Something else to consider for the 250 class

[LMsports]

So now that other manufacturers are coming out with appropriate 250's will the 250 class allow their inclusion as well? Check out the new Honda CBR 250.

http://powersports.honda.com/2011/cbr250r.aspx

[T Baggins]

"Maybe?"

No reason we "couldn't" except that we've already approved the "Ninja 250 Spec Class" - we'll talk about it at the board meeting.

Maybe if the class takes off (like I hope it will) we open it up to other current production 250's?

If someone shows up with one (which I doubt will happen) we'd have to give it serious consideration. Looks like its down a few ponies, but also lighter. Cool bike in any event!

[LMsports]

Being as how we just picked up a Honda and Suzuki franchise I would bet on us bringing some.

[Clarkie]

When I lived in Sydney I worked for a small shop that used to import 250's and 400' in Australia. Because of the tiered licensing system they were big money, we had 40ft container with two levels of bikes on the water at all times. We brought them in, painted them up in USA colors (USA gets different color schemes to Europe/UK/NZ/Australia) and sold them. The big seller was the Smok'n Joes replica 8)

Mainly CBR250RR's which were actually pretty fast, for back then they would rev to the moon. A little 250 at 18,800rpms was pretty cool to hear :D

[jsears1864]

INTERESTING....:-k i think i want one.

so what exactly is the HP of the new ninja250's? im reading anywhere from 26 to 32 bhp all over the web? :-s

this article by aaron frank is claiming only 26. with the new honda 250 being down only one pony.

"American Honda didn't disclose horsepower or torque projections, but European distributors are claiming peak output of 26 bhp and 17 lb.-ft. of torque, which puts it in the ballpark with the Ninjette's 25.6 bhp and 13.1 lb.-ft. as measured on our rear-wheel dyno."

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/newsandupdates/motorcycle_news/122_1010_first_look_2011_honda_cbr250r/index.html

[rybo]

Hard to say really as every bike and every dyno is different.

The one I have is making 30.6 HP on the MotoAdventure Dyno in Loveland after adding a full exhaust and making jetting changes.

The range of bikes that have been dyno'd (all 08-09 N250's) is pretty small, 29-31 HP on a couple of different dynos.

On track they are a blast.

Come race with us John.

Scott

[mkdiehl]

Some good reading on the Kawi vs Honda 250.....while we wait for the season.

http://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle_roadtest/comparison_tests_articles/11q1/kawasaki_ninja_250r_vs._honda_cbr250r_-_comparison_test

Took my Ninja for its first ride this weekend.....should be fun on the track, almost dangerous on the street. Too used to being able to squirt away from danger on a larger bike (blind spots, potential lane changers, etc).

[McLovin]

http://www.hyosungmotorsusa.com/product/spec.asp?cat=Cruise&model=GT250R

[Ayden Lee Racing]

http://www.bennche.com/product/Megelli_250r-specs.htm

Another Chinese bike - but pretty decent ride! I tested one out here in IA last year just for this purpose!

[random hero]

http://www.bennche.com/product/Megelli_250r-specs.htm

Another Chinese bike - but pretty decent ride! I tested one out here in IA last year just for this purpose!

Any more info, where can you purchase one.. and can you get race glass, etc for it?

[T Baggins]

Hey guys, just a heads-up... for 2011 the ONLY bikes which are legal for the 250 production class are:

Any year Kawi Ninja 250

2011 and newer Honda CBR 250

Thought you should give that some thought before you go out and buy a bike that isn't allowed yet.

That said, the Bennche looks cool and is 100 lbs lighter (claimed) than either the Honda or the Kawi - which would be counter to our intent of "level playing field". Hyosung looks like a Ninja rip-off but with upside down forks and dual discs up front.