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Kawasaki’s 2008 Ninja 250R: Still Strong After + 2 Decades
A question that’s often asked relative to the purchase of a first motorcycle is, “Where’s a good place to start?” Well, in the sportbike realm, the Ninja 250R from Kawasaki comes readily to mind. It’s the smallest Ninja in the “Green Team’s” arsenal, and it’s been around since 1986. It also represents the best overall value, not to mention the fact that it’s Kawasaki’s best-selling streetbike, which means that it also maintains a high resale value.
Several issues generally enter into the equation when purchasing one’s first bike — the initial purchase price — most new bike consumers don’t want to spend too much of their hard-earned green stuff, and they don’t want a bike that is beyond their riding capability. Additionally, nobody wants to experience a monetary loss either, if, and when they decide to sell the bike to replace it with a more advanced ride as they become more experienced.
The base price of the Ninja 250 R is set at $3,499 a figure which certainly won’t break most personal bank accounts, and that takes care of the first concern. Next, the Ninja 250R is more than simply a starter bike, and will provide years of fun riding. It’s also really easy to ride, in addition to its fun factor. And, since the Ninja 250R is back ordered at most Kawasaki dealerships, selling it or trading it in for a more advanced sportbike should be at least a break even proposition.
The Ninja tips the scale at 335 pounds dry (337 in California), so it’s not really a lightweight per say. Its minimal wheelbase and low gravity center make it highly maneuverable and exceptionally well-balanced in virtually any riding scenario.
Power for the diminutive Ninja comes from a 249cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin with Keihin CVK30 x 2 carburetion and digital ignition. The bike produces 27.2 horsepower @ 10,770 rpm, while generating 16.2 pound feet of torque @ 9,650 rpm. The motor sits in a semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel frame, and exhaust exits from the two-into one single muffler on the right side. Motive force reaches the rear wheel’s final O-ring chain drive via a smooth shifting six-speed sequential manual gearbox.
The Ninja 250R rides on a Bridgestone Battlax RT 45 - 110/70-17 tire up front, and a 130/70-17 donut aft — both on 3 “V”-spoke alloy wheels, supported by 37mm hydraulic telescopic forks with 4.7-inches of wheel travel forward and Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® setup in the rear, with 5-way adjustable preload and 5.1-inches of wheel travel. Bringing the Ninja to a halt is accomplished by single petal discs —290mm hydraulic petal disc with two-piston caliper. In the front and 220mm petal disc with two-piston caliper out back.
My test Kawasaki Ninja 250 R was finished in Candy Plasma Blue, with other color choices including: Lime Green; Ebony; and Passion Red. The final purchase price will probably run a little higher than the base price to allow for dealer prep and handling.
SUMMARY: Kawasaki’s Ninja 250R, while an excellent sportbike choice for beginners, is also suited to more experienced riders given its comfortable riding position and high level of maneuverability. The seat is low enough for the vertically challenged, and the handlebars are high enough to avoid laying over the tank. Clutch operation is light, gear changes come smoothly, and the top speed of 96 mph should be enough to make anyone smile, and it is capable of covering the 0-60 run in 7.6 seconds.
Kawasaki has made the 2008 Ninja 250R even better than before with improved suspension componentry, wheels and braking system. The engine has been upgraded too, yielding a broader power band which is definitely noticeable at lower engine rev levels.
The short flyscreen along with the new fairing provides pretty good wind protection if the rider isn’t too tall. Other appealing factors to be enjoyed by the Ninja 250R are the easy and inexpensive upkeep and the impressive fuel economy, which averages 60 mpg.
The restyled Ninja appears to be much larger than it really is – it comes across as a full sized sportbike – especially on the road or at a distance. The new fairing makes it nearly impossible to determine the engine size, so no need to be embarrassed about riding a 250cc bike – it will pass for bigger, which isn’t necessarily better. The power level is comfortable and controllable, inspiring confidence for the novice rider. There is a removable passenger pillion pad and rear pegs should you want to transport a friend. Gauges include: an analog tachometer and speedometer, oil temperature and fuel level plus the usual warning lights. Bottom line, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R is a very good place to start….or finish.
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