Kawasaki Ninja 250R: Difference between revisions
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'''Ninja 250 Twin Engine Models''' |
'''Ninja 250 Twin Engine Models''' |
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[[Image:Ninja250_2008_Model.jpg|thumb|200px|2008 Kawasaki 250R, side]] |
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[[Image:Ninja250Rear.jpg|thumb|200px|2006 Kawasaki EX 250 (aka GPX in Europe), rear]] |
[[Image:Ninja250Rear.jpg|thumb|200px|2006 Kawasaki EX 250 (aka GPX in Europe), rear]] |
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[[Image:Ex250-01.jpg|thumb|200px|Kawasaki EX 250 (aka GPX in Europe), front]] |
[[Image:Ex250-01.jpg|thumb|200px|Kawasaki EX 250 (aka GPX in Europe), front]] |
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Revision as of 19:51, 5 October 2007
The Kawasaki Ninja 250R (EX250 in the U.S., and GPX250 elsewhere) is a long-standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, introduced in 1986 and continuing in production as of 2008. It has a MSRP of $3,499 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 sport bike, considering its ergonomics, chassis design, and engine placement within the frame, but with the new full fairing and 17" wheels on the 2008 model that line is blurred even more. As of 2007, the 250R is produced in Thailand.
The 250R is light for a motorcycle, weighing just over 300 lb (135 kg) dry. Its 248 cc, counterbalanced, water cooled, four stroke engine is smooth for a twin-cylinder. Though it is not exceptionally powerful with 36 hp (27 kW) stock, it can easily maintain speeds in excess of 100 mph (161 km/h) with a lighter rider. It can maintain a fuel (87 octane) consumption rating of 55 to 75 miles per gallon (3.14 to 4.28 l/100 km) with its 4.8 US gallon (18 L) tank. The 250R has a top speed of about 105 mph (169 km/h). With a small gearing change to keep the spirited engine in its powerband, it could possibly pull to speeds reaching 115 mph (190 km/h) with a smaller rider.
The Ninja 250 has little direct competition within its class in the United States, partly due to it being the only 250cc sport bike sold. The main competitors are the other 250 cc "beginner bikes," 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. None of these bikes can match the Ninja 250's greater power, 14,000 rpm redline, 6-speed gearbox, tachometer, centerstand, or front and rear disc brakes.
Before the 2008 model, neither the Ninja nor these other US 250's had changed much in recent years, but outside the United States there were many exciting advances in small-displacement, lightweight, and/or low-cost motorcycles, including several four-cylinder, sixteen-valve 250s (e.g., the Honda "Hornet" 250 or Ninja ZX-2R). 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, and new riders can easily meet knowledgeable enthusiasts in such Internet communities as the Ninja 250 Riders Club.
2008 Model Changes
- Slightly increased MSRP price: (now $3,499, up from the previous $2,999 USD of 2007)
- Redesigned body (tail is similar to the ZX-6R)
- Full Fairing and revised windscreen
- New 2-into-1 exhaust system
- Larger 17" wheels
- Larger 290mm front brake rotor
- New 37mm telescopic front fork
- Re-arranged instrument cluster
- Speedometer moved to center (was on left)
- Tach is now on the left (was in center)
- Temperature gauge is enlarged, and now read "vertically" (was read "horizontally")
- Warning lights spread across the guages (were arranged in 2x2 cluster on the right)
- New 2008 Instrument Cluster
- Old 2007 Instrument Cluster
- No centerstand
Ninja 250 Twin Engine Models
- GPZ 250: model sold from 1986 to 1987. Also know as EX250-E.
- GPX 250: 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. Also know as EX250-F.
- ZZR 250: sold primarily outside of the USA and Canada since 1991; Canada received this model in 2000, while the U.S. still has the EX250F model. Major rework including lateral aluminum frame, 17" wheels, adjustable rear shock, adjustable levers, reduced sprocket size, computer-controlled timing advance, electricals; same engine as the F model with different carbs (giving some extra HP's). Visual is almost identical to ZZR 600. Also know as EX250-H.
Other Ninja 250 models
- ZXR 250: model sold from 1988 to 1999. DOHC 16 valve 4 cylinder 4 carbs engine, red line at 18.500 (to 20.000 RPM); dual front discs and inverted fully adjustable front fork. A visual copy of ZXR 750. Also know as ZX-2R.
[NOTE] Kawasaki also appends a suffix to each model number, indicating the "sub model"; it increases with the model year. So, an EX250-E2 is a 1987 GPZ; an EX250-F2 is a 1988 GPX, an EX250-F14 is a 2000 GPX, and an EX250-H11 is a 2000 ZZR.
Specifications & performance statistics (1988-2007 EX250-F)
| Engine | 4-stroke Parallel twin, DOHC, Liquid cooled, 8-Valve, w/ counterbalancer |
| Displacement | 248 cc |
| Rated 1/4 mile time | 14.3 |
| 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 | 341 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 (169 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 |
In Media
External links
- Official Ninja 250 on Kawasaki
- Kawasaki Ninja 250 FAQ Information Page
- Ninja 250 Riders Club Portal Page
- Ride report on a Ninja 250 on Pashnit
- Review of the Kawasaki Ninja 250 on Beginner Motorcycles
- 250 cc comparison in Motorcycle Online
- 2000 Review comparison in Motorcycle Online
- Ninja 250 Online Help System at Cyclepedia.com
New 2008 Model
- Press release and photos of the new 2008 model on BikeLand
- Pics from the 2008 Paris Show on MotoPlanete
- Kawasaki's New 250R 2008 Trailer/Promo on CyclePosers
- Hi-Res pics (Left,Right,Top & Front) and Model Changes on About