Everything you need to know about the ninja 250r

Interested in selling your old car and are located within the Washington DMV area msg me at [e-mail] The ninja 250 is one of those bikes people brush aside as soon as they learn to ride motorcycles. But this bike is a rewarding bike to ride time and time again. It only lets you understand the mechanics of motorcycling better and will help you improve your riding technique.

[@luceo-non-uro]

Just bought a 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250r - first bike, no lessons, stalled a few times but just drove my first 20km with no stalls. Could not be happier! SO pumped.

[@Kayyvr]

Year later, any updates? How fast did you learn? I just bought a 12' ninja 250r and it's my first bike. Haven't even rode it yet because I'm waiting to install my frame sliders.

[@hussainaslam.k]

@@Kayyvr how's it going so far?

[@Kayyvr]

@@hussainaslam.k so far so good! I've been loving my bike. I definitely took things slow until I felt more confident, but she's been running great 🙌🏼

[@noehasler8018]

@@Kayyvr the 250r is a pretty old Bike but does it still work good and also the speed? I‘m planing on getting one but i‘m not sure if it‘s to old Because a lot of Friends Tell me i should rather buy a new one (which costs WAY more) thanks for the answer!

[@Kayyvr]

@@noehasler8018 I love my bike and very happy with my decision. I was originally going to buy new, but I'm glad I went used for my first bike. Down the line I will probably upgrade but I'm definitely going to keep her for a good year or even longer before I upgrade. Even then, idk if I'll get rid of her. Might just have them both lol. But she's been soooo forgiving as a newbie. Great first bike to practice on and gain skill. I do wish it had ABS but oh well, just make sure to practice your emergency braking. Other than that I really can't fault the bike. If you are going to be doing a lot of highway riding then yes you'll probably want a bigger cc, but if you do more town riding like I do she's perfect.

[@cosmokramer4650]

Best review of almost any type of product I’ve seen. Hope you get many more subscribers and views you deserve it.

[@savalixo]

yes! i agree

[@ashtonjairo2063]

you prolly dont care but if you're stoned like me atm then you can watch all of the latest movies and series on InstaFlixxer. Been streaming with my brother for the last few months :)

[@trueKorvus]

I've had my '09 Ninja 250 for the past decade. It's been a great bike. I keep meaning to buy a 600, but I find it really hard to justify it. The lil' Ninja is just always so much fun to ride. And now it's so old, I think I may keep it and mod it a little for the track. New front break lines, brakes, rear suspension, clipons, and rearsets - though will cost the same as the bike. Haha. Worth it? Yes? It's been fine mechanically and I've done most of the work on it myself. Though, I've never had the confidence to clean the carbs. Maybe one day. ^_^ I still love it. And yes, people always say how awesome it is and think it's a bigger bike - until all 6" of me sits on it. Then it looks small. The nifty 250 ftw!

[@MattBruzdziak]

Buy a spare set of carbs and learn how to clean and jet those. You'll have your stock carbs to go back to while you're learning. Carbs aren't that hard to learn. Especially 2 CV carbs. I learned how to work on 4 carbs off of my zx7. Then, I bought FCR (flatslide carbs). FCR carbs allow for more fine tuning and are mostly used for track bikes. Enjoy your 250r! I miss mine.

[@kattmilk]

I'm thinking about getting a 2009 Ninja 250R, but it has a carburetor engine. One of my cycle gurus told me to stay away from carberator engines, and to get a fuel injection bike instead. What do you all think? There seems to be a big debate about them.

[@trueKorvus]

@@kattmilk fuel injection is a lot easier.

[@criticalthinker8013]

Can someone please tell me what year is the bike in the video?

[@trueKorvus]

@@criticalthinker8013 2010

[@aab6641]

This was an excellent review of a Kawasaki Ninja 250. I’ve had my 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250r for 8 years and have enjoyed riding it. Very reliable and I am not ready to trade or sell it just yet. It only has 8,800 miles as of today

[@rafaelverdugo3711]

I just bought one with 5k miles for 1k is that good ? What’s considered high mileage for these bikes ?

