2009 Ninja 250R - What to Expect
What we Know:
All 2008 orders not shipped as of Aug. 05, 2008 (Today) are canceled
Colors: Black, Blue, Red (No more Kawi Green)
Price: $3999 USD
What we’re waiting to find out:
When they will be shipping.
My Thoughts:
I don’t think any of this is ground breaking news. It does suck that people who have deposits on 08’s @ $3499 might get bit for another $500 — That might even turn away a few prospective buyers — However, the used market is indeed picking up I’m seeing 250’s all over eBay and Craigslist. But — Unless we saw a YZF-250, CBR-250, GSX-250 or something similar hit the market, the price increase was pretty much inevitable. (And I have a hard time believing it’ll scare away enough buyers to hurt Kawasaki’s sales numbers)
I do think it’s pretty odd for them to drop green as a color. I would think that they would drop Red or Blue. However, since they did drop Green, it does leave the door open for a Kawi Green Special Edition… *shrug* Who knows.
Anyone have any updates on any physical changes? (No, there is not fuel injection on North American bikes. Please don’t ask…)
Hat tip JET for sending this in. Dealer Notice After the Jump..
(Click Image for full readable Version)
Owen Said,
August 5, 2008 @ 3:17 am
didnt think they’d drop green…. lots of guys over here in aus have been speculating bout an extra colour for our shipments… we currently only get black and red… guess we wont be getting green ones….
if u put an order on an 08 bike at a price of 3499 and u signed a contract… a dealer would e hard pressed to charge u extra for a new bike… i cant believe they would cancel orders so id think that if u have a deposit on an 08 model u should still get it….
dont think they’d do a special edition… but i do think you’re right in that the price rise wont hurt sales too much….
behind the motorcycle that is our postal service bike (honda ct110) which is the biggest selling bike… der….the 250 was placed only behind the honda CBR1000 fireblade in sales…. and not by many bikes either… im sure if kawa was able to build more bikes they would have sold em over here….
it also narrowly beat the honda CBR125R by about 4 or 5 sales i think….
woo hoo go kawi!!!!
[Reply]
Jonesy Reply:
August 7th, 2008 at 4:43 am
I’m a serviceman overseas in Europe and we have a Kawi dealership that imports american spec bikes. I went and talked to the dealership and he showed me a e-mail that he received from kawi saying that green was a special edition color and would cost an extra $300 I have a 09 on order and should be taking delivery sometime in the next month and a half.
[Reply]
Jon Reply:
August 23rd, 2008 at 1:37 am
It does not matter if you had a signed contract on a 2008 kawasaki ninjua 250 and they have none. The bike does not exist anymore therefore they will not sell you a 2009 for the same price. They are under no obligation to do so. I found this out the hard way when dealing with a shady mercedes benz dealer near Albany, N.Y. I had put money down on a 1981 Honda Civic 1500cc . well the salesmanager kept giving the cars to his friends and one of the salesmen told me his sons teacher had a Hinda on order and the two sales managers sold his sons teachers Honda to the office bookkeeper. So much for honesty in the motor vehicle business.
[Reply]
Jesus Reply:
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:02 am
I’m selling mine’s 08 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Black, only 120 miles, still 10 Months warranty, if you or anybody is interested contact me jesus15000@hotmail.com
[Reply]
Aaron Reply:
September 7th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Where are you located?
Jesus R Reply:
September 7th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
In Brownsville, Texas
Dan Reply:
September 16th, 2008 at 12:25 am
Hi, my name is Dan and I am interested in buying your bike.
Just a couple of questions…
How much are you selling your bike for?
Are you willing to ship it over to Prescott, Arizona?
If so…
Any minor/major damages to the bike?
Is your bike kept in a safe spot?
Is your bike currently registered?
Can you give me the exact date of when you recieved your bike?
Where did you buy your bike?
Was it assembled at the store? (if you bought it at the store)
Any current modifications on the bike? (e.g. exhaust, turbo, paint jobs)
Did you break in your engine before you began to rev it?
It would be great if you can message me back asap.
Thank you for your time.
Jesus Reply:
September 18th, 2008 at 9:30 am
*How much are you selling your bike for?
$3800
*Are you willing to ship it over to Prescott, Arizona?
If so… Yes, you manage all the shipment.
*Any minor/major damages to the bike?
R= There is a minor scratch (Almost Invisible)
*Is your bike kept in a safe spot?
R= Is in my garage (covered)
*Is your bike currently registered?
R= It has all taxes,plate,registration,inspection,etc. already paid
*Can you give me the exact date of when you recieved your bike?
R= Exact day, don’t remember but i was nearly the first days of June
*Where did you buy your bike?
R= 802 Motorsport, Brownsville, TX. Oficial Kawasaki Dealer
*Was it assembled at the store? (if you bought it at the store)
R= i don’t know, but i don’t think so, what i guess they just prepare the motorcycle over there (gas, charge battery, etc)
*Any current modifications on the bike? (e.g. exhaust, turbo, paint jobs)
R= No, Everything is as if just bought it from dealer
*Did you break in your engine before you began to rev it?
R= No, i only ride it 120 miles,i follow the manual, never exceed the 4000 rpm
Noel Reply:
September 18th, 2008 at 12:57 am
Like everyone else I have had a bike on order for months. I have been advised that I am now on top of the list for my black 250 - I am now getting the 09 model for about $500 extra. The dealership state that they have argued with kawasaki re price however no luck in honouring the original price for the 08 model ordered as they can’t fill it. I can now get black, blue, green but no longer red. I have seen one recently so they do exist!
