Kawasaki 250S to get to work that are 40 miles away?

Question

Im looking for either Kawasaki 250S dual bike or Ninja 250R bike to get to work and school which is about 40 miles away from my home.

here my questions:

1: I got from my kawasaki dealer a brute force 600 i about 2 months ago and now i found no use for it so will like to trade it in for either ninja 250R or klx 250S.. is it possible?

2: is driving either bike to my work which is 40 miles away is a good idea or rather stick to my car? Using those bike will cut my gas expense in half...

3: I got a helmet from SHIFT for off road and does it be ok to wear it for riding to work (IN THE STATE OF UTAH WHICH HELMET LAW DOESNT APPLY)??

Answer 1

1.  Up to the dealer, but he'll probably trade.  Expect to lose money, though.  You might do better selling the 600 outright.

2a. Don't  get the Ninja for commuting - they become quite uncomfortable in ordinary highway riding due to the forward-leaning race-type seating position.  You'd also need a chiropractor.

2b.  The KLX 250 S is a good little machine and should be fine for commuting.  Treat it right & it should last a long, long time.Since it has only a 1.9-gallon fuel tank, you might want to consider getting a larger tank (available in the aftermarket) and it if were me, I'd also look for a more comfortable aftermarket seat.

3.  You'll be happier with a DOT-approved highway helmet.  Get a good full-face one and you won't need to add a windscreen to the bike.

HOWEVER - I strongly recommend that you consider the KLR 650 instead of the KLX 250 S.  It is only about $450 more, and it is a wonderful bike, one of the best of its type at any price.  No worries about having enough guts here!

Answer 2

40 miles is a significant ride. I'd get a bigger bike. Get a real helmet. In trading you usually get clobbered.

Answer 3

1: I don't know how much you'll get. If the dealership is spending or saving money for an addition, construction, etc. they might not be taking trades at this time. (My dealer is paying off a new building)

2: Yes, you're saving huge amounts of money with the gas. 250R is about 65-70 mpg.

3: Get a dot and SNELL approved helmet anyways!. Make sure it's Snell. Anyone can make a DOT helmet and sell it in a gas station, online etc. DOT never tests their helmets, and SNELL is a higher standard and way more strict when it comes to testing. (Im in NH i dont know). Wear full gear-jacket gloves boots helmet

Answer 4

As stated by most above.. it could be done with the 250 but would it be worth the savings in fuel?? the riding position isnt an issue, for me anyways, but i am not a big guy at 5'8" 155-160. The bike just isnt fast enough for hwy use without major mods, then the low end is worthless cause it takes so much to wind it up.

Look into maybe the ninja 650r, not as race eronomic as the 636, r6, Cbrs, Gsxr. Higher clip-ons/handlebars more sit up right. and for a 650 its worth the extra monies over the ninja 500.

On your quad better off selling it on craigslist or other avenue. Being a past motorcycle saleman i can tell ya, you would take a wash with the trade. Local dealership may do a con-signment at a cost (typically 10-20%, or a straight fee of $200). Just some ideas to ponder.

As for the helmet if your state has no helmet law you can wear what ya want. That in mind, the first time a bee flies into the big face hole and stings ya you will buy a full face street helmet i am sure of that.

Keep in mind, like many products now days you get what ya pay for. More so with helmets cause they are price produced. So whats your head worth to ya?? Reputable brands are Arai, Shoei, Suomy,... mid level HJC, KBC,Skorpion.....then Zamp,Z1, .. just pends what you want to spend.

Answer 5

1. Depends on your dealer but most likely. Your probably going to take a beating from them on the trade in.

2. Its a great idea. Major interstates may be a problem for either of those bikes as they aren't exactly at home there. If you can backroad it then do it. I like the 250R.

3. Any helmet is better than none. Check the liner on your helment to see if it is DOT or SNELL.

Answer 6

I own an 06 250s trust me if your just commuting get the ninja (I drove one), although it might not be as comfortable. The 250s ain't a bad bike but the street is not it's playground. At 18 rear wheel horse it would easily get smoked by a 30?hp ninja. It does good around 50mph but the 70mph runs down the highway ain't that fun. It would be better if geared for street only. Around town and grocery getting is fine and it's a great trail bike. I'm not saying I don't love my bike I have just excepted it for what it is. A neighbor hood terrorizer.