Segment:
Entry-level sportbike, popular for new riders and urban commuting.
Competitors 2008:
Honda CBR250R, Yamaha YZF-R250 (though YZF-R250 was not widely available in many markets at this time), Ninja 300 (later model).
Value Proposition:
Known for its reliable parallel-twin engine, agile handling, and attractive sportbike styling at an accessible price point.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, parallel-twin.
Design Philosophy:
Focus on user-friendliness, manageable power delivery, and sporty aesthetics.
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners and technicians with the knowledge to perform maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs accurately and efficiently, reducing reliance on costly dealer services.
Engine Service:
Complete overhaul, tuning, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, engine mechanicals (valve clearance, timing, compression testing).
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch operation, gearbox inspection and repair, chain and sprocket maintenance, final drive.
Chassis Suspension:
Front fork service and adjustment, rear shock absorber and linkage, swingarm inspection and lubrication.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system inspection, hydraulic system service (bleeding, fluid replacement), pad and disc replacement, caliper overhaul.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), ignition system, starting system, lighting (headlight, taillight, indicators), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays.
Fuel System:
Carburetor inspection, cleaning, adjustment (jetting, float height), fuel tank, fuel pump (if applicable).
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant, thermostat, fan operation (if equipped).
Exhaust System:
Muffler and pipe inspection, gasket replacement.
Bodywork Fittings:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, controls, instrumentation.
Preventative Maintenance:
Detailed service intervals, lubrication points, filter changes, fluid checks and replacements.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation (if applicable).
Repair Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Tune Up:
Carburetor synchronization, ignition timing adjustment, idle speed setting, spark plug replacement.
Component Replacement:
Instructions for replacing wear items like brake pads, clutch plates, cables, filters, and bulbs.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed troubleshooting flowcharts, component testing procedures, and expected readings (resistance, voltage).
Repair Complexity:
Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagrams Illustrations:
High-quality, detailed exploded views and schematics for component identification and assembly.
Engine Code:
EX250JE (typical, check VIN for absolute confirmation)
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, parallel-twin
Bore X Stroke:
55.0 x 52.4 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.0:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 8 valves (2 per cylinder)
Horsepower Est:
Approx. 30-34 HP @ 11,000 RPM (market dependent)
Torque Est:
Approx. 15-17 lb-ft @ 9,000 RPM (market dependent)
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (likely Keihin CVK34 twin carburetors)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane (RON + MON)/2
Fuel Tank Capacity Est:
18.0 Liters (4.8 US gal)
Oil Type Recommendation:
SAE 10W-40, API SG or higher, JASO MA certified
Oil Capacity W Filter:
Approx. 1.7 Liters (1.8 US qt)
Oil Filter Part Number Oem:
16097-0004 (Typical Kawasaki filter, verify for specific model)
Transmission Type:
Constant mesh, 6-speed return
Clutch Type:
Wet, multiple-disc, cable-actuated
Final Drive:
O-ring sealed chain
Gear Ratios:
Detailed gear ratios are typically provided in the manual for each gear.
Transmission Oil Type:
Manual transmission fluid (typically SAE 75W-90 or similar, consult manual for exact specification).
Safety Features Standard:
Dual-piston front brake caliper, single-piston rear brake caliper.
Braking System:
Front: 290mm petal-disc. Rear: 220mm petal-disc.
Suspension Front:
37mm telescopic fork, non-adjustable (typical for this model and year).
Suspension Rear:
Bottom-link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock, 5-way adjustable preload.
Lighting System:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, incandescent turn signals.
Tires Front:
110/70-17 M/C 54S
Tires Rear:
130/70-17 M/C 62S
Infotainment System:
N/A (Focus on mechanical and electrical systems, no digital infotainment in this model).
ABS:
Not typically available as standard or optional equipment on the 2008 Ninja 250R model.
Dashboard:
Analog speedometer, analog tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, warning lights (oil pressure, neutral, high beam, turn signals).
Initial Service Mileage:
Usually around 600 miles (1,000 km) - includes oil change, filter inspection, chain adjustment, and general inspection.
Regular Oil Change:
Every 3,000-4,000 miles (5,000-6,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or biennially.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km).
Air Filter Cleaning Replacement:
Inspect every 3,000-4,000 miles (5,000-6,000 km), clean or replace as needed, more frequently in dusty conditions.
Coolant Type:
Kawasaki All-Season Motorcycle Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Chain Lubricant:
Specific O-ring chain lubricant. Regular cleaning and lubrication are crucial.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake pads, chain and sprockets, fork seals, wheel bearings.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors can sometimes require periodic cleaning and adjustment due to the nature of carbureted fuel systems, especially after long periods of disuse or with ethanol fuels.
Electrical Connections:
As with any motorcycle, ensure all electrical connections are clean and secure to prevent intermittent issues.
Kawasaki Legacy:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has a long history of motorcycle manufacturing, known for performance and innovation across various segments, including sportbikes.
Ninja Lineage:
The Ninja 250R has been a cornerstone of Kawasaki's sportbike lineup for decades, evolving from a simple, accessible sportbike to a more refined machine with modern styling and performance.
2008 Model Update:
The 2008 model received significant styling updates, moving towards the more aggressive look of its larger Ninja brethren, including a new fairing, headlight design, and revised instrumentation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Typically manufactured in Japan or Southeast Asia (e.g., Thailand) depending on market.