You know Greg I’ve had an Intruder 800 for 3 years now. I mention that merely for perspective. I have a friend here however who has a 2010 Ninja 250 and that bike runs RINGS around my 800. Next to my Intruder I ride that Ninja 250 the most.
I’ll be damned if I had to pick one over the other I believe I’d be in a pickle. For canyon rides and all around nimble jaunts the Ninja 250’s got it all over the Intruder. It’s true if you want to keep up with gixers you’ll be winding the thing out but I’ve discovered there’s a great feel when that thing is kinda on the edge, wound out. Now the Gladius I rode was much quicker but if if you’re gonna ride that thing wound out as a beginner I’d think your days would be treacherous.
You know I’ve always thought for long day rides or even overnight rides the Intruder was the obvious choice. Honestly I’m not so sure. I’ve wound that Ninja out and I’m telling ya 70 mph comes in a heartbeat. My ego’s long left me so the thought of riding a Ninja 250 presents no problem and truth be told that little thing is a GREAT bike….period.
The SINGLE worst thing about a Ninja 250 is it’s forum reputation as a wimpy bike. It’s wimpy compared to bikes that have insane capabilities (like a busa) but how many times do you think you’ll wanna go 240 mph up the 405.
The Ninja 250 is a very cool bike. Don’t underestimate it