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Ninja 250R

Manufacturer	Kawasaki
Also called	EX250, GPX250
Production	1986 — 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)
Related	Ninja 500R, Ninja 650R

The Kawasaki Ninja 250R is a street motorcycle sold by the Kawasaki Motors division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries since 1983. It is Kawasaki's best-selling motorcycle, experiencing steady double-digit sales growth year after year. It is renowned for its light handling, good fuel economy, sufficient power, and relatively comfortable riding posture, making it a desirable first motorcycle for new riders, and a popular machine with experienced riders who seek a second machine, or wish to enter the sportbike category. The smallest Ninja has undergone few changes throughout its quarter-century existence, having seen only two substantial redesigns.

Contents 1 Nomenclature 2 Description and features 2.1 First generation 2.2 Second generation 2.3 Third generation 2.4 Fourth generation 3 Motorsports 4 Specifications and performance (EX250-F) 5 Specifications and performance (EX250-J 2008 - Present) 6 References 7 External links

[edit] Nomenclature

Owners and fans of the motorcycle commonly refer to it by its platform designation, EX250. This designation is followed by an alphabetical suffix indicating the generation. Before the 2008 model, the motorcycle carried different marketing names worldwide/ The 2008 (EX250-J) model is known as the Ninja 250R in all markets. In the United States, previous generations (EX-250E/F/G/H) were also marketed as members of the "Ninja" family of sportbikes, while outside the U.S. it is known as the ZZR-250, ZX-250, or as the GPX-250R. Past models (EX250-C) have carried the base designation GPZ-250. As the smallest of the Ninja motorcycles, the Ninja 250R has received the affectionate nickname "Ninjette" or "Baby Ninja".

[edit] Description and features

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, ^[1] the bike's features include bungee hooks, center stand (no longer available on the 2008 model), a tachometer, and front and rear disc brakes. ^[2]

The bike has been heavily updated for 2008^[3] with completely redesigned fairings and 17" wheels. As of 2007, the 250R is being produced in Thailand. ^[3]Kawasaki has marketed the Ninja 250R since 1986 ^[3] as an entry-level sports bike.^{[1] [2]}

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 added new competition in the entry-level sport bike market. The other main competitors are the 250 cc "beginner bikes," namely the Hyosung GT250R, Honda's Rebel 250 and Nighthawk 250, the Suzuki GZ250, and the Yamaha Virago 250/V Star 250. With the exception of the Nighthawk, (a standard) and the Hyosung, these bikes are all cruisers.

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.

[edit] First generation

• EX250-C - Also known as the GPZ-250. This earliest, belt-driven version was first produced in 1983, and has nothing in common with the latest generation.

[edit] Second generation

• EX250-E - This model was sold as the Ninja 250R in Canada and the U.S. between 1986 and 1987. It was known as the GPZ-250R elsewhere. The engine from this model persisted until 2007 with minimal changes.

[edit] Third generation

• EX250-F - The most widespread version of the motorcycle, it was sold between 1988 and 2007 in the U.S.. Canada received the model between 1988 and 1999, and it was available elsewhere as the GPX-250R as early as 1987.

• EX250-G - Never sold in North America, this version was known as the GPX-250R-II. It sported dual front brakes, which slowed a wider wheel and tire (110/80-16). All other parts where identical to the -F model. It was sold after 1988.

• EX250-H - This model came to Canada as the Ninja 250R between 2000 and 2001, after which it received a new name: ZZR-250, in line with the -H model's name elsewhere in the world, where it had existed since 1992. This motorcycle has few parts in common with the -F model, though it shares the same engine (with different casings). It sports a lateral aluminum frame, different fairing (designed to make it look sportier), larger (17") wheels, an adjustable rear shock absorber, adjustable brake and clutch levers, a smaller drive sprocket, computer-controlled timing advance, and a revised electrical system.

[edit] Fourth generation

In 2008, Kawasaki gave the EX250 its most thorough modernization in many years. The EX250-J model is known as the Ninja 250R worldwide. Kawasaki increased the MSRP by $500 U.S.D., to $3,499 in 2008 and by an additional $500 U.S.D. to $3,999 in 2009.

Parts from the third generation are still found on the -J, but its redesigned exterior panels bring the smallest Ninja's appearance out of the '90s and into line with late-2000s sportbikes. The engine and drivetrain retain 30% of the -F model's parts, according to Kawasaki literature. The engine's compression and maximum torque have been lowered to provide 20% better midrange performance, where the motorcycle will spend most of its time. The U.S.-spec -J model uses dual carburetors like the -F model, but the European-spec and Thailand-spec model have a fuel-injection system. The wheels were increased in size to 17", the front suspension was beefed up, and the front brake rotors were replaced with a larger "petal" design. A fuel gauge, a rarity in motorcycles, was added to the instrument cluster, implying an emphasis on attracting new riders.

[edit] Motorsports

Since the introduction of the model in 1986, the Ninja 250 has been often used as a "starting class" bike in club racing around the world. The AFM in California has been especially involved with 250 Production racing since the bike was released, including the since faded Honda VTR250.

