- Kawasaki Ninja 250R
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Kawasaki Ninja 250R 
Manufacturer Kawasaki Also called EX250 Parent company Kawasaki Heavy Industries Production Since 1986 Class Sport bike[1][2] The Kawasaki Ninja 250R (previous generations had market-specific names) is a motorcycle originally introduced by Kawasaki in 1983. As the marque's entry-level sport bike,[1][2] the motorcycle has undergone few changes throughout its quarter-century lifetime, having received only two substantial redesigns.
Contents
Nomenclature
The fourth-generation model is marketed as the Ninja 250R in all markets. The motorcycle is also referred to by its platform designation, EX250, to which a generational suffix is attached. In the United States, previous generations of the bike (EX250-E/F/G/H) were already being marketed as members of the Ninja family of sport bikes, while outside of the U.S. the bike was known variously as the ZZR-250, ZX-250, or as the GPX-250R. One of the earliest generations, the EX250-C, was given the name GPZ-250.
Description and features
The Ninja 250 is popular in motorcycle training
Cleaning the chain on a Ninja 250RThe Ninja 250R's particular ergonomics, chassis design, and engine placement have resulted in a motorcycle that straddles the standard and sport classes. The Ninja's riding posture also falls somewhere between standard and sport. The bike is capable of running the quarter mile in 15.58 s @ 81.98 mph (131.93 km/h),[3] although it had been 1 s faster in the prior generation,[4] while providing the amenities of more utilitarian motorcycles, including bungee hooks for transporting cargo and space for a second passenger.
The latest model, the EX250-J or fourth generation, brought the Ninja's first major update in many years. Appearance upgrades included 17-inch wheels and completely redesigned fairings which give the motorcycle a sleeker, more modern appearance.
First generation
The first generation was produced between 1983 and 1984, and known by the production number EX250-C. It was sold as the GPZ-250. Sold only in its home market of Japan, this earliest, belt-driven version was first produced in 1983, and shares no commonality with later generations.[citation needed] The bike has 35mm fork tubes.
Second generation
Produced between 1986 and 1987 was the 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. When originally introduced, it was more costly than the Honda Rebel, and reviewers complained that while the 14,000 rpm redline was nice, the engine was slow to rev.[5]
EX-250-E Specifications[6] Engine Type Four-stroke Inline twin, DOHC, Liquid cooled, Eight-valve, with counterbalancer Displacement 248 cc (15.1 cu in) Bore and Stroke 62.0 × 41.2 mm (2.44 × 1.62 in) Compression Ratio 12.0:1 Carburetion Keihin CVK32 (2), Constant velocity, diaphragm-type. Starting Electric Ignition Electronic advance Spark plug NGK C8HA or ND U24FS-L (Canada: NGK CR8HS or ND U24FSR-U) Fuel type n/a Transmission Type 6-speed Manual, Constant mesh, Return shift Clutch Wet, Multi-disc, Manual, Cable-actuated Frame/Suspension Frame type Tubular diamond design Rake/trail 27° / 83 mm (3.3 in) Front suspension Twin hydraulic telescoping fork Rear suspension UNI-TRAK single-shock system Wheel travel, front 140 mm (5.5 in) Wheel travel, rear 130 mm (5.1 in) Tires and brakes Tire, front 100/80x16 Tire, rear 120/80x16 Brakes Single hydraulic disc Dimensions Wheelbase 1,400 mm (55 in) Overall length 1,985 mm (78.1 in) Overall width 695 mm (27.4 in) Overall height 1,075 mm (42.3 in) Ground clearance 135 mm (5.3 in) Seat height 745 mm (29.3 in) Weight (dry, wet) 138 kg (300 lb) (California model 138.5 kg (305 lb)) dry, 154.5 kg (341 lb) (California model 155 kg (340 lb)) wet[7]
