Dear Kawasaki and Vendors our wishlist is….
So I have recently been going through the log files of 2Fiddy.com where I noticed some very interesting patterns. Upon further investigation, I have realized that we have a very frequent reader to this Site. Non other than good ol’ Kawasaki themselves from both the US and their JP offices.
In fact, You can clearly see when a comment or post peaks their interest, because you’ll see a bunch of hits right after the original access, most likely from some sort internal email… Really kinda funny. In fact, the 2009 Ninja 250R thread has been quite popular. [ I see you! *Waving* ]
In Addition, I have been receiving more and more emails from vendors giving me tips, and thanking me for posting about their products and wanting to work out giveaways… And asking me my opinion on parts… So we know Vendors are reading too… [ Hi guys! We love you too! *Waving* ]
Sooooooo.. This is our Wishlist Thread… Post Up what the heck you want, need, desire, and loath. It can’t hurt.. We have the audience we need, now — lets tell them how we roll! (And how we can roll mo’ better…)
I’ll Start
I’d really like to see a cap kit for all the nuts and bolts on the bike. Just something to help clean up the look.
How about you?
Charles Said,
August 8, 2008 @ 12:19 pm
Many Many Many of us use this wonderful little bike for commuting to relieve the strain of gas prices. Kawasaki has nailed the perfect commuter engine (Great Job Kawasaki!). But i’d love to see products, or even factory options, aimed at improving its comfort as a commuter. Examples would be 1)A more comfortable seat that doesnt cost quite as much as the corbin (which i hear is wonderful) 2) Sport touring type windshield with a little more height on it. 3) More options for places to hook bungies to other than the one set of hooks which i’ve noticed get removed if you opt for any of the after market fender eleminator kits. And, i’m sure the readers can come up with many more.
Thanks for hearing me out
Charles
Plasma Blue 2008 ninja 250.
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Greg Said,
August 8, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
Anything Kawasaki makes that is strictly for the 250 would be great. For example ss brakelines, rear and side lights like on the ausi web site. Really any thing that would improve the bike aesthetically or quality wise. Ditto on the seat!!!
Thx, Greg
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Jasen Said,
August 8, 2008 @ 1:05 pm
Hello Hello!
It would be nice to have a decent looking rear tire hugger (thats avaiable in the US)…Intergrated turn signals…better flush mounts…adjustable rearsets…undertail exhaust!?…some nice looking sticker that say 250R!?…i like carbon fiber!?….i like the mirrors but maybe some nice aftermarket ones!?…you can’t do this to me on such short notice! I’m sure i’ll think of more later or someone else will post what i was thinking…Thanks for taking the time to check the site out and listen to what we have to say!
Jasen
Lime Green ‘08 Ninja 250R
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Jasen Reply:
August 8th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
P.S. - I can’t spell!
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john Reply:
August 23rd, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I agree!! Gimme a hugger!
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Mr. 2Fiddy Said,
August 8, 2008 @ 1:06 pm
I think I agree with everyone that more Kawasaki direct domestic parts would be really nice.. The after market has done well… so far… but some additional bells and whistles would be nice..
And, Not to mention better availability of parts in general. I have seen tons of horror stories of people not being able to find any replacement parts…
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Pat Said,
August 8, 2008 @ 1:08 pm
A few things I would love to see in general from Kawasaki and other manufacturers
1) Flush Mount LED Turn Signals - I’ve already replaced mine to flushmounts from stock OEM, but still I find more often than not people hate the stalk type turn singals.
2) Fender Shrinkage - Again; less is more. Every bike they’ve got has a huge fender to it.
3) Aftermark Seat Cowls or at least give us the damned cowl with our bikes like they used to.
4) Brighter tail light. I’ve noticed that riding with other bikes, even looking for it, the tail light just isn’t as bright as it could be.
Just some items for the wishlist =)
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Bryan Thornhill Reply:
August 8th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Good points….
I also like the under tail exhaust idea like I saw Jasen’s mention.
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Terry Said,
August 8, 2008 @ 1:32 pm
A fender eliminator kit.
That’s really the only thing I don’t like about the bike.
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Mr. 2Fiddy Reply:
August 8th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Terry -
There are like 3-4 already on the market. http://www.2fiddy.com/category/parts/fender-eliminator/
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Terry Reply:
August 8th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
True.
I like this one:
http://secure.compwerkes.com/Detail.bok?no=416
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Bill Said,
August 8, 2008 @ 1:58 pm
Fix the backorder issues you have on parts that you know will be in popular demand, ie. seat cowls. I ordered mine over 3 months ago from a local dealer. They are not able to track Kawasaki parts from Kawasaki. More than irritating.
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BG Said,
August 8, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
I would like to see some kind of tracking on distribution available to the dealers. I have an 08 that has “shipped” (thankfully before the 8/5 cutoff) but I have absolutely no idea when it is due to arrive. I’m told that it may just show up without warning. I find it ridiculous with today’s technologies that Kawasaki cannot provide shipping info to the dealers so that they can communicate to the customer how long a bike will take to arrive - I get that pre-production dates are just good guesses, but come on… if it’s been made, then you should be able to tell me where it is.