[@mudasirjan06]

@@rafaelverdugo3711dude im buying one for 2500 with 7k miles. Who the hell is selling a bike for that much

[@peterthebull8578]

Great insights. I have a Ninja 250 + ZX6r + ZX10r + ZX14r...and i still ride the 250 as my daily commuter/errand runner bike.

[@chadschrum1306]

Wow 87 thousand miles Great review I enjoy seeing how many miles the 250 can go I look for videos all the time about them I miss mine

[@adityapal8670]

Perfect long-term ownership review.. Thank u

[@tiernandaly5622]

Good review. Had my 250r for six years and still going. Made for shorter riders and city use. Change exhaust just to make you louder. Keeps the car drivers awake for filtering.

[@NCarolina4455]

I've owned my '09 250 for about a year now and I can confirm everything you said is completely true! Great honest video.

[@alandaniels6394]

Great review and very helpful. I've been riding 40 years, cruisers mainly. I'm 60 years of age and I'm seriously considering one of these and putting a bigger sprocket on the front.

[@kattmilk]

I'm thinking about getting a 2009 Ninja 250R, but it has a carburetor engine. One of my cycle gurus told me to stay away from carberator engines, and to get a fuel injection bike instead. What do you all think? There seems to be a big debate about them.

[@NCarolina4455]

@@kattmilk Since this bike has a lower displacement than most other sport bikes, it doesn't make a bit of difference to me that it's carb'd. I'm of course not as fast/efficient as an FI'd R6 but that's not the point of a 250 Ninja. It still has good acceleration, is very nimble and will take loads of abuse from new riders -- and that is exactly what makes it such a great beginner bike. Carbs are of course more mechanical and adjustable, so if you have good mechanical aptitude then it would be good experience to have a carb. Any of the newer bikes will be fuel injected. The way that I see it is, you can drop a good amount of $$ on a new bike wanting all the new bells and whistles but then total it because you don't have the experience to handle it. On the other hand, you could go with something less expensive (Ninja 250) also with less newer technology and still get great riding experience. Overall, Kawasaki is just a great brand to own regardless. Sorry this was so long but I hope it helps.

[@kattmilk]

@@NCarolina4455 Thanks for the information. I’m a female and don’t know a thing about motorcycle repair. (Though I do know a little about car repair.) How often do you have to clean your carburetor? Btw, I live in a very tropical area, so cold starts wouldn’t be an issue for me.

[@NCarolina4455]

@@kattmilk In that case I would not recommend messing with the carb too much, removing it requires a little more experience. However, you can clean the carb without removing it by clearing the bowls and just spaying some carb cleaner inside. You probably should do that once or twice a year, though I have never done it on my Ninja. Though I'm sure there's tons of videos on how to do it on this bike.

[@LightningZeusRottweiler]

Best video on the ninja that I've seen, very detailed. I just got a 250 Ninja and I am a new rider, loved what you said about egos and how this bike can humble you, which is exactly what I am working on in my healing of the heart journey. I have not rode my bike yet because I'm 4"11 female and scared because I dropped it. I lost confidence lol. But soon I'll be making content on my journey in this KZbin which I also utilize for my Dog training Videos. Thank again.

[@dimitiriemenzies3037]

Hell yea, i’n curious abt the insurance you must pay?

[@DonaldGMyers]

You can do it. Just go easy on yourself

[@erikjansen8597]

I just purchased a 2007 250, I freaking love it. I also like the square 80s look more than the new looks. It's a quick little bike. It is so much fun in the twisties.

[@fredericnguyen2251]

Very nice review. The european version of this generation of ninja 250 is fuel injected. I share your impressions about how fun this bike is to ride on small roads.

[@anthonybarker9019]

Just bought my 09 250r today after work. 13k miles on the dash. Couldn't be happier

[@larnoralacey9339]

Got one a month ago. ❤

[@ChildrenOfDesire]

Got my 09 250r late last month. Super happy with it!

[@anthonybarker9019]

@ChildrenOfDesire awsome!! I've been loving it so far. Already put 200 miles on it!

[@joep43]

Great Video. I have a 2009. I love it. Just started riding. Perfect starter bike. Very comfortable

[@levkranchevko1432]

A 2009? How many miles on it mate?

