2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

KAWASAKI NINJA 250R 2010 HIGHLIGHTS

Price : $3,999.00 
Bodystyle : Sports Bike 
Warranty : 12 months 
Manufacturer Country : Japan 
Model Year : 2010
Displacement (cc) : 249 
Engine Type : Parallel Twin

VEHICLE REVIEW

2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Kawasaki produced and sold the Ninja250R for 20 years before considering an upgrade and getting at work to develop a brand new model, the one that was launched a couple of yeast ago and which started a complete frenzy especially among beginning riders. Soon turning into Kawi’s best selling sport bike, the Ninja 250R carries on as a 2010 model year with virtually nothing changed on it, so the only rightful question related to it is: “Will it be the same 20 years from now?” Apparently, the facts indicate that the smallest Ninja has big chances to do so although we reckon that Kawasaki will keep redesigning it according to the future tendencies of bigger supersports models of  the green manufacturer. First thing first, the 249cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin is built to rev high, sound powerful and, most importantly, last for decades. Fed through two Keihin CVK30 carburetors and mated to a six-speed gearbox currently sounds as the solution to remaining a strong player on the market, but smaller and smaller engines start to get fuel injection and that’s also a thing likely to happen in the case of this Kawi. So history has less and less chances to repeat itself as stricter and stricter emission regulations will determine Kawasaki to upgrade the 250cc Ninja.

The chassis remains the same for 2010 and it will most likely do so on future model years too. Although made out of steel, the frame isn’t that heavy and offers proper resistance, so it meets the conditions to remain the metal structure of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R. The suspensions have been inspired by 250R’s bigger siblings, so we’re dealing with a 37mm inverted fork offering 4.7 inches of travel and a preload adjustable Uni-Trak rear shock offering 5.1 inches of travel. With petal-style disc brakes (a single 290mm front and a single 220mm rear one, both working with twin piston calipers), the 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250R is as well and complete overall equipped as the name says. But another advantage that doesn’t come with the name is the standard riding position ensuring that both beginners and experienced riders will easily find their place on the bike and stay there for a pretty long time. Lately, the entry-level sport bike market is being populated not only by user-friendly motorcycles with provisory roles in a rider’s evolution, but by motorcycles that blink an eye to their riders long after experience has been gained and that’s where the Ninja 250R proved best at when first introduced. Still, it didn’t lose any of its fans simply because it was related to a consecrated name and reflected that each time a rider would have looked at it. For 2010, things haven’t changed, so riders get the same sharp looking Ninja with color schemes to match the aggressive design and line the bike up to bigger models such as the ZX-10R and ZX-6R. Available in Metallic Island Blue, Passion Red, Lime Green/Pearl Stardust White and Ebony/Candy Persimmon Red, it sure won’t pass unnoticed wherever you ride, but the Special Edition Lime Green and Metallic Diablo Black color scheme will increase the chances for this bike to end up being confused with one of its bigger siblings.
Pretty long, low and sleek, the Ninja 250R is built for speed and yet accommodates the rider in a fairly relaxed riding position, although not as relaxed as on the previous generation model. The handlebars are mounted higher than on regular sports models and the seat positioned at only 30.5 inches from the ground, prepping up the quarter-liter bike for riders who are just starting out. You get the same aggressive nose and headlight, the same six-spoke wheels and exhaust. It would have been nice to see that silencer mounted under the engine both for a lower center of gravity and a more compact look, but, apparently, they go for the classic, but matte black sport bike exhaust most likely because the full fairing didn’t allowed that. It seems that Kawasaki managed to achieve their goal of updating the bike and the visual aspect is the first thing that strikes you and even harder now with the new color schemes. 

Standard Features 

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 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 head
Intake 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

Carburetor
Fine-tuned twin Keihin CVK30 carburetors offer good power feel and low fuel consumption

Reduced mechanical noise
Automatic 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 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

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

Six-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
37mm telescopic front fork with firm settings contribute to the Ninja 250R's 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

Wheels
Features 17" wheels like its larger supersport brothers 
Low-profile sportbike tires on wide rims contribute to its easy, neutral handling at low speeds

Brakes
Large-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

Ergonomics
Natural riding position with slightly forward-slanting seat and wide, raised handlebars

Bodywork
Styling, 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

Instrumentation
Instrument panel features an easy-to-read, large-face analog speedometer along with an analog tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge and warning lights

