2011 250cc Beginner Bike Shootout - More than meets the eye...

[@wadeparsons1619]

Im 37 and recently got a bike,never rode before.Its the best decision I have ever made.I got a Kawasaki ZZR250R.Everything has opened up with new opportunities.Motorcycle clubs,errands,cool factor,basic freedom,and just generally finding a hobby.There's a certain calm you get from riding because you are so focused on your driving that your life problems disappear!Never will drugs enter my life again.

[@AudiophileTubes]

The look and lines of the CBR250R are stunning! Gorgeous aesthetics, and a great beginner's to intermediate bike!

[@cantstandzya]

I got the 2012 Honda CBR 250r. No regrets yet. Looking forward to a Honda CBR 1000 next.

[@djhotdogboy]

Great review - thanks! You are right, this is probably the most important segment to review, since many riders start here.

[@Seasniffer1969]

Love how they sound like a bunch of angry bees lol. Great review. Even a decade later.

[@AddyAdderson]

Now that is how to do a bike vs bike comparison.

[@Pr0Lapz3r]

Im 17 and started off with a ninja 500 with no prior experience and got rear ended and totaled a month later. Then moved up to an r1 and have no problems. It's all about self control with bikes.

[@JuanMorales-hw9gc]

awesome! I'm 16 and I'm going to start on a turbo hayabusa

[@RyGuyTheAVGuy]

Juan Morales SMH

[@Proff0ak]

Juan Morales I'm 3 years old and I'm going to start on a Kawasaki ZX-14R.

[@karu6111]

+Eggly Bagelface Best beginner bike ever...

[@OohhPajjelloo]

I have a Honda CBR 250 and it is great. It's really everything you need to become a good rider. The Ninja is also a great bike too, I just chose Honda because their reliability is off the charts.

[@LizGro]

Listen with headphones and you can hear another review in the background

[@clintonearlwalker]

I've been riding bikes for 40 years, I know all about 'em. If you've never ridden a motorcycle before, I'd recommend taking the MSF safety course. The one I took even provided 250 Honda Rebels to take the course on. Then you could decide if you even want to buy a cycle or not.

[@cheezgrated]

If you get a carbureted bike, make sure you store the bike with fuel stabilizer if you're not riding it year round. Gas gums up if it sits for too long in an open container, like a carburetor. You don't want to do carb work to clean out the tiny fuel passages if you don't have to.

[@LifeInDecibel]

(continued from last post) cbr. Plus the weight difference is because of the weight listed for the cbr is dry weight and the weight listed for the ninja is curb weight. Also, the cbr has a fuel capacity of 3.4 gallons to where the ninja has a fuel capacity of 4.8 gallons.

[@DJRaiderDnB]

Thanks for the great review... I'm looking at second hand ninja 250s and cbr250s and this is the most helpful review I've found. Very thorough and actually goes over the stuff that matters. Great stuff :)

[@EverythingisFire]

Hope Suzuki and Yamaha throw their hat in the 250 ring. Would also LOVE to see modern 400cc bikes by these companies as well in a modern sport bike look or a cruiser.

[@microflex22]

I'm a noob deciding on my first bike. My dad was an avid biker before he passed away. I remember him talking about how solid Hondas are. Of course he rode cruisers, though.

[@rosenfeld8]

the European version of the ninja 250 is rated at 33 bhp. Here in brazil, where I live, there is a different trim of the honda, it's called the cb300 and has around 26 bhp. It's 300cc single cylinder with electronic fuel injection, but it's a naked bike. Here it cost's about 1000 usd less than the kawasaki. The ninja 250 here is the same as in Europe.

[@cbsmoraine]

Very informitive, i liked the review. Like he said, better late than never. I am seriously considering purchaseing the honda for my "re-intro" bike. havent rode in about 4 years and if this bike is as "great" as they claim then i will be very happy.

[@lewininja250r]

you have a fuel light, and you can also look inside the tank and listen to the fuel moving around if unsure

[@Yodaismycopilot]

Good video. I have no complaints with the sound. I was thinking about the Ninja 250 but now I am considering a CBR250R.

