2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Specs News and Review

For those beginning their two-wheeled journey, the Ninja^® 250R sportbike has always been a great option to start. Its low seat height and peppy engine translate into hours of fun for both novices and veterans. Though its engine may be compact, its eight-valve cylinder head means a rider can wring every bit of enjoyment from each twist of the throttle, from idle to redline. And with sharp styling that matches its supersport siblings, the Ninja 250R looks fast even while standing still. Best of all, the 250R is a great value, with an affordable purchase price and excellent fuel economy.


The fun begins with its 249cc liquid-cooled engine that thrives on high-rpm excitement. The parallel-twin is tuned for peppy power delivery that’s both smooth and predictable, making for a beginner friendly motorcycle. A silky-smooth six-speed transmission lets riders exploit the 250R’s powerband from that low-end grunt to the crowd pleasing and lively top-end rush. Just like the supersports, it uses petal disc brakes. And the lightweight Ninja provides plenty of entertainment from the initial learning curve to beyond.
Wrapping the 250R are the fairing and windscreen that not only look great, but deliver wind protection for a wide range of riding situations. An easy-to-read instrument panel with fuel gauge and neutral indicator is another convenient feature for the new rider.
A natural riding position and comfortable ergonomics combine with lightweight handling, easy controllability and great throttle response for pure pleasure on city streets. Part of this great handling and stability comes from the 17-inch wheels. Bringing the show to a stop are the large petal-shaped 290mm front rotors and a single 220mm rear rotor gripped by powerful two-piston hydraulic calipers. Like Kawasaki’s other Ninja models, the 250R is equipped with quality components and tuned for class-leading performance.

2011 Yamaha FJR1300 Specs and Review

When it comes to my sport-touring preferences, I like an accent on sport. I used to rack up hundreds of miles in a day on my Yamaha Seca 550, sans its distinctive bikini fairing, so I do not need to be pampered to go the distance.
The Yamaha FJR1300 is a traditional design with a bow sport that puts performance ahead of the bells and whistles, and when the exchange between 14 and Kawasaki Concours 2009 BMW K 1300 GT, it is indisputably the king of twisties.
I enjoyed the FJR1300 ergonomics every time I slipped into the cockpit. It feels compact and ready to dice-definitely more sport than touring.
The Yamaha gauges are easy to read, though I would rather have a large digital velocity readout than its distracting 270-degree, 170 mph analog needle sweep.
The Yamaha FJR has a natural turn-ins that made him carve through turns with remarkable agility for a motorcycle that weighs 641 pounds is claimed, is filled with liquid (it has the largest fuel tank capacity of the three). Once done, the FJR1300 willing to hold the line, but allows adjustments required as a condition (including rider error) requires. For comparison, in 2009 Concours 14 feels a bit slow, because a few more pounds and plusher suspension, while the BMW K 1300 GT has the feel strange that no-dive front suspension Duolever single-shock (which is undoubtedly good for two-up ride).