FI: CBR250 vs Ninja 250

Simple topic actually that had me wondering...

The CBR250 vs Ninja 250.

I am talking about the fuel injected Ninja 250 NOT the carbed one.

Used prices are getting to be close.

Which one would ya get?

Both seem to be terrfic deals at this point and both are really close to each other on paper.

Thoughts?

I was not aware that you could get a fuel injected Ninja 250.

Regardless, I would still take one over a CBR250. The fuel injection on my CBR 125 is exceptionally bad. It starts well in the cold, and works terrible in every other situation. That bike would be 1000 times better with a carb. The 250 may be better, but it's a single, and it's a Honda. I have no interest. For me, the Kawi (even though it's 20 or more years dated), is the better bike.

US-spec Ninjettes didn't get FI until 2013 and that's on the 300. If you're looking at 250's w/FI, you're probably dealing with bikes originally sold in Canada.

The Honda is likely more compatible in dense-traffic areas or if you're a bit uncomfortable using the higher revs needed to get the Kawi motivated. Ride both of them and make the choice on which one you like best.

my apologies. i really thought the NINJA got FI when the redid the body work on em...oops

that kinda throws this whole thing off in terms of fuel injection.

how about new body style Ninja to the CBR250.

Which one

Ninja. 100%

The CBR is more beginner friendly.

Cycle World did another compair-o between the two. The Ninja's numbers are better in every way except price and MPG.

The cost with ABS on the 300 is only $800 less than the new CBR500 $5.999, or $300 less than the naked CB500 at $5,400. Food for thought.

In reply to Appleseed:

It's hard to understand Kawasaki's marketing strategy with the 300. They could just as easily have imported an FI 250, the same one sold all over the world, maybe added a few upgrades and still kept it cost-competitive with the CBR250R. Performance-wise, the Ninja would still prevail.

Now, they're creating a narrow niche with a Honda on both flanks - one with a lower price and the other with better performance and value.

oldsaw wrote: In reply to Appleseed: It's hard to understand Kawasaki's marketing strategy with the 300.

It's hard to understand the strategy of any of these bike manufacturers, especially in this market. Bikes in this range are all overpriced, dated technology. Even the new CBR is something that should have been sold (and probably was somewhere) in the 80's. I don't know how they sell any of them new.

In reply to Zomby Woof:

The biggest and fastest growing market has emerged in Asia. That's why both Honda and Kawasaki have built assembly plants in India and Thailand, respectively. High fuel prices, graduated licensing and high insurance make small-displacement bikes a good deal for riders. Sales in NA are a bit of icing on the top.

As far as technology? Don't remember many (if any) offerings with FI. Yeah, the technology is older and it is trickle-down from bigger bikes, but when has there ever been a huge demand for cutting edge features on quarter liter bikes?

The global nature of the economy and constantly rising fuel costs may dictate a change - everywhere. Who knows?

I am really, really interested in a Ninja 300 for a city bike. I plan to see if I can stand the ergonomics in the near future. This would be in addition to my K100RS -- which I would use for long rides.

Ergos. Yeah, that's why I said the 300 wins on paper. If you can't stand how it feels, who cares if you race the brochures.

I know it isn't going to go on sale until next year, but this looks awesome.

KTM Duke 390

I think KTM claims 44hp. Wonder how it stacks up against the CB500 in weight and horses.

I have a 06 Ninja 250 next to my Z1000, And still ride it very much. I paid 1900 bucks for it used in 2007 with 1300 on the ticker. Would love a 300, And that duke makes my pants tight