[@sigilofbolias]

fuel injection is a lot more spot on with fuel delivery and chokes the bike for you on startup. its less tempermentle and just better overall by far

[@KwackAttackNinja]

@MrDarkAbsolute Im from Ireland and have a Ninja 250. It has fuel injection. It doesnt have a fuel gauge but it has a light to tell you when you are getting low.

[@TR5T]

I am not a novice after 50 years of riding but I would seriously consider a250 to run around on and keep my bigger bikes for longer rides. The CB and Ninja are fantastic machines and either would work.

[@clintonearlwalker]

Probably the most important thing I can tell you is NEVER get on a bike drunk. I crashed 2 cars when I was younger, drunk. I was lucky both times. I love to ride cycle, but I never ride drunk or even drink 1 beer. I know many people that do, but I don't. You always have to look out for the other guy on a bike. Cars pull out in front of you, deer jump out, gravel in the turns, you have to always be ready for stuff you don't expect. Best of luck.

[@ItalianSuperbowl]

Thanks! all the info I needed!

[@RafDBiker96]

man that had to feel scary crashing into a cars with a bike ,man good thing is your alright and have good experience to avoid any accidents becuase 40 years of riding motor bikes is a long long time and thank you ill be more aware of those dangerous situations :)

[@renegadebiker24]

motorcycle, so for a new sport bike motorcycle rider, what do you reccommend if I am not willing to spend the money on the special equipment that is needed for FI motorcycles? I have been burned by motorcycle repair shops in the past, and want to know what is a good motorcycle to start out for a new sport bike rider. I have ridden cruisers up to 650cc's, but I am new to sport bikes, and which out of those 3 bikes would you reccommend for a new sport bike rider?

[@valiyzf600]

The only thing bad about carburated bike is the extra yearly maintainance.The plus is that a bike with good carbs(with TPS sensor,and an excelent aftermarket jet kit) has an instant,perfect throttle response,an excelent power delivery and the sound is simply unique,definitely better than EFI.I have many friends with modern 2012 sportbikes and they all reminisce about how good carbed bikes like the old YZF range and 919 hondas were.The real improovement is in the brakes or lightweight materials

[@ctownsend3211]

iv been riding dirtbikes all my life and am interested in getting a sportbike now, any suggestions on what to start off with ? i mean i ride an 06 honda crf 450 for a dirtbike would a 250 street bike be too little? 600 too big? thanks

[@halllwd94]

No. The Ninja 250R is still for sale next year. The 300 is just an option. They look the same, just one had an extra 50cc's and costs 300$ more.

[@sethdog1000]

@JesterNM22 kids avoid carbs! Especially on little 250s, whose pilot jets clog, needle valves leak, etc., and that require idle speed adjusts at stops (unless you wait until a full warm-up - hard to do in cold weather).

[@kawasabi1]

I like my kawi but I wish the gears (expecially 4th 5th and 6th) were spread out so that I didnt have to rev the tar out of it on the interstate. I'm thinking of putting a smaller sprocket on it.

[@cheezgrated]

Have you test rode both bikes? Do they both feel the same weight to you?

[@cbolrabcikn]

I have a 2011 ninja and it does great around town.. ya it does have a little bit of trouble with the morning start up.. but during the day there is no problem.. it handles great and you don't need the higher rpm like the video says.. and the size difference between the CBR and ninja is quite a difference especially when you plan on changing to a 600cc or bigger. I would choose the ninja every time! and for mpg... I get around 65-68 in town and I weigh 185lbs

[@Acc0rd79]

wow 3900, pretty good. Prices have definitely came up. I'm looking to buy my first bike and I was told just get a used one but the dealers have some killer end of the year sales right now but they still aren't this low. I just need to sit back and learn more before I toss money at a bike.

[@sethdog1000]

What about a milder dual-sport for beginners, such as the yam xt250 or honda crf230? However all 250s (except off-road) have short wheelbases. (e.g. 55"). Won't 58" on somewhat larger bikes be better for beginners?

[@stunna735]

To beginning riders reading: its not if, its when you do get exhaust and intake. Modifying small bikes is cheap, easy, safe and in my experience a necessity. Thanks.

[@MysticalLatino]

CBR250r ABS ive had it since the 1st release done 2252kms changing exhaust this month. its an awesome bike! this clip says better late than never? l had a CBR250RR 45hp leaves ninjas in the dust so did my suzuki across 250 GSX-F all l can say is CBR250 welcome back bring in a new age ! ABS you cant go wrong

[@wming18]

From where I am the FI version of the ninja is available. How does that compare to the CBR ??

