Kawasaki EX250F Ninja 250: review, history, specs
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| Kawasaki Ninja 250R | |
| Manufacturer | |
|---|---|
| Also called | Ninja 250, ZZR 250 |
| Production | 1988 - 2012 |
| Class | Sport Bike |
| Predecessor | Kawasaki EX250E |
| Successor | Kawsaki EX250J Ninja 250R |
| Engine | 250cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin |
| Bore / Stroke | 61.0mm x 61.0mm |
| Compression ratio | 11:6:1 |
| Top Speed | 94.9 mph |
| Horsepower | 32.99 HP (24.6 KW) @ 11000RPM |
| Torque | 16.23 ft/lbs (22.0 Nm) @ 9500RPM |
| Fuel System | Two Keihin CVK30 carburetors |
| Spark Plug | NGK CR8HSA 98-03 , '04-07 NGK C8HA '88-97 |
| Battery | YUASA YB9L-A2 '88-94 [1] YUASA YTX7L-BS '95-07 |
| Transmission | Gear box: 6-speed, manual Clutch: wet multi-disc, manual |
| Final Drive | Chain: 520x106 |
| Front Sprocket | 14T |
| Rear Sprocket | 45T |
| Suspension | Front: 37 mm hydraulic telescopic fork Rear: bottom-link Uni-Trak with 5-way adjustable preload |
| Brakes | Front: single 290 mm hydraulic disc Rear: single 220 mm petal disc |
| Front Tire | 100/80.16 '88-94 100/80-16 '95-07 |
| Rear Tire | 130/80-16 '88-07 |
| Wheelbase | 55.12 inches (1400 mm) |
| Length | 82.09 inches (2085 mm) |
| Width | 28.11 inches (714 mm) |
| Seat Height | 30.51 inches (775 mm) |
| Weight | 170.0 kg (wet) |
| Oil Capacity | 1.9 L (2.0 US qt) [1] |
| Oil Filter | K&N KN-401 |
| Recommended Oil | K-tech 10W-40 |
| Manuals | File:1994 Kawasaki Ninja 250R owners manual.pdf File:2007 Kawasaki Ninja 250R owners manual.pdf More Manuals |
The Kawasaki Ninja 250R was a four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin Sport Bike motorcycle produced by Kawasaki between 1988 and 2012. Max torque was 16.23 ft/lbs (22.0 Nm) @ 9500 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 32.99 HP (24.6 KW) @ 11000 RPM. It was known as the Ninja 250 in the US and the ZZR 250 in other export countries.
Engine[edit | edit source]
A 61.0mm bore x 61.0mm stroke result in a displacement of just 249.0 cubic centimeters.
Drive[edit | edit source]
The bike has a 6-speed, manual transmission. Power was moderated via the wet multi-disc, manual.
Chassis[edit | edit source]
It came with a 110/70-17 front tire and a 130/70-17 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via single 290 mm hydraulic disc in the front and a single 220 mm petal disc in the rear. The front suspension was a 37 mm hydraulic telescopic fork while the rear was equipped with a bottom-link Uni-Trak with 5-way adjustable preload. The wheelbase was 55.12 inches (1400 mm) long.
Kawasaki Ninja 250R[edit | edit source]
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| Ninja 250s on the track |
The Kawasaki Ninja 250R (also known as the EX250 in the U.S., and GPX250 elsewhere in the world) is a long standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, introduced in 1986 and continuing in production as of 2006. The 2006 model has an MSRP of $2,999 USD. The 250R is marketed as an entry level sport motorcycle intended for normal use on paved roads. Compared to present industry designs, the 250R is more a "sporty-standard" motorcycle with a fairing than a true sportbike (considering its ergonomics, chassis design, and engine placement within the frame), but it is still an excellent sport machine.
The 250R is light for a motorcycle, weighing just over 300 lb (135 kg) dry. Its 250 cc displacement, counterbalanced, water cooled four stroke engine is smooth for a twin-cylinder, and though not exceptionally powerful with 36 hp (27 kW) at best, it can easily maintain speeds in excess of 80 mph (130 km/h) while consuming fuel (87 octane) at 55 to 75 miles per gallon US (22 to 30 km/L) from its 4.8 US gallon (18 L) tank, and has a top speed of about 100 mph (160 km/h).
