The Little Motorcycle That Can
Ninja 250
Yea, we know it's definitely not a cruiser, but so many newcomers to our sport are choosing this bike that we'd be almost remiss if we didn't include it somehow. Besides, Zimerman really wanted one. -BB
From the jump, I was predisposed towards liking this little hot rod. It's got a well-earned reputation as great handling, sporting roadster, that's a perfect learners bike as well as something the more experienced rider can use without losing interest.
True, its a little coldblooded and at times it labored to pull itself up the power band, but the cold bloodedness is courtesy of the EPA, and nothing a quick pilot jet change wouldn't cure. The other thing, well buck naked, (which is nothing a sane person would want to see,) I'm roughly 240 lbs, add clothes and riding gear, and the scale quickly tips the wrong way. You can't fault a bike that's carrying rider weighing almost as much as it does for being a little pokey.
That being said the way the little Ninja revs, handles, and brakes more than makes up for any power deficit. With me in the saddle acceleration is uh, leisurely, but the bike pulls decently off the line, with no clutch slipping or other theatrics and is more than capable of besting most automotive traffic in a stop light drag race. Once the tach hit's six grand the little water-cooled twin comes into its own and from there to the 13,000 rpm redline the willing engine makes sufficient though never overwhelming horsepower. New riders should find the bike fun and easy to ride.
Experienced riders can make use of the bikes superior handling and braking abilities to humiliate much larger bikes on the back roads, if high corner speeds are your thing you've come to the right place. I was also impressed with the bike's fit and finish, the panels fit properly, the details are nicely done and in general, the bike has an aura of quality about it that belies its entry-level market position.
As a pocket rocket this thing is the best thing since the RD 400, the question is how does it stack up as a learner bike?
To find out we put 19-year old DJ Voldstad, an engineering student at Clarkson University, on it for a one-day 400-mile loop. DJ is a solid off-road rider, but has limited street riding experience. "I liked it. It handled and went a lot better than I thought it would and it was really easy to ride. The clutch is light, and first gear is low, so it never feels like it's going to stall pulling away from a light. I had no problem keeping up with the bigger bikes, even at highway speed. It was also a lot more comfortable than I expected, and fit me really well, but I don't think the seat is meant for a 400-mile trip, that thing's as hard as a rock, but overall it's really a fun bike, I'd love one." Which kind of sums it all up doesn't it?
Crashing Happens
It seems like every time Cruiser does a beginner bike test, somebody puts one on the ground. This time our crash test... er subject was Alphonso Freeman. Luckily he wasn't hurt, and he learned something new about brakes, curves, and puddles in the process. The crash took place in a pool of standing water in a gutter. It was slippery, he was leaned-over, it slipped, he overcompensated and ended up on the ground from probably 5-10mph.
Despite the relative mildness of the crash, the cosmetic damage was extensive, though the only part that would make it unrideable was the twisted brake lever. The fall bent the bars, windshield, both brake levers and right saddlebag, while scratching the headlight, fender, and mirror. The right turn signal still worked, but was left dangling from its stalk.
Our rider suffered a few bruises (including a large one to his pride), and learned to fear standing water.