QUIKSPIN: Kawasaki Ninja 250R - Keep it Simple

 

Kawasaki's long-standing EX250 engine began life in the GP-2250 way back in  1986. Since then, it has been released in various guises from the GPX250, the ZZ-R250 and. today, the Ninja 250R. 

 

Proving that riders are a superficial bunch and that it's not what's on the inside that matters, when Kawasaki whipped the fairings off the GPX250, replaced them with the Ninja-esque fairings for the latest generation, sales soared from 829 units in 2007 for the GPX to 2352 in 2008 for the · new· Ninja. Even when times got tough last year throughout the global financial crisis, sales of the Ninja 250R rose again to 2554, while Kawasaki itself experienced an overall decline in sales by 14.4 percent during the year. 

 

And those 24 years of experience may also be one of the reasons the little Ninja has won over Australia's new-bike buyers during the past couple of years. Right now in Australia there are three 250cc four-stroke sportsbikes on the market. As well as Kawasaki's Ninja 250R, there's Hyosung's GT250R and the new-to-Oz Megelli 250r. 

 

The parallel-twin 250cc Ninja competes against the modern looks and uber-low price-tag of the Italian-designed Megelli 250r. a single-cylinder Chinese­built sportsbike which retails for·less than five grand. And it also goes head-to-head with the fuel-injected Hyosung, the Korean-built V-twin with big-bike looks. 

 

So while the Kawasaki is the most ex.pensive using the oldest technology of all three - it has managed to outclass its rivals when customers are parting with their cash for a brand new bike. 

 

The Kawasaki brand is the longest-running and far more recognisable than its rivals, thus perhaps holding its resale value slightly better. The tried and tested 24 years of experience is invaluable as far as spare parts, maintenance and sheer bullet-proof reliability goes, in a 'if-it-aint-broke-don't-fix-it' way. 

 

The general public is voting with its cash, and the Ninja 250R is the outright winner. It almost laughs in the face of LAMS. the scheme that allows learner riders to ride bikes up to 660cc single-cylinder machines, removing the once-enforced 250cc capacity restriction. 

 

So even with its basic suspension and braking package, analogue instruments. carburettors and tubular steel frame, the sales success of Kawasaki's Ninja 250R proves you don't have to be trick to be desirable - just tried and true. 

 

PROS

Big-bike looks

Cheap as chips

Economical

 

CONS

Pillion seat

Muffled exhaust note

Old technology

 

 

Protect your Kawasaki. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.