[@mahalalel7771]

I have a pregen 250r and it's a great bike and plenty fast. If your not fast on a 250r you can't ride. Remove weight, upgrade rear suspension to a 300 shock which is plug and play. Remove the baffles and she will growl. I've run 93 and started it every other month and no issues when storing it. I've went as long as 3 months between starts and still no issues. Like your vid.

[@sci-figuy6668]

I have a 16’ Ninja 300 & I couldn’t agree with you more about everything you said about these smaller sport bikes. It’s nice to see that you left your stock pipe on. I bought an aftermarket slip-on pipe & ended up selling it. The bike looks better, sounds better, especially when hitting 7,000 & above rpm & actually runs & performs better with the stock pipe. Like you stated, I just didn’t like the sound of the aftermarket pipe & it was so loud that I had to wear ear plugs. You have a nice RED ninja 250r!

[@frodeasperheim4923]

I have owned my fuel injected ninja 250 r for 12 years , still satisfied with it :)

[@dbtteam6352]

Is this the 2009 ex250k9f?

[@frodeasperheim4923]

It is the european ex250r 2008

[@dbtteam6352]

@@frodeasperheim4923 ah, I'm in the UK and I've just bought the 2009 ex250 so far I'm impressed with it!

[@romainc577]

hello, how many miles with her ?

[@franksoto6998]

I have a 2004 ninja 250 and I love it can’t go wrong

[@seetheflow]

I love my 09 Ninja 205r. I've had it since 2012 and its treated me well, but you are very right about the hassle of taking the body work off to do maintenance. When it eventually dies and is replaced its a big reason of why I think I'll go with a naked bike.

[@floridaboy7787]

had a 02 250 .................. man that bike was great !! drove the hell outta that thing put tons of miles on it ................. never left me stranded, not one time ...............

[@r1bayside276]

I’ve had two of this model. One on learners and one years later because of the reliability. Great all round day to day bike.

[@williamgorry6330]

Excellent review. Good narration with good audio is a refreshing change. I just got a 2001 Ninja 250. I'm looking forward to riding one again.

[@arturoperez2028]

Hey... another proud Ninja 250 owner... GPS verified: 99 MPH!! just awesome classic beast...

[@VehicleHunter]

99mph? You drop it from a building? Congrats!

[@arturoperez2028]

@@VehicleHunter no... only the true... :) Nice video!

[@SIMSPHERE]

I have both. A 2006 ( old school 80s model) and the 2008. ( like in the video) Riding the two, back to back the main difference ( engine wise/performance) is the older bike has TOP END end rush. The newer model, was tuned for MID range power..which, I wish Kawasaki didn't do. While top speed/mph is similar, I wish the older engine, was in the newer bike. It's just more fun, after midrange, to top end.

[@emmettturner9452]

I rode my 2008 exclusively for four years. I quickly realized that you don’t move your shoulders to see through the mirrors… you move your head. A tiny lean left or right can see around your shoulders/elbows provided you didn’t aim them for the viewing position with your shoulders in the way.

[@shiftyshamsk]

I've just bought a green 2008 12,000 miles. It's been used by at least 5, new A2 licence riders who didn't know how to maintain or care for a motorcycle. I stripped it and found fairing screws missing and various bad electrical issues, from mini indicators and a bad alarm being fitted. Two left mirrors! and 12 year old tyres!

[@FILIPINOTUNER]

The perfect starter bike. I bought an '08 for my sister two years ago. Had mixed feelings when we recently sold it to a good friend of mine. But it's all good. I'll still get to see, ride, and work on it from time to time, as I'm showing my friend the ropes in riding and maintaining it. Oh and I would've loved having this model Ninja as a starter bike.

[@ninja250motorcyclemaintena7]

My 2011 had an electrical problem at 10,000. Other than that, it has run like a champ. Freeway riding is my favorite type of riding on this bike. I've put at least 20,000 miles on the freeway. A couple weeks ago I went north of Yosemite on Sonora Pass, had a blast.

