In complete contrast to the totally new CBR, with the exception of a major styling change and some internal engine tweaks for 2008, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R has featured the same basic architecture since its inception in 1983. That’s well over two decades in production with only a host of minor changes throughout the years. And while one would think this would put the little Kawasaki at an advantage, much like we thought coming into the shootout, they would be wrong.
At the heart of the little Ninja 250R is a DOHC, liquid-cooled 248cc Parallel Twin 4-stroke that comes by virtue of a 62 x 41.2mm bore and stroke. This engine has more or less been the basis of the bike since Day 1. However, the tried and true engine received reshaped intake and exhaust ports, as well as a more compact combustion chamber and thinner valve stems in the ’08 revision. New camshafts, cam chain tensioner and more efficient cooling system were also a result of the update a few years back.
Dual Keihin CVK30 carbs deliver fuel to the engine, while the power is put to the rear wheels by a revised-in-’08 six-speed transmission. Also updated three years ago was the Ninja’s suspension, a new 37mm Showa fork up front and KYB shock gracing the rear. The front is non-adjustable, while the rear features pre-load adjustability, something the previous model lacked. Steering angle was changed from 27 to 26 degrees, while the outdated 16-inch wheels were replaced with more modern 17-inch units.
2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
