during windy conditions and i have been recommended the 400R cause of that as well as because the 400 is technologically much more advanced than the 250...which does come at a price... could you give me any pointers?

Mat

[2010MGRV]

@Misiekgren Hey Mat, I had the same debate with myself last year when I was looking at new bikes and here is what I came up with. Although the 400 has a higher power output and is fuel injected that is pretty well where the positives end. I have sat on a few 400`s and they are huge. I would equate them more to a sport tourer than a sport bike. Yes the 250 does get blown around a bit on windy days but bikes are inherently stable so you will almost never have a problem with it.

[2010MGRV]

@Misiekgren 2/3 .. The bike will sway a bit under the wind but that is the extend of the feeling you will get. I know the feeling and it is a bit scary at times, but thats all about pushing past your limits.. it will make you a better rider once you know the feel of the bike you will never have a problem with it again. Now, the 400 has fuel injection, but in all honesty its not the best. The biggest factor for me is the weight. It ways much more which means it will probably reach...

[2010MGRV]

@Misiekgren 3/3.. the same top speed and its acceleration will not be much better. This is, in many cases, the reason most people will upgrade a bike. I could not see myself "upgrading" and paying that much more for a bike that I would sell in a year either way. The 250 has a solid reputation and is easy to sell when you are ready to upgrade while the 400 isnt nearly as proven. Personally the extra dough for the bigger bike with EFI doesnt really balance out in my mind.

[2010MGRV]

@BarefootArizona I'm not fond of the honda myself but thats primarily because of the limitations of a single cylinder engine. I do however love that they are working on smaller bikes now and mark my words.. The small displacement market is just getting started here in North America! PS.. I agree Suzuli Rocks! :p

[hazim6six6]

i'm fucking going to have that!no matter what!

[PIANOPLAYER118]

Great review, I can't wait to get mine

[saviorJay51]

If you are riding on Pacific Coast highway on a windy day with one of these bikes and have to pass a semi truck..you better know WTF you're doing...

[WoahBuddi]

Not gunna start it?? :((

[likespaintball]

i have a question for anyone. I drive a 2010 ford focus(parents car) or a 2005 alero. i can no longer really afford gas and the auto insurance so i was wondering would it be cheaper to ride this bike when u take into account insurance and fuel? I also have never rod any type of motor bike so i was wondering if i do decide to switch over is this bike easy to handle and get used to riding for a beginner?

[Klayperson]

@likespaintball the ninja 250r has a fuel economy of like 65-75 MPG so i'd say you'd be able to save quite a bit on gas. and if you look at mordeth13's review of the 250 he says the bike handles excellently

[rangbrod]

il be getting a 2011 or 2012 ninja 250 in 2013 when im old enof to get my bike license. And after that i will be getting probably a ninja 600

[JustLaxing36]

I convinced my dad to finally buy me a bike after i showed him this im 15 and getting it in a couple months thanks for the good review :)

[MegaKiwifish]

im planning on buying this bike on my 16th bday would this be a wise choise...im mature and can think clearly

[WoahBuddi]

@MegaKiwifish You have to be 17 to ride it on the roads legally if you're in the U.S., or is it just my state?

[MegaKiwifish]

@WoahBuddi well i live in texas and the mtotrcycle liscens age is 15 and since i have a job imbuying itmy self now sooo maybe like in 5 months

[WoahBuddi]

@MegaKiwifish Lucky :(

[asoupspoon123]

i just got mine today.. its pretty awesome.. not gonna lie haha

[612]

@asoupspoon123 omg

[ninja5672]

Of course it felt quite stable... motorcycles are more stable the faster you go. its physics. :)

[Goliath1886]

Can it carry 2 persons?

Thanks in advance!

[BrandonPresents]

i thought the hissing IS the vapors venting? oh well :l

[yournamehere832]

Im about 5' 10'' and about 200 lbs. I have a very wide build, and I am pretty strong. I can't decide between a sport bike or a cruiser for my first bike. What do ya'll recommend? and what size?

[gegham]

@yournamehere832 i'm almost 6' tall and I work out 6 days a week so i'm not small either. it actually doesn't look small on me and it is really easy and fun to ride. i haven't tried the cruisers yet.

[yournamehere832]

@gegham Oh ok cool. Ive always read reports about people who are "in love" with their bikes, but then they say that they're something like 140lbs, so I always worry that it wouldn't be powerful enough for me. And good job working out 6 days a week, I was up to 4 days a week, then I broke my wrist so Im out of comission for a while.