[@daviddonne7333]

The pre 08 250 was sold in Australia as the GPX 250 and this had a 38hp engine which made it a fun bike to ride. It has the 16inch wheels which on a small bike do not seem to produce the "quick" steering problem that can be experienced on a bigger bike but it's when you come to buy tyres that you wish it had 17in wheels. I'm into classic bikes so the 89 to 2006 styling is classic 80s stuff and it was very well done. Contrast this with the 87 GPZ 500 which I think suffers in comparison. Amazing fuel economy. - 30kms per litre which is equivalent to 84 MPG (imperial) or the US 70MPG you mentioned. I bought this bike for my then GF but have ended up with it myself. So good that i don't want to sell it.

[@LITLPoett870]

I’m about to start riding with my 250 wahoo 🎉 thanks for the video

[@souhailshamaissem7564]

I am like you mate, I had big bikes before but I found that you have more fun om a smaller bikes and they are nimble light weight and cheaper to service as well than a super sport bike. I currently have 2014 ninja 300 that is my second ninja and I love it. But I found a Yamaha xt250 single cylinder fuel injected is very nice too because it's even lighter than the ninja 300 and you do highway speed all day long at 110kmh in Sydney Australia. I sold my 2017 xt250 in march this year and sold at the same time my 2013 honda cb500f another nice bike

[@taylorbertrim7625]

I just got a red 2009 ninja 250 for my first bike at 35 years. This bike does rip pretty good and screams up to 12,500rpm

[@Stanging84]

I really enjoyed this review. Awesome! Thank you much for sharing.

[@meko6159]

こんにちは！日本のNinja250rに乗ってます、赤忍かっこいいですね！ この型の忍者が好きで世界共通だなぁと共感しました

[@Valenzx718]

Thank you for this review.

[@king63835]

I bought one for me in green color, apsolutley gorgeus bike and fast when you need it :)

[@KevinRoadrageGarage]

Take a drink every time you hear Ninja 250

[@yellowveedub]

I just bought a used 09 with 1260 miles on it. Sat for 6 years. Wouldn't start. Dirty carbs. Cleaned them fired right up. Super fun to ride

[@KidNamedKuddy]

Thanks for the video man

[@emmettturner9452]

I’d love it if they released the ZX-25R here instead of the Ninja 400 but it hadn’t been announced anywhere at the time. Oh well. Missed opportunity, and now they don’t want to do a ZX-25R or ZX-3R with the Ninja 400 in the same market. That’s why we’re getting a ZX-4R instead. Still excited for it though. :)

[@JorgeCruz-ox3ol]

Great video Sir! I just bought a 2012 with 970 miles for $3400 I have to lear how to do maintenance keep the great work👍

[@gmanlimitedanderson-0drisc211]

Great video 👍 there good bikes I've owned 2 myself I've actually just bought another 250cc I just seen to enjoy the smaller cc bikes although a 125 is probably pushing it a bit

[@phillipdoyle2679]

Great video. Thank you!

[@troyishii3931]

What a damn good review

[@stridermartisius9274]

My 02 is a gem

[@realarchang3l928]

GET THIS MAN MORE SUBS!

[@anthonydelcampo1120]

How do I know my carbs need to be cleaned boss man ? Thanks for your time ! Awesome video never seen such a god review on ANY product

[@VehicleHunter]

You will have a hard time stating. It won’t be smooth. And sometimes it will not start. Happens often if the bike is not ridden thanks for watching

[@sporty05]

70 MPG sounds real good right about now!

[@Mitchell666mni]

Appreciate the video

[@banzobeans]

Super helpful, thanks!

[@VehicleHunter]

Ninja 250's forever. I need to get another one. Looking for a first gen now :)

[@robinsattahip2376]

250cc is a nice size, it's not too heavy and does not have a ridiculous amount of power you do not need. I live in Asia where motorcycles are serious transportation, and very few people have bikes larger than 250cc, which is capable of reaching 90mph and cruising at 80 mph. When you use something daily for serious transportation you do not want a 1000 cc bike. Few bikes in America get ridden enough to find out, but those small bikes can last 100,000 miles if you take care of them. The analog gauges on your bike are so much nicer than the digital ones on the new bikes, mine is a 2019 Z250SL and I dislike the instrumentation.

