My 2011 Ninja 250 review

[@operator8014]

0:55 If that crease is on your thigh, you either have same DAMN long legs, or your feet are in the completely wrong position somewhere. Get some aftermarket rearsets for $30 and problem solved. These bikes are made to be comfortable and usable for the majority of people, for general motoring, if you are a 7-foot exception, then you're the problem, not the bike. 1:22 It's a sportbike, built around the sport riding position, which is somewhere between semi-tuck and full-tuck. Other sportbikes have a near identical windshield, while most others have an even lower profile windshield. Again, rider's problem, not the bike. 1:47 It's $5,000 brand new and Kawi was alread selling them at a loss just to build brand loyalty you want them to cut corners somewhere else just to add unnecessary weight in order to tell you something that you should already know, or to close up a 100% inconsequential gap 1/16" wide, in some plastic that you'll never notice if you're watching the road like you should? 3:58 Those cables are fully adjustable... Adjust them! 4:27 That's every open-air vehicle ever produced, by any manufacturer, anywhere in the world. I don't mean to come at you bro, but a '08 candy plasma blue Ninja 250R was my first two-wheeled love and it's really enraging to hear these pitiful gripes. It's not a scooter buddy, it's a high performance machine. Treat it with the respect that it deserves.

[@andyvargas8590]

I just bought a ninja 250r for my first bike today, and I can't wait to ride it more in the morning!

[@tcs4]

+Cash Vargas congratz!! have fun mate and be safe happy riding!

[@714Octor]

+Cash Vargas really fun bike and good mpg in the city, hit some windy roads when you can and you will definitely see it shine

[@samuraiscyther7984]

I'm thinking about getting one. Is it a good beginner bike and is it comfortable?

[@ReligionAndMaterialismDebunked]

Noice! How was it? (:

[@johnrespect4215]

GEAR INDICATOR IS FOR AMATEUR... as long as neutral shows, thats what matter. YOU GET TO LISTEN TO YOUR ENGINE TO KNOW WHAT GEAR YOU ARE AT.

[@yeshidorjee]

Exactly man.....If i am the one who is shifting those gears then i should remember which one i am on right....

[@rei__takeshi]

Thankyou so much for this review, 11 years later I find myself buying one of these bikes and your review sold me. Amazing quality and earned you a sub. ❤

[@ethanblalock4511]

Dude, while riding a bike watch the road, not the gaps under the windshield.

[@FranopXD]

That's the 1st thing that came to my head when he said that

[@theamateurcyclist3873]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Good one

[@hisense123456789]

wtf is this guy on about its a beginners bike, its made to get thrashed if you know how to ride the bike you dont need no gear indicator

[@tommy23490]

You can adjust the play in the clutch lever..

[@carsontshering393]

That's what I thought too in the beginning but I think he is referring to the vertical play of the clutch lever, as in the up and down motion of the clutch lever as opposed to the forward and reverse motion.

[@acatibog]

This video is very well done. The areas you covered in the review are very helpful to people who are considering buying a Ninja 250R. Thanks very much for making it.

[@uum6]

Clear, friendly, honest review. Respect.

[@CalvinHikes]

Great review. Caught a lot of details. Nice work.

[@Simone.v]

Gear indicator would have been good, but there are aftermarket gear indicators for little money if you want to add one

[@calvinkodisang8159]

Most Honest Ninja 250 review ever haha thank you man

[@zak77702]

I gotta say, this review is VERY well done. I haven't seen this many cons about the 250 before, I didn't know it had the issues that you mentioned, and I agree with your philosophy on what it means to have fun riding (drive-ability not raw speed). I really like the bike in white too, still can't resist candy lime green though. You should do a how-to-ride video too, or something like that, your voice and presentation is great, much better than some of the other reviews I've seen on here....

[@dontaelyvers2626]

Picking up a 2010 Ninja 250 tomorrow as my first bike, mega hyped. Great review

[@KLH631]

Best review video for the Ninja 250 I've seen, good job. I'm glad someone else noticed how that bike likes you to go through the gears quickly, I thought it was just me!