344 lb (156 kg) wet, tested[8]Max load n/a Oil type/capacity SE or SF Class SAE 10W40-20W50/1.9 L (2.0 US qt) Performance 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) n/a Quarter mile 15.4 s @ 87.82 mph (141.33 km/h)[8] Maximum speed 94 mph (151 km/h)[8] Maximum power 27.9 kW (37.4 hp) @ 11,000 rpm (Australia: 29.4 kW (39.4 hp) @ 12,500 rpm)[6] Maximum torque 24.5 N·m (18.1 ft·lb) @ 10,000 rpm (Australia: 23.5 N·m (17.3 ft·lb) @ 11,000 rpm)[6] Fuel efficiency 48 mpg-US (4.9 L/100 km; 58 mpg-imp)[8] Third generation
Third Generation 
Production 1988–2007 
Kawasaki GPX 250 Display, Model: 1993For the 1988 model year, there were both cosmetic changes and changes in engine tuning. While the bore and stroke, and other major engine components, were unchanged, minor tuning adjustments were made. The carburetor diameters were reduced 2 mm to 30 mm (1.2 in), the cylinder compression ratio was increased from 12.0:1 to 12.4:1, ignition timing advance was increased, and the rear sprocket was increased by three teeth to 45.[4][6][7] Reviewers reported that this made the engine more free-revving, reaching the high 14,000 redline more quickly, and the tested top speed increased by a few miles per hour.[4][5][8] The new, more fully enclosed bodywork was complimented for being stylish, at the time, and easily mistaken for the larger Ninja 750.[5]
The third generation of production of the Ninja 250 encompassed three models:
- EX250-F - The most widespread EX250 variant, the E model was completely revamped and sold as the F model between 1988 and 2007 in the United States. Canada received the model between 1988 and 1999, and it was available elsewhere as the GPX-250R as early as 1987.
EX-250-F Specifications[4][7] Engine Type Four-stroke Inline-twin, DOHC, Liquid-cooled, Eight-valve, with counterbalancer Displacement 248 cc Bore and Stroke 62.0 × 41.2 mm (2.44 × 1.62 in) Compression Ratio 12.4:1 Carburetion Keihin CVK30 (2), Constant velocity, diaphragm-type. Starting Electric Ignition Electronic advance Spark plug NGK CR8HSA, CR8HIX, CR8HVX
option CR7HSA, CR7HIXFuel type Min 91 Research / 87 avg. octane unleaded Transmission Type 6-speed Manual, Constant mesh, Return shift Clutch Wet, Multi-disc, Manual, Cable-actuated Frame/Suspension Frame type Tubular diamond design Rake/trail 27° / 3.3 inches (84 mm) Front suspension Twin hydraulic telescoping fork Rear suspension UNI-TRAK single-shock system Wheel travel, front 5.5 inches (140 mm) Wheel travel, rear 5.1 inches (130 mm) Tires and brakes Tire, front 100/80x16 Tire, rear 130/80x16 Brakes Single hydraulic disc Dimensions Wheelbase 55.1 inches (1,400 mm) Overall length 80.1 inches (2,030 mm) Overall width 28 inches (710 mm) Overall height 43.1 inches (1,090 mm) Ground clearance 6.1 inches (150 mm) Seat height 29.3 inches (740 mm) Weight (dry, wet) 304 lb (138 kg) dry, 355 lb (161 kg) wet[7]
362 lb (164 kg) wet, tested[4]Max load 341 lb (155 kg) Oil type/capacity SE-SG Class SAE 10W40-20W50/1.9 L Performance 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) 5.75 s[4] 1/4 mile 14.59 s @ 87.82 mph (141.33 km/h)[4] Maximum power 27.9 kW (37.4 hp)[7]
28.05 bhp (20.92 kW) @ 12500 rpm[4]Maximum torque 18 ft·lbf (24 N·m) @ 10,000 rpm[7]
13.15 ft·lb (17.83 N·m) @ 9,000 rpm tested at rear wheel[4]Fuel efficiency 48.0 mpg-US (4.90 L/100 km; 57.6 mpg-imp)[4]
55 mpg-US (4.3 L/100 km; 66 mpg-imp)[9]
74.2 mpg-US (3.17 L/100 km; 89.1 mpg-imp)[10]- EX250-G - Sold only in its home market of Japan, this version was known as the GPX-250R-II. It featured dual front brakes and a wider wheel and tire (110/80-16). All other parts were identical to the -F model. It was sold after 1988.
