Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Manufacturer	Kawasaki
Also called	EX250
Parent company	Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Production	1986 —
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.^[3] 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.

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.

Description and features

The Ninja 250 enjoys a small but dedicated owner community, who appreciate the motorcycle's easy handling and maintenance, as well as the widespread availability of spare parts

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 has good performance within its engine class, capable of running the quarter mile in 15.58 s @ 81.98 mph (131.93 km/h)^[4] (it had been 1 s faster in the prior generation^[5]), 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 (1983—1984)

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.^{[citation needed]}

Second generation (1986—1987)

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 redline was nice, the engine was slow to rev.^[6]

Third generation (1988—2007)

Third Generation

Production	1988—2007

For 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 32 mm (1.3 in), the cylinder compression ratio was increased from 12.0:1 to 12.4:1, and ignition timing advance was increased.^[7][8][5] Reviewers were pleased to report 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.^[9][6][5] The new, more fully-enclosed bodywork was complimented for being stylish, at the time, and easily mistaken for the larger Ninja 750.^[6]

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 U.S. Canada received the model between 1988 and 1999, and it was available elsewhere as the GPX-250R as early as 1987.

The Ninja 250 is popular in motorcycle training (above), as a first bike, and as an efficient, practical all-around motorcycle.

• EX250-G - Sold only in its home market of Japan, 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 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" 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 (since 2008)

Fourth Generation

Production	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. Kawasaki increased the MSRP by $500 U.S.D., to $3,499 in 2008, by an additional $500 U.S.D. to $3,999 in 2009, and a further $300 to $4299 for the 2010 model year.

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 better midrange performance, where the motorcycle spends most of its time. The redesign of the engine was a response to frustration felt by new riders, according to Kawasaki, resulting in improvements in engine response at low RPM, and making the bike smoother and "much easier to ride."^[10] Though the previous generation Ninja 250 had one more peak horsepower, or five more peak engine horsepower according to official Kawasaki specifications ^[8][11], according to testing by Motorcycle Consumer News,^[12] 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.^[4] 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 brake rotors were replaced with a larger "petal" design. A fuel gauge was put in place of the previous model's temperature gauge. With the additional and redesigned equipment, the EX250-J suffered a ten kilo increase in wet weight over its predecessors.

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
• AmericanMotorcyclist.com Article 2008 Ninja 250R review from the AMA
• Motorcycle.com Article Review: 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
• 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Review Reviewed by Beginner Motorcycle Reviews