Kawasaki Ninja 250 or Buell Blast?

Question

I know they are two different cc powers.. Just wondering what different people think of the two. Currently i ride an '82 Honda CM250c. I've been riding it for a little over a year now and i'm startin got get bored. My friend and i went over the horse power for my bike and figured its about 17hp. I'm looking for a new/used bike. I'm either lookin to get a ninja 250 or a buell blast. The ninja 250 has about 24hp and the buell blast has 32hp.. What are your takes on both bikes? Which do you think would be a better choice for me. I have sat on both bikes and the ninja 250 weighs less than my current bike and the buell weighs slightly more.. which i think is caused by the size of the tank. So .. YEa .. answer away :) Thanks in advanced

Answer 1

they are both great bikes and the new Ninja is pretty cool. you should see if you can test ride them before deciding. Personally I would also look at a Ninja 500 or ZZR 600.

Answer 2

i have ridden both ,go with the ninja,i thought i was going to blow up my friend's blast at 60mph

Answer 3

The ninja would be worse go for the Buell

Answer 4

I've owned both, the Kawi has just a little bit more top end, and gets SLIGHTLY better gas mileage, but for me the Buell is a much more enjoyable ride. As far as reliability, the Buell is surprisingly stout, you really can't hurt it. Carry an extra carb/intake coupler (probably the only thing that ever goes wrong) change the oil, and ride it like you stole it. Really it just comes down to what your looking for in a bike, the Ninja to most people has the Blast! beat in the looks department (I disagree...) but when you do decide that you'd like a little more power it's alot easier (and cheaper, one cylinder vs. two, 2 cams vs. 4, etc.) to get some more ponies from the Buell. Thats why most Blast owners end up hanging onto thier bikes longer than 250 owners, they are almost endlessly upgradable, therefore tougher to outgrow. The thing I like most about riding the Blast around town are the looks you get while on it. Most people don't have a clue what it is! It sounds like a Harley and looks like a shrunken S3 or an older Ducati Monster! Long story short, If you want to blend in with the rest of the sportbike crowd get the Ninja, if you want a totaly unique riding experience and have thick enough skin to take a little slack from those that think that more horsepower and torque make a better rider, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to the Buell. Check out the Thumper Forum at www.Badweatherbikers.com if you really want some great information on the Blast.

Answer 5

I haven't ridden the Buell so I can't speak from experience. I have read a review that wasn't all that great and I rarely see a Buell Blast on the road. I'm not saying it isn't a good bike, just that it may be questionable. There is no doubt that the Ninja would be a very reliable bike if it is enough power to keep you happy. A buddy of mine just got the racing green one and it is a great looking bike. I think the Blast is fairly ugly myself. I really don't think I would limit myself to just those two choices, but it's your money.

Answer 6

read the classified ads.  original owners sell ninja 250's at 6 months old

original owners sell blasts at 3-4 years old

that tells me, they're happy with the blast longer and outgrow the ninja quickly

you decide what it tells you, because it's your money.... but look through several cities craiglists and see for yourself

Answer 7

Personally I would go with the Ninja, just because I think it's a bit more realistic. Also you might want to take into consideration warranty. Probably won't matter too much but i have heard that Buells tend to break down here and there. Kawasaki is known for their reliability.

Answer 8

I don't see moving to either as a move very far up. Why not move to something road able such as a Honda Aero 750. These are about 35 - 40 hp and reliable and available used.

Answer 9

Given you already about a year of bike experience, I think the Buell Blast is a good step up.

The ninja would be about 1/2 step up.

Good Luck...