[Reply]
Julian Emmett Turner Said,
August 5, 2008 @ 10:19 am
http://www.kawiforums.com/showpost.php?p=1319798&postcount=134
It resulted in my SECOND deposit cancellation. This time the dealer told me to call on Saturday the 26th of June for info but, when I did, they told me that they forgot to call Kawi the day earlier (this small dealer does nothing with computers and even keeps a hand-written receipt book). They asked me if I could call and remind them early on the following Tuesday (July 29 - the next business day) then call back for the update. That’s when they told me that Kawi told them that their order was canceled. Damn. They also said that Kawi told them to expect something in the mail telling them about it soon (this brochure, no doubt). I collected my deposit, found a dealer a few states over with one and placed it on that bike (I’m going to visit my family and get it).
[Reply]
Jasen Said,
August 5, 2008 @ 10:46 am
Wow no more Kawi Green!?!…Glad I got it when I did…even better selling point…
…”Well Sir this is a rare 2008 Kawasaki Lime Green Ninja 250R…they stopped making green after that year…” blah blah blah SOLD!
[Reply]
Frosty714 Reply:
August 11th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
LOL
[Reply]
2009 Ninja 250R - What to Expect - Kawasaki Motorcycle Forums Said,
August 5, 2008 @ 1:33 pm
[…] 2009 Ninja 250R - What to Expect It looks like the MSRP is going up $500 and there will not be green according to this. Not sure about its credibility but I thought it was interesting. 2009 Ninja 250R - What to Expect | Kawasaki Ninja 250R Parts, Reviews, Mods, and Information […]
ghillie Said,
August 5, 2008 @ 2:18 pm
Not surprised about the price increase. Heck it’s supply and demand at work. And if the local market supports it, dealers may add on a few hundred extra too.
I continue to be disappointed on the quality control on this bike though. Fit and finish is very good for a bike at this low price, but it seems they cut corners on the quality of the parts.
The latest thing to the list of my gripes, although a small thing, it just another brick in the wall so to speak, is the rubber boot on the clutch end of the clutch cable. The boot is rotting. The bike is kept out of the sun and indoors when not being ridden, yet the rubber is going south in 3 months. Some of the parts on this Ninja are just cheap as well. Stamped steel pieces instead of forged, or cast aluminum pieces. Disappointing!
[Reply]
MIchelle Reply:
August 30th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
That was deffinatley the case in FL. I just bought and ‘08 in JAX FL and they were selling them at $3999 (already $500 more than MSRP) due to the high demand. People were driving in from NC to get them. My dealership got 15 of them and sold them within 2 weeks. It was crazy.
[Reply]
Mike Said,
August 5, 2008 @ 3:08 pm
Just got off the phone with my dealer after having a 250 on hold for my girl since may. All dealers in the US will be getting one bike on there first shipment. Should be coming late this month early next. Anyone who had money on hold for an 08′ 250 and signed a contract is at disrection of the dealer on wether the dealer will charge them the extra $500 markup. As i doubt and dealer will i cant be to sure as i didnt think i would be sitting here waiting again for another 250…. Kawi Green FOR SURE is not int he works for the 09’s as in Kawi’s words it was the lowest selling bike… But wait they couldnt fill all the orders for 08″s. SO someone was buying them? Oh well Special Edition would be cool. My dealer also told me i may have to return the seat cowl for the red one i had on order as to he didnt get an answer as to if the red’s had changed. The new 09’s will be on Kawi’s website after the dealer meeting in september so…. A waiting game hmmm….. Sound Familiar anyone?
Mike B
[Reply]
Slap-Happy-Sappy Said,
August 5, 2008 @ 8:16 pm
I heard they were gonna go with an orange instead of the kawi Green … can anyone confirm this ?
[Reply]
Chris Said,
August 5, 2008 @ 10:53 pm
Does this mean the resale on my Green ‘08 is going to go up when its time for a ZX-6r??
:D:D
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DJAZ Said,
August 6, 2008 @ 12:32 am
@Jasen: but that would mean you were selling this little gem. And what fun would that be?
I say buy a second bike but keep the 250r.
I have to *gasp* at the thought that the green is not available. I think they plastered that green everywhere in the promo materials and of course they have had particular success tying the 250r in with “team green” racing. Why would they do that? We love the green. Can’t find one to buy, only seen one on the road, but it is still a bangin’ color.
They should be adding colors and ramping up production 15%.
Kawi…you OWN this market, invest in your user base NOW ….dumb ideas can come later.
[Reply]
Samuel Said,
August 6, 2008 @ 7:21 am
Ok, there is no way that they are removing the green. Green is pretty much THEIR colour.
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Jasen Said,
August 6, 2008 @ 8:24 am
DJAZ: True…I’d love to get my hands on a new bike next year and be able to keep the 250R. Someone would have to make me a nice offer…and around me its nothing but rich kids (Hunterdon County, NJ) that get what they want and I’m sure they could get mommy and daddy to fork over a nice chunk of change. But I’d still hate to see her go…
Anyway…it was only a matter of time before the dumb ideas started unfolding, but I didn’t see it happening so soon!? Hopefully they won’t remove the rear brake to reduce weight…More colors would be great…or a special edition. Or something…I guess the only thing really changing is the price…and it’s not in the right direction.
But I can’t blame them…I’d do the same thing. I think there are plenty of things that could be improved on this bike…but the price would go up, up, up. I’m just happy I went and got mine ASAP and didn’t have to deal with any of this non-sense…sorry to everyone who has to deal with it. It is a great bike and I would recommend it to anyone young or old…beginner or experienced.
