2012 CBR 250R vs 2012 Ninja 250R | Page 2 | GTAMotorcycle.com

2012 CBR 250R vs 2012 Ninja 250R

CBR250 or Ninja 250?

  • CBR250

    Votes: 49 46.7%

  • Ninja 250

    Votes: 56 53.3%
  • Total voters
    105
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The stalling on the cbr is a huge but infrequent pain and Honda doesn't have a f'n clue what the problem is (officially anyway, still working on it with dealer time permitting, no closure there yet but I'd rather be riding than let them diddle with it for weeks on end). I doubt 1/1000 have a problem since most other owners I've run into haven't experienced it. That being said it's nice to ride. There's some things I'd change, but it's alright. I got 5700 otd no abs for an 11 with 4 year warranty.
 
Kawi all the way

This is dedicated to my favorite girl ;-)
 
eljay said:
The stalling on the cbr is a huge but infrequent pain and Honda doesn't have a f'n clue what the problem is (officially anyway, still working on it with dealer time permitting, no closure there yet but I'd rather be riding than let them diddle with it for weeks on end). I doubt 1/1000 have a problem since most other owners I've run into haven't experienced it. That being said it's nice to ride. There's some things I'd change, but it's alright. I got 5700 otd no abs for an 11 with 4 year warranty.
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It was discussed in another thread also seen in a video that this issue only occurs when the rider holds the clutch in for a long period of time either to coast or to brake instead of the "proper" riding technique to shift down at the appropriate times when slowing down for a stop.

If it happens otherwise, enlighten me.
 
Nofear said:
ABS -You really don't need abs on a 250, most people who ride don't have abs on bikes with more than twice the stopping power
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This I would contend -- If a bike is going fast enough to lock it's tires, then ABS is a decent feature to have as your last-resort 'safety net'. There are also stats out there showing that ABS does significantly reduce risk, at least in real world applications (this doesn't mean the track, where minivans don't cut in front of you with half a second to react before impact). Personally I see ABS on bikes the same as seatbelts, airbags, and ABS in cars -- One day it will likely be standard equipment on pretty much everything (and like the above, will still be hotly debated even at that time).

With that said, to the OP, DO LEARN how to brake without relying on ABS if you do get it. The idea is to not lock the brakes if possible, however it is a good safety net if you do.

Nofear said:
Either bike you choose it doesn't really matter. Go to a honda dealer and sit on the cbr, go to a kawi dealer and sit on the ninja, buy which one you like more... Simple as that
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At the end of day, that is what the OP needs to do -- both are good bikes, so you should go with whichever one feels right and seems like the best choice to you. To me, that was the CBR250R, for others, it's the Ninja. Go sit on both, talk numbers with dealers, and then make your own decision, not the decision of anyone here on the forum.
 
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Nofear said:
ABS -You really don't need abs on a 250, most people who ride don't have abs on bikes with more than twice the stopping power
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Soo... ABS is put on bikes just for fun and to make more money...? Where do you get your information from?
I'm sure MOST new riders would prefer abs and having their both tires on the floor vs doing endos/stoppies.
 
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conundrum said:
This I would contend -- If a bike is going fast enough to lock it's tires, then ABS is a decent feature to have as your last-resort 'safety net'. There are also stats out there showing that ABS does significantly reduce risk, at least in real world applications (this doesn't mean the track, where minivans don't cut in front of you with half a second to react before impact). Personally I see ABS on bikes the same as seatbelts, airbags, and ABS in cars -- One day it will likely be standard equipment on pretty much everything (and like the above, will still be hotly debated even at that time).

With that said, to the OP, DO LEARN how to brake without relying on ABS if you do get it. The idea is to not lock the brakes if possible, however it is a good safety net if you do.



At the end of day, that is what the OP needs to do -- both are good bikes, so you should go with whichever one feels right and seems like the best choice to you. To me, that was the CBR250R, for others, it's the Ninja. Go sit on both, talk numbers with dealers, and then make your own decision, not the decision of anyone here on the forum.
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Well honestly, I did go check both out at the dealership. Didn't feel much difference just sitting on the bikes and checking it out.
To me, looks wise, the CBR250 looked sleeker (except the ugly muffler). And I like the dash display on the CBR more. But thought I would get more input here.

