Kawasaki Ninja

Overview of 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Kawasaki has marketed the Ninja 250R since 1986 as an entry-level sport motorcycle intended for use on paved roads. The bike is marketed in the US as the Ninja 250R, as the ZX250 in the UK, and as the GPX250 elsewhere. Bajaj India has launched the much awaited 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R in Indian market and deliveries are going to start immediately.

Update: New 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Now Available in India

Kawasaki unvieled the 2012 model of Ninja 250R at the EICMA Auto Show. The 2012 Ninja 250R gets new graphics, new instrument cluster and new shades. But 2012 Ninja 250R will be available still in only 2 shades in India: Ninja Green and Ebony Black.

Fast Facts About 2012 New Ninja 250R

- Gets new graphics and stickers but new shades not introduced in India
- Powered by same 249cc liquid cooled, parallel twin, DOHC petrol engine
- Maximum power of 32 Bhp at 11000 rpm with maximum torque of 22 Nm at 8200 rpm
- Still retails the analouge intrument cluster which is now finished in white shade

Looks & Styling of 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

2012 Ninja 250R is the best looking 250cc sports bike in its segment. Though there is no direct competition to Ninja 250R as it is the only proper 250cc bike on sale in India. It comes with complete fairing with large plastic and steel parts. 2012 Ninja 250R features a very aggressive look when viewed head-on, as it features dual-lamp headlamp. The rear view mirrors are mounted the smart fairing which is very well integrated in line with the overall look of the bike.

Between the mirrors, there is black tinted windscreen that offers protection for the rider. Front turn indicators, however, are in the conventional style that also come out of the fairing. The mask fairing goes down at fuel tank and engine. Only the bike monogram is pasted over the petrol tank and airscoops. 2012 Ninja 250R comes factory fitted with 6 spoke black alloy wheels which looks very stunning with racing strips at rim. Under the rear seat, there are two helmet holders. The tail side is also have sporty looks. The tail protection cover is slim and sharp.

Step-up seat is another attracting feature of the bike.

Instrument Cluster & Features of 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

The instrument cluster of Ninja 250R disappoints a bit as it comes in analog format. Speedometer, odometer, trip meter and tachometer are in analouge mode. Even the 2012 model features all-analogueinstrument cluster . The only change is that the dials are now in white shade. It looks a bit boring in comparison to other Indian bikes we are used to, like we have digital cum analog instrumet cluster for Apache RTR, Pulsar 220 and Karizma ZMR. The cluster features some warning lights such as low oil, low fuel, choked air filter, high oil temperature and low battery indicators.

Engine & Trasmission of 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Bajaj has launched the European Spec 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R in Indian market. It is powered by a 249cc liquid cooled, parallel twin, DOHC petrol engine which develops maximum power of 32 Bhp at 11000 rpm with maximum torque of 22 Nm at 8200 rpm. The Ninja 250R features a six-speed transmission that has been revised for smoother shifting, and is mated to a more durable clutch. It also features an entirely new radiator provides better cooling while being lighter in weight.

The engine of 2012 Ninja 250R has been tuned to deliver smooth, step-free power with an emphasis on low- and mid-range power for rider-friendly response. The Pistons feature reinforced heads and strengthening in the pin boss area for increased durability and also thick piston (longitudinally) rings help minimize oil consumption. The combustion chamber has been designed and optimized to maximize combustion efficiency and reduce emissions.

2012 Ninja 250R features refined intake and exhaust ports contribute to good off-idle response and smooth power delivery. Also the valve timing and lift has been designed for strong low- and mid-range torque while direct valve actuation ensures reliable high-rpm operability. And valves with thin heads and stems reduce reciprocating weight with 2-into-1 exhaust system contributes to the Ninja 250R’s low- and mid-range torque and smooth, step-free power curve. It meets strict emissions with dual catalyzers; one in the collector pipe and the other in the silencer positioning the first catalyzer as close to the exhaust ports maximizes its efficiency as well

The silky smooth 6-speed Gearbox features involute splines reduce friction and backlash between gears and shafts for easier gear meshing and smooth shifting under power. Also with spring-type clutch damper reduces jerkiness at very low speeds and minimizes shocks when rolling on and off the throttle for a smoother clutch feel. The paper-base friction plates help increase clutch durability.

Chasis, Suspension and Brakes of 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

On the chassis front, Ninja 250R features a new diamond-type frame constructed of high tensile steel provides a steeper steering head rake angle, which results in an unchanged wheelbase when mated with a longer swingarm. The fork is larger and stiffer, with revised settings in comparison to 2008 model of Ninja 250R. Ninja's 37mm telescopic front fork with firm settings contribute to the 250R’s smooth, stable handling and enhanced ride control.

Also with uni-Trak rear suspension which compliments the rigid frame and re-tuned fork and provides great road holding ability. Rear shock features 5-way adjustable preload, enabling ride height to be maintained whether riding solo or with a passenger. The stopping power of Ninja 250R comes from large-diameter, 290mm front hydraulic disc at the front and a balanced action two-piston caliper offers excellent braking performance and a natural, direct feeling at the lever. The rear features two-piston caliper grips the rear 220mm petal disc

Shades Available in Kawasaki Ninja 250R

- Lime Green
- Ebony Black

2012 Ninja 250R is available in 2 shades - Lime Green and Ebony Black. Though it is also available in red, white and blue in other global markets but Bajaj has launched it here in only two shades. It looks best in Lime Green shade for which all kawasakis are known for like we have yellow for a Lamborghini, red for a Ferrari & blue for a Yamaha.

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	2012 New Ninja 250R
Type:	Sports
VERDICT
FOR	Powerful Looks & Style
AGAINST	High Price Analogue Intrument Cluster
OUR RATINGS
Appearance:	********
Comfort:	********
Features:	******
Performance:	********
Value for money:	******
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	249cc
Engine:	249cc, DOHC
Maximum Power:	32.5 Bhp @ 11000 rpm
Maximum Torque:	22 Nm @ 8200 rpm
Gears:	6 Manual
Clutch:	Wet Multi-Disc, Manual
Bore:	62
Stroke:	41.2
No. of Cylinders:	2
Cylinder Configuration:	Parallel Twin
Valve Per Cylinder:	4
Engine Block Material:	Steel
Chassis Type:	Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Cooling Type:	Liquid Cooling
Carburetor:	No, It Is Fuel Injected
DIMENSIONS
Length:	2085.00 mm
Width:	715.00 mm
Height:	1115.00 mm
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:	172.00 kg
Ground Clearance:	135.00 mm
Fuel Tank:	17.00 ltrs
Wheelbase:	1400.00 mm
Headlamp:	Halogen
Wheel Type:	Black Mag Alloys
Wheel Size:	110/70 R17-130/70 R17 mm
Tubeless:	Yes
Colors:	Lime Green, Ebony Black

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):	37mm hydraulic telescopic fork
Suspension(Rear):	Uni-Trak with aluminum linkage
Brakes:	290mm Petal Disc
Brakes(Rear):	220mm Petal Disc
Stand Alarm:	Yes

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Analogue
Self Start:	Yes
Tacho Meter:	Analogue
Trip Meter:	Analogue-2
Alloys:	Yes
Warranty:	12 months
Speedometer:	Analogue
Passenger Footrest:	Yes
Passenger Backrest:	No
Step-up Seat:	Yes
Pass-light:	Yes
Low Fuel Indicator:	Yes
Low Oil Indicator:	Yes
Low Battery Indicator:	Yes
High Oil Temp. Indicator:	Yes
Choked Air Filter Indicator:Yes