[Reply]
Terry Said,
August 6, 2008 @ 10:21 am
Guess I got mine in time. I never liked the Green anyway. Now I wouldn’t mind an Orange one.
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Mr. 2Fiddy Said,
August 6, 2008 @ 11:39 am
Guys — About Green — You need to realize that it Kawasaki doesn’t use it on EVERY Bike..
Sport Bikes AND Supersport bikes that didn’t come in Green in 2008:
Ninja 500R
ZZR600
Z1000
ZX-14
And the ZX-14 is Kawi’s Media Flagship…That bike is pretty much built to be used in Magazine articles..
Until The bikes start shipping or we get officially official word fro Kawaski about colors — we won’t be 100% sure.. But don’t rule it out, it’s not _impossible_
WHAT WE NEED TO BE FOCUSING ON…. The FIRST LINE!
“… Due to unforeseen changes in production …”
What the heck does that mean!
[Reply]
Shane Said,
August 6, 2008 @ 2:22 pm
I honestly don’t see Kawasaki selling as many 2009s as they did the 2008s. The “newness” of the design will be soemwhat worn off and not as much a shock to everybody, not to mention people will now have the option of getting a used 2008 and not having to pay quite the premium (like they do now for used 2008s). Add into this the fact that gas prices are dropping (down 60 cents/gallon in my area in just the past 2 weeks), and I really don’t see the 250r as being quite the “hot commodity” it was for the 2008 release. I know quite a few people who were put off by Kawasaki’s inability to maintain a decent production output and have since moved on to used early model 250r’s, 500r’s, Suzuki GS500Fs, etc.. Kawasaki needs to get their act in gear this time around. Not knowing the demand is one thing, not being able to meet the demand is something different.
I hope they do beef up their production this time around. I am ready, willing, and able to buy a 250r. If they can’t sell me one, than I will go elsewhere.
My .02
[Reply]
Jack Reply:
August 6th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
My dealer is still hoping to get me on an ‘08. I put money down about two weeks ago on an ‘08 with the condition that if none come in then I’ll get an ‘09. If the MSRP increases then that’s on me to. Basically pay another $500 for the SAME as the ‘08. I understand supply and demand, but if that’s the case, I’ll just buy a used ‘08 to save the money.
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Mr. 2Fiddy Reply:
August 6th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Well, also considering a bulk of the 2008 owners paid a dealer markup to the tune of about 4k… (If not more) — So not sure if it is as much as Supply and demand as it is “We know you suckas will pay it!”
[Reply]
Shane Reply:
August 6th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
It very well could be. I wonder what changes, if any, are being made on the 2009.
Jon Reply:
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:05 am
Yesw it may be new but the newness of it will not wear off. The 2009 model will be exacytly the sasme as the 2008 model minus the green color which is dumb sinve it s like their trademark color. I just go tthe last green one as far as i know.
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johnathan Said,
August 6, 2008 @ 4:56 pm
they come out sept 20 Dk when dealers will get them but they can be ordered sept 20 on… Rays what my dealer told me. I think it’s stupid to lose green. Guess il have to settle for a used 2008
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STINGER Said,
August 6, 2008 @ 5:24 pm
I just put a deposit on the 2009 250R last week, the dealer is charging me OTD at $4850
Think thats fair? Living in Nassau County in NY
Also offering cash but dealer won’t go down, any suggestion
They told me its coming in 2nd week of Sept 08
[Reply]
Tim F Reply:
August 8th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
i just put a deposit on a 09 ninja250, and ill be paying $4,026. I live in Missouri and suprisingly this is the only dealer that would take deposits on it… im 5th in line for getting it, and only 2nd for black.
[Reply]
Rob Reply:
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:37 am
i live in STL, what dealership??
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Tim F Reply:
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:51 pm
J & W cycles…. 1-636-239-5575, ask for Luke
Rob Reply:
August 23rd, 2008 at 1:19 am
thanks, is that price OTD?
Chris Said,
August 6, 2008 @ 5:29 pm
…Wow, that $4850 seems WAY High!
I paid $3800 OTD in April, I’d be looking for a used ‘08. That getting close to the money you’d be paying for a 600
[Reply]
Shane Reply:
August 6th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
The 2009 MSRP is $3999.95, if I remember correctly (I might be aoff a little).
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Robocon Reply:
August 8th, 2008 at 3:06 am
Check my Kelly Blue Book pricing on the “OTD” link. As the dealer invoice being “$3500″ for the 2009s, thats bulls%$t! That would mean the dealer price went from 2200 to 3500 in one production year? Not likely. Its probably a typo or planned diversion for the public to see. It should read: MSRP 3589. Also, green paint or not, you will be able to “wrap” your bike while still keeping the original color. Check out the Autoblog website and look for “BMV tapes black car to white”.
[Reply]
Shane Reply:
August 8th, 2008 at 11:49 am
I just checked with a my dealer and he told me the new MSRP is $3999 (and some change). I put a depsoit down so hopefully nothing else changes (except maybe they rethink the new cost, lol).
J.E.Turner Reply:
August 24th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Who told you that invoice was $2,200 before? News flash: It wasn’t. It’s remained one of the *least* profitable bikes when sold at MSRP. Perhaps the ‘07 was $2,200 invoice ($3,000 MSRP) but even that sounds like a stretch (dealer cost after 2008 rebates factored in, perhaps).
