2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Malaysia just got a hot new ride in the 250cc class. This market segment has been left empty for several years, dominated by Naza and its V-twin Blade 250R. Honda recently introduced the CBR to our local shores, but only in the puny form of a 150cc crotch rocket. Welcome news for hardcore CBR lovers but with the displacement left much wanting, I reckon it was overpriced.

Enter Kawasaki and its reincarnation of the 250R. The new Ninja is a completely redesigned bike, with and only 30% of components salvaged from its predecessor.

More on the evolution of the Ninja 250R at wikipedia.



Get the full specification from Kawasaki’s website or simply broken down:

Engine Type Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin
Displacement 249 cc
Bore & Stroke 62.0 x 41.2mm
Maximum Torque 22 Nm (2.24 kgf/m) 16.2 lb-ft/9,500 rpm
Compression Ratio 11.6:1
Carburetor Keihin CVK30 x 2
Ignition Digital
Transmission 6-Speed
Final Drive O-Ring Chain
Cooling Liquid
Frame Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake/Trail 26 degrees / 3.2 in.
Front Tire Size 110/70-17
Rear Tire Size 130/70-17
Wheelbase 55.1 in.
Front Suspension / wheel travel 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 4.7 in.
Rear Suspension / wheel travel Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® with 5-way adjustable preload / 5.1 in.
Front Brake Type Single 290mm hydraulic disc with two-piston caliper
Rear Brake Single 220mm petal disc with two-piston caliper
Fuel Tank Capacity 4.8 gal.
Seat Height 30.5 in.
Dry Weight 333 lbs. / 337 lbs. (CA-model)
Overall length 82.1 in.
Overall width 28.1 in.
Overall height 43.7 in.
Color Lime Green, Ebony, Passion Red, Candy Plasma Blue
Warranty 12 months

Note that the colors available in Malaysia are limited to the famous Kawasaki Lime Green, Ebony or Plasma Blue.

Now on to the experience.

Engine
The startup is smooth. You have to use the choke when starting cold and let it run for 2-3 minutes. Don’t expect 4 cylinder audio though. With its two in-line cylinder configuration and using the stock exhaust, it is less rumble and more of a soft, smooth bass sound emitting from the muffler, similar to the sound of a Yamaha LC135. The 6 speed gearbox is closely stacked, so quick up shifts are the order of the day. I personally like the 6th gear. While the engine aims for the low to mid torque power band, I can still feel some extra push in 6th, with great acceleration during cornering. The manual states that during the break-in period, keep the revs below 4000 rpm for the first 500 km, and under 6000 rpm for the next 1000 km. I’ve broken the rule already.


Handling
More sports tourer than superbike when it comes to riding positioning, the bright side is you put less stress on your back and cut down on trips to your friendly neighborhood ‘amoi’ masat (Cute Chinese Lady Body Massage Parlour). This bike can handle tight maneuvers which belie its size and displacement, and with the nippy acceleration I can zip pass in between cars without hesitation at 120kmh. But to keep it a long-term investment, I’m sticking to the 60-80 kmh range less some crazy mother****er changes lanes without indicating. On a straight road, the front tire grips and locks the handle bar, giving a very stable ride so you can give full concentration on the road ahead. Once the bike enters a corner, it yaws easily but recovers to the upright position fast. I definitely want to get rid of the chicken wings, but hell… The side mirrors are really a bit unpractical because I see more of my arm than what’s behind. Braking is decent with its 2 piston caliper petal style disc rotors front and rear. Located under the tail the “Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® with 5-way adjustable preload” can suit the rider’s weight for comfortable riding. Default setting from the factory is No. 1 for about 68 kg.


Cosmetics
Well this was real reason why I chose it over the Naza Blade 250R. The all new styling by Kawasaki on this aging model is simply superb. It follows its big brothers the ZX6R, Z750, Z1000 and the similar headlight ER6F or Ninja 650R in the USA. The fairings, headlights, rear tail and chassis in matte black finish, give a true superbike look. The build quality is good although but there are some minor details that are noticeable upon scrutiny. The tires sizes are small and decent IRC made. 110 for the front and 130 for the rear, quite small. But this can be upgraded to 120 front and 150 rear max.


Fuel Consumption
Another key reason I factored in before deciding to purchase this Ninja. This high-revving machine can carry about 18 liters of petrol, at least RON91. RM40 at the pump (15 liters) and considering a daily commute to work of about 80 km return trip, including the odd “teh tarik” (Malaysia’s Favourite Milked Tea) pitstop, at almost 3 notch from the E level, the trip meter records 360 km for 8 days of usage. After a RM20 (7.40 liters) refill, the needle point up to 4/5 on the fuel gauge.

Maintenance
The Ninja 250R requires minimal maintenance but it needs frequent self-inspection such as checking the chain slack, handle bar play, chain oiling, topping up engine oil, tightening cover set, and many more small things. The spare parts are cheap and easy to find.


Conclusion
Kawasaki has done a great job to bring in this model into the Malaysian market by assembling the Ninja 250R locally, in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. Priced at RM20k on the road, this bike is lightweight, easy to handle, gives good acceleration, and boasts easy maintenance and fuel efficiency. The looks alone justify the monthly trip to the bank. I’m saving up for several standard accessories for the Ninja, like the single seat cowl to complete the superbike look. With the current fuel price crisis, I don’t regret choosing the Kawasaki Ninja 250R as my daily ride.