A Practical Choice: The Kawasaki Ninja 250
After researching and reading every last piece of data on all of the displacement street bike options, (did I mention that he is an engineer?) he bought a 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250, in 2008, for $2,000. This Kawasaki Ninja model remained the same from 1987 to 2007. If you buy a 1998, it is going to look just like an 2007. The Ninja is the most popular motorcycle that Kawasaki manufactures. The Kawaski Ninja 250 has reached cult status as one of the best beginner sport's bikes, appealing to both men and women starters.
According to Motorcycle-usa.com writer Bart Madson, "The Ninja 250 claims the newbie crown by presenting the most refined package of the four (tested) and is aided by the fact that, at $2999 (new), it is also the least expensive. Of all the beginner bikes we tested, the little Kawi is the one with the greatest potential to keep its rider happy for the most amount of time." Refer to his "2006 Kawaski Ninja 250 Comparison" article here.
The Kawasaki Ninja 250R was given a facelift a few years ago, providing it with more aggressive fairing and a more modern appearance. This is the learner bike for those who don't want the world to know it's a learner bike. For those who aren't into motorcycles, the Ninja 250R looks just as aggressive and as mean as any other. For those who are into motorcycles, the chances are good that they'll acknowledge the Kawasaki 250R for what it is: a capable bike that is perfect to hone your skills on.
If you are still unsure if the Ninja is the motorcycle for you, take one out for a spin! They are inexpensive to purchase and maintain, but (and much more importantly), they will provide you with a grin-inducing ride each and every time you take it out. Fun is the number one reason people ride, and this Ninja is an absolute blast.