Kawasaki Ninja 250R

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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]

1 250 cc marketplace
2 In competition
3 2008 Changes
4 Production history
- 4.1 Ninja 250 Twin Engine Models
5 Specifications & performance statistics (1988-2007 EX250-F)
6 References
7 External links

[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