Robocon Reply:
August 26th, 2008 at 4:54 am
Check out the Dealer version of the Kelly Blue Book. (Not the one sold at stores). If you look at the amount of mark up on a ZX-10R, the customer is already paying over $5000 if they pay list at $11,1999. So I’d say that the Ninja 250 at $1400 mark up is pretty wimpy when compared to other bike sales. Not sure if someone, or a dealer told you otherwise. I’d even rather upsell a customer a 500 and make a $2500 profit than sell the 250 at list.
Julian Emmett Turner Reply:
August 26th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Which is EXACTLY what they are doing: Bait and switch to their more profitable bikes (either that or add a huge markup over MSRP). They took two deposits on the same bike. During my weekly calls, they all of a sudden tried to upsell me to a 500R, which tipped me off that something was wrong well before they admitted it many weeks later (after the expected delivery had arrived). They wanted to sucker us both in and hold our money until all competitors had sold their ‘08 250Rs, then they tried to upsell us and neither of us bit. Their “make up deal” was an ‘08 500R “at invoice” with an OTD price of $5,672. Though the ’09s were available, this was an ‘08 and I laughed that they would dare say that that was invoice + tax, tag, and title.
The 250Rs are not comparable to the ZX10s or ZX6s in MSRP & invoice price. They are entry-level bikes that are kept cheap with intentionally restricted supply so that the resale values remain high. Why does Kawi care about second-hand jprofit margin to the ZX series… or, for that matter, any other series considering that they have the 250cc sportbike category all to themselves. It’s their best-selling bike and has been for many years, so dealers are supposed to make their money from A) Economies of scale and B) Trade-in + used sales. Seeing that same dealer now with used 250Rs for more than new price and NO profit-sharing with the manufacturer is a pretty good case study.
drew schafer Said,
August 6, 2008 @ 8:53 pm
I had a deposit on the ‘08 and waited 3 months on getting it finally comes and the semi truck ran over my bike right after he unloaded it at my dealer, and bent the frame!. Talk about disappinting. I was given chance to recieve the display model 09 at the end of august.
[Reply]
DJAZ Said,
August 7, 2008 @ 1:54 am
Well “unforseen” means the didn’t expect it to happen, I think.
More likely they have been making “09’s” from “08’s” (that’s why they stopped delivering in May)and ran out of parts from some major supplier.
So their contingency is failing and they know they won’t meet the demand. What to do? drop the heavy ordered color and focus on what you have parts for. So no changes and one less color.
i would expect another delay after November, with the REAL 09’s coming in the spring when the parts are back in inventory.
2 cents.
[Reply]
RogerT Said,
August 7, 2008 @ 3:16 am
If what we hear in this announcement is true, it strikes me as shortsighted. A $500 increase with no FI? All Kawi is accomplishing by that is to create a market that will attract a competitor. And customers want more colors, not fewer. It’s OK if they rotate - for instance, drop green this year to add yellow, then drop yellow for orange, then back to green in 2010. Maybe drop the red or blue for white for one year. But fewer colors? Kawi would be underrating the eye candy appeal of sharp colors to draw in buyers who might not otherwise have considered the bike.
[Reply]
STINGER Said,
August 7, 2008 @ 4:10 pm
IF I HAVE TO PAY UNDER $5K FOR THE 2009 250R THEN I GUESS I SHOULD CONSIDER 2008 650R?
ANYONE THINK THAT IS A GOOD IDEA
ALSO, ANYONES KNOW ABOUT OTD FOR 2008 650R?
DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THE 2008 650R AS HOT AS THE 250R?
DO YOU THINK I HAVE TO DEAL W THE SUPPLY & DEMAND BS?
[Reply]
Jake Reply:
August 7th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
This is what I am thinking of doing… however i was going to get the 250 because it was the perfect size for me :/ but now i’m looking at the 650r and the ZX-6R (looks just as good as the 250 but costs more than double
)
Kawi’s site says the MSRP for the 650r is $6,499 :/
Also it doesn’t look as good as the 250 at all, IMO
but i don’t think you will have to deal with the supply and demand…
[Reply]
w00w00 Reply:
August 9th, 2008 at 5:30 am
Don’t you mean the 250 looks as good as the ZX6R. I own a 08 6R - and the 250 style comes from that- if this is a first bike - I don’t think you need a 6R - you’ll hurt yourself
[Reply]
ritchie Reply:
August 28th, 2008 at 12:47 am
Very true at the most i’d try a 500, but you should really just wait for the new ones, i personally have an 09 on order so my first bike bike will be a 2009 250r (nice to be the first in the city with the new model)
jimmy1 Said,
August 7, 2008 @ 5:29 pm
2009 Ninja 250 MSRP is $3499. You can find the information from cyclertrader.com
[Reply]
jimmy1 Said,
August 7, 2008 @ 5:33 pm
2009 Ninja 250 MSRP is $3499.
VEHICLE DETAILS
Year:2009
Make:KAWASAKI
Model:Ninja 250 R
Location:Buena Park, CA
Type:Motorcycle
Mileage:
SELLER DESCRIPTION
2009 KAWASAKI Ninja 250 R, Single kicked-up muffler New full-fairing similar to the Ninja ZX-6R and -10R supersport bike UNI-TRAK rear suspension, high-performance petal disc brakes and a dual seat
[Reply]
phillypharm Said,
August 7, 2008 @ 6:08 pm
it’s 3999 not 3499, honda east has it as 3999 and it’s written in the bulletin sent to the dealers shown above. and every other dealer has confirmed the $500 increase. just bc advanced kawi has it listed at 3499 doesn’t mean that’s the price, especially since the picture they have listed is of a green 2008 model. there r no images of the 09 version yet, that company is just trying to lead people in then raise the price on them.
