75 MPG Ninja 250R

[Rchop]

75 MPG Ninja 250R

Well, I just bought one today. No power berore 7k rpm. I bought it to use on my 14 mile (one way) commute through the 2 lane backroads to work. I can leave my Cadillac STS in the garage or my F350 dually parked in front of my house. Should pay for itself in in the 15 months I have left before I retire in gas savings with the 75mpg it's supposed to get. It is a blast to ride if you realize that it's not a speed demon.
Ride report will be posted after a couple of weeks of riding.

http://members.cox.net/frsengineering/2231-640.jpg

[BobFV1]

Bichen! My son has one of those as an everyday bike - he likes it and he is able to ride it out on the freeway with a little coaxing.

Congrats!

[DJ Down Under]

I rode a friends last year..I was riding it like my RR and thought..gees this is a bit average..then I looked down at the tach..saw that I was only reving it to about 5,500 and saw that redline was way up at about 12 or 14,000....I gave it some stick..and wow...it gets up and goes....(for such a pissy little bike)..:003:.

Congrats...it should be lots of fun through the traffic...and it should run on the smell of an oily rag.

DJ

[Rchop]

Yeah, I went to the dealer and offered them 3400 OTD. This was an advertised price available in Santa Ana about 60 miles from me. The held out for the gas money it would take me to get there and back. Not a bad price though for 3450 OTD.

[Acacia]

My neighbor has one.
He is about 110lbs wet - and on a recent ride he got to 102mph in front of me - an speed according to my cycle computer, not speedo reading.

Seem to be nice little bikes.

I was surprised this week -on my 1150R - riding two days with a a co-worker -he on his HD Sportster - an 883 bored to 1200 - he was getting 47mpg and I, 51mpg - for the 78 mile daily round trip of mixed traffic. Surpised me!

[Bonnie]

I had a baby Ninja for a couple of years when I got back into riding and it is a fun bike and fairly easy to maintain yourself. It doesn't do anything until 8000 rpm. I've ridden it on all-day rides at 80 mph (on the speedometer) on the freeway and you can still pass if you downshift. You can pass most Harley's on the way to Sturgis. I don't remember getting 75 mpg--60 is more like it. I had it up to about 100mph true speed on a long straight downhill, but it felt very unsteady. There's a nice forum with a lot of maintenance FAQ's:

www.ninja250.net

I have a F650 GS and like it a lot, but if the Ninja 250 was the only bike I could ride, I'd have one again.

Bonnie

[R4R&R]

The last place I worked, I shared garage space with a guy that had a 250 ninja. He rode that thing all over the place, actually had a couple of them. He rode it in the Iron Butt ralley a few years back - his name was Leon, and I think he runs that forum. Great guy, used to be an MSF instructor and knew alot about riding. He had an extended capacity tank on one of his ninjas and literally rode it all over the U.S.. He made fun of my 'big' BMW when I got it.

Good bikes though. I have a friend that has one for sale if anyone is interested. It's the Kawi green color. Something like 1800 miles.

[Wild Will]

this little and lithe machine has a distinct advantage - weight. It also has a superb and bulletproof engine. They have a race class just for these machines, and grown men drag knees with precise abandon and love the way it will corner. It has cheap suspension. What doesn't? You can rectify that. I predict with the gun to our heads at every gas station, these bikes will grow in popularity fast. They are the ONLY choice within their class. All it's competitors are little cruisers. If the foot pegs are not beneath my butt, I won't ride the thing! This ain't a rolling barcalounger! When you have it broken in, you'll love the engine and the red line. It's a blast on a crooked road!
I've been away for a few days, racing my vintage 2 stroke go kart with a fun bunch of old guys. Hope I haven't missed anything monumental...

[Bones]

Will,
No monuments erected or taken down while you were away.

Jeff

[DarthRider]

My friend Ralph's ex-wife had a 250 Ninja and could ride the wheels off it.
We had a Ducati club in the 90's and Gail went with us once. We red-riding boys of the taught wrist were winding them up and poor Gail had to ride WFO just to stay in the next zip-code.
We got to the town we had preselected for lunch and were already in the cafe drinking Cokes when poor Gail arrived on the little Ninjette with it's tongue hanging out.
After lunch we went to leave and the little bike wouldn't start. Her husband/my engine builder Ralph pulled the plugs and we were all laugh-out-loud-amazed to see the ground electrodes burned completely off both plugs!
How in the hell had this thing made it all the way there at whatever the hell the red-line is! I guess it was glow-plug dieseling but it made it.
Ralph was afraid the motor was burned up or full of metal but when he installed the just bought farm & auto store plugs she fired right up and ran like a fast top for the remaining two years they were together.
I don't know where it is now but I wish I had it.
One of the gals at work of the "butch" persuasion got one the other day. I've never ridden with her 'cause I'm afraid of her but she says it runs "damn good and you better not laugh". I won't!
Bob - she's a MSF BRC instructor. If you're ever in town I'll be happy to introduce you.

Dave

[Deans BMW]

The Rider of Darth said,


'cause I'm afraid of her but

HMMM, sounds like a cheezy thing to say, IMHO.

[Bake]

My '05 F650GS has returned 70 mpg if just cruising at around 65. I re-geared mine with 3 less teeth at the back. Runs 82 mph at 5,000 rpm now.

[Rchop]

I have only used it one day to work and back so far. I used the mototune break-in method on it on Saturday (http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm). It has been a good method for me in the past and it really worked great on this little motor. The increase in the amount of power and throttle response after just the 20 mile break-in is phenomenal.
I installed my xm on it on Sunday and was able to listen to my tunes all the way to work and back. This bike reminds me of when I started riding. The sheer fun of the ride without any of the worry about the weight and power of more well endowed bikes is still there. Don't get me wrong...I love the speed and power of my other bikes but for just mindless fun...this bike is great! It reminds me of the RD350 I used to tear around the Santa Cruz mountains with. Never used the brakes much...just lean and hang on. We didn't even know to put our knees down then. Doesn't have the power of that 2 cycle motor but the weight feels the same.
Anyway...as you can see, I'm glad I got it. Now where did I park that Custom Beemer...I'm jonesing for some torque:028: :028:

[rider]

I bought one of these little things on eBay a few months ago, it had been thoroughly abused but runs pretty strong for it's size. I'm in the process of sortin' out the cosmetics, it's half red / half green right now... parts are cheap and plentiful, picked up a spare engine/trans for $350.00 with only 1800 miles on it!

I originally had the notion that I'd take it to Bonneville and see if I could do the "130 mph club" thing with it (bought the spare engine 'cuz of that) but it's been so much fun to zap around on I decided not to thrash it on the salt. And now, I've been given an '86 model, and I like the early wheels better and it has 32mm carbs instead of 30's and, and... so maybe next year I can put together a "race bike" out of these two, and I'll buy a new one for local riding! And you nailed it, Randy- it brings back the joy of riding from when I was just a pup...

Ed

[Wild Will]

be unafraid, Grasshopper - just show 'her' the equipment she wants more than anything, and you'll have no more trouble from her! Uh, I think...

[DarthRider]

Uh, Wild Will...I don't *have* the equipment she wants more than anything.
But she's all over a couple of dyke-ettes that do!
In the meanwhile, I remain afraid...very afraid.

Dave

[Rchop]

I finally have enough break-in miles on the little Ninja to do some upgrades. It turned over 2k miles a couple of weeks ago and the increase in compression stopped about 500 miles ago.

The bike has been a blast to ride but it's seriously lacking in the lower range. I know it can give more if treated to the right upgrades so I tore into it.

I removed the vapor recovery system and installed an open tank vent. I also removed all the airbox system and remade the battery box. I replumbed all the carb hoses and valves for a snappier throttle response. This included drilling the vacuum slide control openings for faster response (1/8 inch). New 112 jets were installed with new needles set up about 6 clicks. I also upsized the pilot jets to a 40 size.

I installed new K&N high flow ovals and finished it off with a larger stainless steel 2 into 1 header topped off with a Muzzy wide open polished aluminum can.

I reassembled all the plastic parts with new stainless allen head fasteners since we all know stainless screws are Faster

The results have been very satisfying. The increased throttle response in the lower rpm ranges is phenomenal for this small motor. I can go through tight corners in the next higher gear than the stock setup and I don't find myself bumping off the 13k rev limiter any more because I don't need to take it that high for the speed and acceleration I'm looking for.
The best thing has been the sound!! The new Muzzy exhaust system makes it sound "grown up".