- EX250-H - This model came to Canada as the Ninja 250R between 2000 and 2002, 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, albeit with different casings. It sports a lateral aluminum frame, a different fairing (designed to make it look sportier), larger 17-inch wheels, an adjustable rear shock absorber, adjustable brake and clutch levers, a smaller drive sprocket, computer-controlled timing advance, and a revised electrical system.[citation needed]
Fourth generation
Fourth Generation 
Production since 2008 In 2008, Kawasaki gave the EX250 its most thorough modernization in many years. The EX250-J model is known as the Ninja 250R worldwide, regardless of market.
Parts from the third generation are still found on the -J, but its redesigned exterior panels bring the Ninja's appearance out of the 1990s and into line with late-2000s sportbikes. The engine and drivetrain retain 30% of the -F model's parts, according to Kawasaki.[citation needed] The engine's compression and maximum torque have been lowered to provide better midrange performance. The redesign of the engine resulted in improvements in engine response at low engine speeds, and making the bike smoother and "much easier to ride."[11] Though the previous generation Ninja 250 had a peak power advantage of 1 to 5 hp (0.75 to 3.7 kW),[7][12][13] the new version's 20 or 30 percent increase in mid-range power allows the bike to pull from 3,000 rpm where previously it had to be revved to 4,000 rpm.[3] The U.S. -J model uses dual carburetors like the -F model, but the European, Brazilian and Thai models have fuel injection. The wheels were increased in size to 17 inches, the front suspension was improved, and the brake rotors were replaced with a larger petal shape. On the carbureted version, a fuel gauge was added in place of the temperature gauge. With the additional and redesigned equipment, the EX250-J suffered a 10 kg (22 lb) increase in wet weight over its predecessors.
With the arrival of the EX250-J, manufacturing continues to be located in Thailand.[14]
EX-250-J Specifications[15] Engine Type Four-stroke Inline-twin, DOHC, Liquid cooled, Eight-valve, with counterbalancer Displacement 249 cc Bore and Stroke 62.0 × 41.2 mm (2.44 × 1.62 in) Compression Ratio 11.6:1 Carburetion Keihin CVK30 (2), Constant velocity, diaphragm-type. Fuel injection for Europe and Thailand Euro/Thai model Starting Electric Ignition Electronic advance Spark plug NGK CR8HSA, CR8HIX, CR8HVX
option CR7HSA, CR7HIXFuel type Min 91 Research / 87 avg. octane unleaded Transmission Type 6-speed Manual, Constant mesh, Return shift Clutch Wet, Multi-disc, Manual, Cable-actuated Frame/Suspension Frame type Tubular diamond design Rake/trail 26 degrees/3.26 in (83 mm) Front suspension Twin hydraulic telescoping fork Rear suspension UNI-TRAK single-shock system with 5-setting adjustable preload Wheel travel, front 4.7 inches (120 mm) Wheel travel, rear 5.1 inches (130 mm) Tires and brakes Tire, front 110/70x17 (54H) Tire, rear 130/70x17 (62H) Brakes Single hydraulic disc 11.4/8.7 inch (290/220 mm) Dimensions Wheelbase 55.1 inches (1,400 mm) Overall length 82.1 inches (2,090 mm) Overall width 28.1 inches (710 mm) Overall height 43.7 inches (1,110 mm) Ground clearance 6.1 inches (150 mm) Seat height 30.5 inches (770 mm) Dry Weight 333 lb (151 kg) - 337 lb (153 kg) (CA-model) Wet Weight 375 lb (170 kg) Max load 375 lb (170 kg) Oil type/capacity SE-SG Class SAE 10W40-20W50/1.9 L Performance[3] 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) 7.72 sec 1/4 mile 15.58 s @ 81.98 mph (131.93 km/h)[3] Maximum speed 95.5 mph (153.7 km/h)[3][16] Maximum power 26.4 hp @ 11,000 rpm (rear wheel)
32 PS (23.5 kW) (crank) [13]Maximum torque 13.6 ft·lb (18.4 N·m) @ 9,750 rpm Fuel capacity 4.8 US gal (18 l; 4.0 imp gal) Fuel efficiency 51.2 mpg-US (4.59 L/100 km; 61.5 mpg-imp)[3] References
- ^ a b ".25 Caliber Shootout Three Japanese Fighters Whip Out Their Little Guns". Motorcycle.com, Dec. 15, 1997. http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/25-caliber-shootout-12930.html.