[Reply]
phillypharm Said,
August 7, 2008 @ 6:08 pm
VEHICLE DETAILS
* Year:2009
* Make:KAWASAKI
* Model:NINJA 250 EX250J9F
* Location:Maumee, OH
* Type:Motorcycle
* Mileage:
SELLER DESCRIPTION
2009 KAWASAKI NINJA 250 EX250J9F, 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, EX250, 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250 sport bike. Offered in the Black, Red, or Blue color scheme. For more information, please call 419-891-1230 ext.45 or ext.34. Inventory changes daily.
[Reply]
I'm NEW and EXCITED! - Sportbikes.net Said,
August 9, 2008 @ 8:55 pm
[…] That’s a great choice of first bike but its unlikely you’re going to get your hands on a 2008, probably going to be a 2009 at this point, MSRP $3999. All orders for the 2008 250’s that haven’t been shipped yet were canceled. I put a deposit on one in late June and sat around and twiddled my thumbs only to hear that it wasn’t going to happen and that I could get on the waiting list for an ‘09. Here’s a bit more information: 2009 Ninja 250R - What to Expect | Kawasaki Ninja 250R Parts, Reviews, Mods, and Information […]
Frosty714 Said,
August 12, 2008 @ 1:26 am
hey guys i put a deposit down for an 08 ninja on july 24th do you guys think ill still be able to get it? since everyone is saying they stop making them?
[Reply]
jackie Reply:
August 13th, 2008 at 7:57 am
no dummy can you not read it says all 08’s were cancelled.
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Nemy Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
Petition to keep lime green going for 2009:
http://www.petitiononline.com/Ninja250/petition.html
SIGN IT!
[Reply]
john Reply:
August 16th, 2008 at 2:39 am
lame. why dont you petition for FI
[Reply]
matt Reply:
August 18th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
word. who cares about the green?
i personally think the green is ugly, no offense to anyone who owns one…
i hope i’ll be able to get an 09 late sept/early october… i’ve been waiting and waiting!
[Reply]
E. Feasible Said,
August 22, 2008 @ 2:13 am
I had no idea this was going on. i simply walked into a local kawa Dealership and i asked if they had any ‘08 250s. of course they said no. they also said had placed an order for an early release ‘09 and that no one had bothered to come in and place a deposit on it. guess i was just at the right place at the right time. i did all the paperwork today and i was told the bike would be here around the end of the month. i’ll let you know what is going on once i pick it up. make calls to kawa dealers and you just may find one! the deposits for the ‘08 did not roll over to the early release ‘09!!! its open season!
[Reply]
Frosty714 Reply:
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:05 pm
cool man how much was your OTD
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E. Feasible Reply:
September 8th, 2008 at 12:55 am
i got it for msrp, $3999.00 but after all taxes and stuff it came out to $4999. Does that sound rite? it was shipped out on thursday, sept 4. should be at local wherehouse by tues sept 9. dealer should have it by friday, sept 12. Thats all the info i have. i’ll post more as soon as i pick up the bike!! looks like we are all waiting for it!!!
[Reply]
caliplaya Reply:
August 24th, 2008 at 12:41 am
thats tight bro how much are you getting the bike for??
[Reply]
E. Feasible Reply:
September 8th, 2008 at 12:56 am
check out my previous reply to frosty714. It reads: “i got it for msrp, $3999.00 but after all taxes and stuff it came out to $4999. Does that sound rite? it was shipped out on thursday, sept 4. should be at local wherehouse by tues sept 9. dealer should have it by friday, sept 12. Thats all the info i have. i’ll post more as soon as i pick up the bike!! looks like we are all waiting for it!!!”
[Reply]
sao5008 Said,
August 26, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
The same thing just happened to me, I havent owned a bike, this will be my first. just walked into the dealership and put a deposit on the only 2009 they are getting before spring ( PA). the OTD is $4,379. Now, i wonder wether i should cancel the order and go for a used 2008, thoughts?
[Reply]
Jack P Reply:
August 29th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Definitely go for a used ‘08. I’ve got a few reasons:
1) 09’s are going up $500 for pretty much the same bike. Why pay more for the same thing ?
2) You’ll be able to get one pretty much brand new for less than $4000. I got an 08 with only 33 miles on it for $3600 with 4 year extended warranty. Many people will say they want a “bigger” bike and you’ll be able to gain from their loss
3) I would imagine everyone that didn’t get an ‘08 will want an ‘09, so it will probably still be difficult to get your hands on a brand new one.
To each his own, but take that $1000 you were going to put towards an 09 and put an Area P, jet kit and HID on an 08…
[Reply]
Chris Reveles Said,
August 29, 2008 @ 3:58 pm
+++++ ATTENTION +++++
2009 Ninja 250R just arrived, I just received an email from a dealer at Laredo, TX
[Reply]
ryan Said,
September 1, 2008 @ 11:19 pm
i had a deposit on a 08 green bike and they told me they aren’t getting it any more but evey dealer that was promised a 08 bike will get one and only one 09 before they hit the market… since i was next on the list i get the 09 before any one will ever see one!!
[Reply]
italia **** Said,
September 3, 2008 @ 5:36 am
hey im getting a green kawasaki 09 model next week. i ordered it 3 weeks ago and im already getting one. the demand here in adelaide, australia is high like 2 on the show room floors r sold and another 18 coming in are sold but im still in the next shipment next week!! wooo
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sdmike Said,
September 3, 2008 @ 4:36 pm
Got a call from my local dealer today. They have a black 09 that just came in, and first come/first serve from the 08 waiting list. He indicated the price went up $500, and they were already trying to nail folks for a $1000 shipping/assembly fee (thieves). I suspect I’ll go over there and offer them MSRP…and walk on the deal when they turn me down.