[612]

@yournamehere832 its better to learn how to ride on a 250 if its your first bike

[joeylz96]

Perfect for every beginner. Unless your 6' 7 300 pounds...

[patriot6157]

@joeylz96 lol im 6'5 you think i can make it work????? :)

[joeylz96]

@patriot6157 Eh no way! Unless you weigh about 160-175llbs range or less. And it might look a bit awkward. But hey whatever you want. If I were you go ahead and start on a 600. your a big boy, you can handle it haha.

[MRBORED38]

im gettin one next year when i turn 14.

[joeylz96]

@MRBORED38 You do realize you can't ride motorcycles when your 14 right?

[MikeTaylor17]

@MRBORED38 I'm getting one when I turn 11 this month

[spartanturtle333]

whats your location(region), and how much do you weigh?

[2010MGRV]

@akl3g No idea... but I have heard that its not very common on them though so maybe it was just a few models?

[spartanturtle333]

i own the 2010 ninja 250 never heard that hissing in 5500 miles or a billion kilometers? 

[HypermaxZ]

I was originally going to start off with a 600cc but I really want to get accustomed on the handling of sport bikes and the 250r seems like the perfect starting point.

[wayne840]

i agree this 250 is flawless i hope to get one very soon yippyyy

[gsxaznboi]

I think 2008 model is lightest out of 09,10 and 11.

Good bikes.

[EchoNatek]

what is the difference between the 2009 version and the 2010 version other then the exhaust.

[zippolover13]

the state i live in says that a 14year old can have a 250cc motorcycle wud u revomed that type of motorcycle?????

[MadDogMeh]

Is it fuel injected?

[chain1989]

I have a ninja zx6r 07 I love kawasaki

but I startet with a aprilia rs250 Two stroke. now thats a beast!

[asmith929]

now knowing I can actually take this on the highway was one thing that was holding me back, the only other is does anyone know any cheaper insurance companies in canada ?

[danielraysir]

Only negative is a not all the way sealed gas tank?

I really want this! lol

[TheVoyagerM]

Do you know if the tank noises are for all of the 250r special editions?

[sharingan5123]

Will this bike suit me I'm 5'7 175pndz

[missourifornian]

140 km/h? isn't that like 75?

[2010MGRV]

@missourifornian Closer to 85.. I had it up to 160 km/h tho

[0SKBooth0]

@2010MGRV official top speed via kawasakis site is 108mph

[steven21111]

Just turned 14 got my learners license and I was wondering if this would be a good bike to learn on? I'm 5.5 and weigh 163 pounds. Please respond.

[Hex13337]

whats its top speed in mph?

[sr1215cl]

@Hex13337 It all depends on the weight of the person but at least over 100 to 115 mph.

[scarekr0]

Thx for the info.

[ForeverLethal]

What could an 18 year old male, living in Ontario expect to pay in insurance for something like this?

[simennsx]

When it comes to acceleration, I'd rather compare this to a 600, atleast up to 100 kn/h, It also handles like a god because of the ballanced sitting posiston and weight, You also sit very comfortable on it. I was REALY suprised first time I drove it., this bike is dominating the Aprilia RS250! If you are going to buy a 250, then go for the Kawa, no doubt!

[WhoAreYou94]

Dude u make awesome reviews!!!

Your like the first one i can actually understand lol

and i totally agree, the look of a bigger bike makes it 10x sexier

[WhoAreYou94]

Great bike, Not in green though haha

[braziliannegro]

Question to anyone, which color to you looks better, the 2010 green or the 2011 green?

Thanks.

[InFrameProduction]

I have the same tank protector :-)

[tacktack1]

Trying to convince my parents to let be get a motorcycle license when I turn 16. I've been researching bikes and everyone's telling me this is the way to go. Plus it's on the LAMS list.

[ownyou902]

@tacktack1 Dude! I want a motorcycle when i turn 16 too! I've been looking at this one and it looks great for my first bike. I don't care what my parents say.. i'm gonna get it somehow.

[tacktack1]

@ownyou902 I would sell my soul for this bike.

[ownyou902]

@tacktack1 I would do the same thing man. I would give up everything just for the bike.

[CheesyPumbah]

yay

[sozozozo]

I am 6'1, 160lbs would I be too big/tall for this bike?