[@geesisfreak]

Ya know I really thought I was going to regret buying my Ninja 250r once I saw the Honda CBR 250r. The motorcycle show was just recently in town and I had the opportunity to sit on the Honda. To be honest I got right off and was thankful to have my baby Ninja. The CBR 250r did not even feel like a real bike. I could practically clap my knees together where the engine was supposed to be and I felt like I was on a dirt bike. I am telling you...sit on them both before you decide!!

[@cheezgrated]

Don't need five minutes to start the Ninja or most other small bikes. Choke on just a bit for 15-30 seconds; put on helmet and gloves; ride off gently. Choke off at the stop light when the engine is warm enough. That's my routine.

[@z06camaro]

I was struggling with either getting a 600 or 250 as my starter, I have been riding for 4 months and I am personally happy with my r6. At low rpms, it feels like a 250, but at 10k+ rpms..its a bat outta hell, best part I bought it used with 13k miles for only 2800. For your first bike, buy used, you can get a used 250 for like 2k.

[@saltlakelandsurfers]

I've owned the ninja 250 and it was a great bike i got great mpg i got around 75-80 its easy to ride but you do notice the lack of power during the low end but all in all i would recommend it.

[@whiteshadow840]

how expensive would it be to replace the carbs with fuel injectors?

[@johnston1820]

test rode both. ninja was pretty gutless off the lights. so glad i bought the cbr

[@ams914]

I'm very glad that my first street bike is a 250 ninja. Sitting position is almost totally upright, which I like. I will say though that first gear is basically useless and I am certainly getting to the point where I am noticing the power limitations. Although, if you aren't using the bike for freeway use, it is definitely adequate for practical street conditions and speeds. Not to mention that fact that I am usually topping off the tank more than filling it up. Great economy.

[@Sm00thCriminaal]

2011 ninja has almost went up a gran here in the UK this year. Not buying it purely for that reason. Shame though I wanted this baby!

[@Roxywilde82]

I don't care for the sport bike positioning. Do you recommend a Rebel for a starter bike?

[@Leagle18]

I have a 2011 CBR and I've ridden a ninja. Do you have any idea how good FI and ABS is? Instead of, oh hey, I want to go riding, let me warm my bike up for 5 minutes. It's 'let's go riding'. I'll definitely stick with Honda, unless I can afford a BMW when I can move up.

[@sr1215cl]

@razten95 Getting the ninja 250r is a very wise choice as your fist bike. Don't be fouled into thinking that its underpowered even if it gets 28hp, respect even this 28hp. Remember to just ride and enjoy what you ride no matter what people say. I love my bike and might never give it up even IF i get a 600r bike. If you do get this bike, then I welcome you to the motorcycle world bro.,

[@Terraceview]

wow! where was that filmed? amazing location! btw; best class there is, hope it will evolve into a bigger market.

[@TheFluffyWendigo]

Unfortunately for me I'm Schizotypal there's not much for me in terms of treatment but I see we you're coming from I enjoy riding and plan on getting something newer down the road

[@BraugPikeBF]

really!?...thank you man i was worried...but wait do u live in the US cuz i do and i kno bikes are different in other countries

[@stevecaissie]

for the ninja 250 what do you consider to tall? if im 5'11? thanks!

[@AgentTwinkles]

i think that the kawasaki ninja 250cc is the best motorbike... Mainly because it performed really well and it looks AMAZING :D

[@NikySportsPromotion]

trying to get a feel for size- how tall is that guy? I'm 6'2", can I expect to fit comfortably on a 250?

[@sr1215cl]

@razten95 well I must of been more accurate in how I said how much HP this bike has. You're right and I'm right at the same time and hows that? Though the motor produces the 33bhp (break horse power, or what it produces at the crank) but because of gearing it produces 28whp (wheel horse power or the amount of horse power the rear wheel is receiving). Hope this clears things up about how much horse power the ninja 250r has and this is the 2008-2011 years only, the older ones had less power.

