Maxabout.comEditor Review
The Next Big Thing From Bajaj
Wednesday, June 25, 2008Kawasaki has marketed the Ninja 250R since 1986 as an entry-level sport motorcycle intended for use on paved roads. The bike is marketed in the US as the Ninja 250R, as the ZX250 in the UK, and as the GPX250 elsewhere.
It is an entry level sports motorcycle with a fairing made further as if an actual off-road sports bike. Bajaj along with Kawasaki will be marketing it in India and is soon expected to be seen in the market in Bajaj Pro biking showrooms. The Ninja 250R saw its first major change last year (called the 2008 Ninja 250R).
The new look Ninja really looks one of the best looking bikes to be launched last year. While the older version sold for around USD 3000, the new one sells for USD 3500 (or around 1.3lakh indian rupees).
Bajaj will import the Ninja250R in CKD form from Thailand to save on custom duties. The Ninja 250R features a six-speed transmission that has been revised for smoother shifting, and is mated to a more durable clutch. An entirely new radiator provides better cooling while being lighter in weight. A new radiator fan is quieter.
On the chassis front, a new diamond-type frame constructed of high tensile steel provides a steeper steering head rake angle, which results in an unchanged wheelbase when mated with a longer swingarm. The fork is larger and stiffer (37mm versus 36mm), with revised settings.
The rear suspension utilizes a new Kayaba shock that is 5-way adjustable for preload. The damping is also revised outback. 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. 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.
Following are some performance figures of Kawasaki Ninja 250R:
1) 0-100km/h : 5.75 sec
2) Top speed : 176km/h
3) Fuel economy : Around 22-30kmpl
Main Features of 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R:
DOHC 249cc Parallel Twin-cylinder Engine
- Compact parallel-twin design offers good mass centralization for superior handling
- Tuned to deliver smooth, step-free power with an emphasis on low- and mid-range power for rider-friendly response
- Pistons feature reinforced heads and strengthening in the pin boss area for increased durability
- Thick piston (longitudinally) rings help minimize oil consumption
- Combustion chamber design optimized to maximize combustion efficiency and reduce emissions
Cylinder head
- Refined intake and exhaust ports contribute to good off-idle response and smooth power delivery
- Valve timing and lift were designed for strong low- and mid-range torque
- Direct valve actuation ensures reliable high-rpm operability
- Valves with thin heads and stems reduce reciprocating weight
Exhaust system
- 2-into-1 system contributes to the Ninja 250R’s low- and mid-range torque and smooth, step-free power curve
- Slightly upswept silencer extensively tested to determine chamber size, connecting pipe length and diameter to achieve least noise and most power
- Meets strict emissions with dual catalyzers; one in the collector pipe and the other in the silencer
- Using two catalyzers minimizes the power loss
- Positioning the first catalyzer as close to the exhaust ports maximizes its efficiency as well
Reduced mechanical noise
- Cam chain tensioner with an automatic adjuster, like that on the KX™450F motocrosser, eliminates mechanical noise caused by a loose cam chain and reduces power-robbing friction loss
- Silencing mechanical noise allows the use of a freer flowing exhaust for a better sound quality
- Complex construction with reinforcing ribs helps eliminate airbox reverberation and reduce intake noise
- Air filter accessible from the side, for easy replacement
Liquid Cooling
- Latest generation Denso radiator offers superior cooling with minimal space and weight
- Ring-fan uses a quiet-running motor that also saves space
- Fins on the lower side of the crankcase further helps cool the engine
6-speed Transmission / Clutch
- Involute splines reduce friction and backlash between gears and shafts for easier gear meshing and smooth shifting under power
- Spring-type clutch damper reduces jerkiness at very low speeds and minimizes shocks when rolling on and off the throttle for a smoother clutch feel
- Paper-base friction plates help increase clutch durability
Chassis
- Sturdy and durable diamond-style frame of thick-walled steel tubing offers confidence-inspiring stability at both high and low speeds
- Beefy swingarm bracket contributes to the frame’s rigidity and helps achieve an ideal chassis stiffness balance
- Square-tube swingarm with a 60 x 30mm cross-section further adds to rigidity
Suspension
- New 37mm telescopic front fork with firm settings contribute to the Ninja 250R’s smooth, stable handling and enhanced ride control
- Uni-Trak rear suspension compliments the rigid frame and re-tuned fork and provides great road holding ability
- Rear shock features 5-way adjustable preload, enabling ride height to be maintained whether riding solo or with a passenger
Brakes
- Large-diameter, 290mm front petal disc and a balanced action two-piston caliper offers excellent braking performance and a natural, direct feeling at the lever
- Two-piston caliper grips the rear 220mm petal disc
Videos of Kawasaki Ninja 250R: