Rolling Proof That Less Really Can Be More


The Ninja 250R has always been a great place for beginning riders to get started, but modern sportbike technology means the littlest Ninja is a great choice for more experienced riders as well especially ones experienced at getting the most for their motorcycle dollar. While its twin-cylinder engine might be small, light and compact, its 8-valve head packs maximum power into every rpm. The 250R screams Ninja performance, from its sleek full fairing and 17-inch wheels, to its UNI-TRAK rear suspension and triple petal-disc brakes.


The lightweight Ninja 250Rs secret of success is its winning formula: A rider-friendly engine, real world performance and an amiable chassis topped off with Ninja supersport styling. The icing on this small Kawasaki cake is the motorcycles ability to transcend skill levels and appeal to all riders from novice to seasoned veteran.


At the core of the Ninja 250R is an engine that thrives on high-rpm excitement. The gutsy 249cc parallel twin is tuned for a peppy, yet smooth and predictable power delivery. The beginner friendly low- and mid-range torque comes courtesy of its dual overhead camshafts and 2-into-1 exhaust system. A silky smooth six-speed transmission lets riders to exploit the 250Rs powerband without fanfare from that low-end grunt to the crowd pleasing and lively top-end rush. Last, but not least is the little Ninjas silver lining its excellent fuel economy.


Wrapping the 250R are the fairing and windscreen that not only look great, but deliver wind protection for a wide range of riding situations. Tucked in behind the windscreen are more rider-friendly features such as the easy-to-read instrument panel and neutral indicator.


A natural riding position and comfortable ergonomics combine with lightweight handling, easy controllability and great throttle response for pure pleasure on city streets. Part of this great handling and stability comes from the 17-inch wheels. Bringing the show to a stop are the large petal shaped 290mm front and 220mm rear rotors gripped by powerful two-piston hydraulic calipers. Like Kawasakis other Ninja models, the 250R is equipped with quality components and tuned for class-leading performance.


Lightweight and agile, the Ninja 250R boasts low ownership costs and is a dominating force in the entry-level sportbike category.


Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.
SpecificationsEngine Type: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin
Displacement: 249 cc
Bore & stroke: 62.0 x 41.2mm
Compression Ratio: 11.6:1
Carburetor: Keihin CVK30 x 2
Ignition: Digital
Transmission: Six-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.
Curb Weight: 374.9 lbs.
Overall Length: 82.1 in.
Overall Width: 28.1 in.
Overall Height: 43.7 in.
Color: Metallic Island Blue, Passion Red, Lime Green/Pearl Stardust White, Ebony/Candy Persimmon Red
Warranty: 12 months
DOHC 249CC Parellel Twin-Cylinder EngineCompact 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 prevent oil consumption
Combustion chamber design optimized to maximize combustion efficiency and reduce emissions
Ample high-rpm performance will please riders using the full range of the engine
Cylinder HeadIntake and exhaust ports contribute to good off-idle response and smooth power delivery
Valve timing and lift designed for strong low
and mid-range torque
Direct valve actuation helps ensure reliable high-rpm operability
Thin heads and stems on valves for reduced reciprocating weight
CarburetorFine-tuned twin Keihin CVK30 carburetors offer good power feel and low fuel consumption
Reduced Mechanical NoiseAutomatic adjusting cam chain tensioner eliminates mechanical noise caused by a loose cam chain and reduces power-robbing friction loss
Eliminating mechanical noise allows the use of a freer flowing exhaust for a better performance
Complex construction with reinforcing ribs helps eliminate airbox reverberation and reduces intake noise
Air filter accessible from the side, for easy replacement
Exhaust System2-into-1 system contributes to the Ninja 250Rs 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
Liquid CoolingLatest 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
Six-Speed Transmission/ClutchInvolute 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
ChassisSturdy 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 frames rigidity and helps achieve an ideal chassis stiffness balance
Square-tube swingarm with a 60 x 30mm cross-section further adds to rigidity
Suspension37mm telescopic front fork with firm settings contribute to the Ninja 250Rs smooth, stable handling and enhanced ride control
UNI-TRAK® rear suspension complements the rigid frame 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
WheelsFeatures 17 wheels like its larger supersport brothers
Low-profile sportbike tires on wide rims contribute to its easy, neutral handling at low speeds
BrakesLarge-diameter, 290mm front petal disc and a balanced action two-piston caliper offer excellent braking performance and a natural, direct feeling at the lever
Two-piston caliper grips the rear 220mm petal disc
ErgonomicsNatural riding position with slightly forward-slanting seat and wide, raised handlebars
BodyworkStyling, fit and finish of striking full-fairing bodywork match its Ninja supersport siblings
Aggressive dual-lamp headlight design, slim tail cowl and separate seats further enhance the supersport look
Front cowling and windscreen offer the rider a substantial amount of wind protection
Two helmet holders conveniently located under the rear seat
Under-seat storage can hold a U-lock or similar device
Two hooks under the tail and the rear passenger pegs provide anchor points for securing items to the rear of the bike
InstrumentationInstrument panel features an easy-to-read, large-face analog speedometer along with an analog tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge and warning lights