My 2(fiddy) cents.
BG
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Mr. 2Fiddy Reply:
August 8th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
> My 2(fiddy) cents.
If I was giving out big shiny star stickers — You’d get one for today….
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Greg Reply:
August 8th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Agree. This would be nice. Seems easy enough.
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Rick Said,
August 8, 2008 @ 6:00 pm
My Wishlist:
1) Adjustable Levers
2) Flushmount Signals (front mostly)
3) More options for frame sliders
4) See #1
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reddoak Said,
August 8, 2008 @ 6:31 pm
The bike kicks much ass the way it is. Why not develop a naked standard and a mini-cruiser on the same platform? I love the micro sportbike but some people are turned off by the sportbike image.
A small naked standard with the EX250 running gear (engine, brakes, etc.) would kick the snot out of the weak, underpowered Honda offerings, especially at a comparable price. I looked pretty seriously at a Nighthawk 250 first, but drum brakes? Air cooled? Weak.
Hmm… what else?
1. Better mirror placement. I know what my jacket’s elbow’s look like now. That’s cool and all…
2. Sell a taller sprocket in your parts department. Make it easy to get the bike with it.
3. Bug stalk turn lights? Really? Flush mounts.
4. Fuel injection? Probably raise the price a bit. As a separate model, maybe. Sell an RR version with FI and sticky tires…
5. A stiffer front shock. I like diving during braking, not everyone does though.
6. Sure would be nice to have a centerstand.
7.And last of all, replace the electric horn with a train horn!
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Owen Reply:
August 9th, 2008 at 3:52 am
front shock??? i think u mean front forks…
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Reddoak Reply:
August 9th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Thanks for clarifying this confusing issue.
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Kenny Said,
August 8, 2008 @ 8:03 pm
Integrated turn signals in the mirrors and then place them better on the bike.
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bsmith Said,
August 8, 2008 @ 9:14 pm
How about a different set of gauges. I need a clock to see just how late I am. Riding with a jacket and full gauntlet gloves kind of kills the whole look at the watch thing. Better pegs, not full rearsets just get rid of the rubber. Ship it with spools since we don’t have a center stand. I’ll think of more I know.
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Jim Richardson Said,
August 8, 2008 @ 10:15 pm
hmm how do I add to a perfect motorcycle???
1) FI
Safety wire bolts from Kawi for Oil Drain plug, Filter nut, fill cap, etc…
2) What’s will all the slack in the throttle? Even adjusted it is too much..
3) +1 on the Adjustable Levers
4) Temp Gauge
5) +1 on Mirror placement.
6) Shorter stem for the side stand spring.. why does it have to 1 1/4 inchs? Oh and it sucks when you drag it.
7) Did I say FI?
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Owen Said,
August 9, 2008 @ 4:00 am
1) you wont get a smaller fender… they need it that big to pass regulations and design guidlelines…
2) you wont get underseat exhausts as almost every new model of jap bike is moving away from them…
3) you should be able to order a sports touring windscreen already from zero gravity… ive ordered a double bubble from them, although its on backorder as the products are still being tested…
id like….
1)EFI
2)bike to come standard with a 150 rear…
3)funkier dash
4) make it a 400cc engine so it’d be even quicker…. and raise hp from 30->45
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w00w00 Said,
August 9, 2008 @ 5:45 am
Man - guys - are you serious ?
Some of these Ideas are ok - but its a 250! for crist’s sake - Most of the options you guys are asking for on the 250 are whats for bigger bikes - 400cc engines - 150 rear tire - get real.
If you want that stuff - get a bigger bike - because its sounds like you wish you had a bigger bike asking for some of this stuff.
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Kenny Reply:
August 10th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Why cant they be available on smaller bikes?
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250E Reply:
August 10th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
There’s alot to be said for smaller displacement. I don’t want a “bigger bike”. The KTM 125GP makes over 40hp, their 250 makes over 100hp. Even tamed, it shows the potential. It’s like being loyal to import 1.8s rather than american V8s. Who wouldn’t rather work with what they have, rather than learn a whole new model?
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Julian E. Turner Said,
August 9, 2008 @ 9:16 am
The stalks on the mirrors need to be about 3/4″-1″ longer or we at least need an after-market set. It’s bad enough for a beginner not having a rear-view mirror, but it’s even worse when I have to choose less-safe lane-positioning and compromise my view of the lanes on either side to look “around” my body! I find myself having to do this to properly view parallel lanes also.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but the kick-stand doesn’t always go all the way down from a solid “kick” and stops half-way (it’ll fold back when you lean it over if you don’t catch this). The spring tension is so soft and comfortable, it could be tightened up a bit to put a stop to this and still be comfortable.
Give us electronic fuel injection. A large portion of your customer-base came to the EX250 through rising fuel costs and this would seal the deal for many, many, many more regardless of “value.”