In 2007 (the last year of the 3rd generation EX250), the Ninja 250 of Hambone Racing, won the Overall Mini Endurance Championship with the Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA). Piloted by CMRA longtimers Chuck Ergle and Keith Hertell, this marked the only time a Ninja 250 had ever won a CMRA Mini Endurance Championship.

WERA and WSMC (Willow Springs Motorcycle Club) also have a classes for the model to race in.

[edit] Specifications and performance (EX250-F)

Specifications
Engine	4-stroke Inline twin, DOHC, Liquid cooled, 8-Valve, w/ counterbalancer
Displacement	248 cc
Rated 1/4 mile time	14.3
Starting	Electric
Bore x stroke	62.0 x 41.1 mm
Compression ratio	12.4:1
Carburetion	Keihin CVK30 (2), Constant velocity, diaphragm-type, Fuel injection for Europe and Thailand Euro/Thai model
Ignition	CDI (electronic advance)
Spark plug	NGK CR8HSA, CR8HIX, CR8HVX option CR7HSA, CR7HIX
Transmission	6-speed, Constant mesh, Return shift
Clutch	Wet, Multi-disc, Manual, Cable-actuated
Frame	Tubular Diamond design
Rake/trail	27 degrees/3.3 in (84 mm)
Suspension, front	Hydraulic telescopic fork
Suspension, rear	UNI-TRAK system with single shock
Wheelbase	55.1 in (1400 mm)
Wheel travel, front	5.5 in (140 mm)
Wheel travel, rear	5.1 in (130 mm)
Tire, front	100/80x16
Tire, rear	130/80x16
Brakes, front/rear	Single hydraulic disc
Overall length	80.1 in (2034 mm)
Overall width	28.0 in (711 mm)
Overall height	43.1 in (1095 mm)
Ground clearance	6.1 in (155 mm)
Seat height	29.3 in (775 mm)
Weight dry/wet	304/355 lb (138/161 kg)
Max load	341 lb (154 kg)
Fuel capacity	4.8 US gal (18 L)
Fuel type	Min 91 Research / 87 avg. octane unleaded
Oil capacity	1.9 L
Oil type	SE-SG Class SAE 10W40-20W50
Performance stats
0-60 mph (0-100 km/h)	5.75s
1/4 mile	14.6 s @ 88 mph
Maximum speed	160 KM/h
Max power	36 hp @ 11000 rpm, 26 hp @ rear wheel
Power / weight ratio	+/- 0.13 kW/kg
Max Torque	18 ft.lbf (24 Nm) @ 10000 rpm, 14 ft.lbf (19 Nm) @ rear wheel
Fuel efficiency	55-75 mpg US

[edit] Specifications and performance (EX250-J 2008 - Present)

Specifications
Engine	4-stroke Inline twin, DOHC, Liquid cooled, 8-Valve, w/ counterbalancer
Displacement	249 cc
Starting	Electric
Bore x stroke	62.0 x 41.2 mm
Compression ratio	11.6:1
Carburetion	Keihin CVK30 (2)
Ignition	Digital with anti-hotwire circuit
Transmission	6-speed, Constant mesh, Return shift
Clutch	Wet, Multi-disc, Manual, Cable-actuated
Frame	Tubular Diamond Steel
Rake/trail	26 degrees/3.26 in (83 mm)
Suspension, front	Hydraulic telescopic fork
Suspension, rear	UNI-TRAK system with gas-charged single shock and 5 setting adjustable preload
Wheelbase	55.1 in (1400 mm)
Wheel travel, front	4.7 in (120 mm)
Wheel travel, rear	5.1 in (130 mm)
Tire, front	110/70x17 (54H)
Tire, rear	130/70x17 (62H)
Brakes, front/rear	Single hydraulic disc 11.4"/8.7" (290/220 mm)
Overall length	82.1 in (2085 mm)
Overall width	28.1 in (715 mm)
Overall height	43.7 in (1110 mm)
Ground clearance	6.1 in (155 mm)
Seat height	30.5 in (775 mm)
Weight (wet)	375.8 lb (170 kg)
Max load	375 lb (170 kg)
Fuel capacity	4.8 US gal (18 L)
Performance stats
0-60 MPH	7.72 seconds
1/4 Mile	15.58 seconds @ 81.98 mph
Maximum speed	95.5 mph
Braking from 60mph	121.5 feet
Max power	26.40 @ 11,000 RPM
Max Torque	16.2 ft/lbs (22 Nm)
Fuel efficiency	60 mpg US (official) 51.2 (as tested)

2008 Ninja 250R performance figures are reported from Motorcycle Consumer News, June 2008 ^[4]

[edit] References

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Kawasaki EX250

• Official website
• Kawasaki Ninja 250 Road test Review of the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250
• Cyclepedia Ninja 250 Online Help Module
• Ninja 250 Technical FAQ on Ninja250.org
• AmericanMotorcyclist.com Article 2008 Ninja 250R review from the AMA
• Motorcycle USA Article 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R - First Ride
• Motorcycle.com Article Review: 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R