Kawasaki Ninja 250R
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Ninja 250R | |
Manufacturer | Kawasaki |
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Also called | EX250, GPX250 |
Production | 1989 — present |
Class | Sport bike |
Engine | 248 cc, 11.6:1 CR, liquid cooled, DOHC, parallel twin with twin Keihin CVK30 |
Top speed | +/- 100 mph (161 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 |
Kawasaki has marketed the Ninja 250R since 1986 [1] as an entry-level [2] [3] sport motorcycle intended for use on paved roads. The bike is marketed in the US as the Ninja 250R, as the ZX250 in the UK, and as the GPX250 elsewhere.
According to a 2008 MotorcycleUSA.com article, the bike has been Kawasaki's best-selling bike, [1] "experiencing steady double-digit sales growth year after year." [1]
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, [2] the bike's features include bungee hooks, center stand (no longer available on the 2008 model), a tachometer, and front and rear disc brakes. [3]
The bike has been heavily updated for 2008[1] with completely redesigned fairings and 17" wheels. As of 2007, the 250R is being produced in Thailand. [1]
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[edit] 250 cc marketplace
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.
[edit] In competition
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 2nd 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.
Starting in 2008, the WSMC will have a class (The Ninja Cup) dedicated to the model.
[edit] 2008 Changes
For the 2008 model year, the Ninja 250 increased in price by $500 US, to $3,499, and saw the first major design changes in some two decades.
The most significant changes are the loss of the center stand, an overall more modern look, and increasing the wheel size to 17". The front "petal" disk brake was also enlarged, the front suspension was increased in diameter and the dual exhaust was changed to a 2 into 1 layout. The addition of a fuel gauge, a rarity in motorcycles, and the choice to make the speedometer more prominent than the tachometer imply an emphasis on attracting new riders rather than enthusiasts.
The engine and drive train are 70% new, retaining only 30% of the older models parts, according to Kawasaki's marketing literature. Compression and maximum torque have been lowered for 20% better midrange performance.
[edit] Production history
[edit] Ninja 250 Twin Engine Models
- GPZ 250: model sold from 1986 to 1987. Also known as the EX250-E.
- GPX 250: model sold in the USA and Australia from 1988 to present. Sold from 1988 to 1990 in other parts of the world. Changes in bodywork: wheels, suspension, electricals and some engine specifics from the E model. Also known as EX250-F.
- ZZR 250: sold primarily outside of the USA and Canada since 1991. Canada received this model in 2000, while the U.S. still has the EX250F model. Major reworkings including lateral aluminum frame, 17" wheels, adjustable rear shock, adjustable levers, reduced sprocket size, computer-controlled timing advance, electricals; same engine as the F model with different carbs (giving some extra HP's). Visual is almost identical to ZZR 600. Also known as EX250-H.
[edit] Specifications & performance statistics (1988-2007 EX250-F)
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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 |
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 (744 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 |
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0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | 5.75 s |
1/4 mile | 14.6 s @ 88 mph |
Maximum speed | 105 mph (169 km/h) |
Max power | 36 hp (27 kW) @ 11000 rpm, 26 hp (19 kW) @ rear wheel |
Max Torque | 18 ft.lbf (24 Nm) @ 10000 rpm, 14 ft.lbf (19 Nm) @ rear wheel |
Fuel Efficiency | 55-75 mpg US |
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R - First Ride. MotorcycleUSA.com, 2/12/2008, Bart Madson.
- ^ a b Kawasaki Ninja 250 Review. Beginner Motorcyles 03/07/2007.
- ^ a b .25 Caliber Shootout Three Japanese Fighters Whip Out Their Little Guns. Motorcycle.com, Dec. 15, 1997.
[edit] External links
- Official Ninja 250 on Kawasaki
- Ninja 250 Technical FAQ on Ninja250.org
- Ninja 250R Reviews and Information on 2fiddy.com
- Ninja 250 Forum & More on NewNinja.com
- Bajaj Ninja 250 in India.
- AmericanMotorcyclist.com Article 2008 Ninja 250R review from the AMA
- 2000 Review comparison in Motorcycle Online
- Motorcycle USA Article 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R - First Ride
- Motorcycle.com Article Review: 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
- Ninja 250 Online Help System