[@BattyBitz]

I think this was a great review. You shared your opinions and told us what most people want to know about the bike that are watch. And I didn't get bored with your review. That's a lot coming from me. I usually have trouble sitting through 5 minute videos.

[@AndyWJay]

Really decent thorough review man, best I've seen for this bike. Be sure to review your next one (Y)

[@divisionisntprogress]

I have the same bike, white 2011 Special Edition. You're absolutely right it's a very likeable bike. I had planned on just using it as a stepping stone to something bigger, but now I think when the time comes to step up to a 600/650, I'll be keeping the little 250 as well.

[@chrisbroesky2932]

I got a Ninja 250 and like it alot. I actually downsized to a 250. I bought an aftermarket tinted raised windscreen for mine. Keeps the wind from hitting me when highway riding,

[@100puresent]

where did you get the raised windscreen from?

[@BrBaWe]

Loved this review! I almost want you to ride every bike known to man...just to give us reviews so we can choose which bikes to ride XD

[@venik88]

Man I've been looking everywhere to get these questions answered, lol, thanks man! Good job.

[@trademarkofaz84]

Excellent review. I took everything you said into consideration for my first purchase of a bike. Can't wait to post my first review vid!

[@zillatowntv]

I got a Ninja 300 a few months ago and every single problem you stated down to the paint on the handlebars has been 100 percent fixed. With all my riding time I have only come across 1 single thing I didn't like. The exhaust on it was too quiet. When I was on it riding at around 45 to 50mph I couldn't hear it and nobody else could either. So I got an MGP Growler exhaust and that exhaust is just audible sex. It is the best sound I have ever heard. Other than the exhaust every problem with the Ninja 250 has been fixed with the Ninja 300. If you have any friends with one ask them to check it out. You'll want a 300 over the 250 after looking at the 300 for a couple seconds. I guarantee it.

[@Shutuoandahoot]

Most bikes do not have a gear indicator noob

[@MovingUp7]

I always thought that play in the clutch handle was to preserve the joint it is connected to, and also to protect the clutch itself. Everybody squeezes the handle towards the handlebar grip at a slightly different angle. The vertical play allows that. I read in the manual the horizontal play is also intentional and should be about 2 to 3 mm at the joint.

[@pilotcritic]

Great job on the review! Lots of details, specifics, and close-up views. Very helpful.

[@belacor]

Thank alot for your review... It answered alot of questions that i was wondering. First of all i'm gonna change the dashboard asap when i get my bike (in 2-3 days) and maybe put some protection around the key hole. Thanks again mate, have a safe drive & enjoy the ride.

[@ImMIRADOR]

That is the most awesome review i've seen... so honest ! I love it !

[@matthewmotteram2863]

great review man you should do more. its hard to find honest people like you.

[@shiftyshamsk]

I'm picking mine up today. It's a 2008 and for 12 year old bike it's not too shabby. The bikes held up well to passing years and abuse given by young learners. The engine still pulls well if thrashed. Brakes are great. Panel fit and finish isn't bad. Gearbox is still okay. Suspension is still on the firm side as per other reviews. It needs a gel pad fitted. Definitely needs a gear indicator. These bikes rev so high you need one for optimum momentum. The only other part that could help you is a different muffler. Otherwise the bike is so quiet. Those dial's are very old fashioned, they remind me of my Kawasaki AR125 back in the 1980's. This is why I like it. This bike was made is Asia. It's a cheap budget learner. I like mine. But then I do also own an Aprilia RSV1000....

[@Cybanez]

This a great review. The best review i've watched on youtube. Excellent job! Btw, the big bike you were referring to at around 7:00 minutes was a ZX-14. Ride safe!

[@canwe02]

i cant lie man, watchin your video made me wanna buy this brand of bike. i was concidering a cbr250r but i think i might just go with this one for my first bike. thanks for the vid

[@Auto-Minute]

Make sure you tires are well inflated check your manual or online if you don't know your psi levels for your tires. Make sure your chain is always clean and lubed (a little free-play not too tight). Brakes of course are super important so be sure to keep your eye on the brake fluid reservoir (front and back). Those are the most basic check-ups other than the ones you've listed already. Keep your battery charged up - get a tender if you don't have one.

