Kawasaki Ninja 250R

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 sport bike, it has proven to be a top seller, continuously experiencing double-digit sales growth. 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.

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.

First generation (1983

1984)

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.

Second generation (1986

1987)

Second generation

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.

Third generation (1988

2007)

Third Generation

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. 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. The new, more fully-enclosed bodywork was complimented for being stylish, at the time, and easily mistaken for the larger Ninja 750. The third generation of production of the Ninja 250 encompassed three models:
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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.

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 were identical to the -F model. It was sold after 1988.

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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.

Fourth generation (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 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." Though the previous generation Ninja 250 had a peak power of 1 horsepower (0.75 kW) more, or peak engine power of 5 horsepower (3.7 kW) more according to official Kawasaki specifications, according to testing by Motorcycle Consumer News, 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. The U.S.-spec -J model uses dual carburetors like the -F model, but the European-spec, Brazilian-spec and Thailand-spec model have a fuel-injection system. The wheels were increased in size to 17 inches, 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, except on the Brazilian model. 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.

Engine Displacement Bore x Stroke Compression Ratio Carburetor Ignition Transmission Final drive Cooling System Frame Type Rake/Trail Front Tire Size Rear Tire Size

Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin 249 cc 62.0 x 41.2mm 11.6:1 Keihin CVK30 x 2 Digital Six-speed O-Ring Chain Liquid Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel 26 degrees / 3.2 in. 110/70-17 130/70-17

Wheelbase Front Suspension / Wheel Travel Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel Front Brakes Rear Brakes Fuel Capacity Seat Height Curb Weight Overall Length Overall Width Overall Height Color Choices

55.1 in. 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 4.7 in. Bottom-Link UNI-TRAK with 5-way adjustable preload / 5.1 in. Single 290mm hydraulic disc with two-piston caliper Single 220mm petal disc with two-piston caliper 4.8 gal. 30.5 in. 374.9 lbs. 82.1 in. 28.1 in. 43.7 in. Metallic Island Blue, Passion Red, Lime Green/Pearl Stardust White, Ebony/Candy Persimmon Red