2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R pictures, prices, information, and specifications.
Model Type
Sport
MSRP
$3,499
Warranty
12
Insurance
Finance
Generic Type (Primary)
Sport
Manufacturer Country
Japan
Parent Company
Kawasaki
Display Name
Ninja 250R
Year
2008
Make
Kawasaki
Engine Type
Parallel Twin
Cylinders
2
Engine Stroke
4-Stroke
Torque (Ft Lbs/Nm)
16 / 21.7
Torque RPM
10000
Cooling
Liquid
Valves
8
Valves Per Cylinder
4
Valve Configuration
DOHC
Bore (mm/in)
62 / 2.44
Stroke (mm/in)
41.2 / 1.62
Displacement (cc/ci)
249 / 15.2
Compression Ratio
11.6:1
Starter
Electric
Fuel Requirements
Regular
Fuel Type
Gas
Carburetion Brand
Keihin
Fuel Injector
No
Carburetor
Yes
Number Of Carburetors
2
Carburetor Size (mm)
30
Carburetion Type
Carburetor
Transmission Type
Manual
Number Of Speeds
6
Primary Drive (Rear Wheel)
Chain
Reverse
No
Wheels Composition
Aluminum
Tube / Tubeless
Tubeless
Front Tire Width
110
Front Tire Aspect Ratio
70
Front Wheel Diameter
17
Rear Tire Width
130
Rear Tire Aspect Ratio
70
Rear Wheel Diameter
17
Front Tire (Full Spec)
110/70 R17
Rear Tire (Full Spec)
130/70 R17
Front Brake Type
Hydraulic Disc
Front Brake Diameter (in/mm)
11.4 / 290
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Rear Brake Diameter (in/mm)
8.7 / 220
Front Suspension Type
Telescopic Fork
Front Suspension Size (in/mm)
1.5 / 37
Front Travel (in/mm)
4.7 / 119.4
Front Adjustable Fork Pre-Load
No
Front Adjustable Rebound Damping
No
Front Central Suspension Strut
No
Steering Damper
No
Rear Suspension Type
Twin Sided Swing Arm
Rear Travel (in/mm)
5.1 / 129.5
Rear Adjustable Shock / Spring Pre-Load
Yes
Rear Adjustable Rebound Damping
No
Number Rear Shock Absorbers
1
Rear Suspension Brand Name
UNI-TRAK(R)
Rear Suspension Material
Aluminum
Air Adjustable
No
Steering Control
Handlebar
Length (ft)
6.82
Width (in/mm)
28 / 711.2
Height (in/mm)
43.9 / 1115.1
Wheelbase (in/mm)
54.7 / 1389.4
Length (ft/ft)
6
Length (ft/in)
9.9
Dry Weight (lbs/kg)
333 / 151
Fuel Capacity (gal/l)
4.8 / 18.2
Engine Displacement to Weight (cc)
0.75
Seat Type
Two-Piece
Adjustable
No
Seat Material
Vinyl
Seat Location
Driver and Passenger
Folding
No
Seat Height (in/mm)
30.7 / 779.8
Number Of Seats
2
Seat Tail Cover
Standard
Grab Rail or Strap
Standard
Frame
Steel
Body Material
Plastic
Hand Grips
Standard
Foot Peg Location
Driver and Passenger
Adjustable
No
Chain Guard
Yes
Drive Shaft Guard
No
Fork Guards
No
Saddle Bag Guard
No
Belt Guard
No
Hand Guards
No
Brush Guard
No
Heel Guards
No
Light Guard
No
Exterior Covers
Standard
Front Fender
Standard
Rear Fender
Standard
Top Crown
Standard
Stand Type
Kick
Lower Fairing
Standard
Spoiler
Standard
Handlebars
Standard
Upper Fairing
Standard
License Plate
Standard
Tachometer
Standard
Trip Odometer
Standard
Speedometer
Standard
Temperature Warning Type
Light
Fuel Level Warning Type
Gauge
Warranty (Months/Condition)
12 / Limited
Battery Warranty (Months)
0
Windshield Mounts
Standard
Paint
Standard
Folding
Yes
Windshield Lowers
No
Height Adjustable
No
Tinted
Yes
Height
Low
Underseat Storage
Standard
Lockable Storage
Standard
Helmet Locks
Standard
Headlight Mounts
Standard
Halogen Headlight (s)
Standard
Headlight (s)
Standard
Light Type
Halogen
Handlebar Lock
Standard
User Reviews
14 reviews
  • Good beginner bike
    By  (I am an Owner) on Apr 06, 2011

