Trip Report: November 3, 2007 --  I was headed to the Lone Star Rally as a representative of CMA and decided to drop by the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show held at Reliant Center at One Reliant Park at Houston, Texas on the way   I got to check out the new 2008 Ninja 250 (Ninjette II).  I ran into another Ninja 250 Riders Club member, Anthony (HarvesterUT) looking over the Ninjette IIs.

My observations on the Ninjette II are as follows:

The wrapping is nice, but there are also several changes that interest me:

• The structural rigidity, build quality, and overall design of the fairing is superior to the 1988-2007 models.

• The new fairing provides more wind protection.

• There is adequate space for RAM-Mounts, auxiliary switches, and 12 volt outlets.

• The saddle seems to be more comfortable for the "pilot" as it is narrower up front and wider at the "seating" area.  I am not convinced the pillion is better (more on that later).

• There is some storage space under the pillion and the rear cowling cover provides more storage space (more on that later).

• The riding position is virtually unchanged.

• The front sprocket is different and there is very little room in the housing.

• The rear sprocket appears from my on site measurements to be unchanged (a 38 tooth rear sprocket will put the final drive ratio to 2.71).

• Claimed emphasis on low- and mid-range power may work better with tighter final drive ratio mod.

• Pistons reinforced heads and strengthening in the pin boss area for increased durability (hopefully).

• Thicker piston rings may help with known high RPM help oil consumption issues.

• Valve timing and lower compression may work better with 87 octane.

• Shim and bucket valve actuation will hopefully be better and lower maintenance time.

• 2-into-1 exhaust system looks good.

• Claimed new cam chain tensioner might be better.

• Air filter accessible from the side but you have to pull cowling to get to it.

• Fins on the lower side of the crankcase might improve cooling here in the south.

• New rear swingarm looks to have a better adjustment mechanism.

• New 37mm telescopic front fork.

• Rear shock adjustable preload was not on the show bikes.

• 17" wheels offer more tire choices.

• Large-diameter, 290mm front disc.

• The Ninjette II is still very light and can be flat-footed.

The nits:

• The new tank design has less exposed metal than the 1988 to 2007.  This may be an issue with larger magnetic tank bags.

• The new fairing is more exposed to gravel damage.

• The pillion design can support a lot of downward force but the method of attachment is not at all positive or secure.  The rear simply has a peg that fits into a grommet and the front has a single peg that fits into a sliding latch.  Anyone can take the saddle or rear cowl cover off without a key.  In fact if you do not make an extra effort to properly place it -- wind can remove the cover while you are in transit.  There is no way that one can mount luggage to the pillion saddle directly and know it will stay on the bike.  Very disappointing.  I am sure there is a way to improve this but I will need to experiment.  The cover itself is very solid.

• The up swept muffler will make it difficult for passengers to keep heels clear of the hot muffler surface.

• The chain guard will not provide the protection from "sling" that the old one did.

Amazingly enough the Ninjette II attracted as much if not more attention than the Concours 14 and the ZX-14.  I sat on a Ducati 1098 and saw the Roaring Toyz ZX-14 and the current land speed record holder.

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