Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Manufacturer	Kawasaki
Also called	EX250
Parent company	Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Production	1986 — present
Class	Sport bike
Related	Ninja 500R, Ninja 650R

The Kawasaki Ninja 250R (previous generations had market-specific names) is a sport motorcycle originally introduced by Kawasaki Motors in 1983. As the marque's entry-level^[1][2] sportbike, it has proven to be a top seller, continuously experiencing double-digit sales growth.^{[citation needed]} It is a popular machine with novices and experienced riders alike, renowned for its light handling, good fuel economy, and comfortable riding posture. The motorcycle has undergone few changes throughout its quarter-century lifetime, having received only two substantial redesigns.

Contents 1 Nomenclature 2 Description and features 3 First generation 4 Second generation 5 Third generation 6 2008-Present 7 Motorsports 8 References 9 External links

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 sportbikes, 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.

Among motorcyclists, the Ninja 250R has received the affectionate nickname "Ninjette" or "Baby Ninja", as a result of being the bike of lowest displacement and smallest physical size in the Ninja family.

Description and features

The 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 position also falls somewhere between the standard and sport riding postures. The bike enjoys good performance within its engine class, capable of running the quarter mile in 14.6 seconds at 88 mph, while providing the amenities of more utilitarian motorcycles, including bungee hooks for transporting cargo and space for a second passenger to sit comfortably.

The latest model, the EX250-J or fourth generation, brought the Ninja's first major update in many years. Appearance upgrades included an increase in wheel size to 17", and completely redesigned fairings which give the motorcycle a sleeker, more modern appearance than the boxier earlier generations.

First generation

• EX250-C - Also known 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, a Ninja 250 in name only.

Second generation

• EX250-E - This model was sold as the Ninja 250R in Canada and the U.S. between 1985 and 1987. It was known as the GPZ-250R elsewhere. The engine from this model persisted until 2007 with minimal changes.

Third generation

Third Generation

Production	1988 — 2007

The third generation of production of the Ninja 250 encompassed three models:

• EX250-F - The most widespread version of the motorcycle, it was sold between 1988 and 2007 in the U.S. Canada received the model between 1988 and 1999, and it was available elsewhere as the GPX-250R as early as 1987.

• EX250-G - Never sold in North America, this version was known as the GPX-250R-II. It sported dual front brakes, which slowed a wider wheel and tire (110/80-16). All other parts where identical to the -F model. It was sold after 1988.

• EX250-H - This model came to Canada as the Ninja 250R between 2000 and 2001, 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" wheels, an adjustable rear shock absorber, adjustable brake and clutch levers, a smaller drive sprocket, computer-controlled timing advance, and a revised electrical system.

2008-Present

Fourth Generation

Production	2008 — present

In 2008, Kawasaki gave the EX250 its most thorough modernization in many years. The EX250-J model is known as the Ninja 250R worldwide. Kawasaki increased the MSRP by $500 U.S.D., to $3,499 in 2008 and by an additional $500 U.S.D. to $3,999 in 2009.

Parts from the third generation are still found on the -J, but its redesigned exterior panels bring the smallest Ninja's appearance out of the '90s and into line with late-2000s sportbikes. The engine and drivetrain retain 30% of the -F model's parts, according to Kawasaki literature. The engine's compression and maximum torque have been lowered to provide 20% better midrange performance, where the motorcycle spends most of its time. The U.S.-spec -J model uses dual carburetors like the -F model, but the European-spec and Thailand-spec model have a fuel-injection system. The wheels were increased in size to 17", the front suspension was beefed up, and the front brake rotors were replaced with a larger "petal" design. A fuel gauge, a rarity in motorcycles, was added to the instrument cluster.

With the arrival of the EX250-J, manufacturing continues to be located in Thailand.^[3]

Motorsports

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 3rd 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.

WERA and WSMC (Willow Springs Motorcycle Club) also have a classes for the model to race in.

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Kawasaki EX250

• Official USA websiteKawasaki USA
• Kawasaki Ninja 250 Road test Review of the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250
• Ninja 250 Technical FAQ on Ninja250.org
• AmericanMotorcyclist.com Article 2008 Ninja 250R review from the AMA
• Motorcycle USA Article 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R - First Ride
• Motorcycle.com Article Review: 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

v • d • e Kawasaki motorcycle timeline, 1990s–present
Type	1990s										2000s										2010s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0
Standard										W650
																		Versys
								ER-5									ER-6n/ER-6f/Ninja 650R
															Z750
														Z1000
								ZRX1100					ZRX1200R
Sport	Ninja 250R
	Ninja ZX-2R/Ninja ZXR250
	ZXR400 (L Model)
	ZX600C-E/Ninja ZX-6						ZX600J/Ninja ZX-6R
														ZZR600
	ZXR750					Ninja ZX-7R
	GPZ900R
					ZX900/Ninja ZX-9R										Ninja ZX-10R
											Ninja ZX-12R					ZZR1400/Ninja ZX-14
Touring										ZR-7
	GTR1000/Connie/Concours																1400GTR/Concours 14
Cruiser																	Vulcan 900 Classic/VN900B
MotoGP													Ninja ZX-RR