    This is a good beginner bike for those people who don't know how to ride. But I think you should practice going straight with a bicycle first otherwise you will wobble around and you might fall.

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  • what a joy to ride
    By  (I am an Enthusiast) on Apr 05, 2011

    i used to have a susuki 850 but this little baby has every thing you could wish for would not change this little baby for a big monster again i love her

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  • And they said there's no such thing that's good and cheap
    By  (I am an Owner) on Jan 11, 2010

    The bike is really a pleasure to drive. The engine has quite much torque for a 250cc, especially the fuel injected model you can buy in Europe. The fuel economy, agility and the price are all spot on.

    The only downside with the "Ninjette" is the bodywork that has not been made for ...

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  • Ninja 250R: A Great Bike for Beginners
    By  (I am an Owner) on Apr 30, 2009

    I learned to ride and got my endorsement in March 2008. The only other motorcycle I rode prior to getting my Kawasaki Ninja 250R was the 2008 Honda Nighthawk 250 that I learned on when taking the MSF course/test.

    I was set on the 2008 250R Ninja from the moment I saw it. It had the ...

    I didn't decide on it primarily for the looks. It was all about comfort and handling as well as any bike should be.

    I am just shy of 5'5" and my feet touch flat on the ground. I have a Herniated Disk and Degenerative Disk Disease and this bike doesn't bother my back one bit. When I sit on it I am sitting upright. I am comfortable when I put my chest on the tank to lower myself behind the windshield in higher winds.

    My arms are at a comfortable extension while controlling the bike. The clutch and brake levers, turn signals, horn, light, ignition are all right on target for comfort and usage.

    The new design makes it look much bigger than it is. Every time I ride people ask me if it is a 600 and when I say no they keep going higher. They are in disbelief when I tell them it's a 250. There are no emblems/stickers that say 250 on the bike so that helps to keep people guessing.

    This bike doesn't have a lot of horsepower, so don't be fooled by the looks that you're going to get on the road and be wide open as soon as you hit pavement. However, it will go over 100mph and it does pretty well for what it is.

    Another key factor in my decision for getting the Ninja 250R was the weight. It weighs about 349 pounds and I knew I would have no problems picking it up. Unfortunatley after having the bike for 2 days I found out first hand as I dropped it in a parking lot! I picked it up very quickly and got the heck out of there! A couple of other perks with the bikes weight is that it is easily controlled. I don't have to press very much to lean on curves or when making turns. I have rode in 25mph wind gusts on the highway and the Ninja 250R was easily blown, but I simply shifted more body weight to the proper side and kept it on the road with no problems. It's very easy to handle.

    I can rave on and on about the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R. I have put over 3,000 miles on it. I have only had it for a year, but can't be upset for taking a bit of a loss by selling it so soon because it helped me feel confident and comfortable while learning to ride and develop good riding skills.

    Best Regards,

    Heidi Massey

    P.S. If you're interested in buying a used one, I am trying to sell mine. Contact me @ ur2silly@yahoo.com.

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  • A Wonderfull Feeling
    By  (I am an Enthusiast) on Mar 14, 2009

    I've been a motorcycle fanatic for the longest... Now my time came to own one and this motorcycle is a challenge to me due to I learn how to ride on a simple a lay-back motorcycle. Riding a motorcycle gives me the freedom and thrill!!! Also a girl riding it is sexy and dearing.