Though I like the instrumentation (visible and aesthetic), it would be nice if they actually indicated properly. While you’re at it, how about some digital indicators so you wouldn’t have to sacrifice the temp gauge for the fuel gauge (display sharing)? It would also be not problem to share the same display for displaying the time (THAT would be really welcome!).
I second the request for easier availability of the higher gearing for improved fuel economy. I hate to think that I’d be voiding my warranty if I went ahead and put one one, and Kawasaki KNOWS that a lot of the 250R buyers came to it for the fuel economy. So, how about it, Kawi?
I’m sure I’ll think of more. I just drove my 6.2′ 255lb self 490mi on the default suspension (150lbs) and I’m understandably not thinking clearly. I just thought of another!
OUCH! Though my suspension had not been adjusted, this bike HURTS if you plan on going the “distance” (from the other factors too). At fueling stops, several people asked if I lowered it because it “didn’t look like stock seat height.” If people expect a higher stock seat, then so does my rear! It would thank you if you provided it.
Thanks for listening Kawasaki.
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JT Said,
August 9, 2008 @ 8:32 pm
ID LIKE A SMOKING HOT CHICK TO COME OUT OF MY TANK WHEN I RUB IT….
BUT, INSTEAD ALL I GET IS THIS STUPID WHISTLE…
WAIT JUST A SECOND…
ID LIKE A PERMENANT, OFFICIAL, KAWA RECALL STYLE FIX FOR THIS FORSAKEN TANK WHISTLE…
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Nevar Said,
August 10, 2008 @ 12:41 am
Wish List
- 1 or 2 inchs added to the mirror arms. (can’t ask for 3 or more as I haven’t been a good enough boy).
- Temp Gauge. (We know the little ninja is hot, but how hot?)
- All colours available in all Countries. (Green and Blue is too good for us Aussies, maybe we should change our national colours).
The end
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DJAZ Said,
August 10, 2008 @ 1:22 am
Well well, some nice suggestions.
But all you need to actually do is this:
Make it a slightly safer, slightly more comfortable, slightly more confidence inspiring commutor. We love the 650r, but, it’s $7500 out the door. Just a little more of the above to the 250r and it will become legendary.
Better brakes. Please, so we can stop.
Adjustable everything, c’mon, it’s really not that expensive and it opens up the bike to a WIDER audience. And that is good.(Pegs and Mirrors must be adjustable in the U.S, we come in all sizes and shapes.)
I don’t want EFI, this engine can be modded easy as it is, tried and true reliable and cheap to fix. Please, don’t bother with fancy electronics for a bargain bike. Better carbs are the only engine enhancement, maybe a little closer to 30 hp stock output. Think ’60s California, not 2008 Forza.
Everything is fine. You did a great job. Quite frankly, you need better dealers. i wish you just sold direct through the internet. Worst dealers, ever. And that means Suzuki beat you and they stink too.
Thanks for rocking ‘08 Kawi.
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Charles Reply:
August 10th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
AMEN! brother
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250E Said,
August 10, 2008 @ 12:52 pm
A rear tire hugger! Hell, A-Tech from Japan just needs a domestic importer! They have soooo many beautiful pieces. An under-seat exhaust would be nice but I’m a fan of the GP styles out now, too. Short, adjustable levers (where you at Pazzo?). Otherwise I really love the bike as a whole!
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Cyfer Said,
August 11, 2008 @ 12:08 pm
With all the above mentioned…and even after waiting 3 months….I love the bike and I’m proud to own one. However, I do feel Kawasaki and their many dealerships dropped the ball with anticipation of its success…especially knowing that this model has been the top seller for years now.
I got lucky…out the door for 3700. You just can’t bet that for a bike that is performing this well with the number of years this bike’s been in production. As long as I keep it at 7 grand…..I’m seeing 65 - 68 mpg. I bought it to ride and it sees 300+ miles per week and I’ve not been disappointed yet. All the power I need, and good looks to boot.
So yeah…count me in on all the above mentioned.goodies….but to help out the guys getting a 2009…lets look a little sharper Kawasaki …you and your dealers.
The other teams are just around the corner……
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Brian Said,
August 12, 2008 @ 4:30 pm
I would like to see some of the cowling and rear fender eliminator that is available in Japan available in the US.
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Bizzmoff Said,
August 19, 2008 @ 9:11 pm
As this is my first street bike - I have nothing to really compare it to. A few things that would make this entry level bike even better are:
* new front pegs - the rubber on the front pegs makes feeling the bike difficult
* turn signal cancel - beeper, buzzer, or automatic. I normally hit the cancel button when I shift to 2nd but sometimes I forget
* clock - an LCD that is back-lit would be very nice. Watches are hard to read at night.
* horn - I have no idea what’s out there but something with a little more edge would be nice
* trunk pan - I have had many items slip through the two holes in the trunk and go under the seat. A solid trunk would be great. I have a zipper tool bag that fits perfectly so this is not really a problem anymore.
* quality tool kit - I replaced most of the crappy tools that came with the bike with nicer ones. Somebody could sell a ready made kit that fits in there.
* Sticker sheet - some people don’t mind that it’s only a 1/4 liter. Perhaps a 2Fiddy one?
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