My Son started riding

[pntypllr]

I am trying to find my son a motorcycle to start riding with me, he is 15 and has his permit, and I am curious about the 250 Ninja. The 2008 is sweet, and I figured before I drop some cash on something I have never ridden I better ask people who have ridden the 250's. So...can I get some input on what this forum thinks of the 250 Ninja, and specially the new one???

[ChrisB]

I cant really speak from personal experience but I do know a guy that has an 07 he bought as a spare in case he had a friend over that wanted to ride. He says its a great beginner bike and gets close to 80mpg. Its not a very fast bike thats for sure, I was able to keep up with one in my 91 miata
The new one looks pretty sweet and the price isnt bad so I say go for it. Maybe work out a deal with him where he can ride it for awhile and if he does well in school then in a year or 2 youll help him get a bigger one.

[pntypllr]

I appreciate the input, I am looking for something kinda slow as I dont need him going out racing people. I am sure its definately going to go faster with him due to him weighing about 110lbs. I plan on taking him to the bike shop and seeing how well he fits the bike, It sure beats the 250 Rebel.

[joelcool]

I've got one of the original models. It's truly a great little bike for what it is. Expecting a lot of power or a great suspension is silly - it's a bargain 250 bike. However, it's a blast to ride. I have just as much fun on that little thing as I do on my R1. At least on the 250 you can run through the gears all the way up and not end up in jail or worse. It provides a great platform to work on cornering skills - there's usually only one gear that's the right one coming out of a corner with anything resembling power.

I've never seen anything close to 80 mpg. I typically get in the high 40s to low 50s, but I wring it's neck pretty much all the time, rarely letting the rpms drop below 10,000.

The new one does look great. It will be interesting to see if they've done anything at all with the suspension / frame. Personally I was hoping for an aluminum frame, but the price point is probably more important to most folks than the frame.

Did your son take the MSF class yet?

[pntypllr]

I really appreciate the input, thanks!