[@pruthvipalsolanki2465]

Best of the best Keep it runnin

[@pruthvipalsolanki2465]

Review is superbbb

[@jaboomblue48]

I've owned 20 or more bikes and I can say at least 5 were kawasaki 250s im going back to smaller displacement😃

[@Janika-xj2bv]

Looks great in red.

[@mostills4017]

I'm way late but anyone who watches this and reads the comments--the higher amounts of ethanol in our gasoline/petrol has gone up which causes the gumming in the carburetors--also why everyone 4 stroke lawnmowers and weed eaters are crap after 1 year--ethanol treatments and 0 ethanol fuel and a carb clean will do this bike justice---just rebuilt my 2009

[@robphillips8351]

Excellent review 👍👍 really well and thoroughly explained. Never owned a street bike only motocross Yamaha yz 250 Honda cr500 Suzuki rm250, Honda cr125 Kawasaki kdx200 Etc.. raced but tore back up but it is a lot better now and thinking something like this or a enduro Etc.. does it balance well while wheelying..? Kidding about the wheelying learned my lesson on a Honda XR 500 50 mph whellys that loop out arent a lot of fun lol.. but man that xr500 could do 4 mile wheely which is funny because it was pretty top heavy and not very balanced, but a lot of torque and mellow power band..

[@VehicleHunter]

Thanks, re watchign this video makes me want to get another ninja 250

[@ilovemyevo556]

400cc is a good compromise. Looking for a first bike hunt the bargains anything from 250 to 600 cc... and fuel injection is way better than carbs, put FI to the front of the line.

[@emmettturner9452]

Another “bigger bike fake-out” that few seem to notice is the fender with molded deflection for upside-down forks… even though the bike doesn’t have USD forks. ;) It’s what makes a modern fender look modern compared to the older Ninja 250.

[@vrstovsek]

Great! Thank you

[@seH2i]

Well done, thank you.

[@Adel-sj4ue]

Nice review thanks

[@emmettturner9452]

MSRP for my 2008 was $3,500. I see people asking $3,000 but I assumed they were never getting that.

[@NoSaysJo]

Nice video mate well done

[@darnellbaird206]

This guy looks like yammie noob dad

[@ilovemyevo556]

I'll disagree with it handling better than a 600.. THe 600's zx6r/gsxr have so much better suspension and braking and handling ergonomics/seating position for sport riding.. This is a good choice for a first bike for the reasons you mentioned though. 600's have very thrilling speeds and better handling.. So if you find a good deal on a 600 that's in the 250 price range.. go for it... but yes the 250 is a very good choice for a commuter bike that still looks good and getting way better MPG. You could probably pick up young ladies as easy on this bike as a 21 s1000rr... as they hardly know the difference and probably care more about color lol. also note the 250's have decent acceleration if you ride out the gears. A lot of so called riders think the bike is underpowered but they're shifting too soon. For some people especially new riders the top speed 95 whatever is plenty enough to get them into legal trouble.. for people who only intend on riding about 65 to 75 this bike is all they need.. and cheaper to own.. insure. Maintain..

[@craigwhite7894]

Very good review

[@ikechukwueze5752]

How have I not found this page sooner?

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

I ride an L5 GSXR750 415lbs without me. I am getting my son a Ninja 250r 2009

[@ivanshmivan1848]

You look like YammiNoobs responsible older brother 🍻

[@PaulDobson-d2c]

Good video. V informative.

[@hanoitripper1809]

Nice review and very informative… Can you take off at the lights to get ahead of traffic or would the 300 be similar/ better? Is it comfortable to ride?

[@fabricemuhire8939]

That was honest!

[@alfaking456]

can you count the number of times that this guy said "Ninja 250"?

[@GFBESSA]

Is crazy that here in brazi, from 2009 and on, ninjas 250 are not carburated

[@VehicleHunter]

that is interesting. Here all 250's ninjas are carb, they made the 300 an that was fi.

[@oceanhome2023]

Wow that is amazing. !