[@Earlosaur]

easily the best 250 review on youtube.. you covered so much thank you.

[@PetaBread27]

This 250R review is probably the best review on youtube.... He seems unbiased and knows what he's saying for the most part.

[@TheVagabondWolf]

this's the best bike review i ever heard, honestly

[@TR5T]

Beautiful! I'd love one to run around town. I already have the sport tourer Triumph but this is a sweet ride.

[@BenFilley]

a couple things. the clutch handle, is supposed to be a little loose, or else youll get clutch slippage. (failure to transfer 100% of engine power to the drive train) the up and down play is a simple tightening of the bolt on the under side of the lever. the most fatal flaw of the gauge cluster is not the lack of a gear indicator, its in fact a lack of temperature gauge. a 600cc sport bike weighs close to 150lbs MORE than a 250r. so they get blown around significantly less.

[@jwdonal]

Excellent video man. Great info. And, yes, being able to lean the bike down and go faster in the twisties is wayyyyy more fun than going from 0mph to DEADmph in a straight-away. Pz

[@Siwulam]

I can say I appreciate honestly with things like this. Good video bro. I own a 2006 v-star custom 1100cc and I love my bike. Always wanted to get another bike and thinking of a 250 for my gf to learn on.

[@VertSk8er12]

I was going to be going for the zx6r but you definitely helped me change my opinion back to a 250

[@DeltaDave66]

Love that white. Good review. I'm more and more sold on this bike with each vid that i watch.

[@christph31]

bEAUTIFUL BIKE MAN!!Love the color and graphic on this model.I had a 97 250 that was red and black..my first bike,rode the hell out of it and had a blast on it too.Thinkin about gettin another one,and between a Ninja or CBR 250.

[@isottatokio]

it was my first bike. so much good memories I had with this bike. hope still got it.

[@eren316]

great video, thanks for all your effort! You covered sooooo many things other people didn't... It's obvious you actually have one ;) thanks again

[@BEEBEE159]

Nice bike. You did a great job reviewing it, also. You were honest, with no BS.

[@schoco847409]

Nice honest review man, Love your bike.

[@Darksora79]

Finally someone who 1. doesnt compare very little thing about the bike to a 600cc and 2. doesnt really want about he is going to get rid of the bike and upgrade and 3. (most importantly) reviews the bike and goes in detail about what he doesnt like Thank you

[@AlexDemaree777ShreddDredd]

Excellent review man dead on with everything. They are great running bikes for what they are. Quick enough.

[@AlexDemaree777ShreddDredd]

I eliminated my fairing and tachs everything I made a monster outta mine

[@AlexDemaree777ShreddDredd]

Drill into your triple put dirt bars on. I don't get bad wind ratio without any fairing

[@AlexDemaree777ShreddDredd]

You gotta throw her around lol that's what's fun about practicing on one get down on turns every biker hates 250s for passing on turns best bikes for the BUCK $$$$

[@MovingUp7]

Yes. I purchased this bike from a dude who was about 6'3", and i'm about 6'1". I find the ride plenty comfortable (though it is my first bike). I have ridden my dad's 1400cc Kaw Concourse and I found the ninja comparable in comfort-ability. The pegs aren't placed behind the seat a ways like larger sport bikes which cause the riders to lean forward.

[@abafamny90]

Great review. I just test rode this bike and i noticed the gear indicators and side crease too. I agree that maybe kawi made this for smaller people. This bike made me feel good and i dunno if this is a coincidence but i'm a scooter guy too. lol. 150cc. Very honest review. Ride safe. Thank you.

[@23Devin4Hester23]

Great video. You gave so much information. The best review i have ever seen.

[@VespertiliKildem]

You said right man, the windshield doesn't "shield" very much, actually it concentrates the wind power directly to the rider's torso lol, it's pretty silly (I still love my 250 though). And yes, I've heard many people saying that the dashboard "looks" cheap, but hey, we can't demand everything from a ninja250. The CBR250 has a better display, but still, any bike is special in its own uniqueness. Keep rocking with your white Ninja!