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  • It's a fantastic backroad blaster
    By  (I am an Owner) on Jan 21, 2009

    NOt only is it affordable, not only is it downright sexy, not only does it get good gas mileage, it can rip a corner like nothing else. Well, actually not nothing else more like a 125 track bike. I love riding this bike through the farms and back roads even dirtroads, in the summer and spring. With ...

    Great learning tool, great for girls though it is a tall bike and shorter people may need to tip toe it.

    Great for guys but get a pipe and fender eliminator and jet kit immediately or you really are asking for ridicule.

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  • An excellent commuter bike
    By  (I am an Owner) on Dec 13, 2008

    The Ninja 250 makes an excellent ride for a daily commuter, or a first time rider.

    It is fast enough to keep up with any traffic, yet not so overpowering it feels like you are constantly having to hold it back.

    The handling is crisp, predictable, and one of the standout ...

    The brakes are well suited to this bike. They are capable of stopping it consistently, time after time, with little fade.

    The ergonomics are surprising for a bike that looks like a crotch rocket. The seating position is more vertical than expected, and the hand grips sit high enough to be comfortable. The only knock is that the seat padding is a bit thin, but it only becomes a bother after longer rides.

    The bike, redesigned for the 2008 model, is attractive. It has been mistaken for larger sportbikes on occasion, and after I purchased it and started riding it, I've been asked on more than one occasion if it's a 600. I have friends who saw it the first time and didn't believe it was actually a 250.

    The mileage, even going full throttle through city traffic, is excellent.

    And last, the price. Dirt cheap, and better in about any way you could measure compared to anything else within $500.00 of its MSRP. Beware of unscrupulous dealers that are willing to gouge customers for a much desired ride...

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  • Fantastic Motorcycle
    By  (I am an Owner) on Dec 09, 2008

    Fast enough to have tons of fun. Fantastic on country curvy roads and plenty of power, you would be amazed. I have owned larger sport bikes, but for the money this is the best bike I have ever owned. Very nimble and incredibly fun. People constantly ask if this is the new Ninja 650R. You would never ...

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  • Great for beginners or seasoned vets
    By  (I am an Owner) on Oct 09, 2008

    This is my first motorcycle and I am glad I invested. Ive already saved a butt load of money on gas and the savings pay for the bike! Its not a drag racing bike but if you want something more light and comfortable for the the longer rides and tight twisties this is what you want. This bike is also ...

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  • The Ultimate Pacifier for Beginner Cyclists
    By  (I am a Writer) on Oct 04, 2008

    The Kawasaki Ninja 250R is simply a wonder in all business and mechanical aspects. Kawasaki simply put has created a sport-bike that fits the market niche that all their other creations cannot fall into. I personally describe this bike as the "John Everyman" sport bike. It performs surprisingly well ...

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  • Kawasaki 250R
    By  (I am an Enthusiast) on Sep 17, 2008

    Great looking bike with no power! Be careful on the road with this minibike as cages will be on your bumper if your not wide open in 6th gear.

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  • One of the best bikes on the road
    By  (I am an Owner) on Sep 01, 2008

    Ninja 250 is probably the best bike on the road, no wonder it is the top-selling bike in North America. It makes me wonder why no other bike manufacturer makes a 250cc sportbike that has great looks. Im sure a CBR250 would sell. Anyways, Im glad I have my Ninja... see you at kawiforums.com

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  • My first bike
    By  (I am an Owner) on Sep 01, 2008

    The Kawi 250R is my first bike and its awesome. I have had mine for about 6 months now and ride it every single chance I get. It is a great commuter bike and sometimes gets almost 100 mpg. The price of this bike will cost you less than the gas for your SUV!

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  • Great bike for beginners!
    By  (I am an Owner) on Aug 26, 2008

    I bought a 2008 Kawasaki 250R as my first motorcycle, and have absolutely loved it. The bike is smooth and nimble. And its not soooo fast that you need to be scared of it. This is the perfect bike for females, or for new riders just starting out.

    Its sporty, well-balanced, ...

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