Motorcycle specifications Kawasaki250 R NINJA 2008 Between the 125 and the Supersport

with the latest ZX-10 R, GSX-R, R1, CBR Fireblade, ZZR 1400 and Hayabusa 1340, we thought sportbikes had entered the realm of superpower and uncontrollable overkill. With machines ranging from 170 to 200 horsepower, who would have bet that a manufacturer would come out with a model at the opposite end of the spectrum from these frightening references? Could it be that the return of the affordable small sportbike is coming through the door of the 2 and a half? Kawasaki seems to think so, and demonstrates it with this astonishing Ninja 250 R.

the all-new Ninja 250 is more surprising for its displacement than for its looks. elegant, certainly, respecting the traditional sport fairing of the old days (when it wasn't openwork on the extreme like now), this little sports bike looks familiar, its look evoking a strong impression of "déjà-vu". But where? Oh yes, it looks like the 650 ER-6 F's forkhead. Only the angular rear-view mirrors set it apart. The fairing flanks and wheel designs are somewhat reminiscent of the ZX-10 R, while the style of the Z 1000 /750 seems to have shaped the rear end and its double-decker seat. Its styling doesn't revolutionize, but the idea of a small, low-displacement sports bike brings back fond memories. Who remembers the 250 KR1-S and the ZXR 400?

at 249 cm3, the Kawa's twin-cylinder engine won't overwhelm you. And while it may not seem like the right cubic capacity for a sportbike, it does represent a significant advantage over the Honda CBR 125 R and the new Yamaha YZF-R 125.
Far from the exclusivity of its big sisters, the 10 R and 6 RR, the 250 R will play the accessibility, pleasure and comfort card. With its raised half-guidelines, low seat height and smooth controls, it's aimed at the widest possible audience, and promises to be a welcome pleasure to ride.

and where does this 2.5 litre engine come from? The Americans could tell us more, as this model has already been available in their country for some time. It's a liquid-cooled twin with double ACT, expected to be strong and reliable, with docile low- and mid-range behavior, and especially gniak at high revs. 30 hp will be enough to have fun, to be accessible to young riders, to challenge the CBR and YZF-R (2 times less powerful)... But it's really not going to be enough if you want to start pulling your weight in a sporting way. Let's not forget that here, you have to rely more on the plumage than the ramage...

M.B - manufacturer's photos