2006 Ninja 250 - Ownership Review | Still a Good First Bike?

The Kawasaki Ninja 250 (or 250r or EX250) has long been considered a great starter bike. After owning one for six months, I see the argument, but I disagree. Get something newer.
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#motorcycle #kawasaki #ninja250

[@DailyMotor]

Like to ride but don't like dying? Helite can help with their airbag vests! helitemoto.com/ Use the code "dailymotor" for 10% off! That's a lot!

[@RhetoricWolf]

This was my first bike years ago. Took me to and from work for a year before I upgraded to a CBR600. It definitely is confidence-inspiring, and a great first bike. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

[@zombiegrom5225]

Just picked up a 95 ninja 250, got it for $300 because it was wrecked. Frame was good, and engine only has 5k miles. Been replacing parts, and just rebuilt the carbs. Trying to get it running now. Pretty excited to get on the road!

[@fredericnguyen2251]

I like the design of this bike. The two symmetrical exhausts are nice. The full fairing is nice too. It looks stylish. A real passenger seat. Kawasaki made very good looking bikes in the 80's and 90's, such as zzr 1100, zzr 250, gpz 900. Nowadays, the kawasaki style has changed much. Very futuristic look which does not appeal to me.

[@DailyMotor]

I honestly do really dig the looks of this bike. For $1500, its simple looks have really come around.

[@DailyMotor]

Not all angry and agro like the new bikes.

[@kennethfrazee2540]

I like how the 250 is an almost exact replica of the old 750s, just shrunken slightly

[@emmettturner9452]

This was a very futuristic, cutting-edge tech look back then. It’s why everyone rushed out to buy one after seeing Tom Cruise ride the original Ninja in Too Gun. ;) This style basically invented the modern fully-fared sport bike. I also dislike the more angular and aggressive look they have these days… especially the insect-like face and floating windscreens. The most appealing look to me is the 2005-2006 ZX-6R and 2008-2012 Ninja 250R. They look both modern and fast without looking like they are trying too hard to intimidate. I especially like the undertail exhaust and swingarm of the old ZX-6R.

[@pawpawbandit3871]

yeah, it's like a smaller version of a perfect / iconic 90's japanese sportbike. and if you're shorter and smaller - you can pretend to be Tom Cruise, but you might want to peel the flames off of the plastic first like I did lol.

[@jdm3gee14]

I literally just bought one of these today. 2005 250. It needs some things but for 1000usd I can't complain for a first bike

[@Keithjames153]

Holy shit.. that’s a great price

[@2010johnking]

My first bike was a 2005 Ninja 250 back in college. It was a lot of fun and I learned a lot too. Probably one of the most underrated bikes ever made.

[@erikjansen8597]

My normal bike is a 2018 Street Triple, but I just purchased a 2007 Ninja 250. I freaking love it. It's awesome in the twisties, but it is also less forgiving if I hit a curve in the wrong gear. It really teaches you about rev ranges.

[@hunterst0989]

I’ve been riding since 04 and just got me a 07 ninja 250 2 years ago and I’m still having blasts on tight curvy roads. Best $1600 I’ve spent on a bike.

[@edwardkeeter762]

I'm on my 3rd year with my 06 Ninja 250 - identical to the one in the video, plus a couple dents and scrapes I added because new rider. But $1,700 got me on one in good shape with 10K on it, and I'm over 17K now. The biggest thing I had to adjust to as a new rider coming from a car universe is learning that the Ninja is perfectly happy to cruise all day at 9,000RPM on the highway. Do your basic maintenance and the bike is nearly un-killable. But I disagree with you, I think the Ninja 250 is the perfect starter bike. It'll do anything you ask it to. Cheap to buy/insure/ride/maintain, and when you're ready for another bike, you can sell it for nearly what you paid for it after a couple of years.

[@H3Row]

Dude this guy said you have to spend 1000 on gear lmaoo. The pregen ninja 250 is legit the best starter bike ever. The last minutes of this video was poor logic.

[@H3Row]

Not to mention the pregen Ninja 250 has more horsepower than 2008-2012 model

[@polaris_extremis]

Just got my blue 06 250r for $750. Killer deal, just needs carbs and a rear tire. From original owner and with 7600 miles! So excited for my first bike.

[@PureEvil1138]

My first bike was a 2004 that I got for $1300. The gas tank leaked and the choke had to be on full for it to run. It was awesome

[@johndemmink3539]

Good advice, Charlie.

[@akadog6319]

these are great little bikes. I bought the last year they made it. I went up one tooth on front sprocket 1 tooth and 3 down on the rear. I could ride it on the freeway. The new Ninja 250 and 300 NIJA could only watch it pull away.