Ive heard that by next year govt was going to force abs on all 250cc + bikes. Not a 100% sure about it. One of the riding school instructors was telling us.

Anyone know when the 2013 Ninja 250 is expected??
 
i think the cbr looks better in person. pictures dont do justice. also as for the stalling issue I havnt gotten it I hold the clutch in at lights, but I downshift while stopping .
 
I think the CBR is a better looking bike.
But also I would buy a Honda over a Kawasaki, any day.
 
Nofear said:
CBR 250R
ABS -You really don't need abs on a 250, most people who ride don't have abs on bikes with more than twice the stopping power
Simple as that
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Unfortunately, you, like too many other riders, do not really 'get' ABS.
ABS should be transparent and not show itself for years and years. Or....on the other hand it might reveal it's value in the first few minutes after leaving the dealership in the rain and some minivan pulls out in front of you inviting a T Bone.

ABS has NOTHING to do with comparitive stopping 'power' of one bike to the next. All bikes...save 70's era drums front and back on 21" wheeled street-legal enduros, have no lack of retardation abiltity. That is..of course unless they lack ABS. Then, they are at a distinct disadvantage on the street.

The good news is, everyday you read about more and more riders who are embracing the virtues of ABS and realize its supremacy at staying safer when the unexpected happens. That's a good thing, but comments such as yours above, proves that more education is needed still.

And no..it's not "as simple as that"..
 
I think the ninja looks better, its faster and selling it when it comes time to upgrade will be easy.
 
Love my cbr250r. Sat on the ninja too. Liked both bikes.

But a few things sealed it for me: Fuel injected, a meatier appearance, and Cibbie's rear tire is wider (if you like that kind of thing ;) ).

Have I experienced the stalling issue? Yes. It's not something that happens on a frequent basis. But in saying that I am just burning off the last bit of last year's gas!

Owner's manual says 91 Octane. From much discussion and reading, have learned since that my 2fiddy is tuned lean for fuel economy too. Some folks even mentioned getting a power commander.

The fix that works best for me is to properly downshift when coming to a stop, not coasting in, and blip throttle. Coasting to a stop is the only time this has happened to me, on the odd occasion. When my hubby has ridden the bike, he has never had it happen, and so I chalk it up to him having more savvy and experience in the downshifting department ;).

But in saying this, it's not the type of thing you want happening with a bike that is produced with beginners in mind, especially when you're in traffic, coming up to a red light that has just turned green and the bike decides to cut out! The need to keep moving in traffic is important, no ;)? So when I get my fresh tank of gas this week (91 octane) from one of the more decent gas stations in the area, I will see what happens.
 
killerkeith said:
used ninja's sell for pretty much what you paid for them. Can't say that about the CBR yet.
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this
+20!

paid 5400 OTD for mine ninja last year
sold my used ninja this year 4300 1 year old. 8300km
within 4 days for asking price.

friend with CBR paid 6grand for his cbr last year brand new
sold this year in 2 or 3 weeks for 4200 (not excatly sure ask EAGuy)
 
Anyone have a clue when the 2013 Ninja 250 might be coming out??
Or when the 2012 came out so we might be able to approximately guess when the 2013 might come out...
 
Everybody has an opinion. And I do not agree with yours.
I believe ABS on a motorcycle is useles, untill you hit wet conditions.




nesobriquet said:
Unfortunately, you, like too many other riders, do not really 'get' ABS.
ABS should be transparent and not show itself for years and years. Or....on the other hand it might reveal it's value in the first few minutes after leaving the dealership in the rain and some minivan pulls out in front of you inviting a T Bone.

ABS has NOTHING to do with comparitive stopping 'power' of one bike to the next. All bikes...save 70's era drums front and back on 21" wheeled street-legal enduros, have no lack of retardation abiltity. That is..of course unless they lack ABS. Then, they are at a distinct disadvantage on the street.

The good news is, everyday you read about more and more riders who are embracing the virtues of ABS and realize its supremacy at staying safer when the unexpected happens. That's a good thing, but comments such as yours above, proves that more education is needed still.