[@lordmeme9965]

I only hate the carb that sometimes being sluggish on full throttle, its not reliable as injection

[@mirisbaruta2023]

Exellent video 👍

[@tantaloss8682]

Got one for literally 500$. Like what the crap, I could've bought a max spec blender for my daily fruit smoothie instead, but now I can just skip that, use the blender I already have, and get a ninja 250 instead. I do have to replace the fairings, though, 'cause the last owner dropped it.

[@vincentvrai]

I got one juat like yours if not better ;) Love the video

[@rafaelverdugo3711]

I just got a 2008 like this one with 5k miles for 1k garage kept very great condition is that a great price ? Works super good no issues

[@16driver16]

My .ninja 250 stopped having carburetor issues after I upped the jets to a 40/110 and shimmed the needle, over the stock 38/105. Idk if it's just the bigger diameter or the different materials. Your flooding issue sounds needle/float related to me.

[@jgrc73]

Love the vehicle hunter

[@dimitiriemenzies3037]

I reallt want to get this bike, there’s one near me for 2k, but i’m worried abr the insurance. I’m 17 and only have an m1 on ontario

[@iamguysharma]

Nice review. How much higher is it with the SV650 rear shox? I have a ninja 400 and want that my 250 has the same height. Was the SV650 rear shox on your ninja 250 here in the video, as it showed a bit higher than a normal 250 ninja? Thank you for the answer.

[@petergriffin-g4d]

hey man, how tall are u? and are u having trouble with your size?

[@asfia82]

im poor i can't afford even this bike in my country,its my dream bike anyway

[@arjay232]

I've got the 2010. Bolt for the cantilever assy on the rear has seized into the bearing between the frame mounts, stuck solid. Slightly iffy electrics as well mind, indicators seem to be a law unto themselves, otherwise it's a good little bike. Anybody breaking one for parts? lol

[@tennnis498]

Dude calls it like it is…”doesn’t sound that good, no matter what”…I believe that to be true. The 4-cylinder bikes sound the best to me, along with the two-strokes. But I am still interested in the Ninja 250.

[@javirex8]

Have you ever made a long trip with this bike? The bike suffer when you go at 120km/h for a long time?

[@VehicleHunter]

Yeah made many trips with it. Tail of the dragon and Canada is the furthest. But many times there.

[@mohdnizamhezmimohdnizamhez6465]

Nice bike

[@kwicksandz]

would you recommend a ninja 400 to someone whos considering buying new as a learner rider?

[@VehicleHunter]

It's a good bike to start. But as a new rider it's going to get dropped, you are better off getting a 250,300 ninja in the used market, and then a year later selling it for the same price. But the 400 is a great one, more power, usable power and if you can afford it why not.

[@topanlazuardi9251]

i recommend H2r for beginner

[@sinemart.1028]

Sir , you didn't show what is inside under that seat cowl ? Nobody shows what is inside that seat cowl in Ninja 250 videos.... Please make a short video on that under passenger seat storage...

[@grantwhitney8932]

Theres like nothing there lol

[@theredegg1]

Good stuff

[@Gimpthulhu]

What happened when the officer tried to give you a speeding ticket for 120mph???

[@bluefanatic7378]

How tall are you? i'm 6'0. Grabbed one of these this weekend and rode 250miles home. It was not a pleasant experience. My legs were killing me and my butt was on fire. for me, after riding for about 15-20 minutes im uncomfortable. Perhaps, I will get used to it. But right now, its not fun.

[@cf8960]

I'm 6'2" lower the rear brake peddle 1/2 in. that helps the right leg adjust the shifter level or just below the foot peg. Don't cover the rear brake all the time point your feet down and the seat sucks on 2008 and newer my 2007 is a lazy boy :-) 20 bucks on seat pad for motorcycles

[@antoined799]

Where did you buy the 250r? Also, would you recommend buying at a shop or online?

[@Aciecarter238]

Does the 2006 model have electronic igntion ? I would like to think it doesn't have points.

[@NimoAbass-yt7rw]

Is $3000 great for a 2010 250r ?

[@giovanhagar]

I think the pre 2008 250 looks better, and it has a centerstand.