Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Japanese manufacturers didn’t quite focused on producing 250cc sportbikes these last years, Kawasaki remaining the only bike builder with such a motorcycle on sale today for the U.S. market. The smart choice was to keep producing and yet improving this icon, and this way it managed to dominate the American market at the given category.  By using a perfect combination of rider-friendly engine, easy to operate chassis, and modern design, this Ninja is a true companion on your road towards bigger motorcycles, like the ZX-6R and ZX-10R.

Riders who are willing to be initiated in the wonderful world of motorcycling and prefer a sportier ride are most likely to jump on the Kawasaki Ninja 250R so it is best to know what to expect. I certainly did. I found myself facing an engine that thrives on high-rpm excitement. Riders will definitely appreciate the 249cc parallel twin which has been retuned in order to spice up its smooth and predictable power delivery and the results are simply awesome. I now enjoyed more low- and mid-range rpm torque thanks to revisions to its dual overhead camshafts and a new two-into-one exhaust system. This last unit doesn’t make more sound than necessary; let’s say it has enough to do by delivering awesome performance just above idle.

What this ride now needed was the silky smooth six-speed transmission which complements all the awesome features of the engine, toping off the sportbike equipment list. What is so great about this gearbox is that it enables the 250R to exploit a powerband that’s sure to please riders with its beginner friendly low-end grunt and a lively top-end rush that’ll keep seasoned veterans satisfied.

That gutsy engine in communion with a great transmission unit, not only makes it one sweet machine to be on, but it actually delivers excellent fuel economy which is excellent for the novice rider which with more than one occasion can forget to gas it up.

Being a sportbike, it can somehow be considered as being uncomfortable, but a natural riding position and comfortable ergonomics combined with its lightweight handling, easy controllability and improved throttle response make the 250R a pleasure to ride on city streets

Also new for 2008 are the larger 17-inch wheels that, apart from offering a big-bike look, also contribute at offering great handling and improved stability.

I appreciate the suspensions because they are very appropriate for this ride and manage to keep it steady in corners while still keeping things smooth and relatively simple.

A larger 290mm front brake rotor is gripped by a powerful 2-piston caliper to provide a healthy dose of stopping power with a responsive feel at the lever. Like Kawasaki’s other sport models, the Ninja 250R is fitted with petal discs for efficient heat dissipation.

So even if you gathered a few miles or if you are just beginning your riding days as a sportbike rider, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R proves it has the ability to make all those steps together with you and it also brings all the satisfaction that will determine you to head only towards Kawasaki from now on. In the city or on twisty country roads, the lightweight, rider-friendly Ninja 250R is a blast to ride! With an engine character that can be fully exploited, a compact, easy to operate chassis and full-fairing supersport styling worthy of its moniker, this model was developed to offer street sport performance to riders of all skill levels.

Features

DOHC 249cc Parallel Twin-cylinder

-Compact parallel-twin design offers good mass centralization for superior handling
-Tuned to deliver smooth, step-free power with an emphasis on low- and mid-range power for rider-friendly response
-Pistons feature reinforced heads and strengthening in the pin boss area for increased durability
-Thick piston (longitudinally) rings help minimize oil consumption
-Combustion chamber design optimized to maximize combustion efficiency and reduced emissions
-Ample high-rpm performance will please riders using the full range of the engine

Cylinder head:

-Refined intake and exhaust ports contribute to good off-idle response and smooth power delivery
-Valve timing and lift were designed for strong low- and mid-range torque
-Direct valve actuation ensures reliable high-rpm operability
-Valves with thin heads and stems reduce reciprocating weight.

-Twin Keihin CVK30 carburetors fine-tuned for good power feel and low fuel consumption
-2-into-1 system contributes to the Ninja 250R’s low- and mid-range torque and smooth, step-free power curve
-Slightly upswept silencer extensively tested to determine chamber size, connecting pipe length and diameter to achieve least noise and most power
-Meets strict emissions with dual catalyzers; one in the collector pipe and the other in the silencer
-Using two catalyzers minimizes the power loss
-Positioning the first catalyzer as close to the exhaust ports maximizes its efficiency as well

Reduced mechanical noise:

-Cam chain tensioner with an automatic adjuster, like that on the KX450F motocrosser, eliminates mechanical noise caused by a loose cam chain and reduces power-robbing friction loss
-Silencing mechanical noise allows the use of a freer flowing exhaust for a better sound quality
-Complex construction with reinforcing ribs helps eliminate airbox reverberation and reduce intake noise
-Air filter accessible from the side, for easy replacement

-Latest generation Denso radiator offers superior cooling with minimal space and weight
-Ring-fan uses a quiet-running motor that also saves space
-Fins on the lower side of the crankcase further helps cool the engine
Six-speed Transmission / Clutch:

-Involute splines reduce friction and backlash between gears and shafts for easier gear meshing and smooth shifting under power
-Spring-type clutch damper reduces jerkiness at very low speeds and minimizes shocks when rolling on and off the throttle for a smoother clutch feel
-Paper-base friction plates help increase cutch durability
 

Chassis:

-Sturdy and durable diamond-style frame of thick-walled steel tubing offers confidence-inspiring stability at both high and low speeds
-Beefy swingarm bracket contributes to the frame’s rigidity and helps achieve an ideal chassis stiffness balance
-Square-tube swingarm with a 60 x 30mm cross-section further adds to rigidity
-New 37mm telescopic front fork with firm settings contribute to the Ninja 250R’s smooth, stable handling and enhanced ride control
-Uni-Trak rear suspension compliments the rigid frame and re-tuned fork and provides great road holding ability
-Rear shock features 5-way adjustable preload, enabling the ride height to be maintained whether riding solo or with a passenger.

-Features 17” wheels like its larger supersport brothers
-Low-profile sportbike tires on wide rims contribute to its easy, neutral handling at low speeds
-Large-diameter, 290mm front petal disc and a balanced action twin-piston caliper offer excellent braking performance and a natural, direct feeling at the lever
-Two-piston caliper grips the rear 220mm petal disc

-Natural riding position with slightly forward-slanting seat and wide, raised handlebars
 

Bodywork:

-Styling matches its larger-displacement Ninja supersport sibling
-Fit and finish of striking full-fairing bodywork on par with that of top-class Ninja supersports
-Aggressive dual-lamp headlight design, slim tail cowl and separate seats further enhance the supersport look
-Front cowling and windscreen offer the rider a substantial amount of wind protection
-Two helmet holders conveniently locate under the rear seat
-Under-seat storage can hold a U-lock or similar device
-Two hooks under the tail and the rear passenger pegs provide anchor points for securing items to the rear of the bike
-Instrument panel features an easy-to-read, large-face analog speedometer along with an analog tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge and warning lights