Here are some pics of the work:

http://members.cox.net/frsengineering/100_0423.jpg

http://members.cox.net/frsengineering/100_0428.jpg

Carbs are disassembled for the upgrades

[Rchop]

All the factory airbox and evaporative recovery plumbing have been removed leaving a lot of space...

http://members.cox.net/frsengineering/100_0427.jpg

http://members.cox.net/frsengineering/100_0426.jpg

[Rchop]

Upgraded carbs and filters have a lot of room now...

http://members.cox.net/frsengineering/100_0430.jpg

http://members.cox.net/frsengineering/100_0431.jpg

http://members.cox.net/frsengineering/100_0432.jpg

[Rchop]

The new exhaust and final assembly complete...

http://members.cox.net/frsengineering/100_0433.jpg

http://members.cox.net/frsengineering/100_0436.jpg

[fnfalman]

I've been trying to buy one of these Ninjettes for my niece but there are NONE available left in New Mexico. I'll have to wait for next year's model to ship.

[vintagecycle]

I've been intrigued by this bike for some time now, even posted about it a while back.
I think it would be a hoot of a commuter and occasional backroad burner.
I'm seeing a whole hell of a lot more of them on the road here in Northern CA now that gas prices are where they are.
Used ones can be found with silly-low mileage for reasonable prices....

[Rchop]

It's a great commuter as long as you don't have to use the freeway. It's easy to take it up to 80+ on the backroads but 70 mph cruising on the freeway is a pain. I use it for a 28 mile roundtrip commute on two lane twistys. It's perfect for that and it will fit on the rack on the back of my 5th wheel. It will be a good grocery getter when I'm camping.

[DarthRider]

Randy, I just checked out your pics on P1 of this thread...everything you touch just looks so *clean*! And I don't mean just "S100 clean"...you know what I mean.

Your comment:
"...I reassembled all the plastic parts with new stainless allen head fasteners since we all know stainless screws are Faster..."

Funny you should say that...I'm on my way out to the shop to install a 2-lb. sack of stainless fasteners on the new KLR. That's always in my first 2 or 3 mods on any new bike.
Except the damn Speedy...they used SS at the factory! How inconsiderate.
But a vendor sent me a box of titanium bits for it...Hoochie Mama!

[Rchop]

thanks Dave, let's see some pics of those bikes. After seeing your other bikes, I know you have the same standards I do!

ohhhh....titanium bits get me all Betty Crocker:naughty: :naughty:

[DarthRider]

OK Betty...I mean Randy, I'll try to get some pics up tonight of the new toy.

[geechie]

Randy wrote:

It will be a good grocery getter when I'm camping.

Well you oughta be able to get back with the ice cream before it melts, anyway.

George

[Rchop]

Check this link...http://www.motorcyclistcafe.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2080

The Ninja is for sale.

[Griffon]

Thanks for pointing me to this thread Randy! Are the newer models still basically the same engine as when you did all these mods? Also, how much did you spend hotting up this littlest Ninja?

[isiahstites]

I remember the "little ninja"........I know Randy really enjoyed that bike and I even rode it a few times and had my fun, but I always looked at it like a fat chick........there fun until your friends see you on one.

Scott

[Donson]

Hey Scott,dont let these Guys see You on a Harley--You WILL be getting Dis-respected!

[Donson]

I forgot the little Smiley-Face

[isiahstites]

Hey Scott,dont let these Guys see You on a Harley--You WILL be getting Dis-respected!


I know!! That's part of the reason I sold all of them, I got no respect!

[Rchop]

Thanks for pointing me to this thread Randy! Are the newer models still basically the same engine as when you did all these mods? Also, how much did you spend hotting up this littlest Ninja?

I haven't kept up with them Jeremy, but I assume they are still pretty much the same. I bought the Jet kit on eBay. The K&N pod filters were ordered online also. The most expensive part was the Muzzy exhaust system since there wasn't any other company that made a decent exhaust system for that bike at the time. I probably spent less than $500 for all of it...sorry to say, I don't remember exactly how much. I bought a few extra jets and experimented some to find the best combination for the way I wanted it. It was any easy set-up, just time consuming to remove the carbs to change the jet and needle set-up between test rides around the neighborhood.

[Griffon]

I haven't kept up with them Jeremy, but I assume they are still pretty much the same. I bought the Jet kit on eBay. The K&N pod filters were ordered online also. The most expensive part was the Muzzy exhaust system since there wasn't any other company that made a decent exhaust system for that bike at the time. I probably spent less than $500 for all of it...sorry to say, I don't remember exactly how much. I bought a few extra jets and experimented some to find the best combination for the way I wanted it. It was any easy set-up, just time consuming to remove the carbs to change the jet and needle set-up between test rides around the neighborhood.