[@calm7677]

I had a 2007 250 and have very fond memories of it to this day. This bike was comfortable, a blast to ride and super fuel efficient. 😌

[@hystera5466]

I’m going to be looking at a 07 ninja 250 this Sunday for $1800! Only needs a carburetor. I’m very excited to get the experience of working on it and practicing for my first motorcycle (:

[@EvolvingNaturally]

I too bought a Ninja 250H; the version from 2001 with a big ass aluminum frame. It is hard to work on the carbs because of the large frame. On the road now, I have put on 340 km in the last week. The thing I need to get used to is the intense revs this thing takes on. 100km/hr. @ 8000 RPM. It is very nimble and gets pushed around by wind gusts but I think this is a great first bike due to it's size overall. It is really cheap on gas even using 94 octane as it has a 12 to 1 compression ratio.

[@sparkygaming6525]

i just got my first bike it’s a 2000 ninja 250. it was my uncles, he bought from original owner, it’s got 6k miles, i traded him for an old iphone. got brand new tires, cleaned carburetor replaced battery, it runs amazing. but as a new street rider i figured it would be a good bike to cruise around town.

[@martinquinn3382]

Nice review, thank you ! Can you tell me about the riding position ?

[@pawpawbandit3871]

Excellent points about buying one used and not knowing if it's good to go - I think getting it checked over is a first must, especially the brakes and wheels/ tires! Totally agree, if you want to try a ninja 250 - get it as good as can be, because that's still not that great, as you point out. I actually had an issue where someone didn't hook up the rear brake right when I first got one and had a tire replaced, and yeah it went kinda unpredictably sideways in a heavy stop on a downhill and I was lucky I didn't crash. where I would disagree with you, is I would say to think of the 250 like a cross between a moped and a full sized motorcyle. coming back from Thailand and wanting a motorcycle in the US, it made sense to me at the time. But yeah, I also hear you about it not being the best bike and stuff. Feeling kinda hairy on the highway, and not being necessarily the most reliable or comfortable/ smooth on a daily driver basis - it is it's own thing kinda, maybe a nice moped or scooter would even be better for that use.

[@emmettturner9452]

2:16 “… that’s because it was designed in the ‘90s.” Nah, that was designed in 1986 for release in 1987 for the 1988 model year. EX250F was from MY 1988 to 2007. Technically, those aspects were designed even earlier since the MY1988 refresh was meant to make it look more like the original Ninja (GPZ900R) by adding a lower fairing. Same boxy flat-faced headlight, same long banana seat, same integrated tail with the blinkers moved onto stalks for regulatory compliance, etc.

[@hilltop4847]

This was my exact first bike brand new all black 2006 ninja 250. The only mod I did was the fender delete.

[@yetimolduren69]

i really like those old school side mirrors

[@Twistingmp4]

This is definitely a sweet machine. Still trying to decide whether I want the retro style, the modern 250r or a vstar 650. I'm a fan of all styles!

[@farhadwardak4707]

If you’re still deciding I just picked up a pregen 250r and I’ve never salivated over something so hard before 😭🤣

[@yoyodrago]

Get the past 07 Ninja 250 if you do. 88-07 parts for the Ninja 250 can be hard to get and the panels are expensive. New under cowling is 500 bucks. Now used parts IF YOU CAN FIND THEM can be pretty decent and cheap but depending on your color scheme, super hard to find when it comes to tanks and panels

[@Gasolineworld]

I got mine with an aftermarket single exhaust already on it, and it really sounds like a bigger bike haha

[@H3Row]

Pre-gen Ninja 250 is literally the best beginner bike hands down. This guy bought a 650 with patched tire, not sure what that has to do with a Ninja 250 in terms of a first bike lmaoo

[@kennethfrazee2540]

So my formula is pod filters w dynojet 110 mains and 3grooves +1 washer up on needles, 2.75 turns mix.

[@Aciecarter238]

I'm looking at one for my wife. It's same color in great shape only has 812 miles

[@kaceew]

I got my 250 because the size, not the price. I’m 4’11” barely 120lbs. I tried several other smaller bike before we got this one and I just didn’t feel comfortable on them. They were different styles too. I got on this bike and from the literal first time I got on it I felt like this size was exactly what I needed to learn on. Are the mechanics of this bike annoying yes thank god my SO works on bikes for a hobby. I don’t want to learn on a new bike. I don’t want to feel like shit when I drop it ( cause I have and will drop it lol ) I’ll probably want something else one day but for $1000 and super low miles and the seat height is so low I can actually flat foot!!!!!! This bike was exactly what I needed at least for now. 😊

[@Toxiex300]

Those levers are sick! What brand are they?

