2001 Kawasaki Ninja 250R reviews

My ZX7R is a power and smooth ride. There are faster bikes, but the feel of this front end is unmatched. This bike is easy to control due to its tame power below 6000 rpm., but after this make sure your Nava computer is functioning properly, because this bike isn't "like dustin crops at home. You will fly through a star or too close to a super nova which would end your day real quick. The stars will stretch like the Millennium Falcon in hyper drive. It is what a sportbike should look like. It is big and beautiful. On the highway it is smooth and stable. The strongest wind will not bother you and its seating position, for a sportbike, is very comfortable. GSXR's and R1 feel hard. The ZX7R feels like a Gold Wing compared to these bikes. It sounds like a diesel at idle but it's like a hive of angry bees when at full throttle. It is sweet! Buy one and you will not be sorry. Show less

I got the ZX-9R a year ago. It had 13k miles on it and I put 11k on it. The power is awesome. The seat from stock was replaced with a Corbin which made a big differance on my butt. The brakes are weaker than say a CBR but once you get used to squishing or pushing the levers and peddle, it's OK. I been getting around 45-51 mpg.'s depending on how much throttle I use. It's a comfy ride. There's a big tank so you can go a little farther. There is no fuel gauge so have to use the trip meter. Show less

I purchased the bike new in 2001, and after five years it has been a great bike. It has been super-reliable, only requiring the usual routine maintenance items such as oil and filters. Just this year, I'm having to replace tires, brake pads and battery - not bad for 11,000 miles. Good gas mileage too - around 45 MPG. This is my first bike and I found it very easy to learn on -- very predictable and no 'surprises'. It has more than sufficient power to satisfy my needs. Only complaint is that the seat is somewhat uncomfortable for rides longer than an hour or so. Show less

Picked up this bike used with only 2700 Miles on it. I have been riding the hell out of it and I'm totally hooked. In 2 months I have already put 2000 miles on it and counting. It is a very smooth while riding and is actually very comfortable on long trips. The Exhaust is kinda big, but its going bye bye in a couple months. I had this thing up to 150 in 5th with half throttle and it still wanted to scream not to mention there was still another gear left. This bike is limited at 186 (along with the Busa starting which started in 2001 as well) but is easily eliminated with a purchase of $80 "box" which bypasses it allowing you to reach warp speed. Show less

I bought the ZX9 2 weeks ago and the first time I rode it home, it stalled on me. Fuel ran out without any warning of any sort. I've been wondering eversince what my mileage per gallon was on the ZX9, and finally got an idea. I used the trip odometer and a full tank to get an average. Almost got it the hardway though. Since the bike doesn't have a fuel gauge or any kind of low fuel indicator warning, the bike sputtered and almost stalled AGAIN until I switched the petcock to reserve. I get around 160-170 miles before going on reserve. Aside from that, the missing fuel indicator flaw, the ZX9 is an excellent ride. It's very comfortable with lots of power and lots of torque. Caught myself in 6th gear at a stop with a passenger and rode it out from there! Show less

Other than changing oil periodically, I did not do a thing for the bike. For the three years I have owned the bike, I only had to gas it up and go. No problems what so ever. My only complaint is the D&D exhaust I put on the bike. Three months after I put it on, it started to rust. I went to the dealer, and the manufacturer, but no one wanted to help. This also happened to some of my friends. I definitely do not recommend D&D for any one. Show less

First I will give the negatives:
It doesn't have a fuel light, it has the annoying petcock thing, and it takes a little longer to warm up than I am used to. I am not too thrilled about the color scheme (mine is red/purple). The seat was a little uncomfortable (not too bad), but I replaced it with a corbin seat that really wasn't too expensive (about $60) and I haven't had problems since. Another problem I had was with a rear rider leaning a little too much on to me, but that could have just been the girl I was with or the height difference between the new corbin seat and the stock rear seat (I never did find a Corbin or Sargent seat for the rear). That is really it for the negatives. As you can see it is just little nit-picking things. As far as the upside, it is unbelievable. One of the most important things to me is long term comfort, something not easy to find with my lanky 6'4" frame. Not only is it the most comfortable pure sportbike that I have ridden, it is more comfortable than the previous sport tourers that I have owned (2001 BMW R1100S and Triumph Sprint RS), and the cruisers (Honda Shadow and Victory V92C). It is fast enough that I have yet to be consistantly beaten by any other bikes (I generally ride with sport bikes of all sizes), and it is just a blast to ride. Most importantly of all, I have yet to have to do any work on it at all. All in all I would recommend this bike to anyone and I plan to keep this one a very long time. Show less

This is a great all around performance bike. It's good for long highway rides, city riding and loves the twistys. The motor is a little loud from the cam or valves but never affected the performance. Once you get the suspension dialed in, you can do whatever you want on this bike. Overall great bike, no regrets about buying it. Show less

The ZX12r is the first bike I have ever owned. More than a few people have told me that I am crazy for buying it for my first bike but it fit me like a glove. The first summer that I had it I put over 8k miles on the bike. I bought it used with 4k. It has been unreal. The bike is sooo fast and easy to flick that it enables me to make "experienced" riders look silly in the bendies and you can forget about catching me in the straghts. I have wrung her neck over and over and she still loves me and comes back for more. Top speed is every bit of 200mph. You better believe that the zx12 will bring tears to your eyes in more ways than one. Show less

This bike is great! It's my first ride and I must say I'm impressed with how it handles and feels on the road. Great beginner's bike; it's all I'll need for a few seasons. Great hig-rev power, good suspension, I'm impressed. Show less