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bigbob Reply:
September 3rd, 2008 at 5:31 pm
where is your local dealer.
im trying to figure out when my bikes coming in
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AJK Said,
September 8, 2008 @ 4:47 am
I put a deposit on a green 08 model a couple of weeks ago and the dealer (hope he wasn’t lying) said that green ones were still available in Australia and they should have 1 by the end of September. Really hope he’s for real and not just after my deposit.
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Rikki Said,
September 8, 2008 @ 8:18 pm
I just put a deposit on a black 09 today. $4425 OTD. I can’t wait…I”m so excited to get off the back seat!
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bigbob Reply:
September 8th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
where
and what dealer
when are you supposed to get it
ive got the same thing coming at pilgrim
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Rikki Reply:
September 8th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
I live in WI and got it at Ken’s Motorsports in Kaukauna. I’m not sure to be honest when it’s coming in. I know that it’s sometime this winter, so I’m not going to stress cuz I can’t ride it anyway…lol I’m taking it from the dealer to a sign company so they can put some graphics on it. Must make it MY BIKE! lol
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AJK Said,
September 9, 2008 @ 1:14 am
Just letting people know that I spoke to Kawasaki today and the 09 was released in Australia during August. They are doing black, green and blue. I put a deposit down a few weeks ago for a greeny (thinking I was putting a deposit for an 08 model lol) and shoud have it by end of September. I guess the 09 is the same as 08, just more $$$.
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Matt Said,
September 9, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
Whats the deal in the US? I’m in Texas… My wife called around for me while I was at work and keeps getting different info from different dealers. She said quite a few said it may be 6 months befoe they get the 09’s in. Some others were saying October. A dealer in Plano, TX emailed me the memo Kawasaki sent out to all dealerships regarding the cancellation of all 08 models previously on order, and about dealerships getting 1 2009 in September.
Does anybody know if there is a large warehouse in the US that Kawasaki could be storing the 2009 models until the September dealer meeting, at which point they could release and ship them from a station within the states? Or once ordered will they have to ship all the way from Japan or Thailand?
I hate when companies are secretive… Especially when I want their product!
[Reply]
keeganttu Reply:
September 9th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
I’m with you matt. I’m in the DFW metroplex, and have been looking for months now (actively looking). Havent heard of any of my dealers, (other than one in tyler) getting an ‘09, and i also am wondering how shipping will go after the dealer’s meeting. I personally will be waiting/drooling at the dealer that can PROMISE me (VIN) the bike the fastest with best price in mind. I’ve been dying for one of these for a few months now, and it is finally time to be reborn. But when?
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e.feasible Said,
September 9, 2008 @ 7:00 pm
where are these bikes coming from? i am in california and my ‘09 is taking forever to get here!!
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J* Reply:
September 9th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
yo i live in socal, i was wondering how much did you get your bike for and what dealer thanks
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J* Reply:
September 11th, 2008 at 12:06 am
nvm i just read your comment on your otd 4999 is good i guess if you can afford that. im looking to spend 4500 if they want more id rather get a bigger bike but thats just me.
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E. Feasible Reply:
September 12th, 2008 at 1:15 am
the shipping is what killed me on msrp. seems like everyone in the midwest and south got theirs in late august. either way, its a sweet ride!!
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Ninja_Chick Said,
September 9, 2008 @ 9:14 pm
I put a deposit down on a Black 09′ today. Tried to get an 08′ a few months ago but they were nowhere to be found! My dealer here in Michigan said hes hoping within a few weeks….but Im not gonna hold my breath…they have been saying that for the past month! Im really sick of waiting!!!!
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Cameron A Said,
September 10, 2008 @ 12:41 pm
I just got a call from my dealership up here (Idaho) they said they just got an 09 250 in red if I wanted to buy it
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luciloli Reply:
September 14th, 2008 at 1:41 am
Was it Carl’s Cycle Sales in Boise, by any chance? I called them on Friday hoping to put a deposit down for when the bikes came in around spring, and the dude said that a few people had backed out of buying this one black ‘09 and they had it on the floor. Um, I shamefully left work early and went to stake claim. I am being charged MSRP of $3999, but with taxes and whatnot it came out to $4600. $400 for a freight fee- does this sound reasonable to anyone? Am I just being screwed?
Sorry, this turned out to be more than a reply.
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J* Reply:
September 15th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
yea that’s pretty good price
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Rikki Said,
September 10, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
My excitement is killing me…the meeting on the 19th can’t come fast enough. I may not get my bike till winter, but at least it will be in my garage…lol
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E. Feasible Said,
September 11, 2008 @ 1:27 am
i FINALLY received my black 2009 ninja today in the bay/sacto area, ca. The bill of sale, and all other documetns refer to the bike as a 2009 model. I must of been amongst the last people to get it. shits weak, but well worth the wait! The fender is TERRIBLE but the bike looks soooooo much better in person than it does in pictures & reviews. WOW! I do hear some rattling coming from somewhere near the ignition when i am around 5-9 rpm.. anyone else experiencing that?
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Josh Said,
September 12, 2008 @ 4:32 am
If you got it so recently, you should be in break-in period anyways. Unless you used the custom ways to break it in.
