Frugal Fuelers: Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Blue, but not a meanie. Little Ninja is fun, fast and cheap.

Since 1986, there's been one bike that's always on our short list of answers to the question, "What's the best first bike?" It's Kawasaki's Ninja 250R. And for 2008, the answer is even clearer with an improved model.

New buyers are trying to balance several factors. They don't want to spend too much money. They don't want a machine that's too advanced for them. They also don't want a bike that they'll have to sell (at a loss) and replace with something more "serious" as soon as they're comfortable with the basic concepts of motorcycling.

At $3499, the Ninja 250R is about as affordable as freeway-legal machines from a dependable manufacturer can get. But thanks to high demand–it's Kawasaki's best-selling streetbike–it also holds its value. And although most 250 Ninja owners eventually trade their bikes in for something faster or bigger, they don't have to.

Cost of entry lower than a salvage-title ex-stunta bike Sexy, big-bike styling Handling and performance rival much bigger, more-expensive choices

Redesign made the bike bigger, heavier and a little slower Fuel economy not quite as impressive as older model's Money saved on gas might be splurged on trackdays

That's because the Ninja is a very entertaining ride, regardless of skill level. Although at 352 pounds, it's not really that light, the short wheelbase and low center of gravity, combined with a liquid-cooled, dohc, 249cc motor that winds out to 12,500 rpm, give the bike a nimble, racy feel that rewards aggressive riding. For twisty-road fun, dicing with a friend of similar abilities on another 250R is hard to match. But it's friendly for beginners, too: Clutch pull is light, shifting is kid-glove supple, and significant engine upgrades for 2008 make the once two-stroke-like powerband easier to access at low engine speeds.

They may call it a Ninja, and thanks to upgraded suspension, wheels and brakes, it's plenty of fun in the canyons, but the little sportbike is also easy to live with. The high bars are comfortable, the seat is low enough to make shorties feel confident, and the new windscreen and fairing offer good wind protection. It's also simple and cheap to maintain, and 60 mpg will keep your gas bills low, too.

Prius-crushing fuel economy aside, motorcycle ownership is about passion, and thanks to the first restyling in 20 years, the 250 Ninja won't make its owner feel like a cheapskate. From 20 paces, it looks like a much bigger bike, with a strong resemblance to the new-for-2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R. The first thing bystanders ask when they see the 250 is, "What size is that?" followed by a too-generous guesstimate. Tell them whatever you please; short of an AMA-style teardown, there's almost no way to determine engine displacement by looking at the bike. Even a stoplight drag race with aggressive car owners won't reveal the Ninja's small pistons; a 15.54-second quarter-mile time will shut down most four-wheelers. And the 96-mph top speed will keep you ahead of traffic.

All in all, it's a great choice for new riders who want style, speed and enough money left over to actually go somewhere on their new ride.