Wow! That's great news! It's probably a safe bet the aftermarket has improved in the last little while. I don't mind taking the time to get the little guy set up. It'll probably be a lot of fun! I have no idea when we'll be able to get her a bike, but it's nice to have some ideas floating around for when we do!

[frenchy750]

My girlfriend Fiona was a good girl this year. So good in fact that Santa brought her a new 2009 Ninja 250. The whole story of purchasing this bike is on my blog, and can be found here. (http://frenchysrant.blogspot.com/2008/12/little-red-riding-hood.html)

The other day I had a friend out to ride in California (that story will be on the blog and in the Plans for Going/Stories of Where You've Been section as soon as I write it up) Anyway, heading out on our last day of canyon carving, I noticed this on the back of my FJR:

http://frenchy750.smugmug.com/photos/482242785_PgB4P-M.jpg

Not good.

So, rather than not riding, I took Fiona's little Ninja (with her permission) up Azusa Canyon, and DAMN it was FUN, even with Keith singing 'Fat Guy on a Little Bike' at me all day.

http://frenchy750.smugmug.com/photos/483771650_gpSUi-M.jpg

Yeah, he may have been right, but seriously, this bike weighs next to nothing, and from 7k up, it makes serious power, even with my fat ass on it! I rode Azusa Canyon much faster than I would on the FJR, because the Ninja is so light.

Yes, the suspension sucks, but for a $4500 bike, compromises have to be made somewhere. I really think Kawasaki got the styling right, because it doesn't look like a small bike. Would I ride it across the country? No. But for a day of stupid canyon fun, I'd take it out again in a heartbeat (if Fiona lets me that is.)

[Griffon]

Good work Frenchy! I have every intention of making sure Lori's little guy is well broken in for her when we get it:)

How did your rear wheel atrocity escape your notice until it got to that state?

[DarthRider]

Well, ya know...a mid-level shock, some good springs and a Race Tech Cartridge Emulator kit would work wonders. And some premium rubber.
Add a pipe and some low-level power mods, and some stainless steel brake lines and Sleeping Beauty might have her "move up" bike when the siren song is heard again.
Or just jump to a Kawasaki ER6n...every much as much a "bang for the buck" bike as the Ninjette!

[frenchy750]

Griffon,

I suppose the 575 miles of twisties Keith and I did the day before had something to do with the state of disrepair on my tire. I do check these things before every ride, and I know the tire was good when we left the day before.

I was running the Pilot Powers, which are good, sticky tires, but don't last long for the kind of miles I like to do.

http://frenchy750.smugmug.com/photos/482241067_6PNuj-M.jpg

I put these tires on in Virginia when we left for our Iron Butt/cross country ride in back in July. By my notes, I didn't even get 7000 miles out of them. I wanted the Pilot Road II's but nobody could get them back then.

Rain Cloud Follows is right now at the shop, getting new sneakers, and another surprise upgrade:

http://frenchy750.smugmug.com/photos/482276988_a7zbm-M.jpg

Just doing my part to keep the economy rolling. Hopefully Obama gives me a nice, fat bailout so I can bailout Chase Visa! Apparently credit cards aren't the free money that they used to be...

I want everything in tip-top shape for our Cali-Houston run in a few weeks, with stops at Dean's Motorcycle B&B and hopefully Dangerous Dave's and mrogge's as well. Be great to toast the Best Day ever with some new friends!

But anyway, enough about me. Yeah, the Ninja 250 is a fun bike. Fiona's been practicing, and her confidence level is getting there. I'm trying to talk her into following me on a Milk Run, but she doesn't feel ready for that just yet, and I'm not going to rush her.

At least I know the bike is capable of handling the canyons... or at least I THINK it is... I'll probably have to run it a few more times just to be absolutely sure!

[Griffon]

Griffon,

I suppose the 575 miles of twisties Keith and I did the day before had something to do with the state of disrepair on my tire. I do check these things before every ride, and I know the tire was good when we left the day before.

