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Old 04-15-2010, 01:18 AM   #11 (permalink)
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I've ridden both. I love the style of the new redesign, but I hate the comfort of it. If you're a guy you'll know what I mean. They changed the design of the gas tank to go from a "cup" to a "point"

It's also less powerful. Yes, its more powerful in the bottom end. But it's a 250 with super short gearing. Low end is useless. They got about the same mileage when I rode them. Me and my riding buddy (who happens to be a girl and as such, she loved hers) switched them out, I would not switch back if she paid me.

In the end: It's prettier and thats about it. Save your money and get the used one (:

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Old 06-15-2010, 03:05 PM   #12 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by A_FITZ View Post
Well. If im going to buy one, I think the smartest choice would to be either buying a cheap 2007-2010 Eliminator 125 ((124cc)) for less then $2400, anywhere from $1000 (if possible) - $2000

OR

Buy the used 2007 Ninja 250R with aprox. 10,000 miles on it, for $2000 which to me looks like its in very good condition.
I would eliminate the Eliminator if you plan on doing interstate travel. I have a '09 BN125, and it took some mods (aero and gearing) to get its top speed to 65mph. Not that I normally drive it that fast, but when merging with traffic... do as the Romans do... then adjust speed to be comfortable. The Ninja 250R makes highway speed easily, and a simple front sprocket swap will boost the MPG right away.
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Old 06-16-2010, 11:41 PM   #13 (permalink)
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There are 250cc cruisers from Honda, Star (Yamaha) and Suzuki that would have the low seat and longer wheelbase.
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Old 07-17-2011, 07:17 PM   #14 (permalink)
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OK. The next paragraphs are from a few days ago. I didn't want to retype the whole thing, cause lots pertain to this thread. To qualify myself, I have owned 40+ motorcycles & have done 99% of all service & mods myself & for others. I'm fortunate to be able to ride year round, or real close. 2 things to consider when you ride a bike: pretend that you are completely invisible to all other traffic & everyone is trying to kill you. With those things in mind, be VERY observant to everything going on ALL around you It will help your surviveability.

I found this site a few days ago. I'm in my 60s & have owned many MCs including both early & 08 EX250s. I perform service on them as well. Several years ago there was a whole group of us that got together & worked on bikes (shop nites). We had a lot of fun with it & did almost everything imaginable to the baby ninjas. We were not into hypermiling, but we did gear up our bikes for better mileage. I have a 15/38 gearing. most of the others have 39 on the rear. The best mileage any of us got was 78MPG, but as I stated before we were not riding for super high mileage. After reading threads, from this site, I am going to see what type of mileage I can achieve with my current gearing. Not to change the subject, I have done some things to the bike which I feel anyone would enjoy, mainly with suspension mods. Part of my background is working with professional motorcycle roadracing, and as you can imagine the importance of handling is at the very top. A baby ninja can easily handle like a dream with a small amount of money & a little time. This is the major downfall of the 250. For those interested in the formula I will be happy to share. Other issues, which I feel are important, are related to safety. The original Ninja 250 site has lots of great info & how to articles for working on bikes. Depending on what part of the country you live will determine which oils you might choose. Since hypermiling will require the least rolling resistance possible, I would choose a light weight fully synthetic oil for the engine. Synthetic oils are so good, I use nothing else, including my lawnmower, and worth every cent. The chain lubes, in a can, are very good & my favorites are Maxima & PJs, O-ring chains rob power and will last no longer than a well maintained regular chain. Regular non o-ring chains are just as strong (tensile strength) and can be had for a fraction of the price of an o-ring chain.

OK, so here's my spin on why I think the 07 or earlier 250 is a better candidate for hypermiling. First. The later bike was made 30 pounds heavier & as much as 1 1/2 HP lower than it's predecessor, for the sake of looks. It's much harder to do service on & the parts cost more, except for the sprockets, which are the same fitment. The front sprocket splines are the same, but the earlier sprocket has the holes pre-drilled & tapped for the keeper locking ring. (which should definitely be safety wired) Maybe that was the reason for the change. I personally know of 4 people, including myself, who had the front sprocket come loose while riding! NOT GOOD. It only makes sense to safety wire anything you don't want to fall off your bike, cause it will more than likely do it when you're on a long ride & you're in the middle of Timbuktu, or in the freezing rain. Happened to me once on a Ducati. After owning many a bike, I would damn near kill to have that 235MPG streamlined 125 that's on this site. Or the diesel powered Thunderstar sportbike, which never went into production. And last, but maybe not least, is I'm not that tall, so I like the bar end mirrors better than the stock ones. I have no problem seeing out of them. I would strongly recommend doing the daytime running light mod (DRLs). Makes you 300% more visible to oncoming traffic.

If I can help anybody with anything, don't hesitate to ask. Glad I found this site.
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Old 07-18-2011, 12:49 AM   #15 (permalink)
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2 things to consider when you ride a bike: pretend that you are completely invisible to all other traffic & everyone is trying to kill you. With those things in mind, be VERY observant to everything going on ALL around you It will help your surviveability.
A bit offtopic, but I partly disagree with it. No one wants to kill me. But they might not see me, that's very true... and yes, it's a must to be very observant.
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Old 08-02-2011, 09:07 PM   #16 (permalink)
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alvaro84:

didn't mean you specifically. was general 4 all motorcyclists.
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Old 08-03-2011, 12:42 AM   #17 (permalink)
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alvaro84:

didn't mean you specifically. was general 4 all motorcyclists.
I understand. Yet I say no one wants to kill me. They may be unaware of me, but don't want to kill me. This is a big difference in behaviour patterns

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