[@ryanvtec3885]

Had a 600 got a 250 for cheaper insurance yea the 250 is still fun just no rocket acceleration. 14000rpm sounds decent

[@TanyaMasters]

Oh wow. Im an older person. I always wanted a bike. I don't mind that its older suits me fine. Im looking at one for sale now but its only $300. A fixer upper I assume. But I work as a clerk at a gas station over nights. I'm 6ft 2. I would love this as my first bike. It looks good sounds good but its not something to powerful. I don't have alot of money. But I gotta buy my bike first to learn and get my bike license. I tend to love and take care of my car it would be the same with my bike. I don't I would ever part with it just because its my bike an my first bike. O don't need the newest the best the insane power I will never use. Wish I could buy this one.

[@afroman5531]

Honestly they are really fun bop around town bikes, if you are 6'2 I'd recommend sitting on one first and getting a feel for it because the do tend to leand towards the smaller side a bit. Check face book marketplace. They have many good deals and face books also has a decent amount of community's that are happy and welcome to help new folks out. Save what money you can and be patient, it will surely pay off. Just found a deal myself on a 06 ninja 500. I'd look into possibly something like one of thoughs, they are abit larger and built abit better. Both are solid bikes are solid never the less

[@terremoto..6809]

It was my first bike new in 2005 and i sold it in 2012.. i miss it

[@dartuno]

Good review, I think my first bike will be the ninja 250 but newer model (2008+) As I want to learn the basics of riding a motorcycle and not kill myself doing so, I'll upgrade In a few years after I get comfortable and either sell it or keep it as a toy for teaching friends how to ride Edit after watching video: I'm looking for a 400cc possibly, I'd rather spend the extra and have the bike for an extra few years, plus faster and will be more careful as I know it costed more

[@DailyMotor]

Thanks, and good idea. 300cc would be fine too, especially one with fuel injection.

[@hunterst0989]

I think the ninja 250 is perfect for those that are thinking about getting a Chinese Amazon bike. Having had both I can say for the same price as a Amazon bike you can get one of these. The ninja 250 will be more reliable and comfortable.

[@user6.6.6.6]

is that the tickling sound from the timing chain ??

[@REDWhiteblue-uh1zp]

It's been over a year..what do you think now? I hear timing chain slap between gears in the higher

[@kennethfrazee2540]

Pregens still pull ok w proper jetting, 08 and on is just a detuned wife bike

[@jeffreykennedy5956]

I like every bike for what it is. Ride it and enjoy. Baby ninja bangs 100 mph no prob.

[@benjaminrusk8665]

My older brother showed. Me u just sway the bike back and forth and you listen to the file of you can hear it your good for at least four miles

[@tylersholtis2388]

Thinking about picking up a 2006 ninja 250 it needs a ignition switch only and it only has 500 miles on it, guys selling it for only $750

[@devilsrevenge7393]

I use to ride a Honda Rebel 250 as my first bike. Riding around my uncle's land Now we plan to get me an actual Motorcycle in my name. Honda Ninja 250 from 2007 red

[@johna6968]

Why oh why do you guys over there keep removing the rear mudguards?

[@nvda2damoon]

upgrade the front with raceteck gold emulator you get a different bike... must do.

[@lyfekodomo9826]

Bought mine today 😊 I just wanted some retro shit

[@twotone3471]

Ninja 250 is both a Great starter bike, and an inexpensive track bike for experienced riders. If you are good, you can hang with the 600cc crowd on track day.

[@stephentaylor1476]

I don't think they sold this bike in the UK, only the 500. Also every youtube vloger talks about a beginners bike. I am no beginner I have been riding for 55 years and have covered well over 400,000 miles. I am 72 years old but myself and others like me start to find bigger bikes a bit heavy. So we start looking for lighter bikes. It would be nice if vlogers could bare this in mind.

[@seanhall4098]

Are these motors loud ? My son just bought one. Its got a tick, but when it revs up I don't hear it ?

[@DailyMotor]

Yes, unfortunately. I didn’t love that about mine but I was assured it was normal

[@ToastWarner]

I was expecting that “or crash and die for 2000 dollars”

[@BigStreams_]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with cheaping out on your first bike, and I would actually recommend it. My first bike was a $2100 dual sport that was rough and I had no fears of dropping it and no need for a big engine with high speeds. The money I saved allowed me to buy a nicer helmet and jacket. Newbies should should buy budget used bikes and spend their cash on a good helmet an jacket if possible instead.