[D61664]

Nice Review !!

[dominatempire]

Hi,is it suits for a person of height 5' 11"? I want to buy it so whether it looks good for me or not for that height?

[2010MGRV]

@dominatempire Go and check them out in your local dealer.. The bike fit me fine and it also fit my buddy who`s like 6' so its personal preference.

[dominatempire]

@2010MGRV Thanks i will do that.....

[Remington870xmag]

@2010MGRV Do you know if the 08 or 09's have the same problem with the gas tank?

[usernameE85]

@dominatempire really..?? Suit a person that is 5'11"…?? This is a full size bike, its not a midget bike, its not a pocket rocket..

[jujuyeulyl]

FOR BEGINNERS, THIS IS THE BEST BIKE TO START OFF WITH. REGARDLESS OF AGE, HEIGHT, WEIGHT, ETC.

You just got to have the guts and spirit to make it work. :]

[2010MGRV]

@jujuyeulyl Agreed! This bike will force you to learn proper shifting to make it work best!

[Devabomb123]

@jujuyeulyl and the money! :(

[rmskid13]

Would this be a good first bike for me? I'm 5'8" 148lbs.

[2010MGRV]

@rmskid13 Absolutely!!! The bike would be perfect for someone of your size and weight! Go grab one and let`r rip!!

[ramonet27101993]

@2010MGRV i have an answer, if this bike in spain costs 5000€ and the z750 costs 7400€ i think that may the ninja 250r is to expensive, why do ppl buy the ninja 250r if just with a little more of money u can get a z750. this is what i dont undrstand..

[jeetbarman]

Good review...

[2010MGRV]

@jeetbarman Thanks!!

[IRIDESUZUKI37]

thnx man your reviews were very insightful after watching your vids i pretty much made up my mind on wut to get (2010 KAWASAKI 250R), i wanna ask you another ?

how much weight does it hold without losing speed?

[2010MGRV]

@IRIDESUZUKI37 I had my fiancee on the back and that slowed it down a bit.. but really a 250 will be slower just because of any amount of weight added... Together, my fiancee and I are about 300lbs with gear, but it didnt seem to struggle.. it was still surprisingly fast for a 250!

[813Geane]

Your american u idiot. wtf is up with the metric talk!

[2010MGRV]

@813Geane I`m Canadian! Born and Raised! Living in Ontario..... Thats whats with the metric talk...

[813Geane]

@2010MGRV

Great accent my friend.

And great job making me look like an ignorant american!

[vetiarvind]

@2010MGRV Haha I initially thought it was strange that an american would talk about km/h... And then I heard your "Aboout". haha

[SeoulDriver]

@813Geane You got a problem with Canadians too?

[CheesyPumbah]

yay

[zivotjesuv]

One question,i just sold my 2006 Yamaha FZ6 fazer 98hp and my previous bike was a Kawasaki 500 KLE. I love the ninja 250 i just don't know if it's gonna be a big downgrade and am i gonna have fun on this bike since it's not my first bike. What do you think?

[2010MGRV]

@zivotjesuv Well its hard to say... depends on how you rode the FZ6.. If you rode it hard and pushed it to some ridiculous speeds then yes you may find it to be a bit of a downgrade.. However, if your just using it for everyday use, not trying to max it out at 170km/h then you should find it just as fun.. plus it looks badass for its size!

[zivotjesuv]

@2010MGRV i didn't ride it fast but the thing is that back home we have steep roads and you need power to overtake cars and i dont know if the ninja will have enough power. Another thing,no one said anything bad about this bike and i mean even when they test a Ducati or any good bike they also have bad sides to it and i don/t want to be the one to find those things on the ninja after a buy it.

[2010MGRV]

@zivotjesuv Trust me... This bike will make you learn how to really make your gear changes worth it... I never found it a problem overtaking most vehicles.. If you need the extra power, like in a car, you can just drop a gear and giver! That being said, the down side of the ninja, first gear is pretty well useless unless in a parking lot, exhaust note isnt the greatest (ie new pipe), suspension is not very tunable, and bigger riders may not get too much speed...

[zivotjesuv]

@2010MGRV thanks,thats what i wanted to hear. I will still think about this bike. back home i can buy it for 3800 euro brand new or for the same money i can buy a used 2008 Kawasaki z750. i never had a brand new bike before thats why i'm looking at the ninja.

