Kawasaki ZZ-R250, will it come here?

[02SuperHawkRdr]

http://www.kawasaki.ca/sportbike/ZZ-R250/

I may be the only one that even cares about this, but here goes. I've been looking around at EX250s for my wife. I saw on Kawasaki's US site that many '04 models have already been released, including the Ninja 500R/EX500. I noticed that the Ninja 250 was missing. Then I stumbled upon Kawasaki's canadian website which lists a new 250, the ZZ-R250 complete with a revised styling (mimics ZZ-R600)and 17" wheels/tires. Price at $6k CDN (~$4k USD) it would be a bit more expensive than the $3k that the EX250 lists for now here. However, '04 EX500 pricing is now down to $4799, likely to distance it from the SV650 which is a lot more bike for (previously) very little more $$. Therefore, it would stand to reason that the little 250 would sell for less than $4k. Interesting (to me anyway).

[RandyO]

prolly not, they were in Canada for 03 also, I know someone in VT who bought one and imported it. One of the few sportbike options for an inseam impared beginner rider.

[02SuperHawkRdr]

So there isn't a problem with buying one up in Canada and bringing it back here? Likely too much effort, and too costly at over $4k new, but it is an idea. Inseam isn't her problem (she's 5'7" but has long legs). I'm more concerned about her having a light bike with unintimidating power. Some people that the Ninja 250 has a really hard time with hills and that the bike requires so much revving that it can make a novice uncomfortable, in which case the Ninja 500 might be a better idea.

[Stoneman]

Originally posted by 02SuperHawkRdr
So there isn't a problem with buying one up in Canada and bringing it back here?

I have a feeling that Mark (R7) may know a thing or two about this....

[02SuperHawkRdr]

Thanks everyone for all of the helpful input.

[02SuperHawkRdr]

Hey, don't worry. When you are ready to move up Ninja 250s tend to hold their value fairly well. In a couple of years you should still be able to get $2k+ as long as you do a fairly good job of maintaining it. Since you ride one, do you feel that you need more power? Just wondering...

[02SuperHawkRdr]

V-

Thanks for the input. I know the 250 is capable of 100 mph, it just requires a lot of revving. I don't think she'll be going 100 mph no matter what bike she gets. I was just wondering if the 250 had to be worked so hard as to be disconcerting. What I mean is do you have to downshift 2 gears to climb moderate hills? I know that the 250 is very light (80 lbs lighter than the 500) but it seems that the 500 might be just as easier to ride if not easier because of the increased power. Thanks for your help.

[MattH]

Another happy ex250 rider here. In fact i have 2 of them. One has slightly larger tires and rides like a bigger bike (minus the bigger power), the other has a slightly smaller than stock rear and stock front, and the handling is absolutely incredible. Flickable with a capital F.

Yes, i sometimes knock it down 2 gears to pass or go up a hill, but the engine sounds so sweet i almost look for the excuse (14k redline, but i never need to go over 10). A popular $15 mod is to replace the countershaft 14t sprocket with a 15tooth; lowers revs on the highway and makes the the gear range a little more practical. Both of mine also have ex500 rear shocks. Makes it better for a passenger and more stable in corners.

Depending on my riding style, i've got between 60-90 mpg (yes, that's 90, but wasn't much fun!) Only other bike i'd consider is the SV650 (or a BMW if i was loaded). The ex500 is overweight and too long for my taste.

Your best source for info in the ex250 is:
http://ninja250.kingston.net/board/
FAQ and SEARCH are your friends.

[beet]

V make it quicker @ the stop light But kill your high way speed might top out @ 90 or so

[02SuperHawkRdr]

What he's saying is that you can alter the gearing so that it accelerates faster, but as a consequence will not have as high a top speed.