- ^ a b Santos, Franke (June 2008), "Model Evaluation Kawasaki Ninja 250R", Motorcycle Consumer News (BowTie, Inc.): 16–19, archived from the original on May 1, 2009 5:24:05 PM, http://google.com/search?q=cache:yW88Oh2I2GAJ:www.mcnews.com/mcn/features/200806ninja.pdf&, "The humble Kawasaki Ninja 250R is the classic beginner’s bike...The Ninja is one of two 250cc sportbikes available in the US market."
- ^ a b c d e f Santos, Franke (June 2008), "Model Evaluation Kawasaki Ninja 250R", Motorcycle Consumer News (BowTie, Inc.): 16–19, archived from the original on May 1, 2009 5:24:05 PM, http://google.com/search?q=cache:yW88Oh2I2GAJ:www.mcnews.com/mcn/features/200806ninja.pdf&
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Larko, Bob (December 1987), "Kawasaki EX250-F2 Ninja (evaluation)", Cycle (magazine) (New York, NY) 38 (12): 24–29 Note: Technical problems prevented Cycle from measuring top speed.
- ^ a b c Yagawa, Kengo (May 1987), Letter from Japan, "Ninja 250: Baby gets new clothes", Cycle World: 30
- ^ a b c d Ninja 250R GPZ250R Motorcycle Service Manual (1st ed.), Kawasaki Heavy Industries, 18 March 1997, pp. 1–5 to 1–7
- ^ a b c d e f g Kawasaki EX 250 - GPX 250 '88 - Service Manual Ninja 250R GPZ250R Motorcycle Service Manual Supplement (12th ed.), Kawasaki Heavy Industries, 1 April 2003, http://pdftown.com/Kawasaki-GPX250-Service-Manual.html Kawasaki EX 250 - GPX 250 '88 - Service Manual
- ^ a b c d e "Cycle World Summary", Cycle World: 124, May 1987
- ^ Madson, Bart (October 23, 2006), "2006 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Comparison", Motorcycle USA, http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/158/619/Motorcycle-Article/2006-Kawasaki-Ninja-250-Comparison.aspx, retrieved 2010-11-04
- ^ Girdler, Allan (February 2006), "Petrol pinchers: Squeezing all you can from dead dinosaurs", Cycle World: 44
- ^ Ets-Hokin, Gabe (June 2008), "Small Fortune; 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Cycle World Test", Cycle World 47 (6): 76, ISSN 011-4286
- ^ Santos, Franke (June 2008), "Model Evaluation Kawasaki Ninja 250R", Motorcycle Consumer News (BowTie, Inc.): 16–19, archived from the original on May 1, 2009 5:24:05 PM, http://google.com/search?q=cache:yW88Oh2I2GAJ:www.mcnews.com/mcn/features/200806ninja.pdf&, "...the older model makes one more horsepower than the new one. The older model actually makes more peak power than the new model: 27.46 hp (20.48 kW) @ 12,000 rpm for the 2004 compared with 26.4 hp (19.7 kW) @ 11,000 rpm for the 2008 carbureted model." Note: MCN dynamometer data is rear-wheel only.
- ^ a b Official specifications PDF
- ^ "2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R - First Ride". MotorcycleUSA.com, 2/12/2008, Bart Madson. http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=5920&Page=1.
- ^ 2009 Ninja 250 R Sport - Kawasaki.com; Specifications, Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., 2009, http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/product-specifications.aspx?id=359
- ^ Voss, Arv (December 6, 2008), "Kawasaki's Ninja 250R still going strong after more than two decades", SFGate (San Fancisco Chronicle), http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/06/MTPD14B2SI.DTL
External links
- Official USA website Kawasaki USA
- Kawasaki Ninja 250 Road test Review of the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250
- AmericanMotorcyclist.com Article 2008 Ninja 250R review from the AMA
- Motorcycle.com Article Review: 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
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