For those beginning their two-wheeled journey, the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250-R sportbike has always been a great option to start. Its low seat height and peppy engine translate into hours of fun for both novices and veterans. Though its engine may be compact, its eight-valve cylinder head means a rider can wring every bit of enjoyment from each twist of the throttle, from idle to redline. And with sharp styling that matches its supersport siblings, the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250-R looks fast even while standing still. Best of all, the Ninja 250-R is a great value, with an affordable purchase price and excellent fuel economy.
The fun begins with its 249cc liquid-cooled engine that thrives on high-rpm excitement. The parallel-twin is tuned for peppy power delivery that’s both smooth and predictable, making for a beginner friendly motorcycle. A silky-smooth six-speed transmission lets riders exploit the 250R’s powerband from that low-end grunt to the crowd pleasing and lively top-end rush. Just like the supersports, it uses petal disc brakes. And the lightweight Ninja provides plenty of entertainment from the initial learning curve to beyond.
Wrapping the Ninja 250-R are the fairing and windscreen that not only look great, but deliver wind protection for a wide range of riding situations. An easy-to-read instrument panel with fuel gauge and neutral indicator is another convenient feature for the new rider.
A natural riding position and comfortable ergonomics combine with lightweight handling, easy controllability and great throttle response for pure pleasure on city streets. Part of this great handling and stability comes from the 17-inch wheels. Bringing the show to a stop are the large petal-shaped 290mm front rotors and a single 220mm rear rotor gripped by powerful two-piston hydraulic calipers. Like Kawasaki’s other Ninja models, the Ninja 250-R is equipped with quality components and tuned for class-leading performance.
Lightweight and agile, the Ninja 250-R boasts low ownership costs and is a dominating force in the entry-level sportbike category.
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2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250-R - USA Specifications
MSRP: $3,999 USD
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin
Displacement: 249cc
Bore x stroke: 62.0 x 41.2mm
Compression ratio: 11.6:1
Cooling: Liquid
Carburetion: Keihin CVK30 x 2
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: O-ring chain
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.
Color choices / special edition: Ebony, Lime Green / Ebony (SE),
Pearl White / Ebony (SE)
Warranty: 12 months
2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250-R - Canada Specifications
MSRP: $4,999 CDN
ENGINE
Type 4-stroke Parallel Twin
Displacement 249 cc
Bore and Stroke 62.0 x 41.2 mm
Compression Ratio 11.6:1
Valve System DOHC, 8 valves
Carburetion CVK 30 mm x 2 (Keihin)
Ignition Digital with anti-hotwire circuit
Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
Cooling Liquid
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 6-speed, return with positive neutral finder
Final Drive Sealed Chain
Primary Reduction Ratio 3.087 (71/23)
Gear Ratios: 1st 2.600 (39/15)
2nd 1.789 (34/19)
3rd 1.409 (31/22)
4th 1.160 (29/25)
5th 1.000 (27/27)
6th 0.893 (25/28)
Final Reduction Ratio 3.214 (45/14)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, cable operation
FRAME
Type Tube, diamond, steel
Wheel Travel: Front 120 mm
Wheel Travel: Rear 130 mm
Tires: Front 110/70-17 MC (54H)
Tires: Rear 130/70-17 MC (62H)
Caster (Rake) 26°
Trail 83 mm
Steering Angle (left/right) 35º/35º
SUSPENSION
Front 37 mm telescopic fork
Rear Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable preload
BRAKES
Front Single, 290 mm petal disc
Front Calipers Single balanced actuation dual piston
Rear Single 220 m petal disc
Rear Caliper Dual-piston
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length 2085 mm
Overall Width 715 mm
Overall Height 1110 mm
Wheelbase 1400 mm
Seat Height 775 mm
Curb Mass 170 kg
Fuel Capacity 18 litres
Fuel Consumption 3.8 L/100 km (74 MPG)
PERFORMANCE
Maximum Power 31 PS @ 11,000 rpm
Maximum Torque 22 N-m @ 9,500 rpm
DETAILS
MSRP* $4999
Colours Ebony, Metallic Imperial Blue, Pearl White / Ebony (Special Edition)
Warranty 12 months
ADDITIONAL COST OPTIONS
Good Times Protection Plan 24 or 36 months (Kawasaki GTPP coverage begins after the standard limited warranty expires)
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price does not include freight, pre-delivery inspection or applicable taxes. The final price is at the discretion of the dealer. Prices and Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets. Available colours may vary by market.
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