Segment:
Entry-level sportbike, popular for new riders and commuting
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, aspiring motorcycle technicians, owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs
Competitors Approximate Era:
Honda CBR250R, Yamaha YZF-R25 (later models), Suzuki GS500F (older, larger displacement competitor)
Vehicle Attributes:
Lightweight, agile handling, fuel-efficient, reliable, relatively low cost of ownership
Benefit To Owner:
Enables owners to confidently maintain and repair their motorcycle, saving on labor costs and extending its lifespan.
Diagnostic Capability:
Provides the technical knowledge for diagnosing and resolving a wide range of issues.
Engine:
Engine disassembly, assembly, troubleshooting, performance tuning, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system
Transmission:
Clutch operation, gear shifting mechanism, transmission disassembly and assembly, lubrication
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front forks, rear shock absorber), steering system, wheels, tires
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (hydraulic disc, caliper, master cylinder), brake bleeding procedures, component replacement
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, starting system, charging system, battery, ignition system, instrumentation, fault diagnosis
Fuel System:
Carburetor (description, adjustment, cleaning, overhaul), fuel tank, fuel lines
Maintenance:
Routine checks, lubrication, filter replacement, fluid changes, spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment, chain adjustment
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guidance
Repair:
Component disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for all major systems
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical system schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics
PDF Quality:
High-resolution, optimized for clarity of images and text
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable due to PDF format, facilitating quick access to information
Recommendation:
Adobe PDF Reader recommended for optimal display of images and graphics
Type:
Digital (PDF) - No physical binding
Type:
N/A (Digital format)
Type:
Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin
Displacement:
249 cc (15.2 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
62.0 x 41.2 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.0:1 (typical for this generation)
Horsepower:
Approx. 32-34 HP @ 10,500 rpm (variations based on market and specific model year)
Torque:
Approx. 17-18 lb-ft @ 8,500 rpm (variations based on market and specific model year)
Carburetor Type:
Twin Keihin CVK32 carburetors (typical)
Fuel Grade Recommendation:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane or higher
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 motorcycle oil, API SG or higher, JASO MA certified (specific recommendations will be in the manual)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approx. 2.0 L (2.1 US qt) (exact capacity to be confirmed in manual)
Coolant Type:
Permanent type anti-freeze coolant (50/50 mixture with distilled water is standard)
Length:
Approx. 2005 mm (78.9 in.) (subject to minor year-to-year variation)
Width:
Approx. 715 mm (28.1 in.) (subject to minor year-to-year variation)
Height:
Approx. 1110 mm (43.7 in.) (subject to minor year-to-year variation)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 150-155 kg (331-342 lbs) (subject to minor year-to-year variation)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 169-174 kg (373-384 lbs) (approximate, including all fluids and a full tank)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 in.)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 155 mm (6.1 in.)
Seat Height:
Approx. 770-780 mm (30.3-30.7 in.)
Crash Safety:
N/A (Motorcycle safety ratings are typically not assessed in the same manner as automobiles)
Braking:
Front: Single 290mm hydraulic disc; Rear: Single 220mm hydraulic disc (ABS was not a standard or widely available option for this model in most markets)
Rider Protection:
Frame structure designed for rider support, handlebar position for control
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight (on later models), turn signals
Features:
Basic analog instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, neutral indicator, turn signal indicators, high beam indicator. No advanced infotainment systems present.
Features:
None (ABS was not standard or common).
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 4,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical recommendation, verify in manual)
Air Filter Cleaning Or Replacement:
Every 12,000 miles or 12 months (typical recommendation, verify in manual)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000-12,000 miles (typical recommendation for standard plugs, verify in manual)
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 12,000 miles or 12 months (crucial for engine health, verify in manual)
Chain Lubrication And Adjustment:
Every 500-1000 miles or after washing/riding in rain (essential for longevity)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 recommended (verify in manual)
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, 50% distilled water mix (verify in manual for specific type and properties)
Carburetor Issues:
Can experience gumming and clogging if fuel is left to sit for extended periods; synchronization can drift over time.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion on electrical connectors, especially in humid or coastal environments, can lead to intermittent issues.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch plates can wear over time with aggressive use, leading to slipping.
Cam Chain Tensioner:
Some owners report a noisy cam chain tensioner, though this is not always a critical failure.
Kawasaki Legacy:
Kawasaki has a long-standing reputation for performance-oriented motorcycles, including the iconic Ninja series known for its sportbike styling and capability.
Ninja 250R Lineage:
The Ninja 250R, also known as the EX250, has been a staple in Kawasaki's lineup for decades, evolving from a more basic UJM-style bike to the faired sportbike that became popular in the 2000s. This generation (2000-2012) received styling updates and minor mechanical revisions but retained its core parallel-twin engine and approachable performance.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan and Thailand.
Market Reception:
Highly successful in its segment, praised for its value, reliability, and suitability for new riders and urban commuting.