Kawasaki Ninja 250R

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Ninja 250R
2008 Ninja 250R
Manufacturer Kawasaki
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]

Contents

[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)

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
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
Performance stats
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

  1. ^ a b c d e 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R - First Ride. MotorcycleUSA.com, 2/12/2008, Bart Madson.
  2. ^ a b Kawasaki Ninja 250 Review. Beginner Motorcyles 03/07/2007.
  3. ^ a b .25 Caliber Shootout Three Japanese Fighters Whip Out Their Little Guns. Motorcycle.com, Dec. 15, 1997.

[edit] External links

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