[@jtech87]

@SuperSneakySteve The problem with the clutch lever is the fact that it rattles when I get up to speed. I can hear the rattle over the sound of the bike at 60mph. Most bikes are perfectly fine staying in one gear. On this bike you are CONSTANTLY shifting to keep the engine revved up. I went riding with my uncle and he has a gixxr 750. He never went above 3rd gear the whole ride, I was shocked. So I can understand how a gear indicator is not needed for him. But it is needed for this ninja 250

[@TheOther9519]

Some interesting stuff about the bike, fun that you start with all the things you don't like, good to hear on the design front - the other ninja you referred to, probably was new to riding themselves! Cheers

[@tlsimpao]

You are so right! I ride a super fast Yamaha FJ1200 that's a monster on the straightaways, but I seriously have to watch it on the corners because it's heavy and I easily feel the g-force.

[@JacksonWaldo]

Awesome video man, I loved it! You have a really nice bike there. I'm pretty sure I'm going to get a Ninja 250 for my first bike, something like a 2008. Happy Ridings!

[@brywillfraz]

Great vid man! i'm sold. Good job on the pros AND the cons.

[@Wisefury]

for the reflector. You can buy reflective tape and use that instead of the fender one.

[@HurricaneNello]

great review man... one of the best i've seen

[@awesome4surya]

I have watched 100s of ninja 250r videos and I must say this was the BEST!!!

[@Towert7]

An honest review.

[@slonestarkey]

Wow so many haters! As someone who is looking to buy my first motorcycle, I thought this one of the best reviews yet...and I've seen at least 100 reviews.

[@PlannedMayhem]

you mentioned about a gear indicator. in england it's really rare to see a bike with one of these most of our bikes you just do by feel so i wouldn't say it's as big a flaw you suggest.

[@PlannedMayhem]

your clutch just needs adjusting that's not the bikes fault

[@zooropa84]

Thanks for the great review. I'm going to be getting the same bike and color, or perhaps a cbr 250r. I was wondering why people always add fender eliminator kits, and you raised a great point on how the reflectors on the back of the bike are great for visibility. If people can see you on the road, that's just better for safety! Safety is best for new riders for sure!

[@locturian]

Thx for the video - I am buying a 2012 version soon (sadly, the new ones don't come in white :( ) - The things you mention as problems, such as the clutch, can easily be fixed - Either by tightening it or replacing it with a custom one. Also, yeah, the dash looks crap and is not digital, but if you invest a bit more, there's all sort of after market fixes for these kind of things... all in all, I think this is a great bike for the money and I can't wait to get mine :)

[@passat47]

Jtech87, great presentation! I must say I'am with you on the advantages of small bikes. People who have to have a 750cc or higher machine are wasting their money. I purchased my first bike a Honda Sport 50 May, 1966 and have never own anything larger then a 450. I currently own a 1964 Honda CB160 and Hyosung GT250R and enjoy them both. I'am sending you a video of my latest bike for your review. Keep up the good work and ride safe!

[@phreeze2thiz]

really good review man! im a new rider and this will be my first purchase!

[@lowrezmobius]

I agree with you about your story. I enjoy handling much more then speed in a straight line. I've got a Ducati 696, it doesn't have much power, but its one of the most nimble bikes in its class.

[@VenturiLife]

Those big bikes have to slow down to a crawl, then they must lean right over to make the turn. It's very noticeable. Cornering with the 250R is effortless, it just does it and you can do a tight corner at 40kph or 50kph in some cases. That's why big bike owners often miss their 250's as they're just so easy and so much fun to ride through the twisties.

[@WhoaThereHorse]

wow great vid. I like how you're honest about the bike.

[@1300Hours]

It would help A LOT, but not having one makes you pay attention more than anything and enables you to know your bike better, listening for sounds and the vibration of the bike which will tell you whether you should be gearing up or down.

[@TechViewOpinions]

I'm still enjoying my 2010 ninja 250! Not bored, great milage, and easy on the eyes.

[@boozsh]

I liked your video. It was thorough, descriptive, and professional. It was very helpful for a soon to be bike rider. Are you still enjoying the bike?

[@fleemos]

Thanks for a good review! I agree with you I much prefer going around corners fast and this bike does that really well. Just need to finish off the stock tires and move to something better to increase the fun factor even more.