[@roksonable]

i heard this year aprilia is coming back with rs250, which is said to be the most racing bike in quarter litre class...would be interesting comparison with this bikes if they acctualy do it :)

[@LiveToRidee]

this is a very good review, I have to say i approve! I agree the CBR comes out on top for practicality but personally I'd rather have the Ninja, I will hopefully be purchasing the CBR or Ninja within the next month or so, they're neck and neck for me but just because of the CBR's reliability i'll probably choose it

[@krazor8]

how much do these cost... as in range wise

[@clintonearlwalker]

If you are 17 years old, you better be careful on a bike. When I was 17, I was riding in the dirt, I crashed all the time. You don't get any crashes on the street. A cycle can rip you to pieces in a heartbeat on the street going 70 or 80 mph. They are great fun though if you are careful . If you've been riding 4 years on a 125 you could probably easily handle a 250 or 650, just don't drive crazy. Check Craigslist in your area, many great bikes can be found there for cheap.

[@EverythingisFire]

@Lazerecho Thanks for the recommendation. Hmm..I meant that I hope Suzuki and Yamaha bring out 250-400cc sport bikes :) I dig that Yamaha but not super into the dirt bike cross over look. Dumb reason, I know haha.

[@PerfectoM]

Man I want a 250cc bike too haha. They look fun.

[@HesterEdition]

Easy, not everyone is a pro out of the gate, My wife Rode a 250 Ninja for 3 years, then a friend of hers wanted to learn how to ride so we tought her and she bought that ninja for 3 grand (Ninja's hold there value VERY well) The lady that bought my wifes rode it for about 3 years before buing a new ninja 250, the person that has that one still owns it. so here we are now 10 years later and that ninja still purring along making people smile :) Thats what it's about. for alot of peeps it's plenty

[@kronicsz12]

im 5/3" would this bike fit me??? the 250r kawa?

[@Lazerecho]

@EverythingisFire Yamaha has had the wr250x already available in America for years, fuel injected and with usd forks, likely the torquier than all the bikes in the video.

[@gaivoron]

@Malfoysucks really? you have to wait 4 min to warm up? or you can harm the engine if you just go

[@MrDevanteCPT]

im 6 foot and 260 lbs would this be good for me?

[@leginimens]

i have been riding the yamaha yz250 (2stroke) i just bought myself and zx6r and i think its just perfect for me and i am 18 years old so i guess u will do fine on a 600cc bike

[@bboyhwoarang]

which one has the most miles per gallon?

[@clintonearlwalker]

You can't buy a bike by looking at videos on KZbin, you have to go the shop, pick one out, test ride it, and decide if it's the one you want. As a general rule, sit on the bike, you should be able to stand up with both feet flat on the ground. If you can't, the bike probably sits to high for you.

[@umaxen01]

Tu 250? Amazing how well these 250's handle.

[@PurPle5kull]

What's the difference between fuel injection and a carb?

[@kronicsz12]

im 5/3" would this bike fit me??? for ninja 250 rr???

[@WornOutShooter]

No, the 300 is a totally new bike. They are still selling the 250 as always and then adding the 300, It will be more modern with fuel injection, ABS as an option, even more up to date styling, and of course the extra power from the 50 additional CCs. Not much question that for an experienced rider the Ninja 300 would win a shootout. We will just have to wait and see how it works as a beginner bike compared to the Ninja and CBR 250s.

[@clintonearlwalker]

Yeah, I was crazy back then, I did a lot of things I wouldn't dream of doing now. I currently ride a 1992 Honda Goldwing GL 1500 SE, it weighs 834 pounds dry, I don't want it on top of me. I still love to ride, I've ridden for many years without any crashes on the street. My dad is in his 70's, he still rides a Triumph Bonneville. If you send me your e-mail address in a private message, I'll send you a few pictures I've taken over the years involving motorcycles.

[@kristenhess6685]

im looking for a 2009 kawasaki ninja 250r one seater for my 16th birthday in two years but i want a starter bike one that i can start on thats not to bad if you know one i could use comment me or send me a message thanks

[@KingCast65]

That's what I would go with. My first new bike I bought in undergrad was a 250 KLR that spent, what 95% of its life.... on the road.

[@1what2the3duck4]

it may be 14 in your country, but have you ever stopped to consider that it may differ around the world?