And no..it's not "as simple as that"..
Click to expand...
 
TheNewDude said:
Anyone have a clue when the 2013 Ninja 250 might be coming out??
Or when the 2012 came out so we might be able to approximately guess when the 2013 might come out...
Click to expand...

Don't quote me on this, but I believe most bikes run on at least a 2 year cycle, meaning if there was a new version in 2012, the next will be in 2014 or later. I also recall reading that the Ninja 250R was left mainly unchanged for years, until the recent refresh (I think in 2007), so there might not be any changes beyond colour when the 'next' one roles out. Of course, if Kawasaki loses too much money to Honda (or ABS is actually mandated), they might come out with something sooner.

If you are still looking for more info/comparisons, there is a similar thread on CBR250.net, however it is of course biased:

http://www.cbr250.net/forum/cbr250-...-new-rider-first-bike-cbr250r-ninja-250r.html

I'm sure if you search on ninjette.org you can find a similar thread if you want to compare between the two forums.
 
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conundrum said:
Don't quote me on this, but I believe most bikes run on at least a 2 year cycle, meaning if there was a new version in 2012, the next will be in 2014 or later. I also recall reading that the Ninja 250R was left mainly unchanged for years, until the recent refresh (I think in 2007), so there might not be any changes beyond colour when the 'next' one roles out. Of course, if Kawasaki loses too much money to Honda (or ABS is actually mandated), they might come out with something sooner.

If you are still looking for more info/comparisons, there is a similar thread on CBR250.net, however it is of course biased:

http://www.cbr250.net/forum/cbr250-...-new-rider-first-bike-cbr250r-ninja-250r.html

I'm sure if you search on ninjette.org you can find a similar thread if you want to compare between the two forums.
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Thanks for the info....

Tell you the truth, the real reason I want to know when the Ninja 2013 is coming out is because I think it might have at least Fuel Injection and ABS.

The British 2012 version of the Ninja 250 does have FI. So that's what i'm thinking, maybe the Canadian 2013 model might have it too. And who knows what other improvements they might make in order to compete with the CBR250.

I know the 2012 CBR250 came out a few months ago, so a new one won't be out for at least another 8-9 months.
I did a quick google search and seems like the 2012 Ninja 250 was released in August and available in September. So there is a good chance the same might happen for the 2013 Ninja.... Not the next questions - To wait or not to wait?
 
I have a ZZR250 which is a Ninja so I am biased towards the Ninja. It really takes a lot of abuse with no complaints. Even with my low side, all I needed to do is replace the rear brake lever and front brake lever and the bike was good to go.

When I went in to valve check and adjustments, the mechanic said it required very little adjustment.
I really need to try the CBR250 to make any comments on it.
 
Ridden both Honda cbr 250 and ninja 250 so I'm going to tell it how it is.

Both bikes are fun to ride
Ninja 250 is faster than the cbr 250.

Benefits is that the cbr 250 has better tech. than the ninja 250. EX: F.I vs. Carbs.

That is all...sit on both bikes and see which you feel you like better :)
 
Low rider said:
Everybody has an opinion. And I do not agree with yours.
I believe ABS on a motorcycle is useles, untill you hit wet conditions.
Click to expand...

Or a spot of grease off a big truck's ball or U-joint that just got serviced. Or the patch of oil that a vehicle's main crank seal or poor fitting oil filter seal has allowed to leak out while it was waiting in line at the lights..

And of course no biker ever gets caught out in the rain..

I admit that in order to realize and defend the virtues of ABS on a bike, you have to have imagination. And faith.

You have to imagine that you might ride for years and years and never ever feel a flutter in your brake lever of your ABS-equipped bike. This can be due to at least two things..and both can be related.
Either your skill behind the bars, or you have yet never encountered a scene where ABS might have made the difference between a hit and a miss. Perhaps skill and defensive riding have increased your odds of never feeling that flutter. Or it might happen tomorrow..
And what you also aren't allowing for, is that there are many different riders out there, (especially new ones where ABS can extend their learning curve) and all to varying skill levels...many of which who will never be as skilled a rider as you possibly are.
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