I, too, am new to this forum.

My previous motorcycle was a '84 Honda VT500. Like you I'm very seriously considering the 250.

If you haven't already done so I suggest you also visit www.Ninja250.com. There you can read of riders who have competed in and completed the Iron Butt Rally and done Saddle Sore and Bun Burner rides as well as trips to
Alaska. Clearly the 250 can be used for touring.

I once read a reply to a similar question on another sitethat stated "You can tour on anything. Depends on how comfortable you want to be." I suspect that's true.

Ride safe.

Ned

 

I hear of people doing it... but I also hear people say that the 250's run at very high RPM's when running 75-80 on the interstate for long periods of time. If this is true, doesnt that harm the engine? It cant be good for the bike? Am I misinformed?

 

No it doesnt harm them they like highrpms, the power band is around 11K. It wouldnt be there if youarent supposed to run it that high. In fact theyre better off if youkeep them around 6-7Kthese are also the rpms that the alternator has the mostoutput.

Check the oil and keep it topped off between changes. Only use NGK plugs and get the valves adjusted every 6K.

edited for plugs clarification.

 

thanks man. I will really enjoy this bike I am sure. I just hope these things arent a bitch to maintain....

 

I personlaly love the 250, dont like the interstates much, i love it on country roads and such where there are turns and it is a little more fun to ride, but i guess that would be on any bike, good luck on your descision

 

I think you are smart buying new, for I think the oil consumption is tied into the break in. Mine uses no oil so far after the first oil change

I think the ninja 250 is a small sport tourer. I let my grandson take my seat apart and take a electric carving knife and cut the foam out and replaced it with memory foam. Its really comfortable so far but the longest I have been is 300 miles in one sitting.

The bike is lighter, so it gets pushed around more than the 20 ton monsters but nothing uncomfortable, at least, in my opinion.

Get some foam grips and the vibration is not worth mentioning--with stock grips, you will notice it after a while.

I am 5' 11" and weigh 245lbs, older than dirt.
I have 15/42 sprockets, pro oiler, handle bar risers and am going to install electric cruise control.

I am thinking of Georgia to Ill and back.

 

I have a Ninja 250 And i took a800 miles roundtrip with 50 lbs of gear and 1 stopped every 75 to 100 mile and i was fine.
I had the best time in the world. I only stopped that often because the guys I was with were on Buell Blasts. That is a 500cc single cyl.
My speed on the interstate was 70 to 80 And i used 91oct. gas. At 65 ish MPG. Ran like a top.

 

Thanks to everyone for the replies.

I guess the fact that guys have done huge road trips on these bikes proves that it can be done. I guess it just comes down to what comfort level you are willing to endure.

I like the fact that I can buy the bike brand new for only around $3k, and then spend the rest on accessories to make the bike more tour-worthy. (corbin seat, gel grips, taller windscreen, saddlebags, etc.) Make a 65mpg "mini-sport tourer."

I just might be crazy enough to try it next season.

 

hahaha, sounds good to me.

 

There are a LOT of factors that go into that. Another forum has aCALCULATOR thatgives "indicated speed" and "true speed" based onsprocket ratios, tires sizes, etc.... pretty cool ... check it out.

http://faq.ninja250.org/speed/

I will also say that the 250 engine is designed for high RPMS. She's fine at lower speeds and just humms along the boulevard, but mine almost sounds happy when she gets up over 8k and seems to be really enjoying herself. Personally, however, I would not keep her there all day.