Introduction
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 important, last for decades. Fed through two Keihin CVK30 carburetors and mated to a six-speed gearbox currently sounds as the solution for 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 2009 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 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.
2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
With petal-style disc brakes (a single 290mm front and a single 220mm rear one, both working with twin piston calipers), the 2009 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-lever sport bike market is being populated by more than just 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 in 2008 and even before.
Previous generation Kawasaki Ninja 250R
Ever since 1986 when the first Ninja 250R was introduced, Kawasaki proved to have the right recipe and the bike was happy showing it each time it reached the top speed of 110 mph relying only on 25 horsepower and that six-speed tranny. But, it looked old and that is why the 2008 model year didn’t feature any single exterior piece that was taken over from the previous generation model.
Finally, the small Ninja had conformed to the modern requirements of the class and the only prize that Kawi was able to give it was a plant in Thailand.
Exterior
2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
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 2009, 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 Diablo Black, Sunbeam Red and Candy Thunder Blue, it sure won’t pass unnoticed wherever you ride, but the Special Edition Lime Green and Metallic Diablo Black color scheme will increase the changes for this bike to end up being confused with one of its 2009 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, shiny 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 Special Edition model.
Price
Although lacking a direct competitor, the 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R features a $3,999 base MSRP for the Standard model and a $4,099 one for the Special Edition one which is nothing more and nothing less than a cooler painted Standard one.
Achieving a fuel consumption of 55 to 75 miles per gallon and being cheap to maintain, the small Ninja will get most of that money and even more back to you depending on how much you prefer to ride it so it isn’t just fun, but budget-friendly too.
Conclusion
2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
In our humble opinion, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R has followed a natural evolution and it will continue doing so years from now as long as there are enough riders willing to buy it. Most likely, it will feature upgrades, but none as significant as on the previous model year and probably none as cool as the special 2009 model.
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2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
Engine and Transmission
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin
Displacement: 249cc
Bore x stroke: 62.0 x 41.2mm
Compression ratio: 11.6:1
Maximum torque: 22 Nm 2.24 kgf/m 16.2 lb-ft / 9,500 rpm
Cooling: Liquid
Carburetion: Keihin CVK30 x 2
Ignition: Digital
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: O-ring chain
Chassis and Dimensions
Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Wheelbase: 55.1 in.
Rake / trail: 26 degrees / 3.2 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 tire: 110/70-17
Rear tire: 130/70-17
Front brake: Single 290mm hydraulic petal disc with two-piston caliper
Rear brake: Single 220mm petal disc with two-piston caliper
Overall length: 82.1 in.
Overall width: 28.1 in.
Overall height: 43.7 in.
Seat height: 30.5 in.
Curb weight: 374.9 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 4.8 gal.
2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
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 highrpm 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 reduce 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 compliments 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 offers 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
Picture Gallery
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I think it would be the same for a few years because the engine is good.
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