I was running the Pilot Powers, which are good, sticky tires, but don't last long for the kind of miles I like to do.

http://frenchy750.smugmug.com/photos/482241067_6PNuj-M.jpg

I put these tires on in Virginia when we left for our Iron Butt/cross country ride in back in July. By my notes, I didn't even get 7000 miles out of them. I wanted the Pilot Road II's but nobody could get them back then.

Rain Cloud Follows is right now at the shop, getting new sneakers, and another surprise upgrade:

http://frenchy750.smugmug.com/photos/482276988_a7zbm-M.jpg

Just doing my part to keep the economy rolling. Hopefully Obama gives me a nice, fat bailout so I can bailout Chase Visa! Apparently credit cards aren't the free money that they used to be...

I want everything in tip-top shape for our Cali-Houston run in a few weeks, with stops at Dean's Motorcycle B&B and hopefully Dangerous Dave's and mrogge's as well. Be great to toast the Best Day ever with some new friends!

But anyway, enough about me. Yeah, the Ninja 250 is a fun bike. Fiona's been practicing, and her confidence level is getting there. I'm trying to talk her into following me on a Milk Run, but she doesn't feel ready for that just yet, and I'm not going to rush her.

At least I know the bike is capable of handling the canyons... or at least I THINK it is... I'll probably have to run it a few more times just to be absolutely sure!

YMMV but I've managed to get 13K and counting on my PR2's. I don't ride all that aggressively, but I do ride a good bit.

I think you should definitely make sure Fiona's bike is canyon-safe. To do any less would be to shirk your duties! Good work!:thumb:

[beekstersocal]

not that my opinion counts but here it is ,,i think its one of those bikes you'll buy and enjoy for about 6 mos and then your done ,thats my 2 cents ,,,,cheers

[frenchy750]

I can see your point about the 6 month thing, but I guess it depends on your riding style and ability. Fiona just got her motorcycle license in August, and I doubt she'll outgrow this bike in six months.

Would I? No. I'd outgrow it in about a week, if I had to commute on it. Having said that, now that I've ridden it up in the canyons, I don't know... It was a HELL of a lot of fun (At the end of the ride, when he finally caught up, Keith said I had the biggest, dopiest grin he'd ever seen on me) This bike weighs five times less than the FJR, brakes are strong, it corners well, and, from 7K up has the ability to haul my fat ass without straining. Yeah, you have to shift it every five seconds to get moving, but so what? That's why the pocket-protected engineers put six gears in there.

It's really not that bad.

[socalrob]

Griffon,

I suppose the 575 miles of twisties Keith and I did the day before had something to do with the state of disrepair on my tire. I do check these things before every ride, and I know the tire was good when we left the day before.

I was running the Pilot Powers, which are good, sticky tires, but don't last long for the kind of miles I like to do.

http://frenchy750.smugmug.com/photos/482241067_6PNuj-M.jpg



I had a Pilot Road do that to me several years ago/ I was watching the tire like a hawk. One day it was fine, next day looked a bit worn, 45 miles to the shop later it looked like yours.

I think the whole tire carcass is the soft compound and they put a band of harder rubber in the center (for freeway mileage). You wear through the hard band in the middle and the soft stuff underneath evaporates in just a couple of miles. I now like tires that have a groove or two across the center so I can see the wear level.

[JCsman]

Let me put in my penny-and-a-half on the "Ninja" 500. Called the EX 500 IIRC.

It's half of the old Ninja 900 motor bumped up in size.

They are really out dated in technology and looks, but I like 'em fine.

Handle well, the engine is great, especially as the revs rise. (About 20 years ago I had the old 454 Cruiser, and the engine was a revelation).

They can be had for a song (and dance), and it's less likely she'll outgrow it quickly.

Kawi's made them for over 20 years with only limited upgrades. There's a reason for that longevity.

[Griffon]

Let me put in my penny-and-a-half on the "Ninja" 500. Called the EX 500 IIRC.

It's half of the old Ninja 900 motor bumped up in size.

They are really out dated in technology and looks, but I like 'em fine.

Handle well, the engine is great, especially as the revs rise. (About 20 years ago I had the old 454 Cruiser, and the engine was a revelation).

They can be had for a song (and dance), and it's less likely she'll outgrow it quickly.

Kawi's made them for over 20 years with only limited upgrades. There's a reason for that longevity.

We'll see what she says. She can be a bit on the stubborn side, but your recommendation is well-reasoned. I'll put the idea in her ear and let her get used to it a little. I've ridden and liked the 500, but it won't be my bike!