bike - Kawasaki Ninja 250R
Photograph by kellyhogaboomon Flickr.
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. 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. One of the earliest generations, the EX250-C, was given the name GPZ-250. The Ninja 250R s particular ergonomics, chassis design, and engine placement have resulted in a motorcycle that straddles the standard and sport classes.
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. EX250-E - This model was sold as the Ninja 250R in Canada and the U.S. The Ninja s riding position also falls somewhere between the standard and sport riding postures.
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. The third generation of production of the Ninja 250 encompassed three models: In 2008, Kawasaki gave the EX250 its most thorough modernization in many years. The EX250-J model is known as the Ninja 250R worldwide.
It was known as the GPZ-250R elsewhere. 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. EX250-C - Also known as the GPZ-250.
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. 344 lb (156 kg) wet, tested 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 engine and drivetrain retain 30% of the -F model s parts, according to Kawasaki literature. 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)), 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.
A fuel gauge was put in place of the previous model s temperature gauge, except on the Brazilian model. 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.
Kawasaki increased the MSRP by $500 U.S.D., to $3,499 in 2008, by an additional $500 U.S.D. 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 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 is also referred to by its platform designation, EX250, to which a generational suffix is attached.
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). between 1986 and 1987.
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 wheels were increased in size to 17 , the front suspension was beefed up, and the brake rotors were replaced with a larger petal design.
the bike was known variously as the ZZR-250, ZX-250, or as the GPX-250R. 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 engine s compression and maximum torque have been lowered to provide better midrange performance, where the motorcycle spends most of its time.
