conundrum
Well-known member
My problem is that usable power is only in the higher ranges (vs a bigger bike still being fairly quick at lower rpms). I ride out of the powerband when there aren't any cars around, but as soon as I encounter traffic, it's back to the powerband. But even when I called you out, I still had the milage from when I was riding conservatively in mind.
As for riding in the powerband, most of the time in traffic I don't, even though most would say you should just in case. I'm in 6th gear 90% of the time cruising at 50km/h and above, it's a 250 that doesn't get any power 'til 8000rpm anyway. Some may say you should stay in the powerband just in case you need to avoid something with power, but even riding in the powerband on a little 250 isn't going to save you from anything with speed. I just adapt my riding style to try and completely avoid situations like that as best I can.
That's actually one thing I like about my CBR250R is that it has more usable power in the lower RPM range, so it pulls quite good between 4-9K (vs 8K-redline). As previously mentioned though, this comes back on the CBR at higher speeds in 6th gear, since the engine is running at the top of (or out of) it's powerband, whereas the Ninja is likely sitting in the middle of it. I haven't gotten to that point on mine yet (only been up to about 120km/h as I'm still breaking it in), but no doubt the Ninja has more power in reserve north of 130-140.
Also as previously mentioned by myself and others, I do find it funny so much time is spent on 'which is the fastest 250' -- Both are 250s, so like Jayy pointed out it's like comparing minivans or more aptly a Civic to a Corolla. Sure it matters to a point, but if speed (above 100-120) really is a concern/high priority to you then you likely won't be riding a 250cc for very long (esp if you have the budget for something larger).
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