[drshow]

i bought mine about 4 weeks ago, and havent had a problem with it, like MGRV said the only thing u get is the whistle sound of the fumes trying to escape from ur tank. other then that its an awesome bike ive got a yoshi on mine and ive got a vid up of what it sounds like if ur interetsed go check it out

[bradyischamp]

i went to del amo motorsports today and they had a sale on the ninja 250. $2999 plus fees and tax. not sure if this is a good price but i contemplated. just not sure about the power.

[2010MGRV]

@bradyischamp For 2999$ you can`t go wrong... If its your first bike it will give you the ability to hone your skills before going bigger! Also, these things hold their value incredibly well.. I payed 5700$ with taxes and got 5100$ back when I sold it.... Definitely a good return!

[jujuyeulyl]

@2010MGRV

I saw the web deal for that 2010 Kawasaki 250r also. I'm planning to get it as my first bike. How much do you think the total would be? I already left a message for them to give me a call back, but just in case you would know, it would really help me out. I enjoyed listening to your review, it made me keep my decision in purchasing it! Thanks man, hope to hear from you soon.

-Ju

[mything1959]

@jujuyeulyl Hello, im a 50 yr old male 250 pds, is this a good bike for me, thanks

[IRIDESUZUKI37]

@mything1959i was just thinking the same thing, i'm 37 and weigh 225 I wanna know will it hold and keep it's speed?

[jujuyeulyl]

@bradyischamp

I might be too late. I just found out the total price ($4700 cash). I still think it's a very good deal. Planning to get it soon also. :]

[Alikatoush]

I want to buy one but it's hard to get on Hawaii

[kgmurray]

i might get one.

[MRAdrian380]

Oct 2O1O

[kevvyboi33]

would you recommend this bike to a begginer thats about 6'6" with about a 35" inseam?? if not what kinda of bike would you recommend?? sportbike perferably

thanks

[kevvyboi33]

would you recommend this bike to a begginer thats about 6'6" with about a 35" inseam?? if not what kinda of bike would you recommend?? sportbike perferably

thanks

[braziliannegro]

When is the 2011 one coming out?

[2010MGRV]

@braziliannegro New products are usually released around october. Dont quote me on that but thats when I believe it will be shown!

[kgmurray]

I want one in my life!

[Lmaritnez99]

would you recomennd a yoshimura exaust for this bike? my friend who has one installed on to his bike says it sounds really good nd gives it more power..wat do u recomend?

[2010MGRV]

@Lmaritnez99 Absolutely, I found with my HMF exhaust I had much more power and of course it sounded much better. Yoshi makes some amazing exhausts, I would say go for it!

[zesale5]

Great review! Amazing bike!

[TheJuls2009]

Excellante, your bike and commentry too., cheers

[sahilms]

"More than enough to lose your license" LMFAO i love that quote

[rozlan7]

Very good video!

[daleyracingteam]

beautiful bike dude how much did tht cost u new i am probubly going to buy a used one wen i turn 16 which is in a month i ride and race dirt bikes so i think i shouldnt have tht much trouble starting out

[2010MGRV]

@daleyracingteam It cost me 5800$ out the door.. that includes the taxes, plating, blah blah blah haha So really 5150$ before all that junk.

[Jazzy373]

Hey quick question, I'm 6'1" and 200lbs will this bike be too small for me?

[2010MGRV]

@Jazzy373 The bike may feel a bit slower.. but it will still out pull most cars out there.. I have my fiancee on the back sometimes and together we weigh about 300lbs and its fine.. the height issues can be addressed by adjusting suspension settings

[Jazzy373]

@2010MGRV Thanks a lot for the reply, I think I might consider the 2011 400r instead of the 250r.

[XxKoNFLicTxX]

top speed?

[2010MGRV]

@XxKoNFLicTxX My personal top so far is about 165 kph... however I was not near redline through any gears and I have an aftermarket pipe on there now... Stock is near 170kph though

[TheVegasD]

Excellent Review, that's alot, i've read the comments by cbr125rcanada, and i believe the ninja 250r is the way to go with both experienced and new riders,

Thanks,

Andy.

p.s i will be getting mine within the week :)

[2010MGRV]

@TheVegasD Congrats! I hope you enjoy the bike as much as I do!

[ricochet08]

jus got mine saturday :)

[2010MGRV]

@ricochet08 How you liking the 250r?

