Ninjabadger4

any 250 you get will be fun

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lumin

Thanks for replying.
Im hoping this will be the case, I cant wait

VanHalen

I still think you're missing it. It wasn't a minor cosmetic update, it wasn't a major cosmetic update. The '07 to '08 change was a whole new bike.

Like totally new design from the ground up. New wheels, new frame, new swing arm, new engine, new forks, new controls, new body work. Literally there was as far as I know not a single part carry over from the '07 design to the '08.

Nobody kill me if im off on my dates a little but more or less this is how the 250 generations update went.... 87-88? Was first gen... a few minor changes (mostly farings I believe) and second gen came along.

Second gen would be I believe 89 until 07. There were virtually no changes to the bikes other than paint colors during these years and I think at some point the windscreen may have been changed slightly to be taller.

'08 on is third gen. This long awaited update brought the 250 more inline with the curent looks of the rest of kawasakis superb line of sportbikes. One thing interesting to note about the third gen 250. In the USA the 250 we get has carbs. The EU spec bike gets fuel injection.

Now... all the technical stuff aside (which later tonight I will verify and correct dates if needed)...

I had a 1998 EX250. I LOVED that bike. It was loads of fun. If you want something decent to ride and learn on a well maintained 2nd gen will do you fine.

Good luck to you in your search! Stay safe! And here's wishing you many years and many miles of safe happy riding!

Sent from my DROIDX using Motorcycle.com App

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Viper: Good morning, gentlemen, the temperature is 110 degrees.
Wolfman: Holy shit, it's Viper!
Goose: Viper's up here, great... oh shit...
Maverick: Great, he's probably saying, "Holy shit, it's Maverick and Goose."
Goose: Yeah, I'm sure he's saying that.

Yip

I just started out with a 2009 250R and I paid $2800 for it with 1500 miles on it. Minor scratches on the left fairing (from the last guy). I hear the older generation (before 2008) have a higher top speed (never tested though). It will also save you about at least a $1000 compared to the 2008+

lumin

Thank you for taking the time to share this information, these tid-bits do help.

Thank you for your reply, $2800 is a good price for only 1500 miles.




I am in favor of the newer look of the 2008+ style, though the older style isn't bad.
I was mainly trying to see if a certain year was one that people tented to avoid due to tedious maintenance (for example).
But this seems to not be the case, which will help with the purchase, since im not having to avoid a specific year.

If anything else comes to mind, please let me know.

Thanks again everyone for your reply's, you're time spent is appreciated.
-lumin

Kawin

Hey lumin,

I own a '06 250 and a buddy of mine owns a '11 250. One major difference I've noticed from riding his bike is the suspension. If I could do the purchase again I would definitely go for the '08+ model.

Even with my ~160lb weight the bike squats down a lot compared to his 2011 model. When using the front brake the front end dives down more than the 2011 as well. Overall, I'd say the 2011 feels much more predictable in the corners because of the stiffer suspension.

However, there are things you can do to the old model to improve the suspension. The rear shock can be replaced with one from the EX500. The front fork oil and springs can also be changed.

When both 250's were stock, we tested the acceleration multiple times and they were basically the same. We do our tire changes, oil changes, etc. ourselves and we've noticed the 2011's plastics are a bit more difficult to take off. The rear seat can also be a pain for the '11. For the looks, it's a small price to pay. If your looking into modding, the slip on exhaust for the '06 (dual exhaust) costs twice as much as the one for the '11 (single exhaust).

The bungee hooks on the '06 have come in good use for luggage on some of our longer trips (ask me about our 500 mile trip to Seattle in the rain haha). The '08+ models don't have them but they do have a similar linking ring under the rear seat. The windshield on the '11 provides better wind deflection than the '06 on the highways.

My 2 cents - go for the 08+

lumin

Thanks for replying with your 2 cents. Still enforces my original thoughts, though If i manage to find a 2008+ model at a decent price ill grab it, but the 2007 and below seems it will do me ffine for a couple years.
Also, most examples ive read, the person is taller and weighs more then myself. So thats helps as well.

Thanks again everyone, this is helpful.
-lumin