Well, I feel like I can finally really post my feelings about this bike compared to a 600.

I got the bike back from some warranty work and rode it for about 3 hours today. Only did 90km despite the long time out. I stopped for lunch and to talk to a couple people. I had a nice variety of roads to ride on as well. I started in city traffic, went to a twisty back road, then onto a highway for a few exits to get a feel for cruising on it. This bike is a lot of fun. People were all looking and turning heads as I rode by. It has just enough pick up and go to keep me from being bored. It is MORE then quick enough for around town. I even looked down a few times and noted that I was doing 10 over the limit. Whoops. The bike REALLY showed its stuff once I went out to the semi-twisty stuff. I did not ride it very hard due to break in, but it sure did feel good. It felt like I could easily tear it up at an equal rate to my 600, just with more shifting. The last little leg I ramped onto a highway. Limit is 100km/h (60mph). The bike accelerated at a rate comparable to a decently quick 4 cylinder car. Think... Civic or Focus ish. Cruising at 100km/h, the revs hovered around 7k rpm. Not bad, another 6k rpm left for passing power. This bike could EASILY be suited for commuting. It was very comfortable and the riding position felt great. The motor gets a little buzzy and loud over the 7000rpm mark, but its not bad. If anything, I think the bike could use an exhaust. I feel like I was riding a stealth vehicle.

I guess, in comparison with a 600, this bike will EASILY do anything that I would ever do on my 600. Sure, the 600 may be a little smoother, and quicker to get up to ridiculous speeds, but this little 250 is just an amazing bike. It was VERY forgiving, never wanting to wheelie or misbehave unless I tried intentionally to do something. The clutch was easy and smooth to operate. It would be great for someone who is learning to ride a bike (my gf lol.). Braking isn't knife edge, but then again this bike shouldn't need it. It felt suffiecent and smooth for a single caliper. I noticed it has HH brake pads from the factory which probably helps.

Technically its my girlfriends bike, but I can see myself handing her the keys to one of our 600's, and I'll take the little green rocket. It left me with a smile across my face that the 600's don't do very often. Now that I have really ridden it, I would easily recommend this bike to anyone. It makes me wonder why other manufacturers don't release 250's and 400's more readily (*cough*honda!!!*cough*). People need to get over their ego's and learn that a 600/750/1000 is NOT NEEDED. This bike will provide just as much excitment and great looks.

Sorry If I am all over the place, I don't usually write reviews, and I didn't goto school for english/writing lol.

The only way you'll outgrow a Ninja 250 is ego-wise. I have a Ninja 650, and up until 3 weeks ago, owned a Hayabusa. Unless you are riding for ego, the 250 is the most fun bike I've ever ridden. I ride it over the 650 still, unless I'm riding 2-up with my wife. The Hayabusa was heavier, less flickable, and made me constantly look for the cops, because it was making me break the law all the time. Keep the 250 forever.