2008 Kawasaki bikes : Ninja 250R

There are speculations that USA will get the carb version of the new Ninja 250R, while the European and Japanese versions will the Fuel Injection (FI) engine. We will keep updating you on this as we get the official news.
In the meantime, here are two pictures, taken on 27th August. Notice the ZZR-1400 (ZX-14) colour option behind the silver ZZR?

The Old Ninja vs the New one..

We did love the old Ninja 250R and for good reasons, but there is no doubt it looked too bland.

Here is a comparison of both the bikes.

Looks:

If we were to rate the looks of the new bike on a scale of 10, we would definately give it a 10. And 5 for the old one! That lovely fairing from the bigger Ninja 650R, good looking upswept exhaust, pillion seat cover, petal discs, awesome alloys, everything lends it own bit to make this 250R look the best in its class but a HUGE margain!

Engine:

We also know the engine has been retuned a bit, and although detailed technical specifications have yet to be announced, but the new machine’s power is expected to be in the region of 45bhp – with the firm saying owners will be surprised by power at high revs. The old one did top the 100mph (160 km/h) mark and this one will atleast do 110 mph (176 km/h).

Acceleration wise, the old Ninja 250R shamed quite a few sports car, with a 0-60mph (96km/h) timing of 5.75 secs and a 14.6 sec quater mile timing. We can only expect the new one to do this better.

To support the above fact, we have come to know that dual overhead camshafts have been revised and a new 2-into-1 exhaust system is in place for more low and mid-range torque from the dual-carbureted 249cc DOHC parallel twin-cylinder engine. Add in refined intake and exhaust ports for improved off-idle response and smooth power delivery. Also, reduced engine noise via an automatically adjusting cam chain tensioner.

As of now, we dont have pictures of how the new Ninja 250R's instrumentation will look like. Stay tuned for more!

A hike of $500 for this? Its peanuts!

More pictures

Compact size, exceptional personality and a low price tag highlight Kawasaki's new Ninja 250R quarter-liter performer. Considering how much fun it is to ride and the fact that it's the only 250cc sportbike sold in the U.S., it's no wonder the Ninja 250R has been a strong seller for over a decade. Its successful blend of a rider-friendly engine, easy-to-operate chassis and supersport styling worthy of its Ninja moniker, this model was developed to offer real world performance to riders of all skill levels and goes to show that good things do come in small packages.

LOOKS:
One look at the new Ninja 250R tells everyone that this bike is the genuine article. With a new full-fairing similar to the Ninja ZX-6R and -10R supersport bikes, a single kicked-up muffler, UNI-TRAK rear suspension, high-performance petal disc brakes and a dual seat, this is the most stylish performer in its category.

ENGINE:
At the core of the lightweight Ninja 250R is an engine that thrives on high-rpm excitement. The gutsy 249cc parallel twin has been retuned to spice up its smooth and predictable power delivery. It now offers more low- and mid-range torque thanks to revisions to its dual overhead camshafts and a new 2-into-1 exhaust system. A silky smooth six-speed transmission tops off the sportbike equipment list, enabling the 250R to exploit a powerband that's sure to please riders with its beginner friendly low-end grunt and a lively top-end rush that'll keep seasoned veterans satisfied. The coup de' grace, is its ability to deliver excellent fuel economy.

BODY WORK, RUNNING PARTS, OTHER FEATURES:

The 250R's new fairing and windscreen not only look great, they deliver improved wind protection for a wide range of riding situations. This lightweight sportbike is loaded with even more rider-friendly features such as an easy-to-read instrument panel and positive neutral finder.

A natural riding position and comfortable ergonomics combined with its lightweight handling, easy controllability and improved throttle response make the 250R a pleasure to ride on city streets.

• Also new for 2008 are larger 17-inch wheels that offer great handling and improved stability.
• A larger 290mm front brake rotor is gripped by a powerful 2-piston caliper to provide a healthy dose of stopping power with a responsive feel at the lever. Like Kawasaki's other sport models, the Ninja 250R is fitted with petal discs for efficient heat dissipation.

The simple formula of providing easy-handling agility, lightweight responsiveness, and low ownership costs make the Ninja 250R a force to be reckoned with in the entry-level sportbike category.

MSRP: $3499

The revered Kawasaki Ninja 250R has been around forever, or so it seems. We've touted the small-displacement Ninja as the ideal mount for beginners, with our only complaint about the bargain Kwakker being its somewhat outdated styling. Kawasaki must have been listening because the 250R is back for 2008 with a styling facelift, making it look more like its sport Ninja siblings. Other changes include larger 17-inch wheels and 290mm front brake rotors. The little Ninja's engine has also received some mods as well, retuned for more low- to mid-range torque courtesy of tweaked camshafts and new 2-into-1 exhaust.

The MSRP is $3499, a steal, considering the way the bike looks.