Is Kawasaki Ninja 300 worth it when compared to a new Ninja 250 on clearance?

[kickstartt]

Forum Sponsor

I suggest buying used 250cc for starter bike so you won't cry as much when you drop it

 

[unL33T]

IMO the 300 would be more worthwhile if you plan on keeping it. Unlike most of the people seem to think on here no one "needs" a 600. A 300 will still outperform most cheap cars. The 50cc will be noticeable. The FI will be lower maintenance than carbs. I'd get the ABS version which is nice to have in the rain or if you get caught in a (tiny) bit of snow if you ride most/all year.

Personally I'd go 300. I've actually considered downgrading for cheaper insurance and fuel since my gf won't ride with me anyway. If I were doing 2 up all the time I'd look for something a little bigger but for the rare occasions even a small bike should handle it fine.

 

[fusion]

Ride longer or meet more people.

Everyone I know has dropped their initial bikes. ****, people drop their 5th 6th bike. It happens. Moreso when you're a newb.

Its not that nobody I know has dropped/dumped their bikes. Its just the 1st bike was never really the problem. I did in fact drop my very first bike, but I was 9 years old.

Personally I want to go and test ride a 300 at the next demo day.

 

[Legend]

Here are a few things I would look at, though I think most have already been covered by others......

1) Which is cheaper on insurance
2) Do you plan to keep if for more that two or three years? If you plan to keep it then I would go with the 300. If think you will get the upgrade bug in the first two years then save the money for your next bike.
3) Looks, I have a 2012 250 and I plan on getting a 600SS this year, now if I had a 300 I think I would be saved for a year or so from the upgrade bug. The 300 does look really good with its inspired Zx10, Zx6r 636 design.

It is hard to pass up a New 2012 250 at $3,999 plus tax OTD.

As for dropping it.... if you keep your head about yourself the chances of dropping your first bike should be minimal. As soon as I got my Ninja 250 last year (my first bike) I spent hours in parking lots practicing low speed maneuvers, breaking, kickstand and even as simple as getting on/off etc. Anyone has the chance of dropping their bike, noobs more so than others but it doesn't mean you will. Will I drop my bike or the next one? Perhaps..... but I really don't worry about it or let it affect my purchasing. You can't be scared of a drop, if you are worrying about that before you even buy a bike then likely it will happen.

 

[sid_for_speed]

id say buy a used 250 because if you get board of it you can sell it for pretty much what you paid for it , use the money you save towards paying off insurance for the first year

Be warned though...if you plan on selling your 250 two or three seasons from now you will end up losing money cause by tht time 300 cc ninja "may" have flooded the market

Of you can afford the better gear, regardless of the bike you get, go for the 300. How much of a difference would it make on insurance, really?

If the better gear is compromised with the 300, then go for the better gear and get a 250.

Save for when you're ready for a 600SS ;-)

+1 check your insurance...my rates were pretty much the same for 250 or 300 cc. alternatively, you may want to wait for another season ..(2014) and get a used 300 and further drop in your insurance

...best of both worlds..?

 

[JTHOR]

250 is a better choice on the simple fact when you go to upgrade you will be able to sell it much faster then the 300. In my opinion the 300 is only a better choice if you want a fuel injected over a carbureted bike, Other wise its a useless bike and it weighs almost 100Lbs more then the 250. Plus like other members have stated if you drop the 300 you will have to buy new parts from the stealership.
"wait another season" <----WTF?? You will not lose that much money on a 250 they hold their value quite nicely.

 

[highway]

Ride longer or meet more people.

Everyone I know has dropped their initial bikes. ****, people drop their 5th 6th bike. It happens. Moreso when you're a newb.[/QUOTE
True Story!!!!!!!

 

[cleaver]

The 300 seems quite expensive compared to a 250. If you have the money, you could always spend a bit more and get one of the new Honda 500's. I think they'd still qualify as a reasonable bike for a new rider.

Forum Sponsor