[@DailyMotor]

Good points!

[@kieran.c7684]

I know this video is old, but it’s the tick in the motor normal? I seem to have it in my motor, and it seems to be present on every video I’ve watched too.

[@DailyMotor]

Yeah, apparently they just do that. It worried me too but I got over it.

[@yoyodrago]

Hard to find parts. New gas tank from part places is 800 bucks

[@Toxiex300]

I've been having luck on ebay for parts with my 05.

[@locochester]

I don't understand how you can compare a motorcycle of that age with the most current ones. They are different things. Compared to other motorcycles of the same era, this Kawasaki runs perfectly.

[@DailyMotor]

Sure, but if you're new to bikes, you're going to have questions about whether to buy new or used, and if used, how old to go. Someone inexperienced might not want to deal with carbs, worn shocks, and multiple previous owners' modifications.

[@mariomercado9513]

I’ve been struggling to find parts for this things I have a 06 where can I find parts ??

[@DailyMotor]

partzilla.com should be a good place

[@benjaminrusk8665]

I ve gone pretty fast ina 1.8 t volts wagon Jetta

[@user-ru2hz6nw6w]

2006 32hp? 1995 45hp??

[@user-ru2hz6nw6w]

32hp.?? Not 45hp.??

[@coal-rollinpowerstrokinkra7311]

Actually it came out in 88 and stayed for the most part unchanged until 2006

[@yetimolduren69]

hey mate would you recommend a zxr250 or this bike as a first bike

[@DailyMotor]

Not sure, haven't ridden the zxr!

[@yetimolduren69]

@@DailyMotor well ill probably go with the ninja 250 i hope everything works out fine

[@truthshallsetufree1295]

This guy selling the same bike same year and has 11k and it’s in good condition and it cost 90 is it worth it

[@DailyMotor]

90 what?

[@benjaminrusk8665]

I don't know who showed you to drive but swinging back and forth even at low speeds is very dangerous

[@MERVILLE3]

It was my first bike, back in the 90's and I loved it. The guy I bought mine from had it set up beautifully, with a gorgeous ZZR blue paint job. Also, a few quid's petrol did me for an entire week. Can't remember what it was but I think it was 90mpg or so

[@benjaminrusk8665]

I watch my brother get gravel scrubbed out of his back

[@captlarry-3525]

IMHO..too much bike for beginners, who should should learn on lower power bog standard bike like TU250x, old CB125, etc. after 64 years riding, I may downsize to this because it offer so much performance capability in 300 lbs... tall riders wont fit ...wide range power band is great ..but newbies haven't got judgement the brings restraint with it.

[@H3Row]

I have a 2003 Ninja 250 green. Great video until the part about spending $1000 on gear lmaoo

[@jeffreykennedy5956]

Learn to ride, don't be afraid. Use the brakes

[@benjaminrusk8665]

I like your video and the bike but the things you do on a bike are scary at any speed

[@benjaminrusk8665]

I would hope you don't do that with even more powerful bikes are car's

[@benjaminrusk8665]

It's not a bicycle if you hit the grid at 40 miles per hour your in trouble

[@elelegidosf9707]

Nope. It was not designed in the 90s, but the 80s. It has the classic 80s Kawasaki sport bike look. Also, a couple of points with your riding: I didn't see you do a single over-the-shoulder check before any left or right turns you made or before changing lanes on the highway. This "lifesaver" check is essential for your safety as the mirrors do not show you what's in your blind spots. Also, smooth and steady is the name of the game as far as safety is concerned on a motorcycle. The needless weaving back and forth across your lane from side to side that you do puts you at risk. You should be concentrating on what's ahead of you, not on the weaving, and furthermore you never know when a dangerous road user (bike or car) is going to want to overtake you and take some of your lane. You don't want to be suddenly weaving and changing your position within your lane for no reason.

[@benjaminrusk8665]

And he got lucy

[@benjaminrusk8665]

Fule

[@paulkingsweeney3]

Michigan whoop whoop

[@elicit6070]

The zx6r is much better of a beginner bike

[@Dr.Scumbag]

Looking through all these comments, it's clear not a lot of people watched through to your conclusion. Also, reading through all these comments, its pretty clear that the bike is indeed a good beginner bike. Your argument that you need to spend thousands on gear so you shouldn't buy a cheap bike is just completely nonsensical. Just like a used car, do your due diligence when buying, and make sure you know what youre getting into. This bike is an awesome beginner bike. Just dont buy one thats been thrashed (just like you wouldnt buy a car thats been thrashed.)