[@weestevencee]

yeah i think the honda cbr 250r will be my next bike though it costs more in the UK which sucks and will be my 3RD bike hopefully since we start of on 50cc bikes here in the UK though my Rieju RS2 50cc reached 62MPH (99.7 kph) (1st BIKE) and my current bike the honda cbr 125R 07 modal reaches 73MPH (117.4 kph) (2ND BIKE)

[@02thered]

I love this motor!

[@hclrain]

Does anyone know what kind of jacket he has on?

[@PhilipT491]

does anyone know if the cbr250r is available in the UK?

[@LifeInDecibel]

I have to disagree with a few statements in this video. The ninja shouldn't be knocked because it has carbs. FI might be better for performance, but carbs are cheaper to work on. Fuel injectors do clog. Also I don't understand how the ninja can be an inconvenience in daily riding to where the cbr isn't. The ninja has a higher compression ratio than the cbr. It's 11.6:1 on the ninja vs 10.7:1, which means the ninja will reach higher speeds faster. The torque difference is only .9 in favor of the

[@TheExopolitics]

waiting for the aprilia's new rs250. if it ever comes out...

[@dexiedude]

OMG a choke??? SEROUSLY MAN, it takes me 10-15 sec to get my bike started on a cold (30-40F) morning, even after I haven't ridden it for a week or more.

[@TemRMRF]

as mentioned in the video, they are for beginners

[@WRXnumberSeven]

Could you start on a R6 with no bike experience?

[@halllwd94]

The 250 and 300 both have the same body style. The only difference OS no abs option on the 250 and the engine size

[@halllwd94]

Hmm, I thought it showed them the same on the website. Oh well. both are equally good bikes. I just wish they had better brakes for them both

[@xthegrim]

@bollaholla1 I am 6'0 190, the new ninja should treat you well, I have an 07 which has around 12% less hp. I bought the thing new and I have thrown 12200 miles on it. I did use the bike on a non-stop 24 hour trip to Florida and then again coming back at 9k or so. After enough time with the bike you start to get a good look at it's short comings. I bought mine new for 3k so it was definitely worth it, just be sure to shop around.

[@Kingzcstm]

If you jet a ninja, remove the airbox and put cone filters on the carb, and get a yoshi exhaust.. The ninja will do about 125 and the 0-60 is 6 secs

[@zlyable]

what do u mean by 'Beginner'? new to motorcycles or new to sportbikes? o.O

[@airthief36]

I like the looks of the hyosung. I just like the flat front instead of the bird beak. However, I'll stick with honda. They are amazingly made bikes that last forever.

[@halllwd94]

I agree, getting your endorsement on an R6.. Almost impossible. Take the MSF Class. They provide 250's, That would be the size I would recommend. But a 300 or 500 may work depending on how easy it comes to you. Starting on an R6 is like going to the NFL having never played football. I've ridden 2 in my life. And the first time it was too much. the second time I had more experience. And having experience is key. To everything really. So i'd say start small. Saves on insurance too and bills

[@Fuktupratbag]

Carbed is prob one of the reasons the bike is a best seller. rides smooth carbed.

[@Sampson712]

Full throttle 3 way drag race 1:45 AWESOME

[@alehax27]

@manenkoff To each his own. I got into motorcycles for the adrenaline rush and a 250 would not have provided that for me. Motorcycles are not as scary as some people make them seem. If you want to start on a 600, then go for it. All you need is to pass the msf course. Since I started riding, I've met people who started on 1000s without problems.

[@jakejudson8578]

AleRicoSuave i get adrenalin rushes on my 250

[@halllwd94]

How come no one thinks of the brakes? Did anyone notice how the kept the same one small disc as the 250? And how they were under powered for a 250??? I think it's more value to buy a used bike and add a few things and clean it up, Then sell it for more than you bought it for.

[@TheMotoCraze]

Hyosung has a combined air/oil cooling, there's in an oil cooler on the front. It's almost as reliable as Japanese bikes, a friend of mine got one. Great value for the money. @GOBbluthagain Megelli's 250 bikes are not in serial production yet. They produced a very limited quantity of 250s, and it stopped. And it's not that good anyway, except for the look.

[@GOBbluthagain]

guess the bennche megelli 250r never coming to us shores