I've just bought a Ninja 250R and I definitely wouldn't have had this bike been out instead. Having returned to biking after a few years in the wilderness (I used to ride a Z650), I couldn't believe that no one is manufacturing fun small to mid-size sports bikes anymore. It's not about purchase cost (yes I know that for only a bit more you could get a 650), it's the whole deal that appeals with these small bikes, especially given the shocking price of petrol that's no doubt here to stay.
I get over 70mpg on the 250, tax is peanuts as is insurance. If it had a teeny bit more power/pull (like the 400 would), it'd be perfect for your average newbie/commuter. It seems to me that biking has been taken over by wealthy weekend warriors who are happy to blast around on a bike with worse fuel consumption and running costs than your average transit van. I'm not denying the appeal of the super sports bike, but there must be a market for people in my position who actually want to use motorcycling as a mode of transport.
Seriously Kawasaki - lead the charge and start making economical and fun bikes that actually give people an incentive to leave the car keys at home!
Posted: 20/07/2010 at 18:46