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Michael Said,
September 12, 2008 @ 2:46 pm
Nothing should be rattling on your bike… I bought my wife an 08 Ninja 250 and the thing is as solid as a rock, even at 12k rpms. If the bikes MSRP is $4000 it should only cost around $4300-$4500 OTD depending on how much the dealer is looking to make. But with supply and demand its well over that. I saw 08’s going for $5300 OTD and the same price used. I li in CA, and when I bought my first bike, an 07 Ninja 250, msrp was $3500, and they were asking $4000 but dropped it to $3850 when I began to walk out, haha. And MSRP takes into account dealer profit, so they are just capitalizing on the situation.
For anyone who has one, or is getting one, I definitely suggest getting the competition Werks fender eliminator, its well worth it, along with frame sliders, a yoshimura carbon fiber exhaust etc. I’ve done everything possible to my wife’s bike and it looks amazing!
Also, there is a guy selling custom exhaust hangers on ebay for $60, and they look great and allow you to remove the bulky passenger pegs. It really makes the bike look like a sport bike! I just thought I’d give him a shout out since I really like the part. There are only like 15 left though!
I ride an 07 Yamaha R6 and think it’s just about the best bike ever built, BUT my first bike was an 07 Ninja 250 (which was no where near as nice as my wife’s 08 Ninja) and the Ninja is the PERFECT bike for beginners or anyone who cares less about speed and more about fuel economy and just having a good time. It’s worth the money just for the 60-70 mpg it gets, and she doesn’t seem to have a problem with it. We’ve raced against cars together (modified handas, acuras, evos, mustangs etc) , and it’s normally me (by a long shot) then her, THEN the car, so it has some speed.
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Dustin Said,
September 13, 2008 @ 12:04 am
Today September 12th I just got my new 2009 yes 2009 ninja 250 in blue. As far as I can tell its just about exactly the same as the 08. The MSRP was 3999 making it OTD $4775 which seems high but gas here today jumped to over 4.50 a gallon so it is becoming more and more worth the extra money.
[Reply]
bibbob Reply:
September 13th, 2008 at 8:02 am
what state do you live in
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Dustin Reply:
September 14th, 2008 at 1:00 am
I live in Raleigh, NC. The guys at the dealership were surprised that they received it. I love the bike so far its nothing to much but just right for someone who is just getting into it.
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Maximus Said,
September 13, 2008 @ 9:55 pm
I was looking to buy a 08 250 a couple of months ago so I went to two different dealers. The first Cycle World where the dealer’s best quote was more than $5800, that’s if he could find one, price included $1000 just to ship it here and $500 nonrefundable deposit good for a 09 if couldn’t get one. It was like talking to a car dealer trying his best to screw me over any way he could so I just walked out. The second was a local Kawasaki dealer who was upfront and honest and quoted around $4000 it he could get one, included $500 refundable deposit if he coundn’t. But I’m tired of waiting for the 09’s to come out so I trying to buy a used 08. I doubt the 09 will be too different than the 08.
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web Said,
September 14, 2008 @ 4:52 pm
Dudes…. this is huge ! But where is the silver ? This little bike rips.
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250 Said,
September 15, 2008 @ 5:44 pm
Geez, I am in the market to buy a new 250, but didn’t realize how much of a hassle it would be. I love the new style of the 250, but I am starting to question if it’s really worth it. I am thinking about buying a Ninja 500. They are still considered a “beginner bike”, but I am sure that you can get one without the wait. Sure they are a little more in price, but I would rather pay now and get a bike instead of paying now and hoping to get a bike in the near future, and hopefully they will not cancel your order and tell you to wait for 2010’s to come
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J* Reply:
September 15th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
hopefully kawasaki starts making ninja 250s like krazy, after that sep 19 meeting!
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Dustin Reply:
September 16th, 2008 at 1:56 am
I’m sure that somewhere over in Thailand there are a lot of 8 year old kids putting these things together like crazy haha. My 09 was made in June so you know that they have been and are making the hell out of these things. Good luck on getting yours soon!
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bobbig Said,
September 16, 2008 @ 4:03 pm
just got a call saying my 2009 kawasaki ninja 250r will be here wednesday or thursday my dealer is in MA
cant wait
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Dustin Reply:
September 18th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Just tell them to call you when they want your $4700 or whatever you think is reasonable. They are gonna have a ton of these things soon so if they sell yours now you will get a call in the near future with a much better price.
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Sky Said,
September 17, 2008 @ 6:53 pm
Well my OTD Price is $5358….
Dunno what to do.
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Maximus Reply:
September 17th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Don’t buy it for that price, they’re ripping you off. Look somewhere else or buy a used one, I am.
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bobbig Reply:
September 18th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
im getting mine for 4425 out the door which includes 150 dollar delivery fee to my house
so basic is 4275
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observer Reply:
September 19th, 2008 at 10:07 am
For that price you should spend another 500 bucks and get a gs500 instead
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AJK Said,
September 18, 2008 @ 10:56 am
Sweeeeeet. I picked up my 09 green model today. There were 6 that arrived and they were all lined up at the dealers front gate, all were being picked up today. What a sight to see 6 of them all in a line ready to go. Can’t really comment on the performance as the bike has to be broken-in but the bike looks awesome and really turned heads. It’s hard work keeping under 6,000 rpm and can hardly wait until I can open the throttle. I’ve only done 40kms so I have a long way to go. Anyway, it’s a sweet bike and well worth the wait. I should mention I’m in Australia. Hopefully you guys in the US are getting yours in the near future.
[Reply]
Czechside Reply:
September 18th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Where are you AJK?
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Czechside Reply:
September 18th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Sorry, I just scrolled up and noticed you are in Australia.