The Ninja 250 faces very little direct competition within its class inside the United States. The main competitors are the other 250cc "beginner bikes" priced around $3,000, namely Honda's Rebel 250 and Nighthawk 250, the Suzuki GZ250, and the Yamaha Virago 250. With the exception of the Nighthawk (a standard), these bikes are all cruisers. The disparity in style between a crusier, a standard, and a sportbike is frequently the buyer's deciding factor, given that one's choice in bike is often as much about self-image as objective features. None of these bikes can match the Ninja 250's much greater power, 14,000 rpm redline, 6-speed gearbox, tachometer, and centerstand, nor do they offer both front and rear disc brakes. All of them have an advantage over the stock Ninja with their rear suspension preload adjustability, although the Kawasaki "Uni-Trak®" system is more advanced and may be upgraded. The cruisers also offer relatively low seat heights in the 26-27 inch range, an issue for some riders.
None of these US models, including the Ninja, have changed much in recent years, but outside the United States there are many exciting advances in small-displacement, lightweight, and/or low-cost motorcycles, including several four-cylinder, sixteen-valve 250's. 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.
Models[edit | edit source]
- EX250-E: model sold in the from 1986 to 1987.
- EX250-F: 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.
- EX250-H: sold primarily outside of the USA and Canada since 1991; Canada received this model in 2000, while the U.S. still has the F model. Major rework including frame, wheels, suspension and electricals; same engine as the F model. Known largely as the ZZR-250.
Specifications & performance statistics[edit | edit source]
| Engine | 4-stroke Parallel twin, DOHC, Liquid cooled, 8-Valve, w/ counterbalancer |
| Displacement | 248 cc |
| Starting | Electric |
| Bore x stroke | 62.0 x 41.2 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 | 340 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 |
| 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | 5.75 s |
| 1/4 mile | 14.6 s @ 88 mph |
| Maximum speed | 105 mph (160 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 |
Year Models[edit | edit source]
1989[edit | edit source]
1989 Kawasaki Ninja 250 (EX250) in Black
1989 Kawasaki Ninja 250 (EX250) in Black
1989 Kawasaki Ninja 250 (EX250) in Black
1994[edit | edit source]
1994 Kawasaki EX250-F8 Ninja 250 in Black
1994 Kawasaki EX250-F8 Ninja 250 in Black
1994 Kawasaki EX250-F8 Ninja 250 in Black
1999[edit | edit source]
1999 Kawasaki EX250 in Red
1999 Kawasaki EX250 in Red
1999 Kawasaki EX250 in Red
1999 Kawasaki EX250 in Red
1999 Kawasaki EX250 in Red
2000[edit | edit source]
2000 Kawasaki EX250-F14 Ninja 250R in Green
2000 Kawasaki EX250-F14 Ninja 250R in Green
2000 Kawasaki EX250-F14 Ninja 250R in Green
2000 Kawasaki EX250-F14 Ninja 250R in Green
2005[edit | edit source]
2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (EX250) in Blue
2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (EX250) in Blue
2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (EX250) in Blue
2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (EX250) in Blue
2006[edit | edit source]
2006 Kawasaki EX250 in black
2006 Kawasaki EX250 in blue
2006 Kawasaki EX250 in red
2006 Kawasaki EX250 in yellow
2007[edit | edit source]
2007 Kawasaki Ninja 250 in Red right side
2007 Kawasaki Ninja 250 in Red left side
2007 Kawasaki Ninja 250 in Blue right side
2007 Kawasaki Ninja 250 in Blue left side
2007 Kawasaki Ninja 250 in Silver right side
2007 Kawasaki Ninja 250 in Silver left side
2007 Kawasaki Ninja 250 in Black right side
2007 Kawasaki Ninja 250 in Black left side
2008[edit | edit source]
First major changes in years. Updated to the EX250J
Videos[edit | edit source]
In Media[edit | edit source]
Specs[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
- Kawasaki Ninja 250 FAQ Information Page
- Ninja 250 Riders Club Portal Page
- 250 cc comparison in Motorcycle Online
- 2000 Review comparison in Motorcycle Online
References[edit | edit source]
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- Sport Bike motorcycles
- Kawasaki motorcycles
- 1990s motorcycles
- 2000s motorcycles
- Kawasaki Ninja series
- 1980s motorcycles
- Street motorcycles
- 250cc displacement motorcycles
- 250cc 4-stroke motorcycles
- 250cc sport bikes
- Entry level sport bikes
- 250cc Twin cylinder motorcycles
- Twin cylinder motorcycles
- Twin cylinder 4-stroke motorcycles
- 4-stroke motorcycles
- Kawasaki EX series
- 2010s motorcycles