[ricochet08]

@2010MGRV loving it! had a spill on the 10th, but all is well, jus need some touch up paint and a new right blinker. Fast enough to have fun, and the gas mileage is amazing. 157 miles at half a tank :D

[MegaDanny5000]

this is goin 2 be my first bike

[MegaDanny5000]

my future bike 

[MRxTAK]

im getting one as soon as i sell my damn car

[muthu161]

lovi this bike

[cbr125rcanada]

The gas tank is the 'only' negative??

How about the fact that it's carbureted (and thus some folks in Canadian winters have reported problem starting it)?

How about that the gas mileage (when comparing to many 600cc - many of which approach 50 mpg with more than twice the power) really isn't that good (some 600 BMW's even get better mileage) relative to the CCs?

What about that horrible tail/fender appendage?

[2010MGRV]

@cbr125rcanada Yes being carbed is a definite drawback for those in the colder temperatures of certain parts of Canada.. The mileage does not really matter overly.. It still manages to get 250-350kms per tank... which is quite common if not better than some other bikes... And finally, the "horrible tail/fender appendage" is removable.. there are kits available from many places or you can mod it yourself...

[2010MGRV]

@cbr125rcanada Based on the fact that you signed up 3 days ago.. I`m gonna assume you are riding a 125cc bike. You 125r riders are so devoted to your machines that you believe that the 125r is the best small displacement bike. However, yes your 125r is fuel injected (a nice touch at that price point), but it does not suit the needs of some riders.. It will not handle 2-up riding as well as the 250r or anything larger.. Nothing against either bike... but just my 2 cents

[motorcyclelover27]

im thinking i shud get this for my first bike....do u recommend the 600 or 250 for a beginner?

[2010MGRV]

@motorcyclelover27 I would definitely recommend starting off on a 250, they are great to learn on and super fun because of their lower weight

[motorcyclelover27]

@2010MGRV ok ty man

[audiocable]

i was going to get this bike, but the cbr 125 is about the same for my purpose and to be honest it looks better from the front, the 250 is ugly from the front, but looks like a 600 from the sides, i like it though, but im moving to a 600 next year!

[Axis103]

Hey dude, first of all i gota say thats a sick bike you have there.. So ive been doin my research and am 99.9% i want the ninja 250r as my first bike.. I hear its a great bike, especially for begginers and that its handles real nice.. I saw ur vids and was hoping you can make a vid with some med and high revs of this ninja 250r.. Hopefully u still have it stock cuz thats how im looking to hear it but yea dude if you can please get a vid or revs and drive-by's that would be awsome.. Cheers!

[2010MGRV]

@Axis103 I can certainly try to get some shots.. I need to get my fiance to hold the camera though.. and we work some crazy hours.. but I will try to get that vid up within the next week.. hopefully for the weekend! Thanks for the request!

[Axis103]

@2010MGRV Awsome, thanks a mil bro

[lesmcluffalot]

I've read a lot about starting problems. On cold mornings or cold temps in general. Doesn't want to start or starts and stalls, or runs really lumpy till it's warm. Have you had any such issues?

[2010MGRV]

@lesmcluffalot Actually I have not.. This issue may have already been addressed by Kawasaki in the previous years... I have heard the same thing. But my 2010 and another fellow rider on a 2010 have not had any issues with cold starting. Thanks for the feedback though.

[lesmcluffalot]

@2010MGRV Thanks for the response. I'm in the market for one, hoping to get one before the HST comes in. I live in an area where the mornings are almost always cold. It could be 30C for a day time high but the overnight low can be 1 or 2C. The bike will be kept outside during riding season.

[2010MGRV]

@lesmcluffalot Well we just had snow here the other day haha... so i definately know the feeling... Snow isnt common around here around this time though.. but it is usually about 1 or 2C here overnight right now. But the bike is carburated so you can just throw the choke on and it will warm up on its own.

[cap1baby]

@2010MGRV awesome vid, i think i'ma get one, can u please explain the carburater and how it works? i'm quite a noob with bikes...

[2010MGRV]

@cap1baby Well the carburetor works by regulating the air and fuel that is delivered to the engine.. The ninja has a carb as opposed to the FI or EFI (Fuel Injection or Electronic Fuel Injection) which will automatically manage these things for you. Having EFI is costlier but last a lot longer because of their long service life... although a carburetor is also quite easy to service...