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Monkey Said,
September 18, 2008 @ 11:24 pm
Would anyone mind posting up a pic of their 09 ninja 250? I should be getting mine at the end of this month. My local dealer already received their first shipment a couple weeks ago. I can’t wait to get my black one!
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Peter Said,
September 19, 2008 @ 4:56 pm
I ordered my 250r at a local kawi dealership, it was $5149.00(CND) OTD. However Canadian dealerships arn’t getting them in untill April so i got 8 months of waiting to do untill i get mine.
Hope its worth the wait.
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bobbig Said,
September 19, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
my bike at plyouth ma arrived yesterday im gonna pick it up tommorow
cant wait
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greyghost Said,
September 21, 2008 @ 3:22 am
Well, Kawi updated their website. Although it does have a typo, lol.
Blue, Black, Red for $3,999 and SE green/silver for $4,099 msrp.
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Detail.aspx?id=359
[Reply]
Monkey Said,
September 21, 2008 @ 10:40 pm
greyghost, thanks for letting us know they finally updated their site!
I had checked it before I put up my last comment. Is the MSRP the “typo” you had mentioned? On the site it says that it’s $3499…. I noticed that Kawi changed the “names” of the colors. Does that mean that the colors themselves have changed??? Is anyone getting the special edition green?
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Michael Said,
September 22, 2008 @ 3:40 am
Hey everyone, I just had a quick question…
Is anyone looking to buy one of Zartans great custom exhaust hangers, but short on cash? Well, it’s your lucky day! haha.
Not to take business away from him, but I just bought one for my wife’s bike, and ended up selling it before I got a chance to put it on. She’s now on my 07 R6 and I picked up a brand new R1, so I have an exhaust hanger just sitting here :(. I’d be willing to sell it for $50, which is $10 less than what they go for. It fits the 08 & 09 models. You can pick it up in Vallejo, CA if you live in this area, or we can work something out and I can ship it to you.
Without a ninja anymore, it’s useless to me, despite being a great product! Just looking to recover a bit of my money…
[Reply]
Czechside Said,
September 22, 2008 @ 11:09 am
Just thought I’d share what I was told by two dealers in the Hamilton & Toronto, Ontario area.
One dealer said that the last he heard about the ETA was “Late November”
The other said “no idea on the ETA” but “Looks like they’ll be selling for $4599.00 plus freight, pdi and taxes” - that’s Canadian dollars - and that he “should have an idea about ETA and colours very soon”.
Personally, I’m not too thrilled with the late November thing; I was hoping to get at least a month of riding in this year.
[Reply]
greyghost Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 12:01 am
Yes, the typo would be the msrp. Notice though that it does say $3999 when you mouseover the ninja 250 in the menu, but not on the actual page.
Called my dealer today and he said that he should let me know tomorrow what the ETA is for SoCal. I’ll let ya know when I do.
[Reply]
J* Reply:
September 23rd, 2008 at 8:34 pm
COOL!! i live in SOCAL
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greyghost Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 9:36 pm
Update:
Kawi site fixed.
Socal shipping allocations are currently being assigned. My dealer at Champion Motors says that he hopes to have his shipping allocation by the end of this week or middle of next week. Meaning that they should be shipping by October sometime.
*Fingers crossed*
[Reply]
livetoridenottodie Said,
September 24, 2008 @ 9:12 pm
Hey Czechside,
Thanks for the update on the Canadian info for this bike! i hope the colours will be the same as the US.
[Reply]
Czechside Reply:
September 29th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Good news everyone!!! Kawi.ca has updated their website to include the 2009 models.
All 4 colours are listed, but still no MSRP.
[Reply]
Czechside Reply:
September 29th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Also, the Dealer’s Meeting (which they had in the US on Sept 19) is to be in the 3rd week of October. After that, I would think they should start flowing in, like they did in the states.
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Rob Said,
September 26, 2008 @ 6:39 pm
Ok, this is the skinny i got from my dealer. First thing i should tell you is that i am in the military and stationed in Korea, so i have been trying to do this all over the phone. But i put a deposit on a black 09, I called the dealership last night and they told me that every dealership is only getting 17 09’s. So I guess there is a limited amount that a dealer gets. Its hard for me to think that it is so hard to get my hands on one of the 09’s. But im second in line for a black one, i might have to take any color that have…
[Reply]
greyghost Said,
September 30, 2008 @ 7:21 pm
Dealers can get up to 17 total in the first shipment, but my dealer is apparently only getting one. Bike’s should be shipping mid-October/early-November.
Still no official comments from Kawasaki.
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Czechside Said,
October 2, 2008 @ 7:37 am
Hey guys, can someone clear this up for me. Is there a difference between the 250s sold in Canada and the ones sold in the states? I was looking to get the manual and the Canadian model number of the bike is “EX250J9F”, but on the American website (they don’t seem to have the manuals on the Canadian site), is says that the manual is for code “EX250J”. What does the “9F” stand for. I assume the 9 is the year (but I could be wrong), but that still leaves the “F”. Does anybody know what this is about?
[Reply]
Owen Reply:
October 6th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
the f just refers to the fact that its the new sahpe not the old shape… the 2008 model was EX250J8F
hope this helps
[Reply]
vVv Said,
October 6, 2008 @ 4:16 pm
i wanna know is it smart to buy a ninja zx-250r or to search for something else ?!
[Reply]
Owen Reply:
October 6th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
first of all its a ninja 250 and yes you should buy one… what else where u considering?? its a good bike and will be very capable as a firts bike…
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