OVERVIEW SPECIFICATIONS

Engine

Bore (in) : 2.44
Bore (mm) : 62
Carburetion Brand : Keihin
Carburetor Size (mm) : 30
Compression Ratio : 11.61
Cooling : Liquid
Cylinders : 2
Displacement (cc) : 249
Displacement (ci) : 15.2
Engine Configuration : Parallel Twin
Engine Type : 4-Stroke
Fuel Injector : No
Fuel Requirements : Regular
Fuel System Type : Carburetor
Number Of Carburetors : 2
Ram Air Induction : No
Starter : Electric
Stroke (in) : 1.62
Stroke (mm) : 41.2
Valve Configuration : DOHC
Valves : 8
Valves Per Cylinder : 4

Performance

Torque (Ft Lbs) : 16.2
Torque (Nm) : 22
Torque RPM : 9500

Transmission

Number Of Speeds : 6
Primary Drive (Rear Wheel) : Chain
Reverse : No
Transmission Type : Manual

Steering & Suspension

Air Adjustable : No
Front Adjustable Fork Pre-Load : No
Front Adjustable Rebound Damping : No
Front Central Suspension Strut : No
Front Fork Diameter (in) : 1.5
Front Fork Diameter (mm) : 37
Front Suspension Type : Telescopic Fork
Front Travel (in) : 4.7
Front Travel (mm) : 119.4
Number Rear Shock Absorbers : 1
Rear Adjustable Rebound Damping : No
Rear Adjustable Shock / Spring Pre-Load : Yes
Rear Suspension Brand Name : UNI-TRAK
Rear Suspension Type : Twin Sided Swing Arm
Rear Swingarm Material : Aluminum
Rear Travel (in) : 5.1
Rear Travel (mm) : 129.5
Steering Damper : No

Wheels

Front Wheel Diameter : 17
Rear Wheel Diameter : 17
Tube / Tubeless : Tubeless
Wheels Composition : Aluminum

Tires

Front Tire (Full Spec) : 110/70 R17
Front Tire Aspect Ratio : 70
Front Tire Width : 110
Rear Tire (Full Spec) : 130/70 R17
Rear Tire Aspect Ratio : 70
Rear Tire Width : 130

Brakes

Front Brake Diameter (in) : 11.4
Front Brake Diameter (mm) :  290
Front Brake Type : Hydraulic Disc
Front Caliper Pistons : 2
Rear Brake Diameter (in) : 8.7
Rear Brake Diameter (mm) : 220
Rear Brake Type : Hydraulic Disc
Rear Caliper Pistons : 2

Body Seat

Adjustable : No
Grab Rail or Strap : Standard
Number Of Seats : 2
Seat Height (in) : 30.5
Seat Height (mm) : 774.7
Seat Location : Driver and Passenger
Seat Material : Vinyl
Seat Specifications : Standard
Seat Tail Cover : Standard
Seat Type : Two-Piece

Body Work

Adjustable : No
Belt Guard : No
Body Material : Plastic
Brush Guard : No
Chain Guard : Yes
Construction : Standard
Drive Shaft Cover : No
Drive Shaft Guard : No
Exterior Covers : Standard
Exterior Guards : Standard
Foot Peg Location : Driver and Passenger
Fork Guards : No
Frame : Steel
Front Fender : Standard
Front Fender Material : Plastic
Hand Grip Material : Rubber
Hand Grips : Standard
Hand Guards : No
Heel Guards : No
License Plate : Standard
Light Guard : No
Lower Fairing : Standard
Rear Fender : Standard
Rear Fender Material : Plastic
Rearview Mirrors Folding : Yes
Saddle Bag Guard : No
Spoiler : Standard
Stand : Standard
Stand Type : Kick
Tank Cover : No
Upper Fairing : Standard

Fuel Capacity

Fuel Capacity (gal) : 4.8
Fuel Capacity (l) : 18.2

DIMENSIONS

Capacities : Standard
Comment : Standard
Dimensions : Standard
Handlebar Lock : Standard
Height (in) : 43.7
Height (mm) : 1110
Length (in) : 82.1
Length (mm) : 2085.3
Major Revision Year : 2009
Manufacturer Country : Japan
Manufacturer Type : Sport
MIC Model Segment : ON-HWY Sport Bike 0-500cc
Previous Model Year Accessories : Yes
Rake (degrees) : 26
Revision Status : Carryover
Trail (in) : 3.2
Trail (mm) : 81.3
Weight : Standard
Wet Weight (kg) : 170.1
Wet Weight (lbs) : 374.9
Wheelbase (in) : 55.1
Wheelbase (mm) : 1399.5
Width (in) : 28.1
Width (mm) : 713.7