I'm thinking of buying the 250r for going to work and back. It would be about 55 miles each way, all highway. How comfortable is this bike on distances, and does it get blown around a lot on the highway? I haven't ridden in a few years, and I can't decide if I want the 250r or the KLR650.

 

depends on how comfortable it is to you specificly.

 

I personally don't stay too comfortable on the 250R for very long. Maybe a different seat would help. But for the amount of miles you have to go everyday, the 250R would be a great choice. Even though I have never owned a KLR650, I've heard they are real comfortable. I read about people doing large cross country riding on them all the time. (would like to have one)

 

I would problably lean towards the Ninja 500r if your going to ride 110miles a day.

I see 70+ MPG going 55mph for 30 miles almost everyday. You should see 60 - 65mpg on the freeway. And just a little less with the 500r.

 

Thanks for the info. With the miles I will be doing, what am I looking at for maintenance? Tires are good for what, about 4,000 miles? How often do I need to adjust/ lube the chain? ect.

 

Don't forget the purchase of a manual slowpoke. Although everyone is different on their chain oiling, tire situations.

 

I will get the manual for sure. I haven't decided if it wil be a 2007 or a 2008.
I plan on adding a tank bag, taller windshield, tail bag, and a 12v plug for recharging my phone (while it is in one of the bags.)

Does the K&N pod filters do anything for performance?

 

if you get K&N or any exhaust you will have to rejet the carbs which is a pain, personally i would the louder sound but on the exhaust side but for all the trouble, i think i will save and get a bigger bike,

i have had my 250r for 2 months and put close to 2000 miles on it, you will get used to the seat after a while though at first it willreally hurt your butt after about an hour

 

I'd be just changing the air filters, not the exhaust. My loud toys days are over. [&:]

Would I have to rejet if I just put in a K&N replacement filter?

Saw a pretty nice yellow 250r today on I85 south with a rack on the back. He was packed up for a overnite trip by the look.

Has anyone tried the Corbin seat for the 250?
http://www.corbin.com/kawasaki/kn-250-r-gl.shtml

 

Yes you will have to rejet even with pods. The 250s run lean as it is, adding pods will make it leaner which will cause you to have all kinds of running issues and some downtime jacking around with it trying to figure out what works for your bike. If you run real lean you can burn valves or other damage.

However should you choose to switch anyway dont waste your money on the kits, buy one size larger idle jet and 2 sizes larger main jet.4) #4 tiny brass washers. The jets are about $5 each and you will be buying 6 the washers are 20c. Stock main is 105 and I think stock idle is 38 but not sure.

Or take it to a dealer and have them set it up for you.

I have been told that the corbin makes a huge difference in comfort, I cant afford one.

PS if it were me I would buy used OR wait until the 08s come out to see if they changed anything for the better. If it wasnt worth the $ for the changes then I would buy used looking during the off season has paid off for me. Theres less competition and the prices are lower.