Market Segment:
Entry-level sportbike, popular for beginners and commuting.
Key Competitors:
Honda CBR250R, Yamaha R25 (in some markets), Suzuki GSX250R.
Engine Type:
Parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, DOHC.
Design Philosophy:
Sporty styling with accessible performance and handling.
Target Audience:
New riders, budget-conscious commuters, experienced riders seeking a light and nimble machine.
Applicable Model Years:
2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 350-450 pages (typical for this model's comprehensive manuals)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Full engine disassembly, inspection, assembly, tuning, including valve adjustments, carburetor overhaul, piston/cylinder inspection.
Fuel System:
Carburetor specifications, jetting, float bowl adjustments, fuel pump operation (if applicable to specific sub-models), fuel line routing.
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, inspection, lubrication, clutch operation, clutch plate replacement, shift mechanism.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system service, hydraulic fluid replacement, caliper overhaul, pad replacement, rotor inspection, ABS system (if equipped).
Suspension:
Front fork service, oil replacement, seal replacement, rear shock absorber inspection and adjustment, linkage lubrication.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, ignition system troubleshooting, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), battery maintenance, lighting system, starter motor, fuses.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan operation, coolant type and capacity, thermostat service (if applicable).
Frame And Bodywork:
Chassis inspection, fairing removal and installation, seat assembly, fuel tank removal, handle bar replacement.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment and lubrication, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common performance issues, electrical faults, starting problems, and drivability concerns.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step guides for all major component repairs and replacements.
Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and carburetor overhauls.
Specifications And Torques:
All critical torque values for fasteners, engine clearances, and assembly specifications.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, color-coded wiring schematics for easy electrical system diagnosis.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
Engine Code:
EX250KE (typical for this generation)
Bore X Stroke:
62.0 mm x 41.2 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.6:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 8 valves (2 per cylinder)
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Horsepower Est:
~30-32 HP @ 11,000 RPM (varies slightly by market and specific year)
Torque Est:
~15-16 lb-ft @ 10,000 RPM (varies slightly by market and specific year)
Fuel Delivery:
Keihin CVK34 carburetors (dual)
Fuel Capacity:
18.0 Liters (4.8 US gal)
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane or higher
Safety Certifications:
Meets relevant national and international motorcycle safety standards.
Braking System:
Disc brakes front and rear. Optional ABS available on some models/markets.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, turn signals.
Frame Construction:
High-tensile steel diamond frame for rigidity and predictable handling.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer, digital speedometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel gauge, clock, indicator lights.
ABS Availability:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on certain models and markets within this generation.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (basic motorcycle electronics, no integrated connectivity features).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-4,000 miles (4,800-6,400 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Valve Check Interval:
Every 7,500-9,000 miles (12,000-14,500 km) or 12 months.
Chain Maintenance:
Lubricate and adjust chain every 1,000-1,500 miles (1,600-2,400 km) or after washing/wet riding.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher, JASO MA certified motorcycle oil.
Engine Oil Capacity:
1.9 Liters (2.0 US qt) without filter change; 2.1 Liters (2.2 US qt) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Kawasaki-recommended coolant or a premium ethylene glycol-based coolant with distilled water (50/50 mix).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (preferred) or DOT 3 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, chain and sprockets, brake pads, fork seals, valve stem seals.
Potential Electrical Issues:
Aging rectifier/regulator units can sometimes fail, leading to charging system issues.
Carburetor Performance:
Carburetors may require periodic cleaning and adjustment due to age or fuel quality. Synchronization is critical for smooth running.
Kawasaki Legacy:
Kawasaki has a long-standing reputation for performance motorcycles, dating back to the early 1960s, with a focus on innovation and sportbike development.
Ninja 250 Lineage:
The Ninja 250 has been a cornerstone of Kawasaki's lightweight sportbike lineup for decades, evolving from earlier single-cylinder models to the current parallel-twin configuration.
Second Gen Updates:
The 2008-2013 generation (EX250K/R) received significant styling updates to resemble the larger Ninja ZX-R models, along with chassis improvements for better handling.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Thailand, with some production potentially in Japan and other global facilities.