[@ebparsa]

I have been driving mine for 2 months now. He is absolutely right about the gas tank. I am still not very comfortable. Given your height, I would adjust the preload on the rear suspension. It helped me feel more comfortable as the higher your bottom sits the lower your knees will sit. Quite frankly, If I were you, I would go for a test-drive on this bike and the CBR250. That might be a better bike for you as the seating position is higher.

[@Pablo0125]

The 2013 model comes out in I guess maybe the next 2 or 3 months. It has already released in Indonesia. It has fuel injection and ABS as an option.

[@heydk13]

Great video! I own this exact same bike and a lot of the stuff you covered is stuff that bugs me about the bike too, except on the clutch. I'm pretty sure you can tighten up that clutch to not wiggle and make the vibrate noise you mentioned. I've had mine since June and though mine does wiggle if I wiggle it, it doesn't vibrate where I can hear it. Also, I agree totally that it's more fun to be able to take corners like we can than riding fast in a straight line.

[@rickynieves339]

Great review, I would have to agree. Driving fast around corners is more fun than driving fast in a straight line

[@sammyskis1810]

best review on youtube by far thanks man

[@shaneweightman]

good review, man detailed and informative nice and clear, would be to slow for me but a nice lookin little bike that obviously suits your needs, take care and stay safe shane uk

[@SolidHang]

Nice bike. Good review. Shoulda statue it up. Best of luck with the bike!

[@therealMistahT]

Daily drive a naked bike for a year+ and then tell me the Ninja 250 isn't good on the highway. Just got my wife a Ninja, rode it 45 minutes home on the highway and it was a DREAM compared to my old naked bike :) Nice review. Thanks!

[@AudiophileTubes]

I absolutely agree with most of your points. Great video and commentary!

[@prathamhans]

RESPECT bang on review you make proud to own a 250 ninja

[@alxndrrss]

best ninja 250 review i've ever watched!

[@TheFlawlessFilms]

Not many bikes come with them, but you can get digital gear indicators easy, but they aren't really needed.

[@Wisefury]

Maybe that gap you're pointing out has to do with windshield flexibility together with the cheap plastic that could possibly break with the wind forces pushing on the dash. (Could crack) but I see it, it's a big gap.

[@shiftyshamsk]

Without the fairing on you can see it's built to a budget. Some things have Thailand stamped on them. It's a decent run about. I have a 2008. They will do the miles no problem.

[@5mcdonaldrhett]

All the exact same flaws I saw when I had one, I flipped it in 4 months to a Triumph Daytona 675 SE and I'm absolutely in love with it. 250r was a fantastic bike to learn on tho. Great review.

[@Loren400]

That's a gorgeous bike! Nice body style and color. Nice job. :)

[@jtech87]

@StreetFighterCalum I've already responded to another comment about the need for a shift light. Bottom line is THIS bike needs one, bigger bikes don't. The end. You are right, the gap on the windscreen is crappy. Thats what you expect from a Chinese bike. Not Japanese.

[@ebparsa]

Nice video. You're right on about the gas tank and your legs. I am never comfortable as my knees are not where they are supposed to be and I am only 5f10. Raising the rear suspension would help a bit as your knees would sit a bit lower. You're right about the windshield as well. I get a lot of air into my eyes on the highway, as a result even with a helmet on. You're wrong about the muffler though. A loud muffler could save your life as cars are notorious for not seeing/noticing motorcycles.

[@automotivelucas]

awesome review. every detail explained very well

[@theguyyah]

so true with being at 6th gear.. I tried to shift up many times when I first got it but now you can feel the different in all gear.

[@SuperHotjane]

Brilliant review, you told me just what I needed to know..

[@fatidus]

excellent review man! i agree, this should definitely be viewed more :)) I love the lean on this bike, its true, corners are so much funner, and this bike goes way down, maybe a little to down...as my foot once touched the floor while it was under the shifter xP

[@kozes]

this was a very good review. you didnt just go on about how good it is. you pointed out the bad too

[@jayjay1969]

this is a very good and detailed review. I Like this bike

[@drinzan]

very thorough review, much appreciated thank you :D