2004 Kawasaki ZZR250 review from Canada
"Great commuter, reliable and cheap"
What things have gone wrong with the motorcycle?
Nothing really serious has gone wrong with this bike other than replacing the battery (after a couple years) and signal light relay (2008). Otherwise, only regular service at the prescribed intervals has been done.
General comments?
Bike has a low seat, so taller riders won't feel comfortable on it.
Great gas mileage (60-72 MPG depending on riding style and city/hwy).
Great performance for a 250. Once you get beyond 9000 the engine really lights up. Cruises comfortably between 6000 and 8000.
Reliable and cheap to insure. Maintenance intervals are reasonable and the bike is relatively easy to service on your own.
Mild vibrations are a bit annoying on trips longer than 100km, but can be managed with periodic stops, and thick gloves and boot soles.
This bike is one of the best commuters there are out there. It's been replaced by the NINJA 250, which I would expect to have similar performance characteristics. When I do buy a larger bike, I may keep this one for commuting.
Recommended reviews
 | Excellent first bike, great commuter |
| Easy to ride, perfect beginner bike with a high resale value to upgrade |
| Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 2004 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Acceleration marks | 9/10 |
| Roll-on Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Handling marks | 8/10 |
| Braking marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 5 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 20000 kilometres |
| Previous motorcycle | Derbi Derbi Scooter |
| Date of Entry | 4th August, 2008 |