KAWASAKI NINJA 250R

In many respects, including ergonomics, chassis design, engine placement within the frame, the Ninja 250R straddles standard and sport classes. Likewise, the bike's riding position falls between standard and sport. Capable of running the 1/4 mile in 14.6 seconds at 88mph, the bike's features include bungee hooks, center stand (no longer available on the 2008 model), a tachometer, and front and rear disc brakes.

The bike has been heavily updated for 2008 with completely redesigned fairings and 17" wheels. As of 2007, the 250R is being produced in Thailand. Kawasaki has marketed the Ninja 250R since 1986 as an entry-level

The Ninja 250 has little direct competition within its class in the United States, partly due to it being one of the two 250 cc sport bikes sold. In Canada, Honda's 2007 introduction of the CBR125R has caused competition for Kawasaki's share in the entry-level sport bike market. The other main competitors are the other 250 cc "beginner bikes," namely the Hyosung GT250R, Honda's Rebel 250 and Nighthawk 250, the Suzuki GZ250, and the Yamaha Virago 250. With the exception of the Nighthawk, (a standard) and the Hyosung, these bikes are all cruisers. None of these bikes can match the Ninja 250's greater power, 13,000 rpm redline, 6-speed gearbox, tachometer, or front and rear disc brakes.

Before the 2008 model, neither the Ninja nor these other US 250's had changed much in recent years, but outside the United States there were many advances in small-displacement, lightweight, and/or low-cost motorcycles, including several four-cylinder, sixteen-valve 250s (e.g., the Honda "Hornet" 250 or Ninja ZX-2R. That being said, the Ninja 250 enjoys a modest following among riders who appreciate its light weight and nimble handling as an amusing "track bike." The very fact that it hasn't changed much since 1988 means parts are plentiful and inexpensive, and the rider community is well established.

Manufacturer : Kawasaki

Also called : EX250, GPX250

Production : 1989 — present

Class : Sport bike

Engine : 249 cc, 11.6:1 CR, liquid cooled, DOHC, parallel twin with twin Keihin CVK30

Top speed : +/- 110 mph (177 km/h)

Power : +/- 25 hp (19 kW)

Torque : 21.7 N·m (16.0 lb·ft) @ 10,000 rpm

Transmission : 6-speed

Suspension : Front : 37mm Hydraulic Telescopic Fork
Rear: Link Uni-Trak with 5-way Adjustable Preload

Brakes : Front: Single 260mm Hydraulic Disc with Two-Piston Caliper
Rear: Single 220mm Petal Disc with Two-Piston Caliper

Tires : Front: 110/70-17
Rear: 130/70-17

Rake, Trail : 26°, 3.3 in

Dimensions : L 81.9 in. W 28.0 in. H 43.9 in.

Seat height : 30.7 in.

Weight : 333 lb (151 kg)

Fuel capacity : 4.8 US gallons (18.l)